Victoria’s manufacturing industry is creating jobs and boosting our economy thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
New figures show the Labor Government’s $120 million investment in manufacturing has created more than 5,000 jobs for Victorians and is driving $1.4 billion in private investment from manufacturers.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll made the announcement during a visit to Heritage Fine Chocolates in Rowville with the Australian Industry Group where they met workers and toured the facility.
Manufacturing in Victoria continues to go from strength to strength with the Australian Industry Group’s Manufacturing Index showing we’ve recorded 15 months of consecutive growth – the longest run since 2001.
This unprecedent growth is despite the closure of automotive manufacturing and the continued neglect of Victorian manufacturing by the Turnbull Liberal Government.
Founded in 1987, Heritage Fine Chocolates is one a number of Victorian manufacturing success stories that have benefited from this growth.
The company makes around 2,000 tonnes of chocolate every year at its Rowville factory, supplies all major supermarket chains in Australia and actively exports into Asian markets.
A number of Heritage employees trained at TAFE to develop their skills, which has been instrumental in helping them to secure and further their manufacturing careers.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes $172 million to make 30 priority TAFE courses free, with courses focusing on the skills our state needs to build the major road and rail projects, new schools and hospitals Victorians needs.
Victorian manufacturing contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy and is home to over 13,000 businesses employing more than 286,000 people. The State exported $18.16 billion of manufactured goods in 2016-17.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“We’re backing Victorian manufactures so they can create jobs and boost our economy.”
“Our investment in manufacturing is helping local businesses grow and our record investment in TAFE will ensure more people have a stronger pathway in their chosen careers.”
Quote attributable to Australian Industry Group Victorian Head Tim Piper
“Manufacturing is critical part of Victoria’s economic success story and this growth streak reflects the strength of our world-class manufacturers.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020