Movers and Shakers

By Hamish Heard
Local eyes Kiwi
A $115.8 million takeover bid is set to make local company Godfrey Hirst Australia’s biggest carpet manufacturer.
The company is eyeing an outright purchase of New Zealand outfit Feltex and has put an offer on the table after an earlier takeover bid failed last year.
The purchase, if approved by Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, would lead to Godfrey Hirst almost doubling in size.
However, the company reportedly would not consolidate Feltex operations at Godfrey Hirst’s Geelong manufacturing base.
Feltex shareholders are expected to vote on whether to accept the offer at a meeting next month.
Seventy-five per cent of shareholders must vote in favour of the sale for it to proceed.
Double dipping
Local employers seeking multi-skilled workers will find recruitment easier when the first round of double-diploma graduates leave Gordon Institute of TAFE’s School of Business and Management.
Gordon will offer the double diplomas from next year to target problems associated with a skills crisis and an ageing workforce.
School of Business and Management head Sue Chisolm said the program would give students a variety of skills to meet the varying needs of the everyday workplace.
“These courses are not just designed to produce good employees but good managers and business owners,” she said.
Information on the new courses will be on display at the Gordon’s Open Day, set for August 20.
Production stalled
A $50,000 theft has caused major disruption at Lara-based industrial heat transfer manufacturer Air Radiators.
Air Radiators general manager Derek Lipka said the company was undertaking a “significant” review of its security measures following the theft of power and air tools, cameras and computer equipment.
The loss of essential manufacturing equipment and damage to the plant would disrupt production for several weeks, he said.
“This is a major setback for Air Radiators and comes at a time when the company and our employees have been enjoying continual growth and success,” Mr Lipka said.
“It’s going to take us a while to recover from this.”
The company has offered a $5000 reward for information leading to a conviction of the thieves.
Less is best
Geelong has become home to the 155th Best and Less store in Australia.
The regional manager of the family apparel and Manchester retailer, Geelong-based Joanne Barney, said the response to the new store from prospective employees was encouraging.
“Everyone talks about how hard it is to find decent employees but we found 60 locals to help with the store opening and 30 of those will be retained,” Ms Barney said.
“We were just so impressed with the overall quality of staff available in Geelong and it’s just unfortunate we can’t retain all of them.”
The store is in a redeveloped section of Market Square Shopping Centre.