IBM announces major development at UB Technology Park

27 August 2008 [article sourced from the University of Ballarat website]

The University of Ballarat and IBM Australia will construct a new $10.8 million IT Services Centre at the University of Ballarat Technology Park (UBTP).

Made possible with the support of IBM Australia, Victorian Government, University of Ballarat and City of Ballarat, the Centre will lead to the creation of 300 jobs.

A ceremony to mark the announcement will be held at the Greenhill Enterprise Centre, University Drive, Mt Helen, at 9.30 am today, Wednesday.

Professor David Battersby, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said the new development demonstrated the significance and maturity of the relationship between IBM and the University.

“The University is delighted with IBM’s latest business growth decision as it will enhance the levels of collaboration between the enterprise and the University,” Professor Battersby said.

“Currently IBM employ 817 people in Ballarat and 50 per cent of these comprise graduates or students of the University.

“IBM is an important anchor tenant of the University’s Technology Park and IBM has attracted additional technology based businesses to Ballarat.

IBM has been a key factor in ensuring that the UBTP is Australia’s leading regional technology park, with 1350 employees across 30 enterprises,” Professor Battersby said.

“The UBTP has established itself as a leading innovation and research precinct incorporating technology based enterprises and the University’s research centres and laboratories.

“We also would like to thank the Victorian Government and City of Ballarat for their assistance and support for this new IBM centre on the Park.”

Peter Campbell, General Manager, Global Technology Services, IBM Australia and New Zealand, said he was delighted with the proposed expansion of the enterprise in Ballarat.

“Ballarat provides a competitive business environment, skilled and capable labour via the University, all within a Technology Park that values innovation and enterprise working together,” Mr Campbell said.

This important infrastructure development initiative will enable IBM to take on 300 additional staff, working in areas such as business processing, security, call centre and technical support.

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