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New centre strengthens manufacturing innovation

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

A new multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art Innovation Centre opened today at the Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) facility in Knoxfield. This new facility promises to spur new opportunities in innovation and research for Victoria's quality-driven manufacturing industry.

Officially opening the centre, Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva said the facility will draw international projects and focus to Victoria, promoting local industry capabilities and reinforcing the state's position as the manufacturing hub of Australia.

"Since its formation in 2002, VCAMM has assisted a large number of Victorian companies build their innovation potential and helped orchestrate the resources needed to develop and commercialise globally-relevant new technologies," Mr Dalla-Riva said.

"The centre's support of new technology development and assistance for high technology businesses, including small start-ups and SMEs, will create valuable, high tech jobs in Victoria."

VCAMM Chief Executive Officer Brad Dunstan said the Innovation Centre will accommodate around 50 staff members from a mix of small start-up companies and larger, established organisations that will work in a flexible environment to undertake advanced engineering projects.

"This new centre represents the next step in the evolution of the VCAMM mission. It will provide a focal point for industry and research collaboration, assisting VCAMM in its role to coordinate interaction in the advanced materials and advanced manufacturing arena, allowing enterprises to develop technologies in a unique incubative environment," Mr Dunstan said.

Minister Dalla-Riva said the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to ensuring manufacturing businesses have greater access to new research and technologies, expanded markets and future opportunities through enhanced relationships with tertiary and R&D institutions and industry-focused government assistance.

"Victoria's science and engineering capabilities continue to see our state excel globally, and many major international companies have chosen to invest in Victoria by establishing world-class R&D facilities here," Mr Dalla-Riva said.

"Victoria has considerable skills in advanced materials and advanced manufacturing technologies. VCAMM's role is to provide businesses of all sizes with managed access to this expertise and the Victorian Government is pleased to support this work.

"Innovation is a key driver of our economy and the new centre will further enhance the ability for our local manufacturing businesses to innovate," Mr Dalla-Riva said.

After officially opening the new VCAMM Innovation Centre Mr Dalla-Riva toured the facility and learnt about some of the outcomes from VCAMM's most recent collaborations, including the use of advanced materials to develop bushfire protective solutions, green technology for the production of high-value chemicals and innovative surface treatments for the auto and aerospace industries.

VCAMM Ltd is a not-for-profit company representing a consortium of public research and development organisations. VCAMM facilitates technology development and commercialisation for Australian manufacturing businesses. It identifies technology projects, partners, capabilities and commercial opportunities, and also assembles resources and manages program delivery.

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