VAILO aims to have upcoming Gold Coast factory “fully operational” by year’s end

LED lighting manufacturer VAILO has announced that it will re-establish its production on the Gold Coast, citing growth opportunities on the east coast including the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company – which was established in Adelaide in 2012 as a lighting wholesaler – added that it would not leave its birthplace entirely, and will invest in a new R&D facility at the Tonsley Innovation Precinct.

“VAILO will be better placed for the major investments being made into sporting and other infrastructure ahead of the Brisbane Olympic games and will benefit from being part of an entrepreneurial, innovative and progressive environment in which to conduct business,” said founder and CEO Aaron Hickmann (pictured.)  

“The Queensland community is incredibly supportive to local manufacturing, while backing local companies for local projects and I’ve appreciated meeting with Queensland Manufacturing Minister, Glenn Butcher, to discuss the Made in Queensland Program.” 

Hickmann added that the company is in the middle of finalising negotiations to lease a Gold Coast facility, aiming for this to be ”fully operational before the year end.”

VAILO has launched two new products – both variants of its Zenith Gen-V flagship luminaire – and only a year ago announced that it intended to move production from Kent Town to Wayville in Adelaide. 

In January this year, however, Hickmann told Adelaide’s The Advertiser he was relocating his family and his business to Queensland, citing opportunities presented by the Olympics. 

“It is understood the Queensland government has been actively courting successful entrepreneurs like Mr Hickmann as part of their drive to cash in on the Olympics”, the paper reported at the time.

The Wayville site will now be sold, and “negotiations are underway with the Tonsley Innovation District from 2025” on an R&D site.

Queensland manufacturing minister Glenn Butcher was quoted in the release on Tuesday as saying it’s unsurprising to see manufacturers wanting to do business in his state. 

“I’ve always said Queensland is the place to be for manufacturing – our Government has prioritised investment in this crucial job generating industry,” said Butcher. 

VAILO achieved a spot as one of this title’s Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers in 2023 and 2024.

Further reading

VAILO launches latest luminaire

VAILO launches new PC amber luminaire

VAILO to move factories early next year, citing increased demand

Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2024 announced

Australia’s 50 most innovative manufacturers revealed