- Published:
- Wednesday 8 November 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is getting behind local manufacturing in Dandenong as more and more companies export their products to the world.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll and Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams today met workers at bus manufacturer Volgren.
The Dandenong-based company is Australia’s leading bus manufacturer and has recently secured an on-going opportunity to export buses to Japan.
Since 2014, Volgren has exported 14 of its world-class buses to Japan with support from the Victorian trade office in Tokyo.
Volgren has also won a major contract to supply the New South Wales Government with 100 buses next year.
Victoria continues to be a leader in transport manufacturing, with the transport equipment sector the state’s second largest manufacturing industry.
The sector employs around 29,000 people and contributes about $3.5 billion to the Victorian economy each year.
Minister Carroll will also join industry leaders in Dandenong for a roundtable to discuss manufacturing trends.
The Labor Government is supporting growth in local manufacturing through a new industry statement – Advancing Victorian Manufacturing– A Blueprint for the Future.
The statement is backed by $12 million in new initiatives and will help manufacturers develop new products, improve training and skills, increase competitiveness and support export growth.
To access the statement visit ecodev.vic.gov.au/advancing-manufacturing.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Victoria has nation-leading manufacturers who are taking their innovation to the world, and we’ve got their backs.”
“Volgren is a true success story. We will continue supporting our local manufacturers to grow their operations, win contracts and create new jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
"Melbourne’s south-east is the heart of Victoria's manufacturing industry, and Volgren is an important part of the region's success."
“We have to plan for the future of this industry, and that’s exactly what our new manufacturing statement is doing.”