- Published:
- Thursday 3 September 2026
Labor is supporting six manufacturers in Melbourne’s south-east to expand their operations, creating 312 new jobs.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Melissa Horne today visited several businesses, which are sharing in more than $5 million in grants from the Carroll Labor Government.
This is backing the almost $70 million that these business are investing into the manufacturing industry in Victoria.
These investments are strengthening the region’s position as a major manufacturing hub.
In Clayton, global paint and surface coatings manufacturer PPG has completed a major expansion of its facility, installing new machinery and technology to increase production and expand its product range.
Axent, an electronic and software systems integrator, is establishing an Engineering Centre of Excellence in Melbourne’s south-east to design, manufacture and develop critical infrastructure information systems.
In Hallam, TNA, a global manufacturer of food processing and packaging systems, is expanding its operations to increase production and meet growing global demand.
In Dandenong South, bus manufacturer Volgren is ramping up production of zero-emission buses, while Bar Crusher Boats is growing its operations and introducing a new production line.
Bayswater-based EVO Power is upgrading its battery centre of excellence to test and develop software for Australia’s growing battery energy storage industry.
Melbourne’s south-east is Australia’s largest manufacturing hub, home to more than 3,800 manufacturers and 75,000 jobs creating billions of dollars in economic activity each year.
Victoria is Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse with more than 260,000 people employed across the sector and more than $29 billion in annual exports.
Through the Victorian Industry Policy and the $150 million Victorian Investment Fund, Labor is backing the businesses, industries and jobs that keep Victoria at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Melissa Horne
“There is a great deal to be proud of when it comes to manufacturing in Victoria, especially in Melbourne's south-east.”
“We’re backing these companies to expand in Victoria because it boosts our manufacturing capability, creates hundreds of jobs and cements Melbourne’s south-east as the nation’s manufacturing powerhouse.”
Quotes attributed to PPG Industries Australia Managing Director Claire-Louise Walker
“This expansion positions PPG to manufacture the next generation of coatings and surface technologies while reducing the environmental footprint of our operations. It is an investment in innovation, productivity and more sustainable manufacturing in Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Axent Managing Director Geoff Fontaine
“Establishing our Engineering Centre of Excellence is an important step in Axent's growth. It will strengthen our ability to design, develop and manufacture innovative electronic signage solutions in Victoria while building the specialist skills and expertise needed to support future growth.”
Quotes attributable to TNA Australia Director Nadia Taylor
"We appreciate the confidence the Victorian Government has shown in TNA. This investment strengthens our manufacturing capabilities in Victoria, enabling us to meet growing global demand while reinforcing Australia's important role within TNA's global operations. We look forward to continuing to invest in innovation, advanced manufacturing and local skills, creating opportunities for future job growth and supporting the long-term strength of Victoria's manufacturing sector."
Quotes attributable to Volgren Chief Executive Officer Thiago Deiro
“Demand for zero-emission buses is growing right across Australia, and this expansion means we can meet that demand while building more of our buses here at home. Bringing more fabrication in-house increases local content and creates manufacturing jobs in Victoria, while moving our service operation into a larger facility means we can support operators’ fleets long after the bus leaves our factory.”
Quotes attributable to Bar Crusher Boats General Manager Sam Holmes
“This expansion will enable Bar Crusher to increase output, improve manufacturing efficiency and meet growing demand across Australia and our international markets. It demonstrates that high-quality recreational boats can be designed, engineered and manufactured competitively right here in Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to EVO Power Chief Executive Officer Jamie Allen
"This investment enhances our capability to design, test, manufacture, and deploy leading battery energy storage solutions while creating highly skilled jobs in Victoria. We're proud to be developing and manufacturing the technologies that are powering Australia's energy transition."