Bedford unveils plans for $45m manufacturing hub in Salisbury South

Disability services group Bedford has unveiled plans to build a $45m manufacturing hub, creating more than 200 jobs in Adelaide’s north.

An artist’s impression of Bedford’s $45m advanced manufacturing hub on Main North Rd in Salisbury South.

Disability services provider Bedford has unveiled plans for a $45m advanced manufacturing hub, which will create more than 200 jobs in Adelaide’s north.

The new facility will be built on land adjacent to the Saints Shopping Centre on Main North Rd, and will specialise in the manufacture of furniture and components for the commercial joinery and construction industry.

A food and beverage hub with commercial kitchen, beverage production facilities and public entertainment area will also feature as the new home of Bedford’s first social enterprise Cultivate Food & Beverage.

The new venture services medium and large-size food and beverage producers, and unlike Bedford’s traditional model of providing supported employment for NDIS participants, will recruit people of all ability – including those who identify as socially disadvantaged.

About 100 jobs are expected to be created during construction which, pending council approval, is expected to begin later this year and be completed in 2025.

The centre will provide ongoing employment for more than 200 people once fully operational.

Bedford chief executive Myron Mann, left, with employee Lee Roberts.

Bedford chief executive Myron Mann said the new facility would significantly expand Bedford’s manufacturing capability, and would include an investment in the latest automation and robotics technology, in what is believed to be Australia’s largest social enterprise site.

“This investment in our future will enable us to grow, innovate and manufacture at scale while remaining true to our purpose to provide choices in skill-building and career pathways,” he said.

“As a social enterprise it will be a vibrant place to work, offering high-value roles and transferable skills for employees of all abilities. Jobs will include joiners, machine operators, production workers, chefs, supervisors and apprentices, in a supportive and inclusive environment.”

“The site has been strategically chosen for its freight route among other strategic reasons. It will support Bedford to maintain and grow our existing manufacturing contracts and provide opportunities for new partnerships, in particular food and beverage producers north of Adelaide and across the state.”

Bedford is partnering with property development and investment firms Leyton Property and Leyton Funds in the $45m-plus project.

Leyton Funds managing director Warwick Mittiga said the project would provide a platform to grow employment pathways.

“We will co-invest with Bedford to own this premium grade industrial property together,” he said.

“This project fits with our investment objectives as well as supporting long-term social benefits.”

The development forms part of Bedford’s new five-year masterplan, announced last November, which followed an organisation-wide review led by global consulting firm Partners in Performance.

Originally published as Bedford unveils plans for $45m manufacturing hub in Salisbury South