Manufacturing
Ararat plays a pivotal role in Victoria’s manufacturing sector which contributes many millions of dollars into the regional economy.
Locally, manufacturing is one of Ararat’s economic mainstays, contributing 34 per cent - or $334.8 million - of the region’s annual industry turnover. Nearly 600 people are employed in this sector across the region.
Ararat is also home to large-scale engineering and fabrication specialists and a major producer of electrical wiring harnesses for the heavy truck and construction equipment industry.
Agricultural machinery and wood heaters manufactured in Ararat are sold throughout Australia and New Zealand. A large abattoir supplies both the export market and the Australian market with wholesale and packaged meat focusing on the sheep trade.