The local automotive manufacturing industry has been given a boost with Nissan's decision to manufacture towbars, sports bars and nudge bars at its Dandenong, Victoria casting plant from next year. 

Nissan previously sourced its tow bars from a local supplier which then outsourced production to Asian factories. 

With production commencing in early-2012, the facility will use Australian steel in the manufacture of the accessories, and Nissan will invest in its own durability laboratory and implement a robotised process for polishing and finishing. 

The fabrication of an estimated 30,000 towbars for a range of Nissan 4WD and passenger vehicles will sustain 20 full-time jobs at the retooled facility. The $4 million investment was made as part of the company's GT2012 and NP88 midterm business growth plans.

"Nissan leads its competitors in volume and revenue from the 4WD accessory business," said Nissan Australia’s executive general manager of aftersales, Tony Carraturo. 

"This business restructure plays a major role in positioning Nissan for future growth; our midterm goals of importer market leadership and an even greater footprint in the 4WD commercial and leisure segments.

“The restructure gives Nissan direct influence over the factors which will have a critical influence on its growth and development. We will have more control over lead times, costs and shipping."

The Dandenong casting plant also produces a number of aluminium components which will be used in building the all-electric Nissan LEAF, due to go on sale in Australia in mid-2012. 

The Nissan casting plant is eventually expected to produce 22,000 electric vehicle components per month.

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