Plant reopening saves jobs of 68

Australia’s only automotive glass factory has officially reopened at North Geelong, saving 68 jobs.
MHG took over the former Pilkington building after owner CSR Veridian announced in early January it would close the plant, which supplied glass to manufacturers including Toyota.
Yesterday’s reopening heard the MHG factory would supply glass for Toyota’s new hybrid Camry.
State and federal government representatives claimed credit for the reopening at the factory on Wednesday.
Both levels of government pointed out they had provided financial assistance to keep the plant alive.
Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the Rudd Government had provided $4.5 million.
“This reopening is not just great news for the working families of Geelong but for our resilient and innovative automotive industry,” he said.
“Not only have 68 automotive jobs been preserved but we have even succeeded in securing new investment.”
Senator Carr also praised MHG for the reopening.
“This is credit to all concerned and especially to the new owners, MHG. The company has demonstrated great courage and vision in the hardest of economic times.”
Victorian Premier John Brumby credited his government’s Industry Transition Fund with helping to provide an “attractive support package” to keep automotive glass manufacturing in the state.
“Without this plant, Australian and Australian-based automotive companies would have no choice but to import glass for their vehicles.”