Pictured: Executive General Manager for Dulux, Pat Jones at the Merrifield Business Park Launch

Dulux is the first company to announce an occupancy at Merrifield Business Park, with the construction of a $165 million water-based paints factory on a 17 ha site.

Creating more than 60 new ongoing jobs and 200 jobs during the construction phase, the multi-decade investment from Dulux is one of the largest industrial freehold land deals in Victoria in recent years.

We sat down with Dulux to learn more about what attracted them to the Merrifield Business Park.

How does Merrifield Business Park complement Dulux’s business plan and vision for the future?

Dulux’s market leading position is built on quality through innovation. This is an important investment for Dulux which will set up our world class Australian paints business for decades to come. It will be the largest coatings factory in Australia or New Zealand.

We are investing in a state of the art paint factory that will allow us to step into the next generation of paint manufacturing technology and innovation. A facility of this nature requires very specific requirements, so we set out to identify a suitable location. Merrifield ticked all the boxes.

What initially attracted Dulux to Merrifield Business Park as the site for its new paint manufacturing facility?

There were three major benefits that attracted us to Merrifield – its proximity to major transport infrastructure, its position in a high growth corridor and the flexibility of the land available.

With a large proportion of the Australian population located on the east coast, the ability to transport raw materials and finished goods to the entire eastern seaboard was vital.

Access to a skilled workforce nearby was also an important factor, and being in a growth corridor, there was also the potential for our business to grow along with the community.

Importantly, it was necessary to find a large piece of land on an industrial estate suitable for this type of production. Merrifield offered flexible options so we could secure a larger lot, giving us the option of expanding our facility down the track as the business grows. The Merrifield team’s involvement in this was terrific – they tailored the land options to exactly what we required.

What benefits will the Dulux facility provide to the direct and wider regions?

We are bringing to the Hume region what is certainly the most advanced facility for manufacturing water-based paints in the southern hemisphere. This cutting edge technology will be complemented by a beautifully designed facility, which we hope will embody the iconic Dulux brand.

Dulux’s heritage in Australia dates back to 1918 and Dulux has long been Australia’s leading paint brand. In fact Dulux is consistently voted one of the most trusted brand in Australia overall – across any product category.  We’ve fostered a positive presence in the broader community and we aim to create a similar connection in Melbourne’s north.