Since the MaxiTRANS "inclusion and diversity project" was launched in 2018 the team has grown in number and capability.

The McCallum team works two and a half days a week and has adapted shifts, policies and procedures throughout the pandemic to ensure the placement program continues and assembly and supply of small components used to complete the trailers continues.

"What started off as cutting rubber and batching out washers and screws, has turned into a small powerhouse; tailing lamps, creating lamp kits, front coupling plates, decal plates, six wheel carriers a day, water tanks, container twistlock handles and a number of other assemblies for stock and on special pieces on demand," said MaxiTRANS' Chris Liston who helped create the continuous improvement project.

McCallum Disability Services executive manager Adam Bogers said the supported workers felt like that had become part of the MaxiTRANS family.

"We feel like we've become part of the MaxiTRANS family now, working in partnership and achieving great outcomes. McCallum Supported Employees have developed great skills and provide a valuable service at MaxiTRANS," he said.

"We have seen the development and growth of supported employees ... and hope to see the relationship blossom and develop even more into the future and last many more years."

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Supported employee Dylan Hucker has been part of the program since its inception, building his confidence, abilities and skills in addition to the components needed to complete trailers.

Mr Liston has watched the young man grow over the past three years.

"Dylan started out basic cutting van rubber seals in a guillotine and had some issues with dexterity, comprehension and physically undertaking some tasks was a challenge for him. Now he does lamp pinning, coupling plate fittings and the stock order schedules for the factory. He has grown immensely and it really shows in his personality at MaxiTRANS, McCallum Industries and in his personal home life," he said.

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