The Andrews Labor Government is bringing more manufacturing jobs to Geelong, with the official opening of the industrial innovation and accelerator hub, ManuFutures
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford joined Member for Geelong Christine Couzens in officially opening Geelong’s new advanced manufacturing innovation and industrial accelerator, ManuFutures.
Located at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, ManuFutures will support up to 15 commercial enterprises and 150 people working in advanced manufacturing industries ranging from start-ups to global corporations
The Labor Government invested $3 million towards the $13 million project to create a future for Geelong’s manufacturing future.
The facility will focus on creating new products and driving the region’s transition to advanced manufacturing by leveraging Deakin University’s industry-focused research expertise.
The new facility includes flexible manufacturing production space, lab space, serviced offices, reception, and meeting areas.
Tenants will also benefit from co-location with Deakin University and have access to research teams, student placement programs, specialist technologies and equipment through various Deakin centres.
So far, seven tenants have been secured, including Insight Engineering, HeiQ, Flaim Systems, Partington Advanced Engineering, FormFlow, Conflux Technology and The Smart Think.
The $13 million facility will attract private investment, boost commercial returns from research for advanced manufacturing enterprises, and drive the Barwon Region’s transition to high tech, smart manufacturing.
ManuFutures will attract and foster a highly skilled workforce within the Geelong Future Economy Precinct and surrounding regional businesses.
The Government’s $3 million investment from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund delivers on its election commitment to support the development of a manufacturing hub in Geelong.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Geelong has a strong manufacturing future, and with the opening of ManuFutures, it shows a real vote of confidence in Geelong as it embraces hi-tech and innovative manufacturers.”
“The project will create jobs, boost commercial returns from research, and act as an investment attractor for the Barwon region.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“We’re delivering on our election commitment to make this a reality for Geelong. We have a proud history of manufacturing and innovation in Geelong and now we have an even brighter future to look forward to. Importantly this means more jobs for Geelong”
Reviewed 19 August 2020