Innovative Hydraulics Pty Ltd will move to Donald, adding six new jobs, with the aid of a $39,000 Brumby Labor Government grant, the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said today.
Ms Broad said Innovative Hydraulics was based in Mackay, Queensland to service hydraulic equipment for the mining industry in northern and central Queensland.
“Innovative Hydraulics has since refocused its operations, to design and manufacture drilling platforms and rigs for exploration, water boring and geotechnical services sectors for clients throughout Australia,” Ms Broad said.
“It also provides sales, service and repair of hydraulic components for a wide range of clients, locally and further afield.
“With this shift in emphasis, the company does not need to be in Queensland to service clients, and the cost of doing business and servicing clients is considerably lower in Victoria.
“Therefore it is moving to Donald, in north west Victoria which will involve relocating its seven workers and families; plant and equipment; and upgrade of power to the leased premises,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad said the company planned to expand its operations, employ and train an additional six local workers, bringing the total number of workers to 13.
“The relocation of Innovative Hydraulics will bring workers and their families to the Buloke Shire, which has suffered from population decline in recent years partly due to the drought.
“Innovative Hydraulics is an innovative company that will add to the capabilities and critical mass of the Buloke Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Cluster, which has already developed resources in design, technical, maintenance, assembly and marketing.
“It’s great news for jobs and skills in Donald because it will provide new local employment and training including a fitter, machinist, spray painter, apprentice and cadet engineer or drafts person.”
Ms Broad said the grant to Innovative Hydraulics was being provided under the Brumby Labor Government’s Community Regional Industry Skills Program (CRISP) through Regional Development Victoria.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to helping companies like Innovative Hydraulics to expand while stimulating economic and population growth right across rural and regional Victoria,” she said.