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By Colin MacGillivray

ONE of Kilmore’s largest private employers has bucked Australia’s rising unemployment trend during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

NVC Precast, formerly North-Vic Constructions, is a construction company that manufactures and supplies precast concrete for the civil construction industry across Victoria and southern New South Wales.

The business has more than 50 full-time employees, with an additional 30-plus contractors also employed at any one time.

NVC Precast general manager of business and finance Ortensio Caroli said the company was holding strong, despite the pandemic, and had plans to bring more workers on board.

He said strict COVID-19 safety procedures had kept the business operating almost at normal capacity.

“Our contracts haven’t dropped off; if anything, we’re looking to employ another six to 10 people over the next few months,” he said.

“It’s really about finding the right fit. We use third-party apprentice agencies to assist us.

“They have access to individuals who may have had their apprentices halted for whatever reason or have an interest in precast construction.”

“Two of our boilermaker apprentices have come from the manufacturing industry, both were looking at precast due to the different challenges it brings.

“Some of what we build is truly impressive and the process behind it means the days are rarely repetitive in nature.”

NVC Precast began as a small family-run business competing for bridge design and construction projects in 1989, and has grown into one of the premier precast suppliers in Victoria, supporting contracts such as level crossing removals and major road projects.

Mr Caroli said the company would continue to prioritise local workers to fill upcoming positions.

“Ninety percent of our employees and contractors live in the Mitchell Shire area, predominantly in Kilmore but also in Seymour, Pyalong and as far as Beveridge,” he said.

“It is good to know that our team is local, spends local and supports the community in which we operate.

“Also, as a business we use local companies whenever we need plumbers, electricians or other workers.”

NVC Precast specialises in bridge construction and has helped build and repair many bridges in Mitchell Shire, including Reedy Creek Bridge, Sunday Creek Spur Road Bridge in Clonbinane, Dry Creek Bridge Broadford, Bidstrups Bridge, Willowmavin Road Bridge, Gardiner Greek Bridge Seymour, and a box cell culvert on Old Lancefield Road.
Upcoming contracts include the Echuca-Moama Bridge project across the Murray River.

“We have a great team of people and partners at NVC Precast,” Mr Caroli said.

“It’s a testament to everyone involved over the years. Everyone truly has a positive, safety-first, can-do attitude, making the environment a great place to work.”