Grants to trigger investment and growth in Melbourne’s north

06 Nov 2015 Media release

Manufacturing businesses in Melbourne’s north received a boost today with the announcement of more than $4 million in grants for projects to create 115 new jobs in the region.

The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Christopher Pyne, and the Victorian Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio, announced the successful applicants for the second round of Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund.

“The grants will support these businesses to invest more than $14 million in capital equipment and new facilities to capture new opportunities both at home and abroad,” Mr Pyne said.

“We are committed to supporting workers and communities when economic and industrial structural change occurs. The grants we announce today will help local businesses respond to these changes and create jobs.”

Following the closure of its Australian supplier, Kestrel Manufacturing Pty Ltd will use the funding to establish new manufacturing lines in Melbourne’s North to produce key inputs for its oil and chemical spill equipment.

“More than securing the production of a key input for their current products, this project will create 45 jobs as the business grows and collaborates with customers to develop new products,” Mr Pyne said.

Another grant recipient, the Brunswick based Harry and Larry’s Ice Cream, began making small batches of ice cream for its retail store in a Melbourne shopping centre. The grant will see 30 new jobs created and investment in a factory expansion with custom engineered production lines, including the latest freezing technology, to make a range of gourmet ice creams and desserts in complex shapes and layers.

“Such investments in manufacturing show just how capable Victorian businesses are in driving innovation. We know it is critical to create jobs and grow our economy,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“Having secured national customers and established its own brand, this business knew that ongoing success requires innovation.”

The Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund is a $24.5 million package developed by the Australian and Victorian Governments and Ford Australia in response to Ford’s announcement that it will cease local production in 2016.

“Ford Australia is proud to be contributing to the Fund to support investment by local business that generates employment growth,” President and CEO of Ford Australia Graeme Whickman said.

“It is an important element of Ford Australia’s commitment to transform its Australian business and support those affected by our changes.”

The recent grants build on the 16 projects already underway and expected to create more than 470 jobs by June 2016.

For more information visit –www.business.gov.au/MNIIF Projects Supported