After months of secret negotiations a major announcement is expected today about a multi-million dollar business deal bringing space-age technology to Dubbo.
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Australian-owned private manufacturing company STOTA International has been considering light industrial sites in Dubbo, Nowra, Albury-Wodonga and the Hunter Valley.
Gowest chairman John Walkom is quietly confident Dubbo “will come out on top” after a lengthy and highly competitive process “akin to winning the Olympics”.
“This deal has the potential to create significant jobs and will redefine Dubbo as a city and manufacturing base for years to come,’’ Mr Walkom said.
“Dubbo has the opportunity to be at the heart of ground breaking technology that has sparked the interest of major companies and organisations around the world.
“The potential for our city and region is enormous.’’
STOTA International director Peter Simons and board members Simon Smith, Clive Blair and David Turik travelled to Dubbo yesterday for a meeting with key business leaders. They are scheduled to tour potential manufacturing sites this morning.
STOTA International has forged a partnership with American firm Nth Degree Technologies to produce an innovative printed electronic system for lighting and advertising.
The revolutionary energy saving process uses 10 per cent of the electricity required for conventional lighting systems.
According to Mr Walkom, the savings in dollar terms and carbon credits are phenomenal.
“America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) wants to make use of the ground breaking technology and has signed an agreement facilitating the development of solar cells and printed semi-conductors to be used in the Project Constellation Mars mission."
Mr Walkom said Dubbo meets all the essential criteria set out by STOTA International, including:
n access to large amounts of land for a factory and distribution centre, a reliable high quality water supply;
n a low humidity location on a major transport hub;
n access to labour force and a TAFE college for training opportunities;
n regular air services to a major capital city; and,
n a proactive community offering a high standard of health, primary and secondary education, sporting amenities and cultural and entertainment activities.
Mr Walkom said STOTA International is looking to establish research and development, manufacturing and distribution from existing light industrial premises while a purpose-built factory is under construction.
The company expects the new building to be ready for occupation in mid-2011.
heather.crosby@ruralpress.com