- Published:
- Monday 2 July 2018
The Andrews Labor Government has helped secure a defence industry supply chain contract to be manufactured by SEM Fire and Rescue in Ballarat.
With support from the Labor Government’s Regional Jobs Fund, SEM Fire and Rescue will invest in its Ballarat specialist vehicle manufacturing facility to diversify its operations into the defence sector, creating 10 new jobs.
The company has been designing and manufacturing special purpose vehicles primarily for the emergency response market for more than 60 years and is now seeking to expand into new markets, like defence.
SEM Fire and Rescue will deliver the contract for its parent company, Varley Group, based in New South Wales, with the contract being to supply cargo boxes for the Hawkei vehicle being manufactured in Bendigo by Thales for the Australian Defence Force.
The investment by SEM Fire and Rescue includes an expansion and additional fit out of its existing Ballarat facility, increasing its factory and warehousing capacity by 25 per cent and improving production layout.
The project also includes new manufacturing plant, equipment and technology, including a camouflage pattern projector and new spray painting facilities.
The expansion will create ten new jobs and provide upskilling opportunities for the existing workforce of 65 employees, boosting total employment by SEM Fire and Rescue to 75 full time equivalent employees.
Victoria is proudly the nation’s home of manufacturing – a $26 billion industry that supports jobs, exports and economic growth. The sector employs more than 283,000 Victorians across 13,000 businesses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“We’re proud to support SEM invest in its Ballarat site, creating 10 new manufacturing jobs, securing 65 existing jobs, and positioning the company for future growth in the defence sector.”
“Victoria is the manufacturing capital and we’re ensuring it has a bright future and continues to grow in regional Victoria.”
“Our support has the secured contract for SEM, instead of interstate rivals – that’s fantastic news for local jobs and Ballarat’s economy.”