- Published:
- Wednesday 18 May 2016
Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio today announced a $195,247 manufacturing grant for Southern Cross Ceramics Pty Ltd to improve its manufacturing capabilities and create 15 new Victorian jobs.
Ms D’Ambrosio toured the ceramics tile manufacturing site where the new grant will support the employment of 15 new workers, help transition 14 existing staff to new roles and gain new digital printing equipment, as part of the project worth $802,439 to the company.
Established in 1987, the Australian-owned company Southern Cross Ceramics employs 43 workers and applies innovative manufacturing processes to produce high quality products.
There are over 5,000 manufacturing businesses in Melbourne’s south east, employing approximately 90,000 people.
The Future Industries Manufacturing Program is one of three industry programs under the Andrews Labor Government’s $200 million Future Industries Fund to support high growth industries and create jobs.
Companies can apply for grants of up to $500,000 under the Manufacturing Program to invest in new manufacturing technologies and processes that will create sustainable jobs and increase productivity.
Other programs include the New Energy Jobs Fund and the Sector Growth Program, which supports investment across priority sectors with the most potential to growth for Victoria’s economy.
More information about the Future Industries Fund’s Manufacturing Program is available at the Business Victoria website www.business.vic.gov.au/futureindustries or by calling 13 22 15.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
“Congratulations to Southern Cross Ceramics for innovating and supporting the local workforce."
"This grant is about providing support for future industries and helping Victorian workers transition into stronger jobs for the future.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Mulgrave Daniel Andrews
“Grants from the Future Industries Fund will support our businesses to invest in new technologies and processes that will transition Victoria toward a high-tech manufacturing economy.”
“We are investing in the east to help businesses diversify into new markets, to help workers transition into new jobs and to help our local communities survive and grow."