Second round of funds to boost local manufacturers now open

Queensland manufacturers will today be able to apply for grants of up to $2.5 million to improve their business thanks to the second round of the Queensland Government’s $40 million Made in Queensland program.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the second round will be made up of $20 million in available grants.

“The success of round one showed the strong appetite for innovation and growth flourishing within Queensland’s manufacturing industry,” he said.

“Made in Queensland is about improving our international competitiveness, supporting local manufacturers and creating jobs for Queensland.

“To date, 46 Queensland companies from Burleigh to Cairns have been able to leapfrog to more advanced technology, improve productivity and create high value, knowledge-based jobs through this program.

“Some examples include Packer Leather in Narangba who used their grant of more than $530,000 to install an advanced manufacturing system and an automated batching system, creating six new jobs.

“In Roma, Flemings Welding Services used their grant of almost $208,000 to install state-of-the-art surface finishing equipment, which until then couldn’t be completed locally.”

Made in Queensland offers matching grants of between $50,000 and $2.5 million to manufacturers in the state who employ between five and 200 people.

Mr Dick said Expressions of Interest applications will be open for four weeks, closing on 24 May 2018.

“Eligible businesses will be assessed against a set of criteria and shortlisted,” he said.

“The shortlisted businesses will then be invited to make detailed applications for grants for their innovative projects from Made in Queensland.

“The program complements the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, which sets out a vision for an innovative, sustainable and globally recognised advanced manufacturing sector in Queensland by 2026.

“The Roadmap’s vision is backed by $7.6 million in programs to help manufacturers make the transition to advanced manufacturing.”

Visit the Made in Queensland website at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry-development/made-in-queensland for more information.

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039