- Published:
- Tuesday 24 October 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is getting behind the best and brightest of Victorian manufacturing as part of the 2017 Victorian Manufacturing Showcase.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today officially opened the event at Victoria University in Sunshine.
The showcase, hosted by the Victorian Government and the Industry Capability Network, brings together 350 local manufacturers and an impressive display of Victorian-made products and vehicles.
BAE Systems Australia’s AMV35 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle is among those taking centre stage.
The company hopes to build around 225 vehicles at Fishermans Bend and create 2,000 jobs for Victorians – should it be successful in its bid for LAND 400 Phase Two.
A final decision on which state is awarded the contract rests with the Turnbull Government.
Manufacturing is a $26 billion industry which supports jobs, exports and economic growth. The sector employs more than 283,000 Victorians across 13,000 businesses.
In 2016, manufacturing experienced the fastest employment growth of any industry in Victoria with around 40,000 new jobs created.
The Labor Government’s Future Industries Manufacturing Program has so far helped more than 30 Victorian businesses with projects that are expected to create around 260 new jobs.
The Government’s new industry strategy – Advancing Victorian Manufacturing – A Blueprint for the Future – will help create manufacturing jobs of the future, grow small to medium businesses and strengthen the supply chain.
To access the strategy visit economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Victoria is the heart and home of manufacturing, and today is about celebrating excellence across the industry.”
“We are very proud to support the Victorian Manufacturing Showcase, bringing together our best and brightest innovators.”
“Setting up this sector for future growth is critical, and that’s why our new industry strategy will help create new highly-skilled jobs and grow local businesses.”