ICN Victoria celebrates 40th anniversary

ICN Victoria celebrated its anniversary, marking 40 years since its founding as the Industrial Supplies Office (ISO), at an event on Tuesday.

According to a statement from ICN Victoria – a non-profit company majority funded by the state government and linking smaller suppliers to major projects – it has played “a critical role in shaping Victoria and supporting the delivery of signature projects that define the state, including the MCG redevelopment, Southern Cross Station, and the State Library.”

It claims more than 54,000 businesses in its network, and a team of specialist advisers working across industry sectors.

Nick Foa, CEO, ICN Victoria, said, “Over the last decade alone, it has contributed more than $3 billion in economic value to the state, worked with 30,000 small businesses, and helped generate some 256,000 new jobs.

“As the Victorian economy has evolved from a manufacturing, textiles and automotive focus in the early 1980s to what we see today – including advanced manufacturing, medtech, and renewable energy generation – ICN Victoria has evolved with it.”

Tim Piper, Chair, ICN Victoria, added that his organisation will continue to be a key driver of economic activity and local employment as the state’s population swells to a predicted 10 million by 2050.

“In an increasingly technologically driven future that seeks to renew our sovereign industrial capability, there is a real opportunity for Victoria to build on its heritage as the home of Australian innovation.

“And ICN Victoria has a vital role to play in enabling local businesses and workers to drive progress, create new products and services that improve lives, address societal challenges and boost prosperity and productivity for all Victorians.

The anniversary event was held at the State Library of Victoria’s Conversation Quarter.

Further reading

ICN’s key role in SME capability and major projects – Roy Green

ICN links suppliers to projects, needs more resources – study

NSW government announces extra $2.3 million for ICN

New ICN Gateway launched to smooth major project procurement