MINISTER LAUNCHES WORLD’S NEXT GENERATION OF MOTORHOMES
Published Wednesday, 06 December, 2006 at 09:30 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Minister for State Development John Mickel today officially launched the Next Generation of luxury motorhomes at Swagman Motorhomes HQ at Labrador on the Gold Coast
“Swagman has always been synonymous with luxury A class motorhomes but this new range of Next Generation models has surpassed anything currently on the world market,” Mr Mickel said.
“Using the latest fibre composite technology Swagman has been able to develop a unique, one-piece resin infusion moulded shell – eight times stronger than its previous range of motorhomes.
“The patented carbon fibre/Kevlar “Armourshell” is going to revolutionise the industry with new manufacturing processes, superior designs and the ability to incorporate more luxury features.”
Mr Mickel said the company has received strong interest from overseas and was currently in negotiations with a consortium from China who will visit the factory tomorrow.
When complete the model range will include motorhomes ranging in size from 26ft to 42ft they will sell from $300,000 to $1M.
“Already here in Australia Swagman has orders 12 months ahead. With the caravan, camping and motorhome industry the fastest growing tourism sector in Australia the timing is perfect,” he said.
Swagman CEO Neil Ingram said the company had invested heavily in research and development over the past 18 months.
“We always had a top quality product with Swagman but we knew we could push the boundaries,” he said.
“Fibre composites has traditionally been associated with industries like marine, aviation and construction but we’ve proven that it has much wider applications because of the ability to add strength and durability to a product without bulk and weight,” he said.
“We’re confident we have developed not only Australia’s but the world’s Next Generation of luxury motorhomes and we’ve got a dedicated team of people here on the Gold Coast determined to see our vehicles touring the major roads of the world within the next five to 10 years.”
Mr Mickel said the company had recently been awarded an $85,500 Queensland Industry Development Scheme grant to complete testing to Australian Design Regulation standards and help develop the marketing material for the new product range.
“I applaud Swagman – it’s a great Queensland company putting the Smart State principles of innovation into practice,” he said.
“Fibre composites are one of our State’s growth industries – and as Swagman have shown, with wide applications. It’s already worth $1.2b annually to Queensland and expanding rapidly.
“The Queensland Government has already invested $10 million in this industry, with the Fibre Composites Action Plan now rolling out initiatives across Queensland to help companies explore opportunities in this area.”
Mr Mickels visit to the Gold Coast this morning also included a meeting with the Gold Coast City Council’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Board.
“I recognise the important role the Board is playing in shaping the future of the Gold Coast and I look forward to working with the region’s major industry leaders and organisations as we build this economy,” he said.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
Company Contact Details:Swagman Australia Pty Ltd, Neil Ingram CEO, 5500 9000 Mob: 0419 665 602 Fax: 5500 9050
245 Brisbane Road Labrador Qld 4215
6 December, 2006
“Swagman has always been synonymous with luxury A class motorhomes but this new range of Next Generation models has surpassed anything currently on the world market,” Mr Mickel said.
“Using the latest fibre composite technology Swagman has been able to develop a unique, one-piece resin infusion moulded shell – eight times stronger than its previous range of motorhomes.
“The patented carbon fibre/Kevlar “Armourshell” is going to revolutionise the industry with new manufacturing processes, superior designs and the ability to incorporate more luxury features.”
Mr Mickel said the company has received strong interest from overseas and was currently in negotiations with a consortium from China who will visit the factory tomorrow.
When complete the model range will include motorhomes ranging in size from 26ft to 42ft they will sell from $300,000 to $1M.
“Already here in Australia Swagman has orders 12 months ahead. With the caravan, camping and motorhome industry the fastest growing tourism sector in Australia the timing is perfect,” he said.
Swagman CEO Neil Ingram said the company had invested heavily in research and development over the past 18 months.
“We always had a top quality product with Swagman but we knew we could push the boundaries,” he said.
“Fibre composites has traditionally been associated with industries like marine, aviation and construction but we’ve proven that it has much wider applications because of the ability to add strength and durability to a product without bulk and weight,” he said.
“We’re confident we have developed not only Australia’s but the world’s Next Generation of luxury motorhomes and we’ve got a dedicated team of people here on the Gold Coast determined to see our vehicles touring the major roads of the world within the next five to 10 years.”
Mr Mickel said the company had recently been awarded an $85,500 Queensland Industry Development Scheme grant to complete testing to Australian Design Regulation standards and help develop the marketing material for the new product range.
“I applaud Swagman – it’s a great Queensland company putting the Smart State principles of innovation into practice,” he said.
“Fibre composites are one of our State’s growth industries – and as Swagman have shown, with wide applications. It’s already worth $1.2b annually to Queensland and expanding rapidly.
“The Queensland Government has already invested $10 million in this industry, with the Fibre Composites Action Plan now rolling out initiatives across Queensland to help companies explore opportunities in this area.”
Mr Mickels visit to the Gold Coast this morning also included a meeting with the Gold Coast City Council’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Board.
“I recognise the important role the Board is playing in shaping the future of the Gold Coast and I look forward to working with the region’s major industry leaders and organisations as we build this economy,” he said.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
Company Contact Details:Swagman Australia Pty Ltd, Neil Ingram CEO, 5500 9000 Mob: 0419 665 602 Fax: 5500 9050
245 Brisbane Road Labrador Qld 4215
6 December, 2006