13th May 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is backing Victorian manufacturers to expand, creating more than 500 jobs and making the sector more competitive.

Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula today announced 28 small-to-medium sized manufacturing businesses will share in more than $10 million of funding through the Labor Government’s Business Competitiveness Program.

It provides grants of up to $500,000 to help businesses expand their operations, introduce new technology and generate more jobs.

The co-funded projects are worth more than $35 million collectively and are expected to create more than 550 new jobs across the state.

Recipients are located across Victoria and operate in a variety of sectors including food and beverage, construction, textiles, and machinery and equipment.

They include Moorabbin muesli manufacturer Grain & Bake Co, which will expand its product range with the help of a new automated production line.

The project will create 37 new jobs and support the company’s rapid growth and expansion in the Asian market.

Another recipient, Bayswater-based caravan manufacturing business Track Trailer, will establish a purpose-built production facility to make its new Trakmaster caravans, creating 28 new jobs.

Designed for the Australian outback and off-roading, the Trakmaster caravans will enable the business to sell its products to customers it has never sold to before.

For a full list of Business Competitiveness Program grant recipients, visit business.vic.gov.au/.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula

Victoria’s manufacturing sector is critical to the state’s economic growth and these grants will help boost jobs and encourage innovation.”

“Victoria is Australia’s as the manufacturing state – that’s why we’re backing these businesses to become more competitive and future-focused.”

Quote attributable to Grain & Bake Co Chief Executive Officer Narelle Plapp

“This grant will help us expand to increase our production capacity, create more jobs and reach new markets to meet growing demand.”