Geelong companys share in $1.8m in federal funding to help create 80 jobs

FUNDING is pouring into Geelong's industrial organisations, thanks to a Federal Government grant.

JOBS BOOST: Edge Production foreman Sean Haywood is pretty happy about a $600,000 Federal Government grant that will create 28 new jobs at the Newtown plant.

More than $1.8 million and 80 jobs will be injected into the region through the Geelong Investment and Innovation Fund, which was announced yesterday.

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Newtown's Edge Production specialises in glass cutting, and received $600,000 to go toward a new glass glazing facility.

Company co-director Mark de Bie said the new facility would generate nearly 30 jobs and cement Geelong's spot as a top industrial region.

"Currently, we process and cut our own glass, but have to transport glazed glass from Dandenong," he said.

"Being able to expand the operation and increase productivity by glazing our own glass is a fantastic opportunity."

Federal MP for Corio Richard Marles said the announcement was the start of an exciting period of growth for the region.

"Having a glazing facility in Geelong would be fantastic, as we're constantly developing new manufacturing industries in Geelong," he said.

"I believe Edge Glass will also be supplying the Melbourne market with glass, which is fantastic for the region."

Window and glass manufacturer Southern Star Windows and Insulpak are also set to receive the Federal Government's funding, which will generate another 52 jobs.

With the latest announcement, the Geelong Investment and Innovation Fund has awarded $17.77 million in funding to 21 companies.

This is expected to create approximately 1036 jobs and support private sector investment of $102.4 million in building capacity in Geelong.