Showcase Celebrates Victoria’s Manufacturing Excellence

Published:
Tuesday 22 October 2019

More than 650 manufacturers, industry bodies and agencies have come together in Wantirna South for the Victorian Manufacturing Showcase, celebrating the state’s established and emerging success stories.

Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula opened the showcase, an annual Victorian Government event promoting the state’s exceptional manufacturing capability, held at the State Basketball Centre.

The event provides attendees and exhibitors with connections to strengthen their networks and find new ways to grow locally and internationally.

Victoria’s high-growth manufacturing sectors are represented, including construction, defence, transport, food and fibre, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals.

This year’s showcase has attracted the highest number of exhibitor and attendee registrations in its six-year history and is hosted in partnership with the Industry Capability Network (Victoria).

The Andrews Labor Government has provided more than $170 million to support the manufacturing industry since November 2014, helping create more than 7,000 jobs and generate more than $1.8 billion in private investment.

Minister Pakula also announced that nominations for the 2020 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame would open on 1 November and encouraged Victorian businesses and individuals to nominate.

The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards recognise the exceptional capabilities of the local manufacturing industry and its bright future in Victoria.

To find out more about the awards and to nominate, visit business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/awards.    

Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula

“It’s great to see such an array of companies showing off their capabilities at this year’s showcase – it speaks volumes for the strength and promise of the sector.”

“There are more than 11,800 manufacturing firms employing more than 270,000 people in Victoria – we are a leader in Australian manufacturing and getting stronger.”

Manufacturing is the top sector for research and development spending in Victoria and that will ensure we continue to lead the field.”