March 1, 2018

Woodend manufacturer celebrates 10,000 trailers

The 10,000th trailer has rolled off the production line at Barker Trailers in Woodend – a major regional manufacturer that has provided employment to hundreds of Victorians for more than 40 years.

Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited the company’s Woodend factory today to celebrate the milestone with a ribbon-cutting event.

Barker has been manufacturing world-class semi-trailers since 1974 in the Loddon Mallee region and has production sites in Woodend and Maryborough.

The business employs around 185 staff, including up to 20 apprentices at any one time, and produces 480 trailers each year using 100 per cent Australian steel.

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting regional Victoria through the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and initiatives like the reduction of payroll tax for regionally based businesses.

The Labor Government has also committed over $100 million in manufacturing support, creating over 3,500 jobs and driving more than $1.2 billion in private investment.

Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy, is made up of more than 13,000 businesses and employs more than 286,000 people, an increase of more than 20,000 over the last two years.

Manufacturing is Victoria’s fourth largest employer and is responsible for $17.9 billion worth of goods exports.

The Labor Government is also making it easier for businesses in regional Victoria to grow their business and hire more staff, with a 25 per cent cut to payroll tax on 1 July 2017 already helping more than 2,000 businesses across regional Victoria.

As a result of the tax cuts, regional Victoria now has one of the most competitive payroll tax rates in Australia.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
"We’re proud to stand behind companies like Barker Trailers, who are creating jobs for Victorians."

"With our support, we’re ensuring Victoria remains the home of advanced, modern manufacturing in Australia."

Quote attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
"Today’s milestone is testament to the strength of Victoria’s manufacturing industry – an industry we’ll continue to support to create jobs and boost our economy."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"For more than 40 years, Barker Trailers has been providing locals with jobs and first-class training, supporting our local economy through its use of Australian steel, and providing Australians with world-class trailers."

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