The local automotive industry has received a boost with extra sales requiring Holden to increase production at its engine plant.
Holden has added a second shift at its Port Melbourne, Victoria facility to lift daily engine production to 440 units.
Increased export and local sales have resulted in the good news for Holden workers.
'Holden has received an increase in orders for our Global V6 engines which are exported to markets including South Korea, China and Mexico and we are lifting production of our engines as a result,' explained Powertrain Lead Executive, Mr Martyn Cray.
In addition, Australian buyers have responded positively to the new fuel-efficient SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) 3.0-litre and 3.6-litre engines and the cumulative effect is the single shift at Holden's engine plant - introduced in June - could not cope with the demand.
Holden plans to maintain the increased rate of 440 engines per day until the end of the year and anticipates production will remain at 400 per day through February.
Earlier this month, the company's vehicle assembly plant in Elizabeth, South Australia lifted its daily rate to 340 cars per day.
