Industrial estate helps grow local workforce

THERE are some new faces out at the Ballarat West Employment Zone, also known as BWEZ.

New tenants include metal manufacturer Chris’ Body Builders, agricultural machinery dealer Cervus, infrastructure contractor Sovereign Civil, office furniture manufacturer and supplier Office Vision, and JCB dealer Michael’s Group.

With the additional businesses moving out to BWEZ, local authorities say the operations have added more than 150 jobs at the industrial estate.

The site is a partnership of the State Government and City of Ballarat, and both have invested $30 million into the location.

Last week Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas visited BWEZ and checked out Office Vision’s spacious and contemporary showroom on Cargo Way.

“It’s great to see the diversity of businesses at BWEZ, and was lovely to tour the new facility of long-term manufacturers of office furniture, Office Vision, who are now looking to expand throughout western Victoria,” Ms Thomas said.

“At BWEZ we have manufacturing facilities, agricultural products… the diversity of business opportunities is only limited by the imagination of our small businesses.

“Businesses are feeling great confidence in making investments here in Ballarat, and there’s a real uptake in people choosing this city as their home. I feel very confident we’ll see a surge of employment opportunities… as we move into our vaccinated economy.”

Office Vision managing director Daniel Barker said his team has settled into the estate, having been on site for six months.

“The staff are loving the space, and we think the BWEZ development is one of quality,” he said.

“There’s growth happening here, it’s great to be part of that, and we’re proud to support the local economy.”

Already well established throughout BWEZ are tenants Westlab, Findlay Engineering, Milestone Benchtops, Kane Transport, and Luv-a-Duck.

Stage one and 1B of the BWEZ rollout generated 450 jobs.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said many of the state’s best industrial innovators are in Mitchell Park.

“These successful manufacturing businesses are investing in Ballarat because it is great place to do business with our skilled workforce and geographical location,” she said.