A local initiative has created as many as 36 jobs and added $31.8 million to the Central Victorian economy.
Bendigo Regional Manufacturing Group initiated a program of industry-based research projects and a series of workshops for the region’s manufacturing businesses.
Funded by a $2 million grant from the Australian Government Department of Education, an independent review found that in just 12 months the project created between 26 and 38 new jobs and added $31.8 million to the region’s economy.
The report by RM Consulting Group also highlighted that the project has strengthened connections between industry and La Trobe University.
Chairman of the Bendigo Regional Manufacturing Group, Mr Mark Brennan, said his members could not be more pleased with the outcome. “Not only has this project directly helped a number of manufacturing businesses implement positive change through digital technologies, it is a testament to what can be achieved when community, industry, and academia work together”, Mr Brennan said.
Mr Brennan praised La Trobe University for its leadership of this project and said the university has also gained a lot. “La Trobe University has learnt the importance of working with industry on industry’s priorities at industry’s heartbeat”, he said.
La Trobe University’s Professor of Practice in Engineering Chris Stoltz explained that the region’s bid for the $2 million was built upon earlier successes of three pilot projects supported by BRMG industry members. “Bendigo Regional Manufacturing Group is showing the way forward for further development of our already strong manufacturing sector”, Prof Stoltz said. “The BRMG and La Trobe University are proud of what we’ve achieved and we will continue with initiatives such as this”.
One business to have received funding support through the project and to have created new opportunities as a result, is Ceramic Oxide Fabricators (Aust) in Long Gully. This business manufactures high temperature (1600 C) in-situ oxygen sensors for environments such as industrial kilns and furnaces. 99% of all products manufactured here in regional Victoria are exported. General Manager Peter Crowhurst said “We cannot underscore the big difference this small amount of funding makes to our R&D capability.” Mr Crowhurst said his company must earn $5 in sales for every dollar it applies to Research & Development. “The benefit of being able to effectively apply funds and partnerships like what we have received through this initiative cannot be underscored enough,” said Mr Crowhurst. A consequence of these relationships is a level of export excellence, evidenced in new products, digital transformation, and international customer engagement. Facilitated through engagement of over 20 undergraduate and post graduate Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, 2 industry based PhD scholarships, and an intent for a further two PhD candidates.
It is hoped that further funding will be announced soon.
For further information contact:
Chris Stoltz AM
Professor of Practice in Engineering and
Director of Central Victoria Advanced Manufacturing at
Bendigo’s La Trobe University
0417 147631