Bumpy year for doing business in Geelong

Martin Watters
28Dec07

Job cuts hit the Geelong region hard in the past 12 months, as the manufacturing sector grappled with global competition. MARTIN WATTERS reflects on 2007
IT was the best of times for some, but it was the worst of times too for the Geelong business world in 2007.

No doubt the year will be remembered for the many job cuts as the manufacturing sector grappled with global competition and the rising Aussie dollar.

Many struggled and some failed, blaming globalisation, tariffs, cheap overseas labour and changing consumer demands.

The wheels were put in motion for their downfall in previous years but as pressures mounted, 2007 was the straw breaking the camel's back for Coghlan-Russell, Hendersons, Bekaert, and Ford's stamping plant _ to name a few.

The year started with developments crowding the Geelong skyline as cranes worked on the TAC headquarters relocation, Edgewater apartments and Harrison Place works.

For the full story go to: http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2007/12/28/10026_business.html