Five hundred jobs have been created with a multi million dollar upgrade to a Volvo plant at Wacol.

The facility includes an innovative production line where the safety and quality of trucks are checked on site.

Nyree Callaghan reports.

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Volvo Global Manufacturing invested $7.2 million in the implementation of the off-line process at the Wacol production plant.

The testing facility checks the trucks equipment and functioning for quality and safety.

Federal Trade Minister, Warren Truss says the facility is important for Australia’s manufacturing capabilities as well as employment in the industry.

Warren Truss, Federal Trade Minister: “It’s great to see substantial products of this nature in the automotive sector being made in Queensland, being made in Australia and this investment will help secure these jobs and industry for years ahead.”

Federal Member for Oxley, Bernie Ripoll says the new facility proves South East Queensland has a strong manufacturing industry.

Bernie Ripoll, Federal Member for Oxley: “To have Volvo in this area and spend this sort of money just coming out of a Global Financial Crisis is a really big tick for the region.”

The production line already employs an extra five hundred people and further expansions for the company mean more job opportunities are to come.

Senator, Jacinta Collins says the new facility means Volvo can cater to the growing demand from truck retailers.

Jacinta Collins, ALP Senator: “It is very important to support the 500 jobs presently here in this location but to help foster ongoing growth into the future.”

Volvo says the new factory will speed up the production process by at least a day per truck.

Nyree Callaghan, QUT News.