Toyota's new Aussie engine plant completes pilot build

In a rare bit of good news for Australian manufacturing, Toyota has moved a step closer to full production of petrol and hybrid engines at its new $330 million ‘slimline’ engine plant.

It’s the first such plant to be built outside of Japan and reaffirms Australia’s position as a leading manufacturer, according to Toyota Australia's executive director of manufacturing, Chris Harrod.

Speaking after the first trial build at the state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine plant in Altona, Victoria, Mr Harrod said the facility was unique in housing casting, assembly and machinery all under the same roof for improved efficiencies.

"The new engine plant is an Australian first for producing both petrol and hybrid engines. In fact, it is the first simple slimline engine plant to be built outside of Japan and reaffirms our position as a leading manufacturer.

The slimline engine is a new family of engines produced by Toyota for global markets.

“Once we commence full production, the new plant will produce engines for our locally manufactured cars - Camry and Camry Hybrid - and open up new export markets in Thailand and Malaysia,” Mr Harrod said.

The plant has been in development since October last year and will replace the previous engine plant that was built in 1978.

It’s expected to commence volume production at the end of the year at a rate of approximately 450 engines per day.

Thirty four-cylinder engines were produced during the two-week pre-production trial, which is designed to ensure all new machines are working at capacity and the engines produced meet Toyota quality standards.

Total investment in the new facility stands at around $330 million, with Toyota Australia securing co-investment from the Victorian Government and $63 million from the Federal Government's Green Car Innovation Fund.

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