Six manufacturers in Melbourne’s south-east are sharing more than $5 million in Victorian Government grants to expand their operations, with the projects expected to create 312 new jobs.
In a news release, Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Melissa Horne said the government funding was supporting almost $70 million in investment by the businesses and strengthening the region’s manufacturing base.
“There is a great deal to be proud of when it comes to manufacturing in Victoria, especially in Melbourne’s south-east,” Horne said.
Among the projects, global paint and surface coatings manufacturer PPG has completed an expansion of its Clayton facility, including new machinery and technology intended to increase production and broaden its product range.
PPG Industries Australia Managing Director Claire-Louise Walker said the investment would support the company’s manufacturing capabilities while reducing the environmental footprint of its operations.
“This expansion positions PPG to manufacture the next generation of coatings and surface technologies while reducing the environmental footprint of our operations,” Walker said.
Electronic and software systems integrator Axent is establishing an Engineering Centre of Excellence in Melbourne’s south-east, focused on designing, manufacturing and developing critical infrastructure information systems.
Axent Managing Director Geoff Fontaine said the centre would strengthen the company’s ability to develop and manufacture electronic signage solutions in Victoria.
In Hallam, food processing and packaging systems manufacturer TNA is expanding its operations to increase production, while Dandenong South-based Volgren is increasing production of zero-emission buses. Bar Crusher Boats is also expanding its operations and introducing a new production line.
Volgren Chief Executive Officer Thiago Deiro said the expansion would allow the company to meet growing demand for zero-emission buses while increasing local manufacturing.
“Bringing more fabrication in-house increases local content and creates manufacturing jobs in Victoria,” Deiro said.
Bayswater-based EVO Power is upgrading its battery centre of excellence to test and develop software for battery energy storage systems. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Allen said the investment would expand the company’s capabilities across design, testing, manufacturing and deployment.
“This investment enhances our capability to design, test, manufacture, and deploy leading battery energy storage solutions while creating highly skilled jobs in Victoria,” Allen said.
The Victorian Government said Melbourne’s south-east is Australia’s largest manufacturing hub, with more than 3,800 manufacturers and 75,000 jobs. Victoria’s broader manufacturing sector employs more than 260,000 people and generates more than $29 billion in annual exports, according to the government.
Horne said the government was backing the businesses through the Victorian Industry Policy and the $150 million Victorian Investment Fund.
“We’re backing these companies to expand in Victoria because it boosts our manufacturing capability, creates hundreds of jobs and cements Melbourne’s south-east as the nation’s manufacturing powerhouse,” she said.
