March Update from CEO David Peart

March 26, 2018

Regional Jobs and Investment Packages Funding

The announcement of $20m of funding in early 2018 across 21 companies in the region will lead to a further $95m investment, and has provided a great fillip for the region through an expected 1200 jobs. Under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages (RJIP), pleasingly we see that 14 of these projects are across the manufacturing sector. This is in addition to $10.1m announced in October 2017 under the first round of funding in the $47.5 million Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund to establish and expand advanced manufacturing.

Enrol now for the 2018 Leadership for Manufacturing Excellence Program

As we launch our 2018 Leadership for Manufacturing Excellence Program it’s useful to reflect on the recent graduation of the class of 2017, the fantastic results they achieved and the leadership and skills growth they exhibited. Many of the projects produced outstanding results with the winning project expected to deliver close to $800k of savings.Register for the Leadership in Excellence Program

Graduation Day for 2017 Leadership in Manufacturing Excellence

As we launch our 2018 Leadership for Manufacturing Excellence Program it’s useful to reflect on the recent graduation of the class of 2017, the fantastic results they achieved and the leadership and skills growth they exhibited. Many of the projects produced outstanding results with the winning project expected to deliver close to $800k of savings.

Energy Prices Remain Challenging for Local Manufacturing

Energy prices continue to challenge while future projections point to level out over the next 3 years. Renewable energy is seen as one way of addressing this challenge. Industry is increasingly adopting new forms of energy generation as a way to reduce costs and reliance on the grid in the future. Leading projects include Deakin University’s  project to build a $30 million industrial-scale solar microgrid at its Waurn Ponds Campus, producing over 50% of its Waurn Ponds requirements and Australian Lamb Company solar project, which will generate 1.2 megawatts of electricity across its 4400 solar panels.

Infrastructure Projects

2018 will also be a big year for infrastructure and this is being led by large projects such as Metro Tunnels and Westgate Tunnel projects. The impact will be felt across our GMC and ENG membership and we are working hard to ensure Geelong region companies get a strong share of the work.

The Entrepreneurs’ Programme continues to focus on actively helping companies through Business Evaluations and key supply chain projects. Recent projects with leading companies have included: Gecko, SEM Fire & Rescue, Bombardier, Woolworths and Komatsu.

I encourage you to talk to one of our team members to see how you can benefit from involvement with GMC on 5222 8000 or email [email protected].

Kind regards
David Peart
CEO, Geelong Manufacturing Council