Construction begins on new NSW electric bus manufacturing facility

Construction has commenced on a new electric bus manufacturing facility in Nowra, New South Wales, aimed at supporting the delivery of 128 electric buses for the Transport for NSW Zero Emissions Bus program. The 6,000 square metre plant is being developed by Foton, a Sydney-based company established in 2021 that specialises in zero-emission commercial vehicles, including battery-electric trucks and buses. The facility is scheduled for completion later this year and represents a significant expansion for Foton, which currently operates from a temporary site with just 19 employees. The new manufacturing site will enable Foton to increase its workforce to 127, reflecting a substantial boost in local employment opportunities. The project is planned in phases, with the initial stage focusing on constructing the manufacturing shed. Subsequent phases, expected to be completed by 2027, will add a pre-delivery shed and office space, further enhancing the company’s production capabilities and operational infrastructure. Transport Minister John Graham highlighted the importance of the facility in revitalising local manufacturing jobs, contrasting the current government’s approach with previous administrations that saw many such jobs outsourced overseas. Graham criticised opposition parties for their negative stance on the project, framing it as an attack on domestic employment and a reminder of past policies that favoured offshoring. His comments underscore the political significance attached to the development within the broader context of Australia’s transition to sustainable transport. The establishment of Foton’s manufacturing plant in Nowra is a key step in advancing the state’s zero-emission transport ambitions, signalling a growing commitment to electric vehicle production on home soil. By fostering local industry and job creation, the facility not only supports environmental goals but also contributes to regional economic development. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched as a benchmark for future investments in electric vehicle manufacturing across Australia.