A worldwide leader in stainless steel production has established a new $2 million distribution centre at Yatala.

Valbruna Australia, the arm of an Italian company, opened the centre in September occupying a 3000 square metre warehouse in Elderslie Road.

Valbruna specialises in producing tool and highspeed steels, valve steels, high nickel and titanium alloys.

Managing Director Ian Moffat is very pleased with the purpose-built centre and is busily working with his two employees to increase their customer base in the region.

Valbruna’s new distribution centre in Yatala is one of seventeen subsidiary companies worldwide.

Australia’s oldest rum distillery is expected to again blend the brew that made Beenleigh well known throughout the 20^th century.

The historic Beenleigh rum distillery, which ceased operations in 1999, sold to Sydney –based Inner Circle Rum on January 31, two hours before auction.

Inner Circle intend to continue the fine old tradition of rum distilling in Beenleigh and could have the plant operational within four months according to property agent, Rick Graham of PRD nationwide.

The distillery was founded in 1884 and developed to include a blending hall, bottling plant, bonded warehouse and administration facilities, which were all included in the recent sale.

Gold Coast City Council has thrown its support behind the proposed heritage listing of this important historical icon and is expected to hear an outcome from the Heritage Council by the end of February.

The stage one sell-out of Yatala’s Motorway Business Park estate clearly indicates the level of the area’s popularity.

Two further stages are now under construction following an inundation for businesses to secure land in the estate that enjoys one kilometer of M1 motorway frontage.

Property Solutions is marketing the land for stage two and three, which includes almost 100 hectares of land on both the east and west sides of the M1 Motorway.

Well known companies including VIP Petfoods, Bailieu Textiles, Scott’s Refrigerated Freightways, Gotzinger Smallgoods, OzKleen, Natracel and Seabest International now occupy much of stage one.

Stage two is almost sold out also with 21 of the 23 blocks under contract and companies expected to begin construction soon.

Stage three is already attracting substantial interest with businesses recognising the winning formula of location, affordability and presentation. Stage three is likely to be ready for construction next year.

New Yatala estate

Access is close to available for businesses looking at relocating or establishing at Yatala with the release of Access Business Park.

Located west of the Yatala Pie Shop off Stanmore Rd, the 53-lot subdivision is expected to be available by the end of the month.

Businesses will find the estate layout and configuration both flexible and practical for building options.
Wide internal roads, distinctive street lighting, mature landscaping and quality construction will create a contemporary, corporate environment.

For any enquiries or additional information please contact Belinda Gay of Interface Property on 07 3890 7555 or 0418 232 800.

Yatala still on the move

A Gold Coast City Council survey released this month indicates Yatala is continuing to grow at a substantial rate, particularly in the national arena.

The annual survey of the City’s business centres revealed that 74 percent of Yatala businesses reported over 50 percent of their revenue had been derived from outside the Gold Coast, but within Australia.

These results demonstrate the calibre of quality national companies choosing to locate and conduct business in Yatala. 

Exporting was less popular with only 5 percent of Yatala businesses earning more than 20% of their revenue from international business. A change in focus was also apparent with the New Zealand and Pacific Islands region reporting higher export activity than the previous main destination of Asia.

One in six businesses predicted revenue increases for the past two years and indicated additional investment in staff training, computer technology and research and development.

Large companies were the main users of broadband technology and were also significantly more likely to invest in staff training, marketing, computer operations and market research.

Yatala is one of the older, mature business areas but is definitely one of the front-runners in terms of renewed interest and growth.

Other centres surveyed include Beenleigh, Coomera, Oxenford, Southport, Nerang, Surfers Paradise, Robina, Burleigh and Coolangatta.

These growing business areas form the Pacific Innovation Corridor – Council’s economic development project which is transforming Gold Coast City into a globally connected innovation and knowledge economy ‘hot spot’.

For more information see the full results on Council’s web site.

Export Pathways Program

Businesses interested in exporting will find the State Development Centre’s Export Pathways Program helpful.

The workshop-based training program offers practical hands-on training presented by industry experts.

For more information download the schedule and registration form. Please register early as places are limited.

Workshops are held at 26 Marine Parade Southport. The next workshop is on Wednesday February 25 from 8:30am to 4:30pm.The schedule is also available for download.

The Market Research session will cover market matrix and identification of target markets, research processes and market entry methods.

Get involved in exchanging ideas and knowledge and generating new business opportunities at a member’s drinks function on Thursday February 12 from 5 - 8pm at the Prince Albert Bar, Conrad Jupiters. Register with Merrilee Howard on 5527 5366 or email.

For more information visit the Institute of Business Leaders web site.

Yatala businesses will have the opportunity to attend an industry lunch next month organised by the Beenleigh Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber will hold the event on Friday March 19 from 12 noon at the Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture P/L on Marks Road at Woongoolba.

The cost is $65 for non-members and $63 for members and includes all the fresh prawns you can eat, wine, beer, soft drink and salads.

Entertainment will include Australian Variety Performer of the Year, Greg Doolan and a live jazz band. Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the hatchery for free.

Register with payment to:
Beenleigh Chamber of Commerce,
PO Box 434, Beenleigh Qld 4207
by Friday March 12.

Phone 3807 8077 for more information. Book early to avoid disappointment.