The NSW Government has announced $1.14 million in funding to support an expansion at Goulburn-based truck manufacturing business Vacvator Pty Ltd, in a move expected to create up to 15 new skilled jobs and strengthen the region’s manufacturing sector.
According to the NSW Government, the funding is part of its plan to support sustainable and strategic investment in regional economies.
Vacvator, which builds vacuum excavation equipment and hydro-excavation trucks from its Goulburn manufacturing facility, will contribute a further $570,835, bringing the total project value to around $1.71 million.
In a news release, the government said the grant will support an extension of the company’s workshop, increased automation and more streamlined workflows, with production capacity forecast to rise from 1.5 to three trucks per month.
The government said this uplift aims to bolster supply for industries including civil construction, infrastructure, utilities and mining.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the project reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening regional manufacturing.
“This is a great example of how the Minns Government is supporting manufacturing in our regions where we have so many great companies setting the benchmark for innovation,” Moriarty said.
“By backing projects like this we’re ensuring regional NSW is a leader in delivering world-class products.”
She added that the expansion would allow Vacvator to “continue innovating and adopting new technologies in an expanded space to grow this exciting business – which is supporting so many other essential industries as well as creating new jobs.”
Vacvator owner and director Andrew Rowlands welcomed the funding, noting it aligns with recent investments the company has made to expand its Goulburn facility. “Vacvator are very grateful for this funding,” Rowlands said.
“Through continual improvement, Vacvator has developed a technologically advanced, well engineered product that gives us an edge in a competitive global market, and as one of the few remaining vacuum excavation manufacturers that is still 100 per cent Australian-owned, we are proud to contribute to Australian manufacturing.”
He said the investment would “help us increase production, create skilled local jobs, and continue to supply an Australian-made product to infrastructure and mining projects across the country.”
The grant is funded through the Regional Development Trust, which the NSW Government describes as a new approach to supporting regional projects that drive jobs and attract long-term investment.
