Victoria Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

Production Efficiency Strengthens Local Manufacturing

Victor P Taffa

Victorian-based designer and manufacturer of automotive lighting equipment, Hella Australia Pty Ltd, today opened a new operational excellence line which will produce lamps for Ford’s Falcon and Territory models.

Opening the production line at Hella Australia’s Mentone facilities, Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Minister Richard Dalla-Riva said the new streamlined approach would result in improved efficiencies and a more cost-effective model of production.

“The Victorian Government has supported Hella Australia in this major investment to develop the new Superline for Ford’s Falcon and Territory.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“Advances in manufacturing, such as this new operational line, bring huge potential benefits to local manufacturers, boosting productivity and competitiveness and providing opportunities to expand into emerging markets.”

This latest announcement builds on Hella Australia’s recent successes, including a contract to supply components for Malaysian auto manufacturer Proton.

“Tier one supplier Hella Australia is winning auto-related export business in the Asia-Pacific and this is further credit to our local automotive supply and manufacturing capabilities.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“Hella Australia’s diversification into mining and construction, along with efforts capturing business in new markets such as Malaysia, and its track record in driving innovation and productivity gains, are commendable.

“Hella Australia’s Victorian operations are continuing to show that our local automotive suppliers can compete against lower cost producers from Asian countries, and win contracts.”

“This investment is also an indicator of Hella Australia’s confidence in Fords future here in Victoria, with new models planned for release.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Earlier this month Mr Dalla-Riva announced that Nissan Casting Pty Ltd had secured a global $21 Million contract to supply three components for Nissan’s all-electrical LEAF vehicle.

Mr. Dalla-Riva said rebuilding Victoria’s manufacturing base was a key priority for the Victorian Government.

“The Victorian Government is committed to the future of manufacturing in our state, and deals such as this prove our manufacturers are innovative, quality-driven and globally competitive.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Victoria’s automotive manufacturing industry employs 28,000 people, earning exports worth $2 Billion annually and conducting 75 % of the nation’s automotive research and development.

Hella Australia employs around 400 people in Mentone, responsible for the design, development and manufacture of a range of products, including headlamps, signal lamps, interior and exterior lighting, as well as auxiliary lamps. Hella Australia’s products are developed and built using state-of-the-art technology and are used on some of the most sophisticated new cars in the world.

Hella Australia’s parent company, Hella KGaA, is based in Germany with operations throughout Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific, and is one of the top 50 global automotive suppliers in the world.

Victoria Treasurer Kim Wells

Victoria Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

Revitalising Victoria’s Manufacturing Industry

Victor P Taffa

The Coalition Government is delivering on its election commitment to establish a Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) inquiry to inform the strategic direction and growth of Victoria’s Manufacturing Industry.

Treasurer Kim Wells said the six month inquiry is a key plank of the Coalition’s forward-looking approach to revitalising the Manufacturing Sector.

“The Coalition is committed to putting in place the right policy settings that will revitalise our manufacturing industry, create new jobs and grow the manufacturing sector’s contribution to our broader economy.” Mr. Wells said.

Victoria’s manufacturing sector employs around 310,000 people in a range of industries including automotive car and components, advanced electronics and machinery, defence suppliers, chemicals and plastics, pharmaceuticals, fabricated metals, TCF, and food Processing.

Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva encouraged all interested parties, including small-to-medium enterprises, to contribute to this important inquiry.

“Victoria’s manufacturers are innovative, quality-driven and committed to their industries. Their forward looking ideas, understanding of current constraints and practical solutions will be pivotal to the outcomes of this inquiry.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“This inquiry is about getting the basics right, backing local innovation, improving our international competitiveness and creating the opportunities for local job creation across Victoria.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

For almost a century, Victoria has led Australia as a manufacturing powerhouse, exporting products to the world and creating the bedrock of our state’s jobs market.

The Sector declined under the Brumby Labor Government, with Victoria’s share of the National Manufacturing Industry falling sharply from 31.3 % in 2000 to 27.5 % in 2009.

Victoria has lost more than 40 % of the Manufacturing Jobs lost in Australia since 2000.

The inquiry will take into account the 2010 report Manufacturing in Victoria by the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee and will also identify key drivers of future growth across the sector.

The Commission’s inquiry will consider submissions and will release a draft report for consultation before a final report is provided to the Government. For more information on the inquiry visit www.vcec.vic.gov.au

VIC Minister for Exports Trade & Manufacturing Richard Dalla-Riva

Victoria Minister for Manufacturing Exports & Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

Nominations Sought For Excellence In Manufacturing

Victor P Taffa

Visiting one of the Global Leaders in Rail Manufacturing today, Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva encouraged industry associations and companies to nominate locally-based manufacturers for the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame 2011.

At Bombardier Transportation Australia in Dandenong, Australia’s only Manufacturing Minister Richard Dalla-Riva said that nominations were now being sought for Victorian manufacturers whose innovative and sophisticated solutions to manufacturing are world-class.

“Victoria’s Manufacturers are innovative, quality-driven and committed to their industries, and these awards highlight true excellence.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

The 2011 awards include two new categories, one for entrepreneurial excellence by a company and the second for a young manufacturer working with enabling technologies for manufacturing such as information and communication technology, nano and microtechnology, and biotechnology.

“Now is the chance for our local industry to have their say in nominating those individuals and companies who have made their mark in manufacturing.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in manufacturing in Victoria and our Government will provide the support and necessary development opportunities to ensure that Victoria is recognised as Australia’s leading manufacturing state.”

“We will focus on rebuilding the local manufacturing sector, starting with local procurement in expanding the suburban train network by 20 %.”

“The Baillieu Government will ensure manufacturing businesses have greater access to new research and technologies, expanded markets and future opportunities through enhanced relationships with tertiary and R&D institutions and industry-focused government assistance.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Successful Hall of Fame award winners represent the depth and capability of Victoria’s manufacturing sector working in areas such as aeronautics, automotive, telecommunications, printing, textiles, scientific instruments, health, packaging, marine, recycling and food.

Train Manufacturer Bombardier recently won a competitive tender to build and maintain Adelaide’s 66 new high-tech electric Trains over the next four years, further cementing the future of Train building in Victoria. Bombardier also won the contract to supply 50 new Trams for Melbourne with options of an additional 100 Trams.

“Since their inception, 106 companies, 22 honour roll recipients and seven outstanding young manufacturers have been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Nominations for the awards opened on 23 December, 2010 and remain open until 28 February, 2011. The award winners will be announced at the Hall of Fame Awards night to be held on 26 May 2011, during National Manufacturing Week.

For more information about the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame visit www.business.vic.gov.au/halloffame