Jurgens forced to vacate Melbourne factory
Struggling caravan builder to relocate production facility after latest landlord disputeThe problems continue for embattled Melbourne caravan manufacturer Jurgens, which has been forced to vacate its Pakenham, Victoria production facility after another dispute with the landlord.
It's the latest drama for the South African-owned Melbourne caravan builder, which has been caught up in a number of property, supplier and employment-related disputes in recent years.
A noticed posted today on social media said Jurgens will continue to build caravans in Australia but at a new facility.
"We are committed to continue manufacturing in Australia and will be moving to new premises to support this endeavor," Jurgens Australia owner Paul Kyriacou said.
"We have significant component stock arriving in Australia in February from our affiliate company in South Africa to enable us to crank up production."
The factory relocation "has been precipitated by a dispute with the landlord," which Jurgens claims is demanding up to seven months' unpaid rent. Kyriacou is disputing this alleged claim.
An eviction notice was reportedly placed at the Jurgens' factory earlier this week -- the second time in two years with around 50 Jurgens employees locked out of the factory in early-2019 after a lease termination notice was posted on the factory’s locked front gates.
Like many Melbourne manufacturers, Jurgens was forced to shut down production for a number of months in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kyriacou said an announcement on the location of the new Jurgens factory will be made "at the earliest opportunity".
"In the meantime we will service existing customers needs remotely and through our network wherever possible," he said.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will defend our staff, customers and our brand."
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