International expansion paying off
VICTORIAN irrigation innovator Rubicon Water is maximising water use from the Murray Darling through to India and beyond, driving jobs growth at its key Shepparton base with the support of the Victorian Government’s global network of trade and investment offices.
Founded in the Goulburn Valley, Rubicon Water has steadily expanded internationally with the Government’s trade agency Global Victoria, helping to open doors for the company to establish operations in 17 countries.
The company generates around 70 per cent of its revenue from its growing international operations, with the total Victorian workforce topping more than 200, including 130 employees in Shepparton.
“It is great to see what we are doing here is having a far-reaching impact and that our solutions are helping to combat water scarcity issues all over the world. It’s wonderful to be a part of it,” said Rubicon Water potting room team leader, Brooke Cairns.
In Karnataka India, the Rubicon Water system is currently being completed and will manage water supply to more than 400,000 hectares of farmland through 1,250 kilometres of canals. Early results are highlighting a more efficient delivery of water to farms – with some farms receiving canal water for the first time in decades. Upon completion, water efficiencies within the network are expected to improve by up to 20%.
Rubicon Water’s automated irrigation systems use software, sensors and flow controllers to manage the supply of water, delivering water to farms in a controlled way.
Most of these international projects are supported by the company’s Shepparton manufacturing facility which produces gates and specialised flow measurement and control technology.
“For such a small regional business it’s wonderful to see Australian technology up there with the world’s best,” said Rubicon Water logistics and packaging officer, Steven Ashmore.
“What we produce here that gets shipped all over the globe is amazing,” he added.
Rubicon has expanded its operations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Central Asia, China and Africa and is exploring opportunities in the Middle East.
In October, Rubicon Water will be on the world stage at the 24th ICID International Congress in Adelaide, accepting the WatSave Technology Award for the innovative outcomes that their efforts in India are achieving.
