Geelong’s Phoenix rises with grant

PHOENIX Fabrication and Welding will receive a $159,091 grant to expand its manufacturing facilities and create seven new jobs in fabrication, sheet metal work and hydraulic fitting.

The grant is part of the Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF) that is helping local manufacturing transition out of the automotive sector, following both factory closures by Ford set for October this year. Phoenix has engineered and supplied equipment to regional trucking companies for more than 20 years. 

The GRIIF is a $29.5 million package developed by the Australian and Victorian Governments and Ford Australia in response to Ford’s announcement that it will cease local production in 2016. The fund was expanded in 2014 by a $5 million contribution from Alcoa of Australia to support Geelong workers, businesses and communities affected by its decision to close the Point Henry aluminium smelter.

Industry, Innovation and Science Minister, Christopher Pyne and Victorian Industry Minister, Lily D'Ambrosio announced the grant to support regional investment and new manufacturing jobs in Geelong.

“Ford Australia is proud to be a GRIIF contributor and to see the fund support new business investment and innovation that will create new, sustainable jobs,” Ford Australia CEO Graeme Whickman said. “GRIIF is an important element of Ford Australia’s commitment to support local communities that may be affected by our business changes and it compliments Ford Australia’s leading local investment in automotive R&D.”

Alcoa Australia chairman and managing director Michael Parker said, “Alcoa is pleased that the Fund continues to enable businesses to grow, innovate and capture new markets, helping to create employment for the region.”

Mr Pyne said, “This grant will support Phoenix, a business that has supplied equipment to Geelong’s local trucking companies for over 20 years, to invest, grow and create sustainable jobs for the future.”

“This is a great example of customers and government working with local manufacturers to expand and grow, with economic benefits flowing to the entire region,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“With GRIIF grants currently totalling more than $26 million to support $140 million in project investment, the fund has already enabled the Geelong region to create over 830 jobs.”

www.business.gov.au/GRIIF Projects Supported

 

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