By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CONFIDENCE in the state’s manufacturing sector was given a much-needed boost last week when a new engineering facility was officially opened in Hallam.
The new $800,000 high-tech plant was opened at KH Equipment by Manufacturing Minister David Hodgett on Thursday, while the company also secured a $201,600 manufacturing grant from the State Government.
Mr Hodgett and Liberal Narre Warren North candidate Amanda Stapledon, who also attended the opening, congratulated the company on its expansion project.
“KH Equipment, which invented the ‘Austart’ cold ignition system, identified the need for two state-of-the-art CNC lathes and cell processors to boost production and export volume,” Mr Hodgett said.
“These new machines have required KH Equipment to double office and factory-floor space by building a substantial new factory next door to the current head office.”
The CNC machines can also be controlled over the internet, allowing for some orders to be managed from home.
Mr Hodgett said the project would significantly increase the company’s productivity, while two new jobs will be created in the process.
“More than 50 per cent of all income from the sale of the Austart starters already comes from exports to the USA, the UK, Europe and China,” Mr Hodgett said.
“This new investment and the company’s drive to find new export markets are directly in line with the Victorian Coalition Government’s vision for the future of our advanced manufacturing sector.
“Victoria is the hub of Australia’s manufacturing industry but to meet the challenge of competitive international markets, manufacturers must increase investment in new technology to remain competitive.”
