A Laverton North company has been inducted into the state government’s Manufacturing Hall of Fame showing that manufacturing is far from dead in the western suburbs.
EBM-Papst commercial manager Roger Holt says 20 staff are employed at the Laverton North site and he expects the number to increase after the company recorded 20 per cent growth in the past year.
The business has been in Laverton North for 10 years but in Australia for 25 years overall.
EBM-Papst marketing consultant Caroline Bommes says the company produces ventilation equipment used in refrigeration, airconditioning and ventilation projects requiring energy-efficient fans.
One of its new products is a fan for agricultural structures such as poultry sheds.
With other local manufacturers struggling, EBM-Papst had a bright future because of its focus on innovation and training, Ms Bommes said.
“It’s about being creative, innovative and professional; creative in a way of finding new markets, like the agricultural market. It’s away from our traditional stuff, but it’s still ventilation,” she said.
Wyndham council’s economic development portfolio-holder, Intaj Khan, congratulated the business on its innovative work and contribution to the local economy.
Tarneit MP Telmo Languiller-Tornesi said companies like EBM-Papst were helping the state become a hub for advanced manufacturing while creating local jobs. “[Being inducted into the hall of fame] is another accolade for this successful and innovative local business.”
