British camper settles in Melbourne

A fun, British take on the ubiquitous Jayco pop-top camper trailer is now being assembled at the rate of two a week at a new factory in Braeside, Victoria

Currently employing two production workers, the tiny factory located in Melbourne’s south-western industrial belt was officially opened this week by Caravan Industry Association of Victoria CEO, Robert Lucas, in the presence of Jonathon Harrison, the founder and boss of UK-based Purple Line which first introduced the Opus Camper to the British market in late-2012.

The

colourful, lightweight Opus, which boasts a pram-like folding canvas top, first hit the market in Australia in early-2014 and was initially assembled in South Australia before production was moved east.

Locally built Opus campers share the same Chinese-built aluminium body panels and canvas tent as other versions sold in the UK, South Africa, USA and the Netherlands, but have a distinct Aussie flavour thanks to 50 per cent local content and subtle design changes.

“Each market has its own local specification, such as the heavy duty galvanised chassis and running gear we use to cope with Australia’s tough conditions,” explained Purple Line Australia’s Malcolm Hill.

“The main box and fabric sections for all markets are made in our factory in China, and the chassis, running gear, gas, electrics, lighting and options are fitted locally,” he said.

Five different versions of the Opus Camper are now available in Australia including on- and off-road models, with prices ranging from $22,990 to $28,990. This could increase to six if the Australian arm decides to offer the latest Opus Moto with motorised loading system that allows two motorcycles to be lifted and carried on the roof.

Speaking at the event the CIA Vic boss commended the four-year old Purple Line Australia, which also markets a range of

innovative RV accessories, on becoming a permanent part of Victoria’s caravan manufacturing industry.

“CIA Vic is committed to Victoria’s role as the nation’s heartland of caravan manufacturing, and it good to have yet another manufacturer established here,” Lucas said.

“Purple Line exemplifies our industry’s growing nature, with its Australian and overseas design teams developing innovative products such as Opus Camper for the Australian market.

“It is part of a thriving Victorian caravan industry which is taking up where the car industry is leaving off, maintaining a technological skills base and a strong manufacturing presence.”