Speeding up production to grow jobs for Geelong

03/04/2023

The Victorian Government is backing businesses in Geelong to invest in advanced manufacturing equipment to fast-track production and create 55 secure jobs across a range of industries.

Works are underway at Moolap-based boat manufacturer Edencraft International. The business aims to boost its production of boats, creating 31 new jobs backed by the Regional Jobs Fund.

Edencraft is a family-owned business specialising in manufacturing recreational and commercial trailer boats for more than 35 years. Demand for its quality craftsmanship is growing with a 12-month waitlist for its products.

The company is installing advanced manufacturing machinery at its workshop that will help increase production and reduce manufacturing timeframes by 40 per cent. This will mean that within three years, the company will have the ability to build up to 100 boats per year, up from 30.

The company has partnerships with several education institutions to deliver apprenticeships, training and school-based apprenticeships in boat building, electrical, fabrication, welding, mechanics and business administration. This provides a pipeline of skilled workers Edencraft can employ.

The Victorian Government’s Regional Jobs Fund is also helping food manufacturers Farm Foods invest in advanced manufacturing machinery at their site in Breakwater and create 24 new jobs.

Farm Foods began in a small shop in Birregurra selling fresh hand-made meat products. It now specialises in manufacturing a range of pre-packaged meat and plant protein products for Australia’s major retailers.

Thanks to the Government’s support, the business is upgrading its advanced manufacturing technology and equipment to speed up production. This will help increase production, increasing sales by up to 20%.

The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and backs councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.

The Fund is part of the Government’s record investment of more than $36 billion in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.

For more information go to Regional Jobs Fund.