Leading manufacturing companies in Australia are providing a combined investment of $19 million to expand their advanced manufacturing operations in Melbourne’s outer north.
The investments are expected to create more than 580 new local jobs in the manufacturing hubs of Tullamarine, Campbellfield Broadmeadows, Thomastown and Preston.
The Victorian government expressed its support for the expansion projects, which include operations by aerospace maker Quickstep Holdings, pillows and quilts manufacturer John Cotton Australia, and dairy producer Picnic Dairy Foods.
John Cotton is planning to increase the capacity of its Campbellfield facility to accommodate a new production line, expanding manufacturing operations to 800,000 additional units each year and creating almost 30 new jobs.
Picnic Dairy Foods expects to hire 20 new professionals as it scales up production of its yogurt, cheese, drinks, and spreads.
Meanwhile, Quickstep Holdings intends to expand its maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations at Tullamarine, opening 67 new job vacancies. The company recently doubled the size of its facility in Geelong to accommodate new orders from leading Australian drone companies.
“Melbourne’s outer north is an integral part of Victoria’s nation-leading advanced manufacturing industry,” said Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll.
“We’ll continue to support our local manufacturers to invest in making globally-competitive products in the region and generating secure jobs for Victorians.”
Over 3,700 manufacturers have established operations in Melbourne’s outer north, supporting more than 43,000 jobs in the automotive, food processing, and chemicals sectors.
The Victorian government launched initiatives such as the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund and the $40 million Victorian Industry Investment Fund delivered through the Victorian Budget of 2022/23 to help advanced manufacturers in the state to grow, innovate, and stimulate job creation.
According to the Victorian government’s press release, Melbourne’s outer north is one of Australia’s fastest growing and culturally diverse communities, with more than 30 per cent of the area’s population being born overseas.
