5 December 2007

Croydon car parts manufacturer number one

The Minister for Industry and Trade, Theo Theophanous, today congratulated Croydon car parts manufacturer the Denso Australia Group, on winning the 2007 Federal Chamber of Auto Industries Supplier of the Year Award.

Mr Theophanous said the prestigious Award recognised innovation and excellence in the supply of components, equipment systems and services to the Australian automotive industry.

“Based in Croydon, Denso is a standout performer in the industry and is part of the reason that Victoria is the engine room of Australia’s automotive industry,” Mr Theophanous said.

“In the face of significant challenges – including rising fuel costs, changing consumer trends and a strong Australian dollar – companies like Denso remain focused, increasingly competitive and innovative.”

The Denso Australia Group employs around 600 people and is the Australian arm of a Japanese-headquartered automotive component manufacturer with operations in 31 countries.

The group’s design and manufacturing is carried out by its Australian Automotive Air business and products include air conditioners, cooling systems and instrument clusters.

The Denso Australia Group recently consolidated its sales, administration and manufacturing operations at a single site in Croydon alongside a new state-of-the-art air conditioning research and development centre.

The Denso Australia Group provides components to both the domestic and international markets and is a supplier to all four Australian car makers.

Eastern Metropolitan MP Shaun Leane said the Brumby Government sponsored the Supplier of the Year Award as part of its commitment to the Victorian automotive industry.

“The Brumby Government is also supporting the automotive sector through programs such as the Automotive Supplier Excellence Australia (ASEA) program and the Team Australia Automotive program for suppliers,” Mr Leane said.