Carbon Revolution to supply Ferrari

The Victorian government has announced that Geelong manufacturer Carbon Revolution is expanding its production capacity to the tune of $100 million. It's believed that the catalyst for this announcement is a contract to supply Ferrari with the company's lightweight carbon-fibre wheels.

The investment will increase the company's workforce by 500 new jobs. According to the government statement, that will almost triple the company's staffing levels. Altogether, the company will increase its production capacity from 10,000 wheels a year currently to over 150,000.

Carbon Revolution has developed one-piece carbon-fibre wheels that were originally specified for the Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R on the basis of their lower unsprung weight/rotating mass and road-noise suppression.

The new production plant to house the extra staff will measure 7000m² and will be situated alongside the company's existing facility at Deakin University. Carbon Revolution is the poster child for Victorian manufacturing, with the state government claiming that manufacturing in Victoria has grown for 17 consecutive months and contributed to the five per cent unemployment figure. Manufacturing in Victoria is worth $27.7 billion to the local economy and exported products valued at $18.16 billion during 2016 and 2017.

"Carbon Revolution is a Victorian manufacturing success story and we're proud to back their massive expansion here in Geelong," said Victoria's Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll.

"This is yet another massive vote of confidence in Geelong – these are hi-tech, secure jobs that will help the local economy continue to prosper," said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.