Isuzu Playing Its Part in Australia’s Jobs Renaissance

Australia's truck parts market is an integral part of the process keeping freight moving.

An expansive population of Australian workers supports every replacement part, scheduled service, accessory fitment and component upgrade with an array of businesses and suppliers all combining to support the lynchpin of broader Australian economic activity – the road transport industry.

The truck parts market encompasses a broad range of roles from warehouse teams and logistics providers, dealership and workshop technicians and apprentices, dealer service advisors and parts interpreters through to local component manufacturers.

All told, the sector is estimated to directly support between 40,000 and 60,000 Australian jobs, also forming a critical part of the national economy and employment market.

Leading by example

In its role as Australia's long-term truck market leader, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) occupies a unique position within this intensely competitive landscape.

For almost four decades, Isuzu has been the truck of choice for operators across the road transport industry - a record that continues to generate employment opportunities throughout an extensive national network of dealers, service outlets, parts suppliers and industry partners.

“When people think about trucks, they understandably think about the vehicle and all the component parts – engine, gearbox, clutch, axles and so forth,” IAL’s National Parts Sales Manager, Joel Gledhill, said.

“Behind all of this is the broad range of businesses and workers supporting those vehicles long after they leave the dealership.

“It’s a huge employer as every truck on the road requires parts supply, servicing, technical support and ongoing maintenance. Those tasks require a large and skilled workforce with jobs right across the nation.”

On the job

As Isuzu consistently accounts for close to a quarter of all new truck sales nationally, the brand's influence extends well beyond vehicle deliveries.

“For us, market leadership carries with it responsibility,” Mr Gledhill said.

“Customers choose Isuzu because they know they'll be supported throughout the life of the vehicle.

“Delivering on that promise means investing in the contingent relationships, infrastructure and supply chains and these ultimately create employment opportunities for Australians and ensure that our customers have close and timely access to the required support across their ownership experience.”

Keep it local

That commitment is increasingly evident through Isuzu's approach to local procurement, supplier partnerships and collaborative product development.

Recent examples include the development of Australian-manufactured lubricants for Isuzu's Genuine Parts range, and highlight how local partnerships can deliver benefits that extend well into vehicle operation.

Mr Gledhill said working with Australian suppliers, wherever possible, provides advantages for customers while strengthening local industry capability and capacity.

“In our experience, local expertise really does matter,” he said.

“The Australian environment is widely regarded as the most demanding on road transport equipment internationally, and there’s enormous value in partnering with organisations that understand those realities first-hand.

“When we engage local suppliers and manufacturers, we're supporting skills, investment and employment that remain here in Australia and further develops the capability of the local industry.”

Side by side

This capability development extends throughout the heavy vehicle sector as component manufacturers, body builders, engineering specialists, transport operators, tyre suppliers, battery providers and other distributors all play a significant role in supporting Australia's truck parc.

Many of these businesses have grown alongside Isuzu's sustained market success, building specialist expertise and creating long-term employment opportunities in the process.

“It's one thing to pinpoint sales numbers, but the real story is what happens after the keys are handed over,” Mr Gledhill said.

“Every truck we put on the road becomes part of the much bigger transport environment.

“This includes apprentices starting out in their trades, technicians keeping trucks in operation, local businesses expanding their operations and suppliers investing in new competencies.”

More to come

With Australia's freight task projected to continue to grow, the importance of maintaining a skilled and constantly developing workforce also increases.

Shortages across several key occupations remain an ongoing industry issue, particularly within technical and maintenance roles, highlighting the need for ongoing investment in training, skills development and industry collaboration.

Mr Gledhill believes the strength of Australia's truck industry will continue to depend on the people working behind the scenes.

“Trucks don't keep Australia moving on their own,” he said.

“It’s the business and their people who manufacture components, distribute parts, service vehicles and support operators every day – they are absolutely essential to our industry’s ongoing success.

“We're proud that Isuzu's success helps create opportunities for those Aussies and the businesses they work for.

“That's something worth recognising because the benefits reach far beyond the transport industry itself.”

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