Leadership message
2017. What a year.
It might seem strange to talk about new beginnings as we near the end of the year, but this has been a year like no other.
This edition of People is special; a well-deserved nod to our proud manufacturing story and the opening of a new chapter for Holden importing the best products from General Motors.
The last Australian-made Commodore has rolled o the production line. Be incredibly proud that the last cars we made in Australia were the best we’ve ever made, a testament to the team at Holden Vehicle Operations at Elizabeth. I am humbled by your passion and enthusiasm.
You will always be part of the Holden family. I ask that each of you, as part of our family, look out for one another, or reach out to us, in what some may nd to be di cult times. I hope you hold Holden close for many years to come.
Our eyes are now set rmly on what’s to come – creating a bright and successful future. We’re rede ning what it means to be a Holden driver, and appealing to a broader audience, as we grow our market position.
OUR COVER
We’re con dent our product portfolio, with the support of our local Design and Engineering teams, will provide Australians with products that will be great to drive. In a few short weeks, we’ll launch the exceptional Equinox, our new ve-seat entrant into the booming SUV market. That’s just the start. Our product portfolio continues to expand to better meet customer needs, with SUVs, pick-up trucks, passenger cars and of course, the sensational next-generation Commodore, launching early next year.
Broadening the appeal of our brand is about more than product. We’re excited to be known as a brand that stands for diversity, equality and inclusion.
You’ll see us caring for customers well beyond the car – creating world-class dealership experiences and giving customers nextlevel service through our Complete Care program.
We’re hungry for success and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together. Let’s go there.
Mark Bernhard Chairman and Managing Director
Our team stands together – one nal group picture at Holden Vehicle Operations (HVO). In this edition we look back with pride on the HVO team and how we celebrated Holden’s manufacturing heritage. Plus, we share some exciting initiatives that will help us build a winning future. #letsgothere
A day to remember
Friday 20 October was a significant day in Holden’s history, as the last locally-made Commodores were driven off the production line at Holden Vehicle Operations (HVO) in Elizabeth, Adelaide.
For the more than 1,000 past and present employees at HVO, it was a day to celebrate more than 55 years of manufacturing heritage.
Welcoming the HVO team on the final day, Richard Phillips, Executive Director – Manufacturing, thanked them for their incredible contribution: “Watching the final Commodore being assembled is a poignant moment for us all, but one that fills me with great pride,” he said.
“This team has worked together to deliver the best quality cars, continuously improving even through these final weeks. I am extremely proud of not only our achievements, but of the positive attitude that every member of the team has demonstrated over this challenging time.”
The team gathered together at the
end of the line in General Assembly to watch the final four cars – a Caprice V, Calais V Wagon, SS Ute and SSV Redline Sedan – drive off the assembly line. They then headed off to a private celebration at Adelaide Oval, where Elizabeth’s favourite son, Jimmy Barnes, made an appearance.
“After 19 years of service, I feel very proud to be driving the last car off the production line,” said Bill Tidswell, Team Leader, Dynamic Vehicle Testing. “We’ve been building towards today for such a long time, I can hardly believe it’s here. It’s great to be able to finish up as a team and celebrate what we’ve achieved.”
Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard, also shared his great appreciation for the achievements made by Holden’s manufacturing community.
“Today is about this plant, and this group of people,” Mark said. “You have all played an important role in the story of our company and our entire industry.”
“I want to say thank you to each and everyone here for your contribution to our company and our industry. I am inspired by your strength of character and sense of mateship.
“We wish everyone the very best for your life after Holden. You have defined a significant chapter in the ongoing Holden story and you’ll always be a part of the Holden family.”
Teams at other sites marked the occasion too, following the events in Adelaide via live stream, and hosting Show ‘n’ Shines to show off beloved Holden and GM vehicles.
A legacy to be proud of
Since the plant’s beginnings in 1958, the Holden Vehicle Operations (HVO) team has been a close community, passionate about Holden.
According to Martin Merry, Director –Vehicle Assembly Operations, the team is going out on a high. “What I’m most proud of is that every week this year, the HVO team has been improving processes and achieving new quality benchmarks, winning accolades among the GM International community for performance achievements,” said Martin.
“The mantra of ‘the last car will be the best car we’ve ever built’ is heard regularly; everyone knows that the manufacturing arm of the business will
nish on a high, and that each and every one of them has personally contributed to that.”
Holden’s Elizabeth plant was one of only a few General Motors plants to incorporate the whole production process, from stamping coils of steel into panels, all the way through to assembling the product to completion.
Strict quality standards apply to every high-tech process and, despite the approaching closure, HVO was ranked the number one GM plant in the world for
First complete vehicles manufactured – HD Holden; in 1968 rst Monaro and HB Torana Series II launches.
quality for the nal seven months of its operation.
The team also achieved great gains in customer satisfaction, with customers happier than ever before with their Commodores, and issues reported more than halved since 2014. Martin puts this down to the team’s pride in their work and strong team spirit.
“We know that many of the cars we’ve built this year are going to loyal customers – and the team has gone the extra mile to make sure those cars are
spot-on,” he said.
Martin also re ected on the team’s future. “I’m really pleased that almost 90% of employees have engaged in our Transition Program, which will o er training, job search support and contact with local employers until at least late 2018,” Martin said.
“Of those who have already left, 85% have successfully transitioned to new work, full time study or retirement. Our team is an extremely skilled group of people, and are highly sought-after
by businesses across a wide range of industries for their work ethic and transferrable skills. I know we’ll continue to see great things as people move on to new opportunities.
“I’d like to thank all of the HVO family for their support and positive attitude. The overwhelming emotion at the Elizabeth plant as we nish up manufacturing is one of complete pride.”
Seven millionth Holden produced (VE Commodore dual fuel); time capsule buried at Elizabeth for 50th anniversary.
Uniting a community
The Holden Dream Cruise took to the streets of northern Adelaide in October with a collection of cars from every era of Holden’s history.
Gathering for a celebration like no other, the Holden community of customers, employees, former employees and enthusiasts came together to share their love of our iconic brand.
Starting in Elizabeth City Centre, the giant street parade of Australian-made or assembled Holden cars was led by the rst and last cars ever built in Australia – a 1948 48-215 and a 2017 VF Commodore.
More than 1,000 cars joined the parade from all over the country, some coming from as far as Dalyellup, WA. Holden Engineering Group Manager Joe Sawyer was excited to be part of the event. “I grew up with Holdens, so it’s more than just a brand to me – it’s in my blood! I’m so pleased to be part of today’s event, showing o my Torana. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime,” he said.
Fans and local residents watched the parade from locations along its 11km route that took in Holden’s Vehicle
Operations plant in Elizabeth. Among the drivers were Jason and Lenare from Newcastle City Holden, who were also representing their local car club. “The atmosphere was amazing,” said Lenare. “The crowd was cheering us and giving us high ves all the way round!”
Finishing up at a family fun day at Central District Football Club’s My Money House Oval, fans were treated to entertainment from Samantha Jade and Wes Carr. There was also a chance to get up close with the amazing vehicles in a Show ‘n’ Shine competition. Long-time Holden fans Terry and Jasmine Brooks took out the ‘Best Preserved’ prize with their 1960 FV.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to the whole team at Holden for putting on such an amazing day – we’re so happy to be a part of the event,” Terry said. Calling on the crowd to continue to support Holden and our dealers, he added “I’m impressed to see Holden
engaging with the community at a time of big change in the industry.”
Richard Phillips, Holden Executive Director of Manufacturing, said the Holden Dream Cruise was the perfect way to take some time out and celebrate the Holden brand and its history. “It was great to see the immense level of pride and support for our people and vehicles,” he said.
Mark Bernhard, Holden Chairman and Managing Director, said “the Holden Dream Cruise was about celebration and honouring our heritage”.
“What started out as an idea amongst a couple of passionate employees has grown to this, the Holden Dream Cruise. This is a special way for us to say thank you to Holden employees, our fans and the community. We couldn’t be prouder to be here today, to recognise Holden’s long and accomplished manufacturing history.”
Thank you Adelaide!
Adelaide is a city that means a lot to us – it’s where the Holden business began as a saddlery in 1856, where we’ve manufactured vehicles for ve and a half decades, and where a huge community of people has been touched by our business.
That’s why we’ve worked with Australia’s largest children’s education charity, The Smith Family, to ensure an enduring legacy in northern Adelaide, giving back to the community that has given us so much.
We’ve announced a $742,000 contribution to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life educational scholarship program that will support primary and tertiary school children in the northern suburbs of Adelaide over ve years.
To fund part of the package, we held an exciting live charity auction at the Holden Dream Cruise.
‘The Commodore Collection’ saw our nal limited-edition vehicles to roll o the Elizabeth production line go under the hammer, including a Director #5, Motorsport #5 and Magnum #111. The auctions raised an incredible $307,000!
In addition to supporting The Smith Family, we presented $65,000 to The Lighthouse Foundation – a charity supporting youth homelessness. These funds were raised from half of the proceeds of the Director #5 –representing the late Peter Brock, the
King of the Mountain, and long-time friend of Holden, Beverley Brock.
Richard Phillips, Executive Director –Manufacturing, said “We’ve seen the valuable work The Smith Family does in supporting and nurturing the education of disadvantaged young Australians right across the country.”
“We’re so pleased to present this contribution to say ‘thank you’ to South Australian families for supporting us for so many years.”
The charity’s General Manager for SA and NT, Graham Jaeschke, says our funding will provide families of over 1,000 children with nancial support for education-related expenses, such as uniforms, books, excursions and access to community coordinators.
“For the one in seven Australian children and young people who live in poverty, the e ects of family hardship often ow on to negatively a ect their time at school as well. By providing these students with the support they need to succeed in their education, we’re able to provide them with the best chance at breaking the cycle of disadvantage,” said Mr Jaeschke.
Our contribution to The Smith Family is
part of our wider package for northern Adelaide, which will see us supporting a business improvement and development program, local arts and culture initiatives and other new and existing community partnerships.
We expect to see a huge amount of positive ow-on e ects across the region in the coming months and years as a result of our funding, something we can all be proud of. So, again we say – thank you, Adelaide!
Holden’s Megan Lloyd (centre) with representatives from The Smith Family’s Learning
Parts for life
When we talk about earning customers for life, it goes beyond just getting them into a Holden and coming back to us for their next car.
As part of the ‘All Time Buy’ project, the team at
Holden Spare Parts
Operation (HSPO) also had to make sure that we
accessories available
Setting Holden up with high-quality parts for both local and overseas customers has been a focus for the HSPO teams in Adelaide and Dandenong since we announced we were ceasing local manufacturing.
According to Craig Laird, Site Manager, Adelaide Collision Distribution Centre, one of the biggest challenges of the project was making sure quality was up to scratch.
“We needed to make sure that once the lid was closed on our large material handling units, the parts were in pristine saleable condition for future customers’ needs,” Craig said.
“To do this, we put a team of people into one of our main suppliers, AI Automotive, to track and monitor every quality issue that our inspectors found. As you can imagine, we had to work extremely
have parts and
to meet our customers’ needs for years to come.
closely with our suppliers and build very strong relationships.”
Led by Ryan Martin, All Time Buy Project Supervisor, the Adelaide team worked with suppliers to quality-check and pack all sheet metal parts, including doors, hoods, body side skins, lift gates and end gates. Over 12 months, they were responsible for the safe production of 346,500 pieces!
Also critical to the success of the project was the storage of each part. “We required an additional 7,000 sqm of space each month to accommodate the parts we were producing – that’s equivalent to four times the size of the MCG playing field,” said Rebekah Fitzgerald, HSPO Lean Manager.
“The Packaging team – Cong Nguyen and Raghu Dittakavi – had to coordinate their work to extremely tight schedules
and they also needed to be innovative. Packaging needed to allow raw products to be stored without individually packing each piece in cardboard, while maximising storage space and withstanding environmental factors like humidity,” Rebekah said.
The team’s detailed approach has paid off – across the All Time Buy project, quality issues resulted in only eight pieces being scrapped. That’s 0.02 errors per thousand – a great result for Holden and our customers.
“I’m really proud of what the team has been able to achieve,” Craig told us. “We recognised that things had to be done differently if we were going to meet our goals, and I’m delighted that we were able to get such good results. It’s a great outcome for our customers.”
Holden leading the way
With the growth of Maven this year and the announcement that we’re rolling out OnStar from 2019, Holden is leading the way in personal and shared mobility.
From its launch in Melbourne in April 2017, Maven Gig has had a promising start as Holden’s car-sharing platform. Now available in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, there are over 500 cars on the road picking up potential new customers every day. Matt RattrayWood, General Manager of Maven Australia, is happy with the progress so far. “We’re always looking for ways to respond to the changing needs of the Australian market and Maven is a great example of our ability to leverage GM’s leadership in urban mobility,” Matt said. “Maven’s helping us reach young Australians under 30 from diverse cultural backgrounds and it’s getting more brand-new Holdens on the road,” Matt added.
Holden will also head up new developments in Asia Paci c as the regional hub when we introduce GM’s connected services technology, OnStar.
Already a growing success in the US, China, and other parts of the world, OnStar’s cutting edge technology gives customers access to emergency, security, navigation, connective and vehicle manager services. Managing Director – OnStar General Motors International, Peter Keley, is excited about what OnStar can do for Holden and our customers.
“Customers will have the convenience of being able to remotely lock or unlock their vehicle, or even turn on the air conditioning. They’ll also be able to nd their car in a crowded car park by remotely activating the horn and hazard lights,” Peter said.
“But more importantly, customers will have unrivalled protection for themselves and their vehicle. From the Automatic Crash Response feature using GPS and enhanced mobile capability to get emergency services to customers wherever they need them, through to the ability to remotely slow down a stolen vehicle, this is life-changing technology!”
Despite its powerful and advanced technology, OnStar is simple and easy to use, and will be backed up by an Australian call-centre to make sure we bring a human touch to every customer interaction.
OnStar will launch in the Equinox in late 2019, before being rolled out across the rest of Holden’s vehicles.
An impressive portfolio
Following the success of our very own home-grown hero, Commodore VFII is no mean feat, but Holden’s upcoming cars – Equinox, ZB Commodore and Acadia – are nothing short of world class!
For many, Commodores represent the zenith of the Australian automotive industry and will undoubtedly be labelled a classic in years to come. Commodore helped Holden become what it is today, giving our brand the reputation for selling vehicles that are ‘great to drive’. It has given Holden a platform for success, and now, it’s up to the next crop of new vehicles to take over the mantle. And make no mistake, those new vehicles are nothing short of world class!
Scheduled to go on sale at the end of the year, the rst cab o the rank is the all-new Equinox. Perfectly timed, as for the rst time ever, this year Australians have bought more SUVs than passenger cars.
The mid-size Equinox is not just your average SUV. Designed and developed in North America, with integral tuning work from Australia, Equinox is already
a multiple award-winner. Its long list of technology includes haptic (vibrating) alert seats, wireless mobile phone charging and kick-motion electric tailgate. Add to that a variety of engine options – the 2.0-litre turbo with 9-speed auto being the standout – and we’ve got good reason to be con dent heading into the Christmas period.
Hot on the heels of Equinox and with arguably the toughest task of the three is the next-generation ZB Commodore, slated for launch in February 2018.
While the ZB isn’t being built in Australia, it does have Holden DNA throughout, from local tuning and development to design. This truly is a next-generation Commodore. It’s full of technology, has space for ve adults and boasts the quickest entry level model ever. Add to that a performance-orientated V6 with a high-tech adaptive AWD system and a
nine-speed auto transmission, it’s clear ZB Commodore has the credentials to take Australia by storm.
Finally, the third all-new vehicle Holden will release is the US-sourced, large SUV, Acadia, due to hit our showrooms in late 2018. With its size and bold styling, Acadia oozes American swagger. While there’s not much information released just yet, you can be sure Acadia will pack the same state-of-theart technology as Commodore and Equinox, not to mention the ‘great to drive’ DNA that’s been in every Holden for the last 40 years and longer.
With the arrival of these all-new vehicles, Holden will have a sensational product portfolio – one of the youngest in the market. What’s more, with a full SUV line-up, we’ll truly have a product to meet the needs of all Australians.
Investing in our global future
As Holden transitions to a National Sales Company, our incredible Design and Engineering teams help to set us apart from our competition, making sure our vehicles are perfect for Australian customers and conditions.
Holden’s Proving Ground (PG) at Lang Lang is one of the jewels in Holden’s crown, and with around 100 emissions tests on GM vehicles each week, the Emissions Lab handles a signi cant load of work.
In August 2015, we announced a $9 million investment in calibration operations at the PG, focused on increasing the Emission Lab’s capability and capacity for testing vehicles to the latest European and US standards.
Two years on and CheeLiong Lee, the PG’s longest serving sta member, has helped open the brand-new Cell 1, where we test vehicles for exhaust emissions and fuel consumption.
“It was a real honour to be asked to open the new Cell,” said CheeLiong, Senior Test Engineer. “Our testing facilities are now state-of-the-art and include all the latest automated test systems so we’ll be able to meet stringent emissions standards in the future.”
Another major achievement of the upgrade is access to the pit below the cars. “With the addition of stair access to the pit we were able to declassify the site from a ‘con ned space’. This will save us considerable time and e ort each time entry is required,” said Rob Quattrocchi, Leading Hand, GPS Emissions Lab & Garage.
“Maintaining lab operations whilst also being involved in the various tasks the project required took a considerable e ort,” Rob said.
The upgrade to Cell 1 is not the only improvement to the Lab – Cell 2 has also had the latest automation test system installed and a new Particulate Filter Weighing robot has been commissioned.
These upgrades come 40 years after the test cells were rst built in 1977 and 60 years after the PG opened. With more work planned for the coming year, we’re looking forward to seeing all the exciting things the PG team will get up to with their new equipment!
Upgrading Cell 1 was a huge challenge.
Rob Quattrocchi (left) and CheeLiong Lee (right)
Who does that?
Nina Leontaridis
Business and Dealer Network Graduate
Nearly three years after joining Holden as an intern, Nina Leontaridis is still just as passionate about our brand and where we are heading as the day she started!
One of Holden’s eight Business and Dealer Network Graduates, Nina has just started the dealership stage of the program, embarking on six months at Melbourne City Holden. She’ll be getting a broad experience across many areas of the dealership, but is hoping to put some of her marketing experience to good use.
In her last rotation, Nina spent time supporting the Dealership of the Future (DoTF) program, working on how we can use technology to drive amazing customer experience. “I really enjoyed being part of the DoTF team – it’s great to be involved in such an important part of the brand’s future,” Nina told us. “Now, at the dealership, I get an appreciation of how the work we’re doing at HQ will bene t our dealer partners and our customers.”
“One of my best experiences at Holden so far was when I had the chance to be a part of the Spark launch and present to both dealers and automotive media about what it feels like to be a young woman walking into a dealership. I want to help Holden change that experience for the better.”
Nina joined Holden as an intern in Digital Marketing while studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University, majoring in Marketing. She’ll spend a total of three years working with dealers, Customer Care, Sales and Aftersales as part of the Business and Dealer Network Graduate program – focusing on customer experience.
“Working at Holden right now is so exciting,” Nina said, “I look back at where we were when I started and where we are now and I can’t wait to see where the future takes us.”
“Holden’s always been an important part of my family, so when I started my internship three years ago, I was already passionate about the company. This has only strengthened over my years working here!”
Nina is enthusiastic about our current and future product portfolio. “The range is more geared to the changing market. My favourite Holden at the moment is Trax because of its overall look and feel. I personally prefer it to other vehicles in its competitor set. It’s even better with tech like Apple CarPlay. That said, while I love the Trax, I can’t wait for the Equinox to come out!
Workplace wellbeing
Statistics show that in a lifetime, we spend an average of 92,120 hours at work. That equates to 35% of our waking life. For a growing number of Holden people, keeping a healthy balance during this time is becoming increasingly important.
The balance starts here. Holden’s Accelerate Program o ers a broad range of services including personal development, transition, and health and wellbeing. The focus is to empower you to learn, grow and be the best you can be.
Jane Ivelja, Senior Business Analyst – Finance, Strategy & Planning, has taken advantage of some of the personal development o ered through Accelerate. “I took part in a Microsoft Project course in September and found it really interesting. It’s great having the opportunity to learn new skills and keep up with the latest software,” she said.
Accelerate provides employees with the opportunity to achieve quali cations, build con dence and develop transferable skills. The Transition Centre o ers the same support for the HVO team in Adelaide, and is open for months to come.
Building on this is Holden Active, which is all about our wellbeing – work, social, mental and physical. The holistic program has a special focus each quarter, brought to life through practical and thoughtful activities.
The focus for the rest of 2017 Is ‘Shine Bright’, dedicated to nutrition, immunity, body image and empathy. We’ll see lunch and learns on building immunity and improving your sleep, and we’ll hear from a special guest on how we can challenge our views on body image.
Holden Active also covers physical activity, with over 100 employees taking part in challenges that aim to achieve a variety of health goals. For Ian Oliver, Fleet Manager CVO, who took part in the 12-week challenge, the experience was life-changing. “It got me active again! I felt happier and more focused at work. The best part was doing it as a team and constantly feeling supported by my peers,” Ian said.
The Holden Accelerate Program o ers something for everyone and is always evolving with new events and services. Drop into the Accelerate Centre to nd out more.
SERVICE HONOURS MAY TO NOVEMBER
40 Years
Brydon, Robert William 8/08/1977
MacKey, Gregory Alexander 19/09/1977
McGee, Daniel 5/09/1977
Sylvester, Antony John 5/07/1977
Smith, David Charles 5/07/1977
Bui, Tom Tuyen Van 24/08/1977
Desmond, Lesley Ann 13/09/1977
30 Years
Milanovic, Stephen Karlo 4/05/1987
Romeo, Domenico 20/10/1987
Doherty, Sean Brendon 27/10/1987
Townsend, Philip John 1/09/1987
Van, Hoang Ha 1/09/1987
Scott, Ross Kingsley 29/09/1987
Hoskin, Roger Ian 20/10/1987
Ly, Savonn 11/08/1987
Phillips, Richard John 7/07/1987
Je ery, Gary William 10/11/1987
Claughton, Stephen John 28/07/1987
Shimmin, David William
3/11/1987
Mumby, Craig David 21/07/1987
Wright, Shayne Christopher 7/07/1987
Goddard, Michael James 6/07/1987
Schmidt, Darren Grant 21/07/1987
Vu, The Hung 28/07/1987
Navong, Kae 12/05/1987
Vo, Thi Mai Phi 11/08/1987
Mahlknecht, Bruce Edmund 15/09/1987
Howard, Je rey 6/10/1987
Rowberry, Michael James 10/11/1987
Ward, Darren James 8/09/1987
Setter eld, Robert Paul 6/10/1987
Dekorte, Matthew Gavin 8/09/1987
Pearce, Todd Ian 19/05/1987
Jenkins, Graham 14/07/1987
Hansen, Len Edwin 10/11/1987
Randell, Ramil 18/08/1987
Prom, Phalrith 27/10/1987
Soun, Kim Honn 26/05/1987
Doe, Anthony Graham 29/09/1987
Price, Christopher Andrew John 7/07/1987
Doe, Billy John 8/09/1987
Attewell, Kelvin Robert 25/08/1987
Foster, Robert Bruce
22/09/1987
Brooks, Kevin Ronald 14/05/1987
Horn, Darren James 5/05/1987
Knights, Shane William 1/09/1987
Dale, Paul J 16/06/1987
25 Years
Wowczuk, Monika Anna
6/10/1992
Le anue, Stewart Richard 2/06/1992
Bennett, Geo rey Richard 1/09/1992
De Bruin, Frits
Moncera, Joy
Hopgood, Christopher John
Snelling, Alan
Moncera, Daryl
Stevens, Robin Wayne
Craig Patrick
6/10/1992
26/05/1992
Kivrins, Martin 19/05/1992
Litch eld, Robert Austin 21/07/1992
Schlink, Paul Anthony 2/06/1992
Bishop, Corey Brian John 3/11/1992
20 Years
Hempel, Colin Brent 1/09/1997
Lew, Andrew Sidney 1/06/1997
Innes, Peter William George 29/09/1997
Vallelonga, Rocco 1/10/1996
Pipunic, Martin Ivan 5/11/1997
Zerafa, Jason 16/06/1997
Mejia, Melvin Ernesto 12/05/1997
Surace, John Vincent 1/09/1997
Martin, Stuart Richard Lee 22/09/1997
Hutchens, Troy Ian 3/11/1997
Boctor, Christine 2/06/1997
Thebuwana, Ranjith Premalal 10/06/1997
Batres, Jose Leonidas 10/11/1997
Skaftouros, Zacharias 23/06/1997
Floyd, Ian 8/09/1997
Lee, David 29/09/1997
Lokupathirage, Nihal Jayantha 21/07/1997
Batres, Manuel 2/05/1997
Weerasinghe, Upul Jagath 21/07/1997
Lord, Gary Peter 6/10/1997
Ho, Fung Ming 27/10/1997
Nguyen, Khai Hien 10/11/1997
Ilangaratne, Pankumburage 2/06/1997
Hebbard, Andrew Craig 21/07/1997
Cameron, Jamie Lee 21/07/1997
Parker, Geo rey 23/06/1997
Thompson, David Owen 6/08/1997
Jolly, Albert George 25/06/1997
Tait, Alistair Robert 25/06/1997
Weber, Daniel Phillip 6/05/1997
Strain, Alan Cameron 23/09/1997
Flajnik, Peter 28/10/1997
Prasad, Rajesh Kamal 25/11/1997
15 Years
Ayres, Gavin 28/10/2002
Calaby, Andrew Paul 19/08/2002
Chitts, Adam Matthew 22/07/2002
Kosowski, John Francis 22/07/2002
Sawyer, Joseph Anthony 25/11/2002
Basile, Joseph Vincent 18/11/2002
Brown, Keegan Howard 22/07/2002
Wakeman, Mark 22/07/2002
Hamilton, David 22/07/2002
Redpath, Stuart Bruce Airey 22/07/2002
Schmidt, Robert Wesley 27/11/2002
Menta, Alex 3/06/2002
Pickering, Jeremy Vaughton 13/05/2002
Phillips, Malcolm John 2/07/2002
Mutch, Ruth Helen 20/08/2002
Nicolai, Graeme 29/10/2002
Mellors, David John 19/11/2002
Murali, Santhanam 10/07/2002
Arboit, Renato 4/11/2002
Innes, Shaun Alfred 17/06/2002
Bennett, Denise 8/07/2002
Pereira, Ryan Andrew 10/05/2002
Nixon, Peter John 2/05/2002
Stefanile, Mark 24/06/2002
Martin, Nicholas James 7/07/2002
Eliott, David William 28/10/2002
Foott, James Frederick Gibson 25/08/2002
Meinecke, Klaus 27/11/2002
Clissold, Craig Anthony 27/11/2002
Rowlands, Shane Andrew 22/07/2002
Mazey, David Wayne 29/10/2002
Cunningham, Shaun Mark 15/10/2002
Adams, Stuart Bruce 1/07/2002
Pahl, Damien 9/07/2002
Giarratano, Daniel 9/07/2002
Mason, Brett Robert 6/08/2002
Carr, Brian Phillip 8/10/2002
Peach, Stephen 30/07/2002
Forrester, Justin 6/08/2002
Bedford, Brenton 29/10/2002
Rowe, David James 9/07/2002
Caudle, Shane Andrew 26/11/2002
Lloyd, Stewart James 26/11/2002
Willoughby, Adam John 15/10/2002
Van Prooyen, Gregory John 22/10/2002
De Palma, Marcello 1/10/2002
Malbasa, Dusko 29/10/2002
Stokes, David John 26/11/2002
Whyte, Norman 15/10/2002
Feltham, Brian Richard 15/10/2002
Carthew, Robert Graham 19/11/2002
Jack, Nicholas Grant 15/10/2002
Fleming, Daniel Scott 7/05/2002
Blair, Jason John 29/10/2002
Blackmore, Danny 12/11/2002
Johnson, Mark Douglas 5/11/2002
Hines, Darren Craig 21/05/2002
Tredrea, Christopher David 20/08/2002
Bennett, Keith Phillip 17/09/2002
Wolak, Kazimierz 15/10/2002
Simpfendorfer, Darren Paul 21/05/2002
Trubiani, Robert John 22/07/2002
10 Years
Van Buuren, Paulus Robert 21/05/2007
Ryan, James Roy 13/11/2007
Ding, Yu 2/07/2007
Pound, Justin Lee 12/11/2007
Mazarakis, John 29/10/2007
Lacey, Brett Anthony 17/09/2007
Perera, Ranga 10/05/2007
Lowery, Jason Eric 26/11/2007
Fulkoski, Vesna 12/11/2007
Wieczkiewicz, Remigiusz 22/10/2007
Lewandowski, Matthew John 1/07/2015
Worrall, Edward James 29/10/2007
Dahlstrom, Steven Graeme 3/09/2007
Singh, Rajat 10/09/2007
Watts, Andrew Michael 17/09/2007
Lane, Peter 8/10/2007
Handke, Scott Christopher 10/09/2007
Jackman, Brodie Kane 4/07/2007
Pertile, Mario Justin 24/08/2007
Tran, De 28/05/2007
Daalder, Charles Frank 23/05/2007
Miller, James Douglas 17/09/2007
Cavallaro, Carmel 5/11/2007
Mundy, Bianca Constance 28/06/2007
Hinds, Andrew John 3/09/2007
Maris, Jessica Anne 15/10/2007
Sirucek, Jiri 13/08/2007
Christides, Frank 13/08/2007
Yang, Yun Seok 10/07/2017
Acs, Robert 21/05/2007
Thoonen, Glen Adrian 21/05/2007
Louey, Keith 28/05/2007
McGrath, Christopher John 1/10/2007
Jiang, Ti 19/11/2007
Abela, James Alfred 31/10/2007
Omond, Robert 2/07/2007
5 Years
Pace, Giovanna 7/08/2012
Allison, Nathan James 28/05/2012
Truong, Alex 30/07/2012
Wong, Damien 3/09/2012
Keysers, David 30/07/2012
Gubatanga, Adelyn Jean 1/05/2012
Sood, Amit K 9/07/2012
Ericson, Emma Louise 9/08/2012
Carroll, Kate Louise 4/06/2012
Grayson, Darren Andrew 7/08/2012
Ursell, Damon Anthony 27/08/2012
Vartanian, Aram 19/09/2012
Becskes, Darren 17/08/2012
Corrigan, Craig John 18/06/2012
Slade, Warren 1/10/2012
Bishop, Brodie Lee James 4/07/2016
Sodha, Pushpinder 9/05/2013
Rowe, Gregory David 1/10/2012
Trantas, Andrew 16/07/2012
Haynes, Troy Vincent 23/07/2012
Presley, Veronica Jaylene 23/07/2012
People is published by Holden Communications for employees and retirees of Holden.
Editorial O ce
Holden Communications
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Email holden.employeecommunications@gm.com
Service Honours
Stilianos Mavroudis, HR Business Partner
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Email HRIT.Holden@gm.com
Me and my car
Two years ago, a small group of Holden employees gathered at the Lang Lang Proving Ground to discuss a very special idea. It was there that they developed prototypes for three limited edition model Commodores – a celebration of an Australian icon, and a series of cars that we’re proud to share with enthusiasts in 2017.
Enthusiasts like Rob Paton, Body Shop Maintenance Group Leader at Holden Vehicle Operations in Adelaide, who picked up his Commodore Director in October.
“I’m so lucky to have secured a Commodore Director Limited Edition, and then to choose my own build number, I was over the moon! This car is the whole package. The look, the sound, the performance and the exclusiveness of the vehicle is just…wow. I chose build number ‘067’, which represents the total number of service years at Holden for my late father and myself.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work at HVO for 27 years. I started out as an Electrical Apprentice in 1990 and worked my way from Paint Shop Maintenance Team
Leader to Maintenance Group Leader… My late father James Paton worked as the Maintenance Superintendent for 40 years in Plant One Hardware and Plant 4 stamping.”
Working at HVO has meant Rob understands and acknowledges the hard work and dedication the manufacturing team has put in to assemble these limited editions to the highest quality standards.
Rob was also lucky enough to have input into the making of his own Director Commodore.
“I left most of the work to the professionals, but I did put the hinges on the deck lid. I recorded these moments on video – it was rather funny!
“Despite working at HVO for so long, I
still didn’t know my way around General Assembly. This opportunity had me talking to the operators – they even let me start the car for the rst time, which was an awesome experience that I’ll never forget. You couldn’t get the smile o my face!
“In my opinion the VF series two is the best car we have manufactured in Australia. I’m incredibly proud of this car and it’s great to own something I had a hand in building that I can keep forever. I’m not keeping this car for others to enjoy in the future – in my opinion, cars are meant to be driven. But in saying that, my car will be driven on weekends in dry weather!”
“Thanks so much to everyone who helped build my special car,” Rob said.