THE NSW Government is investing $70 million into Western Sydney bus manufacturer Custom Denning to help transition the state’s bus fleet to zero-emissions technology, it was announced today.
With local manufacturing jobs clearly in focus, Custom Denning has been awarded a contract to design, manufacture and assemble 79 new electric buses, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet confirmed at Custom’s St Marys-based factory earlier.
Premier Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott toured the St Mary’s outlet this morning to inspect the production line and meet workers.
“This is a true Western Sydney success story and our Government is proud to have played a part in this business producing the first locally built electric bus,” Premier Perrottet said.
“Custom Denning employs 160 workers at their St Mary’s factory and this investment will now provide more jobs to ensure our buses are built to the highest standard.
“Our Government is getting closer to securing a cleaner, healthier future for the people of NSW and, at the same time, this electric bus transition will generate hundreds of local manufacturing jobs, which is an amazing outcome for our state.”
JOBS RECOVERY
Minister Elliott added that the $70 million investment takes the number of bus orders placed with Custom Denning past 100, which will help drive a post-pandemic jobs recovery and boost local manufacturing.
“The NSW Government’s commitment to transition the entire 8,000-plus bus fleet is supercharging jobs and manufacturing in Western Sydney,” Minister Elliott said.
“Bus customers are already experiencing the benefits of electric buses from Penrith to Bondi, and we will continue to back local manufacturing.
“I’m committed to exploring opportunities to secure more local manufacturing, component supply and workforce skills development to boost our economy.”
Once built, the 79 buses will operate services in Sydney’s inner west, the government confirms, as part of the Transit Systems fleet.
Transport for NSW – in collaboration with its contracted bus operators – have ordered 101 electric buses from Custom Denning.
Photography: courtesy Custom Denning