Page 1816 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 18 October 1989
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The $10m project, which has commenced construction, will result in a national distribution facility at Hume, integrating Revlon's Canberra operation and selected manufacturing and distribution operations currently in Sydney. Revlon's employment in Canberra will increase to over 100 and, when multiplier effects are added, will increase overall employment in the ACT by some 300 workers.
The main reasons that the company chose to expand its Canberra base were the proven benefits and success of its existing Canberra operations and the undoubted cost advantages of Canberra over Sydney in terms of initial set-up costs and distribution costs.
I see this type of light manufacturing and distribution activity to be one of the most important strategic targets in our industry development policy. It is important not only in attracting new investment but also in providing new, lower-skilled jobs. This is vital in the Government's efforts to diversify our economy and to provide social justice through new job opportunities for all workers.
I believe that attracting Revlon to Canberra is a major coup. Revlon is a company of international repute and an international market leader. It has over 30 years' experience in Australia and 60 years' internationally. The company will distribute cosmetics and toiletries Australia-wide and export into the Pacific-Far East markets.
The ACT will now have a major international producer and distributor in the manufacturing sector, in addition to the Wang computer plant at Bruce. By attracting Revlon we can demonstrate in our interstate marketing, particularly in Sydney, that Canberra is a competitive and highly attractive place in which to invest and establish new business activities.
It shows that this city can present itself professionally and market itself in the national and international business scene. With the Revlon development and other projects, such as the Civic Square redevelopment, Canberra is becoming a significant investment centre. As a further example, this week my department was host to some 60 Japanese businessmen connected with the Sanwa Banking Corporation.
Revlon is a strong demonstration case, and this Government is delighted that it has selected Canberra as its base for both distribution and certain manufacturing activities. I present the following papers:
City Area Leases Act - Leases granted on 7 July 1989 to Revlon Manufacturing Limited (Australian Branch) -
Block 47, Section 5, Division of Hume
Block 50, Section 5, Division of Hume.
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