Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva today welcomed the decision by leading US-headquartered engineering supplier Parker Hannifin to consolidate its Australia-New Zealand operations in Wodonga, creating 40 new local jobs.
The consolidation of Parker Hannifin’s Australia-New Zealand hydraulic hose and fitting manufacturing operations at Wodonga is the result of a significant investment by the company and the Victorian Government to upgrade equipment and facilities and implement a training and recruitment program.
Mr Dalla-Riva said the decision to choose Wodonga as the centre of these operations over the company’s other facilities at Auckland and Adelaide was testament to the attractive operating conditions for large manufacturers in Victoria.
“I am very pleased to see a major company choosing to invest even further in Victoria and take advantage of the conditions such as excellent rail, road and port freight channels across the state and a 24-hour airport at Melbourne that ensure Victoria is one of the best states in which to operate an international manufacturing business,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley also welcomed the decision.
“We are always pleased to have reaffirmed that Wodonga is a great base for manufacturing and this decision will not only cement existing jobs at the facility but grow employment in the local area and contribute greatly to the local economy,” Mr Tilley said.
“Parker Hannifin also has an agreement with the local Wodonga TAFE to continue to develop employee skills which is a great example of working with the community to retain a skills base here in Wodonga.”
While in north-east Victoria Mr Dalla-Riva also made site visits to:
- Kiewa Valley Engineering Pty Ltd to congratulate them on winning a major contract with German company Deger Energie to manufacture 100 steel platforms that support a solar tracking device and solar panels that can be used to harness electricity; and
- Vitasoy Australia Products Pty Ltd which has undertaken an $18 million expansion of its Wodonga plant.