Friday, 7 September, 2018

A Melbourne caravan manufacturer has expanded its operations and created new jobs, thanks to support from the Victorian Government.

Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire announced funding for Campbellfield manufacturer JB Caravans today, assisting the company to invest $3.63 million to expand its production of caravans.

The Victorian Government’s Local Industry Fund for Transition grant has helped the company invest in a second production line dedicated to manufacturing on-road caravans and double its caravan manufacturing capacity from 12 to 24 caravans a week.

The expansion will create 55 new jobs, including jobs suitable for former automotive workers.

Despite the closure of passenger car manufacturing in Victoria, the caravan industry remains strong, with JB Caravans producing more than 500 caravans for distribution across Australia each year.

Over 90 per cent of Australia’s caravan production takes place in Victoria, contributing over $2 billion to the Victorian economy last year, and supporting over 6500 jobs.

The Victorian Government is committed to support the manufacturing industry, with the Local Industry Fund for Transition grants designed to help businesses generate new investment and create jobs for retrenched workers in areas affected by the closure of car manufacturing, including Melbourne’s North.

So far, the fund has supported 45 projects, expected to create over 1300 jobs – more than 1060 of which are suitable for former automotive workers.

The Victorian Government has also committed $130 million in manufacturing support, helping to create over 6,000 jobs and driving new business.

Quotes attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire

“The Victorian Government is backing the manufacturing industry, supporting companies to expand production, create jobs and put more Victorian-made vehicles on our roads.”

“We will also continue to support communities such as Melbourne’s north that have been affected by the closure of car manufacturing.”

“Manufacturing remains a strong part of this community’s fabric and we are proud to support this local business so it can continue to be a leader in caravan manufacturing.”