Let there be light: Monarto Innovation Precinct revitalises former Big W warehouse
LED screen manufacturer Valo, a green hydrogen experiment and an industrial hemp processing plant are among the projects being set up west of Murray Bridge.
Something exciting is happening at Monarto South.
Lighting company Valo – the major sponsor of this weekend’s Adelaide 500 Supercars race – has been busy at the former Big W warehouse.
For the past two months more than 20 workers have been manufacturing state-of-the-art LED screens there, dozens of them, for use around the city circuit.
Chief executive Aaron Hickmann said the company planned to use its new Monarto Innovation Precinct as a base for an international expansion, building on installations it had completed at Adelaide 36ers Arena and Norwood Oval, among other venues.
“This expansion further cements Valo’s presence in South Australia and our plans to bring advanced heavy industry back to the state,” he said.
“Valo will be employing more people in regional South Australia and growing jobs in the state, which will boost the economy.
“Basing our LED digital display technology business at the Monarto Innovation Precinct also supports Valo’s plans to export to the US, Europe and South East Asia.”
Valo even used the Monarto precinct as a backdrop for a promotional video launched this week, at the top of this post.
They’re not the only ones setting up shop at the precinct, either.
Eight thousand agave plants are being grown there as part of a green hydrogen production trial, a partnership with Adelaide University.
The site will also be home to an industrial hemp processing plant.
More jobs would become available there in early 2023, Mr Hickmann said.
“We have been working with the Murray Bridge council to bring manufacturing, employment and other opportunities to the region, and we look forward to expanding the Monarto Innovation Precinct over the coming months,” he said.
More than 200 people were employed at the facility, on Ferries McDonald Road, during its heyday as a Big W distribution centre.
However, the retail chain began planning to close it in 2019, and it was sold late last year.
Former Murray Bridge mayor Brenton Lewis hinted at the time that a “significant” number of jobs were likely to be created there under new ownership.
Correction: A previous version of this story included an incorrect name, and incorrectly suggested Monarto was east of Murray Bridge.
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