Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-12-2008, 12:42 PM   #1
ThePistonHead
Shame Holden, Shame
 
ThePistonHead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Sanitarium
Posts: 1,306
Default Ford factory in Hobart?

I was reading the current issue of the Top Gear Australia magazine, and to my suprise it stated in a fast facts section, that although only two ford factories currently exist in Australia, there used to be a number of others.

I do not have my hands on the mag at this time but i remember seeing Hobart as one of the locations.

I was wondering if somebody could elaborate on this a bit further for me, and maybe some of the other locations of factories.
A location would be great for the Hobart factory.

Cheers
TPH

__________________
Essendon FC '11

EFII "XR8" Fairmont V8 185KW ELII XR8 engine, box & exhaust|Dual Fuel|Tints|FTR's|Factory bodykit |K&N panel filter|Interior LED Conversion|Leather steering wheel|Slotted rotors|Ghia wood + chrome|Subwoofer|


METALLICA
ThePistonHead is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 12:55 PM   #2
XR6WGN
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
XR6WGN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Adelaide SA
Posts: 2,284
Default

The Two definate ones are Broadmeadows and Geelong in Melb

I haven't been in Sydney for years but is the Homebush factory still there - I'd imagine it is because I can't remember anything in the news of it closing.

The story goes that Adelaide had a small one too - don't know too much about it but it is the old James Hardy site on Victoria Road, Largs Bay - it was used very early in Ford Australia's history.
__________________
476 EF XR6 Wagons - 198 were Manual
2010 Anniversary XR50 in Sunburst - 6spd Manual

My Gallery Photos Here
XR6WGN is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 01:01 PM   #3
daz82
In the family since 1996
 
daz82's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Essendon
Posts: 261
Default

There was the main plant in broadmeadows, with i think 2 or 3 production lines, then there was Bris, Syd, Perth, they are the ones that i know of.
daz82 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 01:03 PM   #4
sleekism
1999 Ford Fairmont Ghia
 
sleekism's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: NSW
Posts: 1,162
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by daz82
There was the main plant in broadmeadows, with i think 2 or 3 production lines, then there was Bris, Syd, Perth, they are the ones that i know of.
Sydeney-Homebush made the Laser from 1981-1994?
sleekism is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 01:08 PM   #5
GreenMachine
Mopar/No Car
 
GreenMachine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Down the Obi..
Posts: 4,648
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Sensational write up about drum brakes. 
Default

There was a Brisbane factory at Archerfield in the 70's/80's, assembled mostly XA-XC wagons/fairlanes/utes and F-trucks...
__________________
ColumnShift Media

'72 Plymouth Scamp
'80 Courier
'13 Kawasaki ZX14-R
'13 Berlina
'92 Suzuki DR650

If you don't fight - You lose
GreenMachine is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 01:15 PM   #6
Peuty
Afterburner + skids =
Donating Member1
 
Peuty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Skidsville
Posts: 12,128
Default

Also a factory in Eagle Farm too Nick. Still stands today as a glass factory.

http://home.st.net.au/~pdunn/civilia...reaglefarm.htm

If you look closely enough today, you can still see the big FORD logo painted in the water tower there. AFAIK, the also assembled XW/XY's back in the day.
__________________
Speed Kills. So buy an AU XR8 and live forever.

Oo\===/oO
Peuty is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 01:19 PM   #7
burnz
VFII SS UTE
 
burnz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Central Coast
Posts: 6,353
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sleekism
Sydeney-Homebush made the Laser from 1981-1994?
yes and in 1995 it closed it's doors and is now a part of flemington markets.
http://www.greenleft.org.au/1994/133/10245
__________________
I don't often hear the sound of a screaming LSX.
But when I do, So do the neighbours..
GO SOUTHS

Last edited by burnz; 12-12-2008 at 01:26 PM.
burnz is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 01:20 PM   #8
aquahead2001
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
aquahead2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,301
Default

Way back in the early 1920's Ford choose Geelong as it's Australian headquarters, the production line was there as was the stamping plant, design offices and head office, in fact everything!

In the 1950's Ford was looking to expand the facility in Geelong and was seeking more land but the state government convinced them to choose Broadmeadows as the new site. I guess cost and the potential for a lot of cheap labour were key factors.

Broady turned out to be the deal of the century for Ford, they were able to secure a huge parcel of land and that convinced them to relocate the head office there too.

Geelong lost it's production line as the new Falcon (1960 XL) was running down the line, I think the last car down the Geelong line was a Zephyr.

Ford had satellite facilities in other states and areas. Homebush in Sydney built Escorts and Cortinas, prior to Lasers, Eagle Farm in Brisbane built Trucks, Tractors and some Utes (Mighty XY 4WD). I would assume these were all from CKD Kits (Completely Knocked Down Kits). In Ballarat, Ford even had an engine re-manufacturing plant.

Renault also built cars for Ford at its Heidleburg plant where Volkswagon Beetles were also built too, I'm think they were building Cortina Wagons from TC to TF models.

And of course Nissan's Clayton plant built the Corsair for Ford along with it's sister the Pintara.

That's got me thinking, where did they build the early Telstars???

Last edited by aquahead2001; 12-12-2008 at 01:30 PM.
aquahead2001 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 01:30 PM   #9
janddbone
B1 - J & D Services
Donating Member1
 
janddbone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brim, Victoria
Posts: 1,633
Default

I can also confirm that they had an engine works plant in Ballarat. I know the man that use to manage it. Let me know if anyone wants to know anymore about this particular plant...
__________________
Mr. Brett Johnstone.
2002 Ford Laser
2000 Ford Falcon Wagon Egas
1999 Subaru Imprezza Sportwagon
1998 Holden Suburban 2500
1995 Land Rover Discovery TDI
1994 XG XR6 Longreach
1983 Holden Rodeo
1975 Datsun 120Y wagon
1970 MG Midget
1967 Rover 2000TC
Soon: Model T.
janddbone is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 01:34 PM   #10
Biggav
On the search for cubes..
 
Biggav's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Perth, W.A.
Posts: 691
Default

The one in Perth IIRC is still there and is part of the old Matilda Bay Brewery that just has closed down itself.
__________________
FG G6ET - Daily Driveway Ornament...

Current Projects
ED SOHC 3v 5.4 Cammed 5.4 3V Garage Ornament Project
Project Brimstone XE Wagon Phase 6 powered by Coyote

Long Gone Projects
EA Falcon SOHC 4.0 237rwhp
BA 3V 'The Taxi' DJR320 Kit, G6ET Wheels, Lunati Voodoo Cams 320rwhp
Biggav is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 02:00 PM   #11
GTP owner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
GTP owner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: TAS
Posts: 2,551
Default

They may have been referring to the xy 4x4 ute that was built down here in limited numbers. There has been no other plant that i know of
__________________
XA coupe 8.8sec @ 150mph http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...coupe+drag+car
BA GT-P for the shed
Mustang GT for the other half
E3 chubsport - fully fat (and slow), sitting there waiting for me to get sick of it and sell it.
BA XR6T for a daily
NT Pajero for the bush
XB 4 door project- swallows a BF xr6 turbo

My dad is a generous bloke. He gave away his dead car batteries free of charge....
GTP owner is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 02:06 PM   #12
flappist
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,077
Default

I heard arumour that the Hobart factory did all the original development on the first V8s.

Something about familiarity with things that have two heads.......
flappist is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 02:08 PM   #13
Peuty
Afterburner + skids =
Donating Member1
 
Peuty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Skidsville
Posts: 12,128
Default

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=kin...43172515974774

Eagle Farm, Brisbane as it stands today.
__________________
Speed Kills. So buy an AU XR8 and live forever.

Oo\===/oO
Peuty is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 02:11 PM   #14
FPV+fteT3
Performance Inc.
 
FPV+fteT3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: In a cave
Posts: 2,554
Default

Not so much a factory it's more like a shed I think it's at Tex's place
__________________
In The Garage...

FPV Super Pursuit Build no 0080/91
Lotus Exige S/C S240

Kart Hasse Chassis 100J Power

Quote:
Originally Posted by flappist
Rental cars, the equipment of choice to get to destinations where 4WDs fear to drive......
FPV+fteT3 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 02:45 PM   #15
whiskieboy
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 214
Default

This may help,
whiskieboy is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 02:51 PM   #16
Gobes32
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Gobes32's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,021
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Peuty
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=kin...43172515974774

Eagle Farm, Brisbane as it stands today.
That is so eeerily similar to geelong!!!!
Gobes32 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 02:59 PM   #17
Cobra
Bear with a sore head
 
Cobra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 3,703
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by flappist
I heard arumour that the Hobart factory did all the original development on the first V8s.

Something about familiarity with things that have two heads.......
HAHAHAHA LMAO!
Cobra is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 03:00 PM   #18
RG
Back to Le Frenchy
 
RG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Back home.....
Posts: 13,346
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_br_johnstone
I can also confirm that they had an engine works plant in Ballarat. I know the man that use to manage it. Let me know if anyone wants to know anymore about this particular plant...
I'd love to know about this one, I'm a local and I never even knew.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by drew`SEVNT5
nah mate, aussie cars are the besterest and funnerest, nothing beats them, specially a poofy wrong wheel drive
07 Renault Sport Megane F1 Team R26 #1397
RG is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 03:11 PM   #19
Road_Warrior
Pity the fool
 
Road_Warrior's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wait Awhile
Posts: 8,997
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Biggav
The one in Perth IIRC is still there and is part of the old Matilda Bay Brewery that just has closed down itself.
The old building of the former Mosman Park plant is still there, yes. The old Holden plant is long gone however.
Road_Warrior is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 04:13 PM   #20
GTP owner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
GTP owner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: TAS
Posts: 2,551
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by flappist
I heard arumour that the Hobart factory did all the original development on the first V8s.

Something about familiarity with things that have two heads.......
Very funny.
__________________
XA coupe 8.8sec @ 150mph http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...coupe+drag+car
BA GT-P for the shed
Mustang GT for the other half
E3 chubsport - fully fat (and slow), sitting there waiting for me to get sick of it and sell it.
BA XR6T for a daily
NT Pajero for the bush
XB 4 door project- swallows a BF xr6 turbo

My dad is a generous bloke. He gave away his dead car batteries free of charge....
GTP owner is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 06:25 PM   #21
rodderz
.
 
rodderz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Bundoora
Posts: 7,199
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Biggav
The one in Perth IIRC is still there and is part of the old Matilda Bay Brewery that just has closed down itself.
Has Matilda Bay moved or closed or good?
rodderz is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 08:41 PM   #22
ThePistonHead
Shame Holden, Shame
 
ThePistonHead's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Sanitarium
Posts: 1,306
Default

Here we go, and I quote:

"Ford currently has 2 factories in Australia - Broadmeadows and Geelong - but it once operated plants in Hobart, Eagle farm, Port Adelaide, Fremantle and Homebush".

Wow!
__________________
Essendon FC '11

EFII "XR8" Fairmont V8 185KW ELII XR8 engine, box & exhaust|Dual Fuel|Tints|FTR's|Factory bodykit |K&N panel filter|Interior LED Conversion|Leather steering wheel|Slotted rotors|Ghia wood + chrome|Subwoofer|


METALLICA
ThePistonHead is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 11:04 PM   #23
Biggav
On the search for cubes..
 
Biggav's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Perth, W.A.
Posts: 691
Default

im sure matilda bay closed down got bought out or something.
__________________
FG G6ET - Daily Driveway Ornament...

Current Projects
ED SOHC 3v 5.4 Cammed 5.4 3V Garage Ornament Project
Project Brimstone XE Wagon Phase 6 powered by Coyote

Long Gone Projects
EA Falcon SOHC 4.0 237rwhp
BA 3V 'The Taxi' DJR320 Kit, G6ET Wheels, Lunati Voodoo Cams 320rwhp
Biggav is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 11:17 PM   #24
Captain Stubing
Looking for clues...
Donating Member3
 
Captain Stubing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Morayfield
Posts: 23,459
Default

I only knew of Broadmeadows and Brisbane plants. Engine or VIN numbers starting with JG were Broadmeadows, and JH were Brisbane.

I've been reading a history of the Ford family, though, and I don't doubt that there were more 'points of assembly' in Australia.
Captain Stubing is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 11:45 PM   #25
zetec
Zoom Zoom
 
zetec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gobes32
That is so eeerily similar to geelong!!!!
Interesting how Geelong, Homebush and Eagle Farm are all in the same brick, style and everything. Here's Homebush for reference.

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&h...83538281554978
__________________
2012 Mazda3 MPS
zetec is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 11:51 PM   #26
Windsor220
Now Fordless
 
Windsor220's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Fremantle, WA
Posts: 3,611
Default

Does anyone know what the plant in Perth was used for?
Windsor220 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 11:53 PM   #27
Hunter
Ex EL Falcon
 
Hunter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bris-bane
Posts: 683
Default

That google image is old - there's an overpass right past that old ford factory at eagle farm now...
__________________
Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail us now!
Hunter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-12-2008, 11:56 PM   #28
XPfalcon170
Regular Member
 
XPfalcon170's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 373
Default

There was a sydney plant along parramatta road. My xp came from there back in the day lol
XPfalcon170 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 13-12-2008, 12:00 AM   #29
Peuty
Afterburner + skids =
Donating Member1
 
Peuty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Skidsville
Posts: 12,128
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hunter
That google image is old - there's an overpass right past that old ford factory at eagle farm now...
True, but the building is still there, plus if they had used the latest photo, then you wouldn't have been able to see the building at all!
__________________
Speed Kills. So buy an AU XR8 and live forever.

Oo\===/oO
Peuty is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 13-12-2008, 09:19 AM   #30
metalmania
Regular Member
 
metalmania's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 350
Default

The old cleveland engine line in geelong made way for the 4 cylinder Telstar engine. I remember reading about it when it happened and thought now they are going backwards.Much like the kind of disgust many forum members have today about some of Ford's decisions.
metalmania is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 10:55 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL