Iconic Melbourne guitar maker set to grow
Photo by Gavin Whitner from musicoomph.com licensed under CC 2.0.
Australia’s most iconic guitar manufacturer is set to create jobs and boost its business thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Andrews Labor Government’s Future Industries Manufacturing Program.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll visited the Maton Guitar factory in Box Hill where some of the world’s finest acoustic and electric guitars are crafted from specialty timbers.
The state’s Government’s support will help expand the company’s timber machining capability and significantly improve production and the tone consistency of its high-quality instruments.
Maton hopes to increase annual production to 10,000 guitars in the next three to five years – with 50 per cent earmarked for export. Maton currently exports 35 per cent of its guitars to Asia, North America and Europe.
The company have manufactured guitars in Melbourne for over 70 years and the family-owned business will create 10 jobs thanks to the Labor Government’s support – adding to its existing workforce of 60.
Maton provides a pathway for Northern College of Arts & Technology (NCAT) Certificate IV graduates, employing over 25 in the last eight years, and plans to employ 10 to 12 new students in the next 18 months.
Played by renowned artists including Keith Urban, Vance Joy, Paul Kelly and Tommy Emmanuel, Maton guitars have also been used by Elvis Presley, George Harrison and Keith Richards in live concerts and recording sessions – including the opening riff for The Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter.
FIMP grants support job creation by assisting Victorian companies to implement new manufacturing technologies, improve productivity and target new export opportunities.
The state’s Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll said “Maton Guitars are an iconic Melbourne company – its guitars are played by some of the world’s most famous musicians. They’re a great example of a Victorian manufacturer going from strength-to-strength.”
“We’ll always support Victorian manufactures so they can create jobs and boost our economy – which is exactly what Maton Guitars will do with our support.”
