New hub to bring jobs to Geelong
DEAKIN’S Waurn Ponds campus has gained another technology centre with the official opening of the ManuFutures building yesterday.
Several businesses have signed up to be involved in the centre, including the developer of virtual reality training systems for firefighters.
The $13 million site includes manufacturing production space, laboratories, serviced offices, reception and meeting areas.
Victorian Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford joined with Deakin vice chancellor Jane den Hollander to officially open the building, located near Carbon Nexus.
Ms Pulford said the new centre would support up to 15 commercial enterprises and 150 people working in advanced manufacturing.
“Geelong has a strong manufacturing future, and with the opening of ManuFutures, it shows a real vote of confidence in Geelong as it embraces hi-tech and innovative manufacturers,” Ms Pulford said at the launch yesterday.
So far, seven tenants have been secured, including Insight Engineering, HeiQ, Flaim Systems, Partington Advanced Engineering, FormFlow, Conflux Technology and The Smart Think.
Professor den Hollander said the companies, who all had strong links with Deakin, exemplified the modern approach to job creation.
“Typically, great Australian inventions are refined and monetised overseas, but in order to compete through a strong economy, Australia must link high technology innovation to new ideas and to do so quickly and competitively,” the Deakin chief said.
“Deakin Geelong has proved a perfect environment with ManuFutures fully occupied and with 51 new jobs one month after occupancy of all tenants.”