Manufacturer’s upgrades sew good for new jobs

25/07/2025

A white industrial sewing machine and brown table, with green fabrics layered to the left of the machinery. Similar stations are visible in the right side of the image, and pictures of the factory can be seen on the far wall.

We’re supporting workers and the regional economy with the completion of a major three-stage expansion at CE Bartlett in Ballarat, which is set to boost local jobs and the production of advanced textile goods.

The expansion has created 22 jobs at CE Bartlett’s Wendouree Factory, which can now manufacture a broader range of textile products. This is thanks to the availability of more floor space in the site’s water tank liner factory and general assembly areas, as well as the installation of advanced industrial sewing machinery.

The upgrades mean that the family-owned company, which has operated out of Ballarat since 1956, can produce more high-value goods for customers in industries including agriculture, transportation, viticulture and blinds.

The expansion will also put the company in a strong position to meet growing demand for advanced textile goods in other areas. These include camping and outdoor recreation, which are seeing an uptick in demand for trailer manufacturing.

CE Bartlett CEO Dave Thomas is looking forward to putting the upgrades to good use.

“The recent completion of the Three-Phase Business Expansion Project has significantly increased CE Bartlett’s manufacturing capacity and workforce capability.”

“We have enhanced our readiness to deliver on future defence contracts and improved our ability to undertake large-scale projects across a range of industries,” said Mr Thomas.

Our investment in CE Bartlett is part of a wider commitment to supporting advanced manufacturing in regional Victoria. This investment is helping create more local jobs and build a stronger regional supply chain.

Elsewhere in Ballarat, similar funding has supported upgrades at JG King’s Project Windows and Doors Facility. Meanwhile, ongoing support for the Ballarat West Employment Zone is helping manufacturing businesses such as Field Air and John Valves establish operations in the regional city.

Support for CE Bartlett’s expansion is part of our record investment of $47 billion in just over a decade in projects that are making regional cities and towns even better places to live, work, stay, experience, invest and study.