A Dandenong Glass Manufacturing Company, Oceania Glass, recently entered administration, leading to understandable concern among our members.
We are deeply committed to understanding the full implications of this development and are actively seeking detailed information about the company's current situation.
Our priority is to gather comprehensive insights and secure explanations from both Oceania Glass management and administrators.
This situation highlights a broader crisis in Australian manufacturing, with very few Australian-owned and operated glass manufacturing companies remaining.
The influx of cheap imported glass products has contributed to local businesses being forced into administration, undermining our domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Oceania stands as a cornerstone of Australian glass manufacturing, with a rich heritage dating back to 1856 when the company first began selling glass in Australia.
Operating from its Dandenong facility, the company employs approx.260 staff and maintains a significant manufacturing footprint, producing 165,000 tonnes of flat glass annually.
AWU Victoria Secretary Ronnie Hayden will be meeting with State and Federal ministers to discuss the future of Oceania and glass manufacturing in Victoria.
While the Federal Government's "Future Made in Australia" economic plan promises $22.7 billion in investment across various sectors, there are serious concerns about the lack of specific support for domestic manufacturing.
We are currently in the process of organising a meeting with our members and state ministers to explore the company's status and potential support options.
We believe that this meeting will be a crucial step in understanding the full context of Oceania Glass's administration and addressing the broader challenges facing Australian manufacturing.
We want to assure everyone that we are committed to keeping close communication with our members and will provide updates as they become available.
Quotes attributable to Jimmy Mastradonakis | AWU Victoria Assistant Secretary and Oceania AWU Organiser
"For over two decades, I've worked alongside our dedicated members at Oceania Glass. These workers are not just employees - they represent generations of skilled manufacturing expertise in Victoria. We're determined to get clear answers from management and administrators about the future of this operation."
Quotes attributable to Ronnie Hayden | AWU Victoria Secretary
"Our immediate focus is on understanding the situation and supporting our members through this challenging period. However, we must also address the broader crisis in Australian manufacturing. While the government speaks of a 'Future Made in Australia,' we need concrete action to protect and strengthen our domestic manufacturing capabilities, particularly in essential industries like glass production."
ABOUT: The company specialises in manufacturing high-specification products, including float glass, coated glass, and laminated glass for construction applications. With distribution centres strategically located across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, Oceania Glass holds a unique position as the sole operator of a float glass manufacturing line in Australasia.
