The Andrews Labor Government is helping Heidelberg West manufacturer Kewder Engineering improve productivity, drive sales and create new jobs.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll and Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines visited Kewder Engineering today to announce a $195,000 grant from the Future Industries Manufacturing Program.
The grant is part of Kewder’s $800,000 expansion – allowing them to invest in new technology to produce high quality precision components for the aerospace and defence industries, creating seven jobs and upskilling three current employees.
The new roles are suitable for ex-auto workers, with machine operators, a quality assurance manager and a fitter required at Kewder’s three sites in Heidelberg West.
Kewder manufactures precision engineered components for a range of industries including medicine, science and telecommunications.
The company has also recently diversified into the aerospace and defence sectors, supplying components for Bushmaster defence vehicles which are manufactured in Bendigo.
The Labor Government has committed over $100 million in manufacturing support, creating over 3,500 jobs and driving more than $1.2 billion in private investment.
The Labor Government’s Advancing Victorian Manufacturing – A Blueprint for the Future sets out a clear vision for manufacturing, showcasing existing advanced manufacturing capabilities and outlining ways to grow.
Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes $27.7 billion to the economy, is made up of more than 13,000 businesses and employs more than 286,000 people, an increase of more than 20,000 over the last two years.
This bucks the national trend, with the rest of Australia losing 2,500 manufacturing jobs over the same period.
Manufacturing is Victoria’s fourth largest employer and is responsible for $17.9 billion worth of goods exports.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“We’re supporting companies like Kewder Engineering so they can grow, create jobs and drive investment in our manufacturing industry.”
“Victorian manufacturing is alive and well – the industry has a bright future and we’re backing the businesses that will keep Victoria as the home of advanced manufacturing in Australia.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“Local businesses like Kewder are supplying high quality precision engineered components to global aerospace and defence leaders – it is a testament to the strength and quality of our local manufacturing industry.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020