Victorian Government supporting local manufacturing

21 Sep 11

Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva today announced the Victorian Coalition Government would provide a grant to Melbourne-based Futuris Automotive.

The grant is to further its development of a ground-breaking rapid water heating technology for use in the automotive market.

Mr Dalla-Riva said this project had the potential to result in an export and jobs boost for Victoria as the global market for electric vehicles grew.

“Based on current growth projections, by 2020 this technology is expected to create 50 new jobs and generate around $30 million in additional revenue,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

Facilitated through the Coalition Government’s Global Export Engagement Program, the support will help harness the locally developed ‘MicroHeat’ technology created by Victorian-based MicroHeat Technologies Pty Ltd, for automotive applications globally, while specifically targeting electric and low emission vehicle markets in China, USA, Europe and Japan.

“This innovative technology will enable Futuris to gain a foothold in the growing global electric vehicle segment with a unique technology developed right here in Victoria, strengthening the company’s local operations,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

The MircroHeat technology enables rapid water heating with environmental benefits including saving energy, water and greenhouse gas emissions. For automotive applications, it will also lower the overall carbon dioxide output and
improve the range of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Visiting Futuris, Mr Dalla-Riva said the Futuris-MicroHeat project demonstrated that Victorian manufacturers are competing with the best in the world and succeeding.

“The Victorian Coalition Government believes manufacturers in our state should be given every opportunity to compete and succeed,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

“The Coalition Government’s support of this innovation reflects this view and supports the transformation of Victorian technological innovation into commercial reality.”

Futuris is the largest Australian-owned supplier to the automotive industry, employing more than 500 people at its Port Melbourne and Campbellfield sites.

Visit www.premier.vic.gov.au for more news