Dandenong’s new $114m auto site puts pedal to the metal
Victoria’s automotive sector has received a major boost with Walkinshaw Group officially opening its new $114 million state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Dandenong South on November 17.
The build, which was supported by the Victorian government, spans about 100,000 square metres and has been purpose-built for Walkinshaw’s production, engineering, warehousing and administration. It stands as one of the largest advanced manufacturing facilities in Melbourne’s south-east.
The new site delivers four dedicated manufacturing lines for some of the world’s largest automotive makers – Walkinshaw works with Toyota, Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Isuzu Ute – a leading engineering and design centre supporting cross-industry innovation, 700 staff carparks, and more than 500 vehicle storage bays.
More than 800 workers will move through the campus daily across two shifts, supported by extensive secure original equipment manufacturing (OEM) zones and a high-tech engineering centre. It has the capacity to produce over 10,000 remanufactured vehicles per year.
Walkinshaw Group director and chief executive Ryan Walkinshaw described the opening as a defining moment for the company and for local industry.
“Today is an incredibly proud day for the entire Walkinshaw Group – it marks a new era in our history, one that will drive us forward as we officially move into our new state-of-the-art facility,” he said.
“Since 2018, our business has seen remarkable growth. We needed a bigger footprint – one that fit our unique requirements and supported our long-term expansion.”
Walkinshaw Andretti United, the company’s Supercars Championship team, will relocate to the precinct next year.
While mass manufacturing has moved offshore, the investment aligns with Victoria’s broader strategy to strengthen its advanced manufacturing ecosystem by leveraging global automotive partnerships, engineering talent and the state’s growing clean-energy, transport and technology sectors.
The Victorian government said the plant demonstrated the strength of the state’s manufacturing ecosystem. It remains home to global brands and more than 100 automotive businesses, supported by specialist research centres and a large engineering talent pool.
Walkinshaw emphasised the investment as a statement of confidence in Australian capability.
“We truly believe in the strength of Australian manufacturing and engineering, and this should show everyone how committed we are for the long term,” he said.
