South Australian company Bedford has partnered with Leyton Property and Leyton Funds to establish a cutting-edge $45 million advanced manufacturing hub in Adelaide’s north.
To be located on what is expected to be one of SA’s largest commercial greenfield development sites, the planned facility will specialise in the advanced manufacturing of furniture and the supply of components to the commercial joinery and construction industry.
The advanced manufacturing hub is expected to be Australia’s largest social enterprise site that offers employment opportunities to people of all abilities. It will also support Bedford to maintain and foster its existing manufacturing contracts and provide opportunities for new partnerships, particularly with food and beverage producers north of Adelaide and across the state.
“The investment will significantly increase Bedford’s manufacturing capability to deliver a world-class commercial product to the market. This will include an investment in the latest automation and robotics technology,” said Sam Hunter, social enterprises COO at Bedford.
Bedford CEO Myron Mann said construction is slated to begin in late 2023 and be completed in 2025, pending council approval.
Construction of the manufacturing hub will employ approximately 100 people, while more than 200 people are expected to be hired once the hub is complete and operational.
The facility will offer high-value roles and transferable skills for employees of all abilities, with jobs including joiners, machine operators, production workers, chefs, supervisors, and apprentices.
“Bedford has a long and successful history of manufacturing in South Australia,” Mann said. “This investment in our future will enable us to grow, innovate and manufacture at scale while remaining true to our purpose to provide choices in skill-building and career pathways.”
Bedford’s investment in the upcoming advanced manufacturing hub is part of its five-year master plan, which was unveiled in November 2022. The company said it worked with advisory firm Broadway Property to source and secure the site and guide the joint venture partnership arrangements.
