After three decades, Capral Aluminium is once again strengthening its connection to Geelong, announcing the opening of a new Aluminium Trade Centre servicing Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and surrounding regional Victoria.
The site was officially opened by Tina Perfrement and Jennifer Thomas from the City of Greater Geelong alongside Capral Aluminium CEO Tony Dragicevich, marking an important milestone in Capral’s ongoing investment in regional Victoria and support for local industry.
The new Capral Aluminium Trade Centre in Geelong will provide local businesses, fabricators, tradespeople and manufacturers with improved access to a wide range of aluminium extrusions, sheet, plate and rolled products backed by expert local support and the strength of Capral’s national supply network.
The opening represents another important milestone during Capral’s 90th year of Australian manufacturing and reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to supporting Australian industry through local capability, warehousing and distribution. Capral operates six extrusion presses nationally and maintains one of Australia’s largest aluminium manufacturing and distribution footprints, supplying industries including construction, transport, marine, defence , renewable energy and general fabrication.
For Geelong, the announcement also carries historical significance.
Capral’s history in the region dates back to the mid-1990s, when Alcan acquired the Unalex aluminium operation in approximately 1996.
At the time, the site housed two extrusion presses, a 6-inch and an 8-inch press, along with stretching and limited value-added capability focused on expanded security grille products. While the operation was relatively short-lived and later consolidated into broader Victorian manufacturing operations, it formed an important chapter in the company’s manufacturing history and contributed valuable lessons that helped shape future manufacturing strategy.
Now, almost 30 years later, Capral is returning to Geelong with a renewed focus on servicing one of Victoria’s fastest-growing industrial and construction regions.
Peter Darvell, Capral Aluminium General Manager Southern Region, said the new Geelong location would deliver significant benefits for local customers by combining local accessibility with the backing of a national manufacturing business.
“Geelong is an incredibly important and growing region for Victorian manufacturing, construction and trade, and we are very excited to establish a stronger local presence here,” Peter said.
“Our new Aluminium Trade Centre gives local customers access to a broad range of aluminium extrusions, sheet and plate products supported by local service, technical expertise and the reliability of Capral’s national network.”
Peter added that the Geelong operation would help improve supply responsiveness and strengthen support for customers across a wide range of industries and applications.
“One of the major advantages we bring is the combination of local service with national capability,” he said.
“Customers will benefit from access to one of Australia’s most comprehensive aluminium product ranges, supported by warehousing, distribution and manufacturing capability right across the country. Whether it’s a small fabrication job, residential project or large industrial application, we are committed to helping customers access the products and support they need.”
The Geelong expansion comes during a landmark year for Capral as the company celebrates 90 years of Australian manufacturing. Throughout 2026, Capral has been highlighting its long-standing role in supporting Australian industry, local jobs and sovereign manufacturing capability through a series of national initiatives and celebrations.
As an Australian Made licensee and Australia’s largest extruder and distributor of aluminium products, Capral says the Geelong investment reflects its continued confidence in Australian manufacturing and the future growth potential of regional Victoria.
