Bus builder Volgren to boost workers at Brisbane factory

Despite losing a major city-wide contract, Australia’s largest bus builder is boosting its workforce in Brisbane as it taps into new demand across the country, and it marks an impressive change of direction.

Australia’s largest bus builder plans to double its Queensland workforce as it taps growing demand for electric vehicles.

Melbourne-based Volgren, which has built Brisbane City Council’s fleet of buses for more than a decade, will lift the number of employees at its Eagle Farm factory to close to 100 as it positions itself as a manufacturer of e-buses.

The commitment by Volgren follows a period of uncertainty for the company after it delivered its final bus to Brisbane City Council this year under a long-standing contract that will now be the subject of a competitive tender.

The company is expected to take part in the tender that will incorporate zero emission options, such as electric and hydrogen technology.

Founded in 1977 as a joint venture between Sweden’s Volvo and Melbourne busline Grenda, the company became a subsidiary of Brazil’s Marcopolo in 2012.

Volgren chief executive Thiago Deiro said the investment in the Queensland factory would secure the future of 45 staff and a local supply chain of more than 20 local businesses.

“Our plans are to double labour capacity in 2022 at our Eagle Farm facility and deliver higher volumes than ever before, including large numbers of electric buses,” said Mr Deiro. “Volgren has spent more than a decade developing a skilled workforce and a world-class manufacturing centre at Eagle Farm and it’s not something we ever wanted to walk away from.”

Mr Deiro said that the transition to zero-emission technology was gathering momentum in Australia and Volgren was well-placed to take advantage of the shift. The company had already delivered e-buses to New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Volgren plans to double its staff numbers at Eagle Farm. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

Volgren Queensland operations manager Clayton Nel said he was excited about beginning a new chapter in the story of the Queensland bus manufacture. The company had built almost 900 vehicles for the Brisbane City Council over the past 12 years.

“The decision to retain all staff and continue what we love doing has been met with an enormous feeling of relief from our staff and local supply chain,” said Mr Nel.

Brisbane City Council civic cabinet transport chair Cr Ryan Murphy said the council would maintain its strong relationship with Volgren.

But Cr Murphy said a open tendering process for future buses was planned to ensure the best value for money for ratepayers.

“Australia’s bus manufacturing industry and zero emission technologies have evolved significantly over the past decade and a competitive tender process will ensure we deliver the best possible experience for Brisbane commuters,” said Cr Murphy. 

Volgren would continue to maintain the council’s current bus fleet, which 97 per cent fitted with a Volgren body.

The firm also will partner in the delivery of vehicles for the new Brisbane Metro, which will be built by HESS in Bellach, Switzerland and Volgren in Eagle Farm, Brisbane