By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Dandenong South copper cable manufacturer – the last of its kind in Australia – is using state-of-the-art technology to rein in energy costs.
TyCab Australia is embarking on a $5.48 million energy efficiency project that will boost production, lower power costs and expand its workforce.
It has been backed with a significant but unspecified grant from the State Government.
TyCab will add an advanced design casting machine that will triple its former rautomead’s capacity and cut energy use.
It will also install an automatic spooling line and robotic palletiser, as well as build a new copper rod production facility with solar power.
With TyCab’s energy costs soaring by $500,000 a year in recent times, the project will cut the power bill by 30 per cent.
It’s expected to yield four extra jobs to its 72-strong workforce.
The company, which has been on its Frankston-Dandenong Road site for four decades, is a rare treasure.
Its the last in the country to make copper electric cable from scratch – from raw Australian product.
Its products are used in mining, transport, food processing, and residential and commercial properties.
In a tour of the factory, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said TyCab was a “great example of a local business that was thriving and creating jobs”.
“We’ll always back businesses so they can continue to grow, create jobs and boost our economy.”
In its 2017-18 budget, the State Government set aside $90 million for energy-efficiency programs for manufacturers.
