Looking forward: Manufacturing Minister Richard Dalla-Riva launches the new Corio factory on Wednesday.
By John Van Klaveren
A NEW $17 million factory at Corio could create 100 jobs, according to management.
RPC Technologies strategy and development manager Andrew Sarich said the Heales Rd factory had already hired 40 but could add more with further success.
The factory had already delivered four 70-tonne pipes to Wonthaggi’s desalination plant, he said.
Victorian Manufacturing Minister Richard Dalla-Riva officially launched the factory on Wednesday.
RPC Australia received a matching $2.75 million grant from Geelong Investment and Innovation Fund for the Corio project.
L Bisinella Developments spent $12 million building the 5600 square metre facility.
Mr Sarich said the Corio facility had capability to deliver to “all the company’s business units”.
“The project has created 40 jobs at the moment but is capable of 100 employees per shift as we get more business,” he said.
“We hope to open up new market opportunities in Victoria.”
RPC Technologies has an annual turnover of $65 million, employing 500 staff in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Indonesia.
The company manufactures composite materials for defence, water, transport, mining and energy sectors.
Mr Dalla-Riva and Member for Western Victoria Region David Koch used the factory opening to launch a new $800,000 industry partnership program.
Mr Dalla-Riva said the joint program with Deakin University and Geelong Manufacturing Council aimed to boost manufacturing jobs in the region.
