City has low cost edge

MANUFACTURING is booming in Greater Dandenong compared to the rest of the state because of the region’s low cost to do business, according to the state’s Industry Minister.
Theo Theophanous last week toured Hallam-based manufacturer Champion Compressors which has just sold its 10,000 air compressor.
He later launched the Draft Urban Master Plan for the Revitalising Central Dandenong project, and then turned the first sod of soil on Grenda Transit Management’s new $14 million Dandenong site.
But while celebrating manufacturing and business achievements in the region, Mr Theophanous told the Star that it was in stark contrast to some areas of Victoria where the cost of doing business was high.
He said Greater Dandenong had space, cheaper land and, as a result, more affordable products.
“And a lot of manufacturing in this region is very competitive at a global level,” he added.
“Whereas you go to Port Melbourne and the land (fees) are extraordinarily high and businesses struggle a bit more.”
Dandenong’s manufacturing strength has seen it become the home to 43 per cent of the state’s manufacturing businesses, and retain key national and global companies such as Jayco Caravans.