On Thursday, 31st October 2024 we had the privilege of welcoming the Honorable Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, to our Tomago facility to launch Ai Group’s latest Innovation Report and take a firsthand look at manufacturing in the Hunter Region.
During the tour, Minister Husic explored our expansive worksite where we manufacture specialised vehicles such as fire trucks, police transport pods, and custom electric vehicles for our Vehicles division, alongside mobile deployable-land based systems for our Defence division and air boats for our Services division.
The Minister had the opportunity to meet some of our dedicated staff, including Apprentice Auto Electrician Rebecca Wallis, Fabrication Lead Hand Adam Hackney and Spray Painter Nicholas Hutchinson. Another highlight of the Minister’s tour was the demonstration of our advanced manufacturing robot, showcasing our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology.
During the media conference, Louise McGrath from Ai Group outlined the Innovation Report’s key findings, which highlights that technology investment is essential, however workforce constraints and regulatory gaps are inhibiting greater uptake. Minister Husic highlighted the importance of this report and its findings.
Our leadership team, including Victor Ugarte (CEO Defence), Jeff Honniball (CEO Vehicles), Mario Rebellato (CEO Services), and Matt Dean (CEO Systems), engaged in discussions with the Minister about Varley’s commitment to innovation, technological advancement and providing jobs for those living in the Hunter Region and the other regions across Australia in which we have manufacturing sites.
Varley would like to extend our gratitude to Minister Husic and the Ai Group team for taking the time to visit the Hunter Region and tour our Tomago manufacturing facility.
Read more about Ai Group’s Report
>> Technology Adoption in Australian Industry
The Honorable Ed Husic MP during his visit to Varley Group’s Tomago facility.