Australian advanced technology company VAILO announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast in preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
This strategic move is set to position VAILO at the forefront of the burgeoning advanced manufacturing sector in Queensland, while also bolstering its research and development (R&D) capabilities in South Australia, the company said in a media release.
Founded in 2012, VAILO has grown from an importer to a leading Australian manufacturer specialising in ultra-high-performance LED lighting.
The company’s transition to manufacturing has allowed it to export Australian-designed and made lighting products internationally.
The new facility in Queensland will serve as a significant boost for VAILO’s expansion into the eastern states’ markets and beyond.
VAILO’s founder and Chief Executive, Aaron Hickmann, emphasised that the Queensland facility will provide the company with considerable competitive advantages and will support ongoing R&D efforts in South Australia.
“VAILO will be better placed for the major investments being made into sporting and other infrastructure ahead of the Brisbane Olympic games and will benefit from being part of an entrepreneurial, innovative and progressive environment in which to conduct business,” Hickmann stated.
Hickmann also highlighted the strong support VAILO has received from the Queensland community and the state’s Manufacturing Minister, Glenn Butcher.
“The Queensland community is incredibly supportive to local manufacturing while backing local companies for local projects and I’ve appreciated meeting with Queensland Manufacturing Minister, Glenn Butcher, to discuss the Made in Queensland Program,” Hickmann added.
Minister Butcher expressed enthusiasm for VAILO’s decision, underscoring Queensland’s growing prominence as a manufacturing hub.
““I’ve always said Queensland is the place to be for manufacturing – our Government has prioritised investment in this crucial job generating industry,” said Minister Butcher,” Minister Butcher said.
The company is currently finalising negotiations to lease a manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast, with plans to be fully operational by the end of the year.
Colliers Industrial & Logistics Brisbane National Director, David Brisk, commended VAILO’s decision, noting the anticipated growth in the region leading up to the 2032 Olympics.
“We are pleased to be appointed to exclusively represent VAILO on their relocation of their advanced manufacturing facility into South-East Queensland,” Brisk said.
Malcolm Richards, CEO of Lighting Council Australia, highlighted the significance of supporting Australian lighting manufacturers.
“Australia is at the forefront of innovative lighting, and, incredibly, companies like VAILO are achieving this domestically,” Richards stated.
VAILO’s R&D operations will remain in South Australia, with ongoing negotiations for a new facility in the Tonsley Innovation District, a hub for technological innovation located 12 km from Adelaide’s city centre.
The company’s existing Wayville site, initially planned for joint R&D and manufacturing, will be sold as part of this strategic realignment.
With the establishment of the new Queensland facility and the continued development of its R&D capabilities in South Australia, VAILO said it anticipates growth, expanding its workforce beyond the current 27 employees spread across the country.
