The Andrews Labor Government is backing a massive expansion of a world-leading Geelong manufacturer that will create hundreds of jobs and cement Victoria as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll, Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens and Member for Lara John Eren at Carbon Revolution in Waurn Ponds to announce the company’s $100 million expansion, which will create 500 new jobs.
The project will almost triple Carbon Revolution’s existing workforce and increase production capacity from 10,000 to more than 150,000 wheels a year.
A new 7,000 square-metre facility will be built beside Carbon Revolutions’ manufacturing and research and development facility at Deakin University – part of the Geelong Future Economy Precinct.
Carbon Revolution manufactures one-piece carbon fibre wheels, which are lighter, reduce noise and vibration and improve acceleration compared to metal wheels.
The company is the first manufacturer in the world of a commercialised one-piece carbon fibre wheel and it’s new facility will allow it to scale up production to meet global demand – including to supply wheels for Ferrari.
The Premier used the visit to launch the Labor Government’s new Made in Victoria campaign – which will promote Victoria’s manufacturing industry and urge Victorians to buy locally-made to support local jobs.
The campaign will showcase excellence in the industry, featuring manufacturers such as Carbon Revolution, Maton Guitars, Cobram Estate, Sussex Taps, Volgren and Ballarat’s Ferndale Confectionery.
Victorian manufacturing is thriving, recording 17 months of consecutive growth in the Australian Industry Group’s Performance Manufacturing Index – the longest run of expansion ever.
The growth in manufacturing is backed by $130 million in manufacturing support from Labor Government, which is creating over 6,000 jobs and driving $1.6 billion in private investment. These form some of the 16,700 jobs that have been created in Geelong since November 2014, with unemployment down to 5 per cent from 8.1 per cent.
Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes $27.7 billion to the State’s economy, with over 13,000 businesses employing more than 280,000 people. It also exported $18.16 billion of manufactured goods in 2016-17.
For more information about Made in Victoria, visit .
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“When Ford and Alcoa closed their doors, we said we’d be with the proud Geelong community every step of the way and that’s exactly what we’ve done - creating new jobs for hard working families.”
“This is yet another massive vote of confidence in Geelong – these are hi-tech, secure jobs that will help the local economy continue to prosper.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Carbon Revolution is a Victorian manufacturing success story and we’re proud to back their massive expansion here in Geelong.”
“By buying locally, you’re helping to create jobs locally. Through Made in Victoria – we’re encouraging every Victorian to support our thriving manufacturing sector.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“We promised that we’d work hard to deliver the jobs and prosperity that families across Geelong and the Bellarine deserve – our partnership with Carbon Revolution builds on this, with 500 new jobs and a major expansion.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“This massive boost for local manufacturing will create 500 local jobs and take this cutting-edge, Geelong-made technology to the world.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“Victoria is the home of Australian manufacturing, and Geelong has been a strong part of that story – we’re backing industry to create local jobs and boost Geelong's economy."
Reviewed 19 August 2020