THE Victorian Government is backing two Ballarat agricultural machinery producers, Goldacres and Southern Spreaders, to expand their operations, in a move which it says will create 27 jobs and drive Victoria’s competitiveness as a farm machinery manufacturer.

Goldacres manufactures spray units, and a $2.78-million project will reconfigure Goldacres’ its facility with new infrastructure, equipment and technology that will enable the company to produce larger models of self-propelled sprayers.

The company has said customer demand for larger and self-propelled sprayers was increasing, and it was looking to respond to this by producing a 48-metre boom sprayer.

Goldacres will also use the funding for research and development to diversify its operations into the horticultural sector with models suited to different industry needs.

Southern Spreaders designs and manufactures agriculture spreader machinery, and supplies made-to-order spreaders for the Australia and New Zealand market.

The company’s $860,000 investment will allow Southern Spreaders to create an additional arm of its business which produces a range of spreaders for a national dealership distribution network.

The new product line under the Hansa brand name will be one of the only Australian-made spreaders in the market, and is expected to replace 10 per cent of imported products.

The investment will go towards modifications of the shop floor for better efficiency, and the installation of new cranes and painting equipment to support a more intensive production line.

The Victorian Government under Premier Daniel Andrews is funding both projects through its Regional Jobs Fund.

“Goldacres and Southern Spreaders have a long and proud history in Ballarat, and with our support, we look forward to watching these Ballarat manufacturers thrive into the future,” Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, said.

Source: Victorian Government