- Published:
- Friday 10 March 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is helping Portland prosper by securing a $1.97 million expansion of Keppel Prince Engineering’s wind tower fabrication facility, creating 50 new jobs and retaining 80 local wind tower manufacturing jobs.
In Portland today, Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford made the announcement which will increase manufacturing capacity and boost staff training while hearing from locals on how the Labor Government’s support was helping drive new investment in Portland.
Keppel Prince is an engineering business with expertise in renewable energy, industrial fabrication, maintenance and construction.
It is Australia’s largest, and Victoria’s only, wind tower manufacturer. Currently the division manufactures 110 wind towers per year, supplying them to a number of renewable energy projects across the country.
The expansion will allow Keppel Prince to achieve production efficiencies and reduce current bottlenecks within its fabrication lines.
New machinery will be installed to deliver productivity gains, reduce operating costs and allow total production to increase to 175 towers per year making it more competitive against imported towers.
The upgraded facility will position the company to undertake further investment in its Portland site and grow its manufacturing capabilities to meet the anticipated 50 per cent increase in national demand for wind towers.
The Labor Government is supportive of companies like Keppel Prince Engineering that are innovating, investing and employing local people in Portland.
Through the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, as well as the Driving Renewable Energy Program, the Labor Government is attracting and facilitating investment in regional Victoria to establish new jobs, retain existing jobs and build stronger regional communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Keppel Prince’s expansion project will create 50 new jobs and safeguard 80 existing jobs. That’s great news for the local economy and the community.”
“Investing in clean energy, protecting our environment and creating new jobs go to the heart of the Andrews Labor Government – that’s why we’re proud to back this significant announcement for Portland.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Regional businesses are a vital part of the Victorian economy and will be at the heart of our transition to more renewable energy generation.”
“The Government’s VRET scheme will deliver thousands of jobs just like these in Portland over the next 10 years.”