Seeley International have announced their expansion plans on its existing Albury manufacturing plant.
Seeley International’s expansion plans involve its Albury manufacturing plant relocating to a large $20m purpose-built facility, which is to be constructed at nearby Wodonga. Seeley International Founder and Executive Chairman, Frank Seeley AM FAICD, said the exciting move, which is to be part-funded by a grant from the Victorian Premier’s Job and Investment Fund, would establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing hub which will produce a range of innovative products to be sold in Australian and international markets.
“As a long standing employer within the Albury-Wodonga community, Seeley International is pleased that this investment accommodates our expansion needs and positions the Company for significant jobs growth and success in the years ahead–with 64 percent forecast growth in new local employment opportunities expected to be created in the next five years.
“Our local manufacturing facility continues to play a critical role in our overall operations, and as well as continuing to fully manufacture award-winning Braemar heating products, the Climate Wizard metal range and the entire AIRA product range, we have also recently welcomed a dozen new engineers and other team members to the plant.
“One of the biggest challenges we now face is that we have outgrown the existing facility, and with space at a premium it has fast-tracked the need for relocation plans. Establishing a new and larger facility at nearby Wodonga allows us to retain and grow local employee numbers and maintain a strong employer presence within the local community.”
In acknowledging the grant contribution of the Victorian government, Mr Seeley said it was critical that all levels of government assist manufacturers to develop new products, and support expansion of production facilities.
“Seeley International continues to commit high annual expenditure on research and development of new manufacturing techniques, and to create innovative products that are the most energy efficient, necessitating state-of-the-art facilities to enable this to happen.”
“As the home of Braemar gas heaters and air conditioners, our Albury-based plant has established a vertically integrated manufacturing and assembly operation that employs more than 80 permanent people. As well as being a major employer in the region and supporting a number of worthwhile local causes for more than 20 years, we look forward to the area’s economy also reaping the flow-on benefits that will come with our new location and expanded workforce.”
This announcement comes two weeks after Seeley International’s two-time Award win at the 2017 Albury Wodonga Business Awards. While a construction site and plans are yet to be finalised, Seeley International stated that the new Wodonga manufacturing facility will be operational in early 2019.
This story and the accompanying image of Seeley International Group Managing Director, Jon Seeley (L) and Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews (R), were provided courtesy of Seeley International. This story was edited slightly prior to publication.