Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC) visit

Working in the wheatbelt with the WDC proves worthwhile

Last month, Tradesales received a visit from representatives of the Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC) who were visiting the Company’s factory in the Avon Valley Industrial Park, a major project which is managed by DevelopmentWA and overseen by the Avon Industrial Park Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of the WDC.

The party, comprising of Grant Arthur, Director of Regional Development; Chris Sharples, Senior Regional Development Officer, and Local Content Advisor, Megan Creagh were met by Ben and James Judd and Jay McEwen from Tradesales.

A key role for the WDC is to build a diversified and prosperous Wheatbelt economy and maximise job opportunities.

“Tradesales started out working with many government agencies shortly after we opened our doors in 1976,” said Benjamin Judd, Tradesales General Manager.

“Being a company that calls the Wheatbelt home, means that we’re excited to strengthen ties with the WDC.”

The WDC supports the development of the region by collaborating to create practical solutions that result in a prosperous future for the Wheatbelt, its people and businesses.

The touring party said that it was a very informative visit, and that they were excited to see a business of such scale and sophistication operating in the Wheatbelt.

“The Wheatbelt has a growing and diverse economy and is a region of innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs,” said Mr Ben.

“Most of Tradesales’ management and the majority of its factory workforce call the Wheatbelt home and are committed to its growth.”

The Wheatbelt, also known as WA’s Heartlands, is a region of enormous opportunity. As a key contributor to Western Australia’s prosperity, the Wheatbelt economy is valued in excess of $4 billion. It has grown at an average rate of over 8.2% over the last 10 years and it’s future looks bright.

While agriculture is the dominant industry in the Wheatbelt, the economy is also strongly supported by growing mining, commerce, retail, manufacturing, fishing and tourism industries, attracting global innovators and investor.

“Tradesales moved into the 12,000 square metre factory in the Avon Valley Industrial Park in late 2022 after the company experienced enormous growth over the preceding three years,” said Ben.

“We have entered an exciting new chapter of our company’s 40-year history. Working with agencies such as the WDC will help facilitate our aggressive growth strategy that we’ve laid out for the next five years.”

Avon Industrial Park is located in Grass Valley, 15 minutes east of Northam and around 90 minutes from the Perth CBD. The 200-ha estate has been specifically created to meet the needs of businesses servicing the rural, resources and mineral processing markets.

Independent market research anticipates that Avon Industrial Park could provide up to 2,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect positions when fully operational.

For information about Tradesales’ regional manufacturing capabilities, please email info@tradesales.com.au or call 1800 999 521.