The biggest paint factory in Australia and New Zealand has today opened in Victoria – thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll joined Member for Yuroke Ros Spence to officially open DuluxGroup’s $165 million paint factory in Merrifield, which has created more than 60 new jobs.
The new 22,000 square metre factory is bigger than the playing area of the MCG – and is one of the most advanced paint manufacturing factories in the world.
The company expects to produce 50 million litres of water-based decorative paint a year for the Australian market at the new factory.
It will be the base for almost all Dulux water-based paints, and will enable the company to produce more advanced paint products using evolving technology.
The company engaged extensively with Victorian suppliers during the construction and fit-out of the facility, with nearly 80 per cent of the project delivered by local companies.
The opening of the new facility coincides with the 100-year anniversary of DuluxGroup, which employs 1,000 people in Victoria.
Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy, with more than 13,000 businesses employing more than 286,000 people.
Manufacturing in Victoria continues to go from strength to strength with the Australian Industry Group’s Manufacturing Index showing Victoria has recorded 15 months of consecutive growth – the longest run since 2001.
To date, the Labor Government has provided over $120 million in manufacturing support, creating over 5,000 jobs and is driving $1.4 billion in private investment from manufacturers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“We are proud to have supported this project, which will bring jobs to Melbourne’s north – an area affected by the closure of car manufacturing.”
“Victoria is the home of manufacturing and DuluxGroup’s decision to set up this new factory here is a vote of confidence in our strong advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence
“This new factory has created more than 60 new jobs and is a huge boost for our local economy.”
“The Merrifield site is quickly becoming a leading manufacturing hub – thanks to the support from the Andrews Labor Government.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020