- Published:
- Monday 30 April 2018
The Andrews Labor Government is backing two Ballarat agricultural machinery producers to expand their operations, creating 27 jobs and driving Victoria’s competitiveness as a producer of Australian-made farm machinery.
Goldacres is a sprayer company with 40 years’ history in Ballarat, producing Australian-made products that suit local conditions and the needs for Australian farmers.
A $2.78 million project will reconfigure Goldacres’ manufacturing facility with new infrastructure, equipment and technology that will enable the company to produce larger models of self-propelled sprayers.
Customer demand for larger and self-propelled sprayers is increasing and Goldacres is looking to respond to this by producing a 48-metre boom sprayer.
Goldacres will also use the funding for research and development to diversify its operations into the horticultural sector with different models suited to the different industry needs.
Southern Spreaders designs and manufactures agriculture spreader machinery and has a 30-year history in Ballarat, supplying made to order spreaders for the Australia and New Zealand market.
The company’s $860,000 investment will allow Southern Spreaders to create an additional arm of its business, producing a range of spreaders for a national dealership distribution network.
The new product line, under the brand name ‘Hansa’, will be one of the only Australian made spreaders in the market, and is expected to replace 10 per cent of imported products.
The investment will go towards modifications of the shop floor for better efficiency, and the installation of new cranes and painting equipment to support a more intensive production line.
The Labor Government is supporting both projects through the Regional Jobs Fund, backing Ballarat’s manufacturing strengths and creating new jobs.
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Goldacres and Southern Spreaders have a long and proud history in Ballarat, and with our support, we look forward to watching these Ballarat manufacturers thrive into the future.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Combined, these two projects will create 27 new jobs in Ballarat – a true vote of confidence in the region’s manufacturing strength.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“Our farmers deserve the best technology and equipment to get the job done – it’s even better when that’s made right here in Ballarat.”