Seeley International has purchased 4.7 hectares of land in Wodonga to build a $20 million manufacturing hub.
Seeley International Group Managing Director, Jon Seeley, said the proposed 12,000sq/m state-of-the-art manufacturing hub also includes an existing warehouse on the new site, which will further improve logistics and efficiencies in the new facility. The new Wodonga manufacturing hub will use advanced technology and automation processes to produce a range of innovative and energy efficient heating and cooling products for both the Australian and international markets.
Mr. Seeley also emphasised the future benefits that Seeley International and the Wodonga community will benefit from the purchase of the land and the manufacturing hub.
“This exciting new facility is a significant strategic milestone for Seeley International, providing an ideal base for our current and future growth. It also enables us to maintain a strong employer presence within the local community as we continue to invest in our loyal workforce, with projected direct employment growth of around 60 percent in the next five years.
“There will also be knock-on economic benefits for the local community during the construction activity and beyond as trades, our workforce, transport and logistics operators and other contractors come into the area and take advantage of local shops, cafes and other businesses.”
Mr. Seeley also stated that work on the project, which is part-funded by a Victorian Premier’s Job and Investment Fund grant, is well under way to see the new manufacturing facility fully operational before the end of 2019. Early drafts of architectural images of the building exterior have been issued today by Seeley International and will be further refined once final council approval is provided.
“This innovative manufacturing hub—which replaces our dated, much smaller current facility in nearby Albury–will play a critical role in our overall operations. This will occur in stages, by initially utilising the existing warehouse from the second quarter of 2018 whilst the new factory is built and equipped, ramping up to full production by the end of 2019.
“As an industry leader, Seeley International is committed to creating innovative and energy efficient heating and cooling products for national and international markets, and it is critical that we have modern manufacturing facilities and techniques to enable this to happen.
“At a time when many other Australian manufacturers are closing their doors, downsizing or looking to move off-shore, we are pleased to be able to strengthen our local commitment by investing in this development, and continuing to focus on innovation, developing world class technology and integrating high levels of automation.”
This story and the accompanying images were provided courtesy of Seeley International. The accompanying video was made by Seeley International and is available on YouTube. This story was edited slightly prior to publication.