Orbital Engine Corporation/Brunswick Corporation joint venture welcomed

20/1/95

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan today welcomed the joint venture between Orbital Engine Corporation and the Brunswick Corporation.

Mr Cowan said the initiative underlined Western Australia's world leadership in the development of advanced, two-stroke engines.

"Brunswick and its subsidiary, Mercury Marine, is the world's largest manufacturer of outboard engines and through this venture Orbital technology will come into use in almost every part of the globe," Mr Cowan said.

"The big bonus is the impact this technology will have on the world environment.  Not only will it reduce fuel consumption, but improve the very quality of the air we breathe."

Mr Cowan made the comments after the signing in Perth of a joint venture agreement between Brunswick and Orbital.

The two companies will manufacture Orbital's fuel systems for low emission, two-stroke engines.

Initially, injection components will be made by Orbital in the United States for use in a wide range of marine, automotive, motorcycle and gardening equipment engines.

"The WA Government is keen to see the State capitalise on this achievement," Mr Cowan said.

"Discussions are already underway with the companies see what other opportunities there might be for a manufacturing presence in WA.

"This agreement highlights the long-term benefits which flow from increased research and development expenditure in WA."

Media contact:  Will Henwood 222 9595