Two Victorian agricultural machinery producers have secured State Government funding to expand and diversify their operations.
Ballarat-based Goldacres, which manufactures spraying equipment specifically designed to suit Australian conditions, will use the funding to kickstart a $2.78 million project to modernise its manufacturing facility with new infrastructure, equipment and technology.
The company is also looking to diversify into the horticultural sector and will invest in its R& D capabilities to develop different models suited to the different industry needs.
Southern Spreaders, which designs and manufactures agriculture spreader machinery, has been awarded $800,000 in funding to create an additional arm of its business, producing a range of spreaders for a national dealership distribution network.
The new, Australian-made product line will be called ‘Hansa’ and is expected to replace 10 per cent of imported products.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford said the two projects are expected to create 27 new jobs.
“Goldacres and Southern Spreaders have a long and proud history in Ballarat, and with our support, we look forward to watching these Ballarat manufacturers thrive into the future,” she added.
Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard said the investments will improve the competitiveness of Australian-made farm machinery.
“Our farmers deserve the best technology and equipment to get the job done – it’s even better when that’s made right here in Ballarat,” Mr Howard concluded.
Both projects are supported through the State’s Regional Jobs Fund.
