The Allan Labor Government is supporting workers and the regional economy with the completion of a major three-stage expansion at CE Bartlett in Ballarat set to boost local jobs and the production of advanced textile goods.
Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes, today visited CE Bartlett's Wendouree site to mark the completion of its redevelopment, which was supported by the Labor Government through Regional Development Victoria.
As a result of the expansion, CE Bartlett has created 22 jobs and can now manufacture a broader range of textile products, thanks to more floor space in the site's water tank liner factory and general assembly area and the installation of advanced industrial sewing machinery.
The upgrades mean that the family-owned company, which has operated out of Ballarat since 1956, can produce more high-value goods for customers in industries including agriculture, transportation, viticulture and blinds.
The expansion will also ensure the company is in a strong position to meet growing demand for advanced textile goods in other areas, including camping and outdoor recreation, which is seeing an uptick in demand for trailer manufacturing.
Our support for CE Bartlett is part of a wider commitment to supporting advanced manufacturing in regional Victoria, create more local jobs and building a stronger regional supply chain.
Elsewhere in Ballarat, funding has supported upgrades at JG King's Project Windows and Doors Facility, while ongoing support for the Ballarat West Employment Zone is helping manufacturing businesses such as Field Air and John Valves establish operations in the City.
Support for CE Bartlett is part of our record investment of $47 billion in just over a decade in projects that are making regional cities and towns even better places to live, work, stay, experience, invest and study. For more information, go to rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
CE Bartlett have been a prominent supplier for various industries for nearly 70 years, and I'm pleased to see these works will help the proud family-owned business go from strength to strength as they expand operations."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle
"We're all about backing advanced manufacturing right here in our regions - creating local jobs and helping get more of our great products out to the rest of Australia and beyond."
As stated by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
"With 22 new local jobs created through this important expansion project, we're delivering for Ballarat workers and the regional economy."
As stated by CE Bartlett CEO Dave Thomas
"The recent completion of the Three-Phase Business Expansion Project has significantly increased CE Bartlett's manufacturing capacity and workforce capability - we have enhanced our readiness to deliver on future defence contracts and improved our ability to undertake large-scale projects across a range of industries."
