To accommodate expansion.
Seeley International has announced expansion plans which will see its existing Albury manufacturing plant relocate to a larger $20 million purpose-built facility to be constructed at nearby Wodonga.
Seeley International founder and executive chairman, Frank Seeley AM said the exciting move, which is to be part-funded by a grant from the Victorian Premier’s Job and Investment Fund, would establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing hub which will produce a range of innovative products to be sold in Australian and international markets.
“As a long-standing employer within the Albury-Wodonga community, Seeley International is pleased that this investment accommodates our expansion needs and positions the company for significant jobs growth and success in the years ahead – with 64% forecast growth in new local employment opportunities expected to be created in the next 5 years,” Seeley said.
“Our local manufacturing facility continues to play a critical role in our overall operations, and as well as continuing to fully manufacture award-winning Braemar heating products, the Climate Wizard metal range and the entire AIRA product range, we have also recently welcomed a dozen new engineers and other team members to the plant.
“One of the biggest challenges we now face is that we have outgrown the existing factory, and with space at a premium it has fast-tracked the need for relocation plans. Establishing a new and larger facility at nearby Wodonga allows us to retain and grow local employee numbers and maintain a strong employer presence within the local community.
“As the home of Braemar gas heaters and air-conditioners, our Albury-based plant has established a vertically integrated manufacturing and assembly operation that employs more than 80 permanent people. As well as being a major employer in the region and supporting a number of worthwhile local causes for more than 20 years, we look forward to the area’s economy also reaping the flow-on benefits that will come with our new location and expanded workforce,” he added.
While a construction site and plans are yet to be finalised, Seeley International says the new Wodonga manufacturing facility will be operational early in 2019.