Competitive Advantage
Geelong is one of Australia’s foremost manufacturing centres, with a long and rich history. The region is home to a range of leading national and international companies and boasts many diverse and innovative success stories.
It is a region ideally situated to grow manufacturing, whether involving new ventures or by taking advantage of the existing industrial, research and educational infrastructure. Geelong is well connected by road, rail, sea and air, and is home to Victoria’s second largest port and an international airport supporting national and international supply chains and logistics.
The region also has a highly skilled and large labour force of over 135,000 plus easy access to nearby markets, including Melbourne, Ballarat and Colac.
In the year to June 2024, manufacturing jobs grew to over 10,000, reaching levels not seen since 2013. This was an increase of 947 jobs – the most of any sector for the period.
Manufacturing in the Geelong region has a value add of more than $1.4 billion and an output of over $5.1 billion.
Geelong’s reputation as a leading manufacturing centre is based on its many strengths and extensive manufacturing diversity. The region has much to offer, with about 700 manufacturers across industries such as transport equipment, metals, extractive industries, chemicals and petroleum, cement, engineering, textiles, timber and food.
Geelong is also home to important education and research facilities such as:
- Deakin University
- Geelong Technology Precinct
- CSIRO Division of Animal Health
- CSIRO Marine Sciences
- Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre
- Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training
- Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation
- Institute for Frontier Materials
- Carbon Nexus
- Gordon Institute of TAFE
These organisations add value to the extensive manufacturing base in the Geelong region and regularly form collaborative partnerships, such as that between the research sector of Deakin University and the Gordon Institute of TAFE and training opportunities within various industry sectors. These collaborative efforts have become increasingly important as industry competes on a global basis.
Become a new member of the Geelong Manufacturing Council and take advantage of the network of manufacturing professionals who promote the region as a dynamic and innovative manufacturing centre of the future.
Economic Profile
With a population of more than 299,000 people (forecast to increase by 140,000 people over the next 20 years), the City of Greater Geelong is Victoria’s largest regional centre. Located some 75 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, the municipality covers 1,248km², comprising country, coastal and suburban areas. The region is characterised by the multi-award winning Waterfront overlooking Corio Bay, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Barwon River, You Yangs Regional Park, wetlands, parklands and wildlife sanctuaries.
Total residential dwellings are estimated at approximately 120,000 across more than 50 suburbs and townships. The city is a major centre for investment, with a highly-skilled labour force of more than 135,000. Geelong is in an ideal position to attract new residents and investment.
The Geelong Manufacturing Council is well-placed to promote the region, both within the area, nationally and internationally. Comprising approximately 100 locally-based manufacturers, stakeholders from government, education and service providers, our members have intricate knowledge of, and support for, the region.