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Eagle Farm Factory Delivers 2,000th Queensland Bus to Local Operator

The Eagle Farm manufacturing plant, a key player in Queensland’s transport industry, celebrated the delivery of its 2,000th locally built bus to Kangaroo Bus Lines, marking a significant milestone for the region’s manufacturing sector.

Significant Milestone

Volgren, the bus and coach body manufacturer, reached a significant production milestone at its Eagle Farm facility. The company handed over its 2,000th Queensland-built bus to Kangaroo Bus Lines, a local bus operator. This achievement highlights the factory’s role in the region’s transport infrastructure.

Established in 2009, the Eagle Farm plant has been central to bus production in Queensland, supplying over 1,000 buses to Brisbane City Council. The factory also set a new production record in 2024, manufacturing over 180 buses.

Industry Recognition

Volgren’s senior management, representatives from Volvo Buses, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Queensland Bus Industry Council, and Kangaroo Bus Lines attended the handover ceremony at the Eagle Farm facility. To commemorate the event, Volgren’s CEO presented a plaque and key to Kangaroo Bus Lines, acknowledging their contribution to this achievement. The event also included a celebratory cake, shaped like the 2,000th bus.

Company Statements

Volgren’s CEO stated that the delivery of the 2,000th bus represents 45 years of hard work and strong partnerships with operators. He emphasised Queensland’s crucial role in Volgren’s national success and the company’s commitment to local manufacturing. He also credited the dedication and expertise of the company’s staff for the success.

Volgren’s CCO noted the importance of partnerships with industry leaders like Volvo and Kangaroo Bus Lines, which have enabled the company to achieve such milestones. He expressed gratitude to all customers and partners who have supported Volgren.

Economic Impact

Volgren has been operating in Australia for 45 years and has built over 10,000 buses. The company’s operations support local jobs and contribute to the Queensland economy. The delivery of this is seen as a significant achievement, but the company intends to continue production.

Published Date 25-March-2025

Inside Volgren Factory in Eagle Farm: The Heart of Brisbane’s Bus Production

The manufacturing facility of Volgren in Eagle Farm continues to play a key role in local transport innovation, producing buses that support public transport across the city.

Read: Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline

The site was in the spotlight this week as Treasurer Jim Chalmers, alongside Ministers Anika Wells and Murray Watt, visited the facility to discuss economic updates and the future of Australian manufacturing.

Volgren’s Eagle Farm site, which has been in operation since 2010, spans 2.65 hectares and produces around 150 buses each year. It supplies vehicles primarily for Council but also works with other clients. The facility plays an important role in local employment, supporting skilled jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Minister Wells highlighted the impact of businesses like Volgren on local workers and industries. “It’s always great to be home and here at Volgren, where for the past 15 years in part of our manufacturing hub here on the Northside, Volgren has been not just helping commuters get to places on public transport but providing great secure jobs for auto electricians, for welders, for spray painters who live and love working here on the northside of Brisbane,” she said.

During the visit, Treasurer Chalmers also addressed broader economic developments, including the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) recent interest rate cut. “We welcome the news that interest rates are being cut in Australia. This is the rate relief that Australians desperately need and deserve after all of the progress that we’ve made together on inflation,” he said.

Chalmers also noted positive wage growth trends, with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing five consecutive quarters of real wage increases. “What the data shows is that we have now had 5 consecutive quarters of wages growing above inflation in Australia under the Albanese Labor government. The last quarter, the December quarter 2024, showed real wage growth. So, wages growing above inflation by 0.5 per cent. And if you look at the whole year of 2024, we saw real wage growth of 0.8 per cent, leading to 5 consecutive quarters of real wage growth in Australia,” he added.

Read: Interest Builds as Former Albion Flour Mill Site Hits the Market

Volgren’s Brisbane site is part of a broader push to strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector, particularly in sustainable transport. With increasing demand for locally made buses, facilities like the Eagle Farm plant are expected to remain central to the industry’s growth.

The Eagle Farm facility is one of several sites operated by Volgren across Australia, supporting both local jobs and the country’s transition to more efficient public transport solutions.

Published 21-February-2025

Volgren Factory in Eagle Farm to Open More Jobs as Demands for Electric Buses Increase

Did you know that Australia’s largest bus coachbuilder, Volgren, is expanding its workforce at the Eagle Farm factory? Volgren plans to deliver a fleet of locally-produced electric buses beginning 2022.

Thiago Deiro, the CEO of the Melbourne-based company, said that Volgren’s next chapter will secure the jobs of 45 workers in Eagle Farm. They will soon hire more employees “to double labour capacity” of the manufacturing centre as it expands its investments in Queensland.

“Volgren has spent more than a decade developing a skilled workforce and a world-class manufacturing centre at Eagle Farm. It’s not something we ever wanted to walk away from,” Mr Diero said.

“Our plans are to invest in our people and our production facilities to meet new levels of demand and ensure the next generation of zero-emission buses can be built locally.”

In June, Volgren delivered its final bus to Brisbane City Council after 12 years of a partnership but a period of uncertainty faced the workers. However, as Brisbane Metro sets its pilot for electric buses next year, Deiro confirmed that Volgren will play a key role in the “acceptance, testing and delivery of the metro vehicle.”

“We know that Brisbane City Council is leading the way on Australia’s move to zero-emission public transport,” the CEO said in a statement.

“With Eagle Farm secured, and a focus on building world-class zero-emission buses, we can confidently respond to tenders in this state and across the country.”

Clayton Nel, the head of the Queensland operations, welcomed the headquarter’s decision to maintain the Eagle Farm staff. He said that their employees are a group of dedicated individuals who have always exceeded the company’s goals the customer’s expectations.