DEPARTING South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance executive officer Paul Dowling has given a vote of confidence in manufacturing’s future in Greater Dandenong.
Mr Dowling, who steps down after nine years at the SEMMA helm in March, says the future is “still strong” for manufacturing in this region.
“We’re going through a cycle of change but there’s always going to be a need.” Cracker maker Waterwheel’s parent company and auto-part maker Dair recently went into receivership, and soap and detergent manufacturer PZ Cussons — which employed 800 — closed this year. But Bombardier transport and Chobani yoghurt factories in Dandenong South have announced extra jobs.
The sector is still the largest employer of Greater Dandenong residents despite 2011 census figures showing the number dropping from almost 14,500 to fewer than 12,400 in the decade to 2011. Last week, Chobani’s US-based chief executive Hamdi Ulukaya opened a $30 million factory expansion that could triple its yoghurt output. Since September, the Hammond Road factory has hired an extra 50 workers, with 150 more expected in the next three years.
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