Geelong businesses are welcoming news Hanwha’s won a multi-billion dollar contract to build defence vehicles at the Avalon precinct.Up to 600 jobs are expected to be created in Geelong through the deal which was announced on Thursday by the federal government.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce Chief Jeremy Crawford said the deal proves there’s a resurgence of manufacturing in the region.
“It’s great that we’ve got additional jobs and investment,” Mr. Crawford said.
“But it also paths some fantastic sustainable careers and pathways with the likes of these contracts,” he said.
Mr. Crawford said deals like these can often create a ripple effect across local industry.
“There are often some additional opportunities for businesses to become involved in some the materials and some of the supply chain that is a part of these big contracts.”
The Land 400 Phase 3 bid will see Hanwha Defense Australia provide the Army with 129 ‘Redback’ vehicles.
The new vehicles will replace the Armoured Personnel Carriers, which have been used since the 1960s.
Image: Geelong Chamber of Commerce (Facebook).
