Locals nab first grants in Qld Govt manufacturing scheme

Local manufacturers Gessner Industries and Global Rotomoulding have earned the first $175,000 boost from the Palaszczuk Government’s $20 million Made in Queensland program.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today announced the first grants from the job-boosting program at Gessner Industries’ Toowoomba premises.

“The grants will allow Gessner and Global to improve their systems, processes and skills and grow their businesses, and jobs,” Dr Lynham said.

“These companies combine decades of experience with modern, innovative processes and equipment and the drive to put their hands up and invest in their future.

“Our Made in Queensland program has helped them to identify innovations they can make, and the funds will allow them to implement those and move to new levels of efficiency and growth.”

Gessner Industries manufactures agricultural and construction machinery manufacturer and Global Rotomoulding produces plastic products, such as water tanks. Gessner was awarded $104,000 and Global Industries $72,000 in matching grants respectively.

They are the first of almost 400 Queensland manufacturers who have registered for Made in Queensland, which provides grants of between $50,000 and $2.5 million to help fund improvements to make companies more productive and competitive, and create jobs.

Manufacturers also have to go dollar-for-dollar with the government to fund business improvements.

Another 20 companies are currently being assessed after completing an initial benchmarking process that identifies what improvements they can make.

“Our $20 billion manufacturing sector already employs 169,000 Queenslanders,” Dr Lynham said.

“We want Queensland to be known as Australia’s home of cutting-edge advanced manufacturing,

“We are committed to helping the state’s manufacturing sector create economic growth and high-paid, knowledge-based jobs by transitioning to innovative advanced manufacturing.”

Dr Lynham encouraged other manufacturers to partner with the government, and take advantage of the matching grants on offer.

“Gessner and Global are two great examples of businesses determined to grow through innovation and improvement, and I encourage other Queensland manufacturers to follow their lead,” Dr Lynham said.

Interested manufacturing businesses can find out more by visiting www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/made-in-queensland or calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389