Multimedia Victoria - IBM expansion brings 300 jobs to Ballarat
IBM expansion brings 300 jobs to Ballarat |
| Friday, 4 December 2009 |
| The Premier John Brumby today opened computer giant IBM’s $10.8 million state-of-the-art information and technology services centre which is generating 300 new jobs in Ballarat. At the IBM IT Services Centre at Ballarat Technology Park today, Mr Brumby said Victoria was the nation’s leader in information and computer technology and IBM’s decision to base its new centre in Ballarat showcased the attraction of regional Victoria to big business. “Liveability is crucial to the prosperity of our regions. That’s why our Government is taking action to attract investments that create new jobs, drive new innovation and lock-in the future of our regional cities and towns,” Mr Brumby said. “This is a great day for Ballarat. IBM’s expansion will deliver a major boost to the region’s economy, generate new education and new skills opportunities for families living and working in this great part of Victoria. “I congratulate IBM for its decision to base its global IT Services centre in Ballarat. It will create at least 300 jobs over the next four years - in addition to the 800 staff currently employed at IBM’s Ballarat office - and is expected to contribute at least $61 million to the state’s economy. “Ballarat is renowned not just for its innovation and highly skilled staff but also for offering investors an internationally competitive mix of skills, infrastructure and local innovation. “IBM’s expanded presence further establishes Victoria as a world-class Information and Computer Technology (ICT) hub. “IBM’s state-of-the-art IT Services Centre is creating jobs that are knowledge intensive and highly skilled. Its global service centre already develops and delivers a range of leading ICT services, including software application development, consulting services and technical support.” IBM is located at the Ballarat Technology Park which currently employees 1400 people across 30 enterprises. The technology park is internationally competitive and hosts specialist ICT services, software application development, ICT support and consulting for IBM's global operations, servicing clients across the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific. “Basing this state-of-the-art facility at the Ballarat Technology Park helps to cement Ballarat as a centre of ICT excellence and stands as great example of innovative business operating in regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Brumby said. Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan said the Brumby Government was committed to supporting investments in regional Victoria which generated jobs and growth. “Our Government provided $5 million to support the IBM expansion from our Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) which aims to grow regional economies and communities by unlocking the potential for future growth,” Ms Allan said. “This is a prime example of the way the Brumby Government was working in partnership with regional communities and industry to attract investment and create jobs. Peter Campbell, General Manager, IBM Global Technology Services, said IBM and the University of Ballarat had formed a successful partnership for more than a decade. "IBM has established an excellent working relationship with the University of Ballarat and we enjoy access to a strong supply of highly-skilled graduates and researchers, particularly from its excellent Bachelor of Information Technology program,” Mr Campbell said. Victoria's ICT industry generates $26.2 billion in annual revenue, exports over $2.4 billion and employs more than 84,000 people.  |
