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Latrobe Valley To Flex Its Steel Manufacturing Muscles The Victorian Coalition Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund will help create a further ten new full-time manufacturing jobs in the Latrobe Valley. By Russell Northe - 18th June 2013 - Back to News Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Member for Morwell Russell Northe announced today that the Coalition Government would provide $250,000 to assist Steeline Gippsland expand its Traralgon operations.
Mr Northe said the Steeline Gippsland Expanding Capability Project would see a total of $4.4 million invested at Steeline’s Eastern Road site.
"Steeline will invest in a new larger purpose-built factory that will enable the company to increase its manufacturing capability by acquiring additional manufacturing equipment," Mr Northe said.
"Investing in new premises and equipment will allow Steeline to expand its market share – increasing its range of roofing materials, wall cladding and guttering.
"This, together with improvements to factory layout and sales capability, will provide opportunities to lower costs and increase profits."
Mr Northe said the expansion would provide a significant boost for the local economy and create more employment opportunities in the Latrobe Valley.
"A new factory and infrastructure will have an immediate impact on Steeline’s productivity, and, as a result, a positive influence on the Latrobe Valley economy," Mr Northe said.
"From the outset 10 full-time manufacturing jobs will be created, in addition to the nine existing positions which will be retained, increasing the skills base in the local area."
Mr Ryan said the $250,000 in Coalition Government funding had been secured through the $15 million Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund – a part of the larger $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.
"Already the Regional Growth Fund has delivered more than $9 million for 31 projects in the Latrobe Valley, sparking a $27.4 million economic boost and creating 135 jobs," Mr Ryan said.
"More than $3.7 million of that funding has been allocated through the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund, which has generated 127 of those jobs."
Mr Ryan said in the past month alone, the Coalition Government had contributed to several other major infrastructure projects through the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund.
"This includes $250,000 towards a $545,000 expansion at Morwell’s Pinegro, allowing the company to significantly grow its business and create 10 new full-time jobs," Mr Ryan said.
"Other projects funded through the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund have included $490,000 towards Lion's Morwell $2,642,423 electricity line upgrade, $280,000 towards a $576,000 improvement project at Hydro Australia and $326,000 towards the Fisher’s Pallet and Wood Treatment Upgrade, a project worth a total of $964,382."
Media contact: Russell Northe 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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