End of an era: Emotions run high as Holden workers clock in for their last day on the job
It was a momentous day in northern Adelaide as Holden workers left the factory floor for one final time on Thursday.
Hundreds of workers left the Elizabeth plant with a heavy heart, knowing that Friday's closure brings an end to an industry that has employed South Australians for generations.
Workers will return one final time for an emotional closing ceremony dedicated to the staff across the plant who took great pride in their work, right until the very end.
And their efforts didn't go unnoticed, with workers recently recognized for their quality and efficiency by the company's head offices in Detroit.
But even their stellar performances on the job couldn't turn back the tide for Holden workers, who on average had stayed with the company a staggering 20 years.
"Everyone's really proud of what we've done. We'll be sad to say goodbye but happy we're going out on top," worker Jed Carmen said.
Lesley Desmond's stay at the company has stretched over four decades, making her the company's longest-serving female employee.
"This has been a strong part of my life, 40 years I've worked here, six, seven days a week at times, and I'm really going to miss it," she said.
Many workers echoed her sentiments, saying that despite their work coming to an end, the memories will live on forever.
"[I've] a lot of great memories but it's time to move on," Engineering Director Brett Vivian said.
Fifty-four years on from the first car's production at the plant in 1963, a red sedan passed through the factory as the final car to be made at the plant.
With staff and production now gone, the Holden brand will live on in Australia only as an import.
