Archive, Industry News

Tough times for builders

A Queensland company will cease manufacturing as market pressure increases

A Queensland bus company has closed its doors on the building side of the business as Australian manufacturers face tough times.

Sunshine Coast-based Northcoast Bus and Coach was founded in 1985 as a bus repair and refurbishment workshop, before becoming a bus and coach designer and manufacturer.

Managing Director Wayne Smith confirmed the company will cease manufacturing buses but will continue to provide the servicing side of the operation.

“We’ve stopped the manufacturing side of things but we’re still servicing,” he says.

“Obviously I tried a few things to get on.”

Smith says Australian manufacturers are having a “tough time” at the moment.

He says international suppliers are making their mark on the industry which is making it harder for local manufacturers.

 “We’re finding imports have really impacted the industry,” he says.

“I think everybody’s doing it tough.”

Smith says the company is committed to providing ongoing support to their thousands of customers throughout the country.

 “There aren’t many Australian builders out there anymore.”

Send this to a friend