Geelong Rolls Out Welcome Mat To Quickstep Holdings

The Andrews Labor Government has secured a $13.9 million investment by carbon fibre and advanced composites manufacturer Quickstep Holdings to relocate process, research and development (R&D) functions from Germany to Geelong, creating 20 new, highly skilled jobs.

In Waurn Ponds today, Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, said Quickstep’s relocation reinforced Geelong’s reputation as a growing centre for carbon fibre manufacturing technology.

The Labor Government worked with Quickstep Holdings to secure the relocation of its R&D functions from Germany to operate alongside its new Automotive Division at Deakin University’s Geelong Technology Precinct in Waurn Ponds.

By establishing its Global Technology and R&D Centre at Deakin University, Quickstep will create 20 highly skilled research and development jobs over four years along with job opportunities for Deakin University PhD students.

The new R&D facility will leverage equipment and expertise from other Geelong Technology Precinct tenants including Carbon Nexus, the Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR), the Institute for Frontier Materials and the Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre.

Quickstep aims to make Geelong its automotive composites solutions centre and is also developing capability to be part of the defence industry supply chain, working with a range of businesses. Quickstep has recently secured a niche volume order to produce a series of up to 1000 lightweight carbon fibre engine compartment parts for a global vehicle manufacturer, with production expected to begin in early 2016.

The Government’s $200 million Future Industries Fund will play an active role in working with business experts and workers to grow our traditional industries and invest in emerging sectors.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“Securing Quickstep’s R&D operations confirms our reputation as a global leader and as a state ready to attract and accept investment from across our region.”

“We’re working hard to make Geelong home to the high skilled jobs and industries of the future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio

“Victoria has a long and proud history in advanced manufacturing and our highly skilled workforce provides a strong base for our economy.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“By facilitating this relocation the Labor Government is creating jobs and generating investment in Geelong.”

Quotes attributable to Quickstep Holdings Limited Chairman Tony Quick

“We are grateful to the Victorian Government for their support which has enabled us to consolidate our Research and Development activity in Geelong, building on over a decade of collaboration with Deakin University.” 

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