Victorian minister for small business Natalie Suleyman officially opened Directed Technologies’ $1.5 million Connected Mobility Innovation Centre for smart technology in fleet vehicles.
The centre, which is located within Directed Technologies’ new $15 million headquarters in Tullamarine, is expected to create nearly 60 new jobs over three years and allow the company to expand its export markets
Directed Technologies designs and manufactures navigational systems for the transport industry and fleet vehicles such as freight and emergency services trucks.
The company’s system considers a vehicle’s dimensions, weight and clearance when planning routes to help its driver travel safely and efficiently to their destination.
The new centre will enable Directed Technologies to expand its transport technology by developing smart sensors that can keep track of important safety metrics including driver fatigue, tyre pressure and temperature of refrigerated cargo.
This means clients such as Australia Post can know exactly what is happening to their vehicles on the ground, improving safety and service reliability.
Victoria’s manufacturing sector is one of the state’s largest employers, contributing around $31 billion to the economy each year and providing around 30 per cent of Australia’s manufacturing output. Manufacturing also supports small businesses and local jobs in their supply chains.
The Victorian state government’s Made in Victoria 2030: Manufacturing Statement outlines its vision and actions to ensure Victoria continues to be a place for advanced manufacturers to grow and thrive, including in key sectors such as digital and advanced technologies.
“We support businesses like Directed Technologies because they bring skilled jobs and investment to Victoria, which further cements our status as the nation’s advanced manufacturing hub,” Suleyman said.
“Our advanced manufacturing industry supports many small businesses along their supply chain – boosting the economy and creating local jobs.”
Directed Technologies executive director Brent Stafford said, “We’ve built a world-class facility right here in Victoria thanks to the assistance of the Victorian Government and developed innovative solutions for the world’s biggest transport companies that have allowed us to compete against global competitors – and win.”
Member for Sunbury Josh Bull said investing in innovation today will increase Victoria’s competitiveness and help create the industries and jobs of the future.
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