The expansion will come through a $3.94 million investment by Quickstep Holdings Limited, the largest independent aerospace composites manufacturer in Australia. Quickstep will upgrade Tullamarine MRO equipment, business processes and facilities with capabilities recently acquired from Boeing Australia.
In a statement, Mark Burgess, Quickstep Chief Executive, said the organisation is proud to be partnering with the government on the investment. Martin Pakula, the Victorian Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, acknowledged the importance of rebuilding jobs and confidence in the aviation industry:
“The benefits will flow beyond Quickstep to supply companies and their workers, and the growth in jobs and manufacturing capabilities will entrench Victoria as a regional leader in the sector.”
Investment in the aviation sector is designed to return previously offshored aviation maintenance to the domestic economy through strengthened local capability and skilled jobs. As part of the state’s plan for economic recovery, the Victorian government is using the Manufacturing Industry and Development Fund to back manufacturers in expanding operations and delivering new technologies.
Printing services can be called on to facilitate the collation and presentation of application material by those seeking to participate in grant and award programmes.
The aviation industry in Victoria contributes an estimated $1.7 billion to the economy annually and accounts for around 6,700 jobs.