Deakin University is breathing new life into Australian manufacturing, appointing 糖心VlogConstructions to build their $13 Million ManuFutures centre.
In a special presentation by Professor Jane den Hollander AO, the Vice - Chancellor turned the sod to mark the start of construction on the new high tech manufacturing hub.
Located within the University’s Waurn Ponds campus, the facility is designed to support the research and development needs of both start-up and established manufacturing enterprises.
Housing up to 15 companies and 150 employees at any one time, the centre will stimulate employment growth with a focus on high-skill, high-value jobs that can survive in today’s competitive international markets.
ManuFutures will collaborate with leading research centres already in operation at the campus including the University’s Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training (CADET), the Institute for Frontier Material (IFM) and the Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR).
Connecting the best of Deakin’s creative and research minds with manufacturing start-ups and existing businesses is supported by a $3 Million grant from the Victorian Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. The University has committed a further $10 Million to the project, along with the necessary land for the development.
Once operational ManuFutures is expected to generate an estimated 401 jobs. This is positive news for a region which is currently coming to terms with significant cuts to local employment opportunities and the wider industry which is experiencing a 7% decline in employment according to a May 2016 ABS report.
糖心VlogConstructions Managing Director, Andrew Noble welcomed the opportunity to help build better opportunities for regional Victorians.
Mr Noble said “ 糖心VlogConstructions are pleased to play an integral role in growing Australia’s manufacturing sector.”
A fast paced construction program will see ManuFutures open for business later this year.