Gold Coast manufacturer gets Made in Queensland funding acceleration

A Gold Coast manufacturer of high-performance cooling systems – used in race cars and military vehicles – is set to reach business top speed and create more jobs thanks to a $1.095 million grant from the Palaszczuk Government’s $40 million Made in Queensland program.

PWR Performance Products is a two-time recipient of the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards (2011 and 2012) that is successfully capturing niche markets for cooling systems in high-performance vehicles, including Formula 1, NASCAR and V8 Supercars.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the funding will allow PWR to purchase an advanced 3D CT scanner, improving the company’s productivity and international competitiveness.

“Off the back of this Made in Queensland investment, PWR expects to create 46 new jobs – driving increased output and new export opportunities,” Mr Dick said.

“A strong manufacturing sector means more Queensland jobs, and more jobs means a stronger Queensland.

“Round 1 of Made in Queensland saw our government invest $18.2 million in Queensland’s manufacturing sector, which is leading to the creation of an estimated 532 direct, high-skill jobs.

“Through Made in Queensland Round 2, we’ll allocate a further $17.62 million to help 25 businesses around our state innovate, expand and employ.”

Member for Gaven and Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development Meaghan Scanlon said the Palaszczuk Government was building the state’s manufacturing industry through practical initiatives such as Made in Queensland.

“Our government is proud to back Queensland manufacturers like PWR, and will continue to invest in job-creating programs as we work hard to grow our state,” Ms Scanlon said.

“PWR is a real Gold Coast success story, and this funding will ensure the company can employ more locals and extend their business reach further.”

Member for Macalister Melissa McMahon said Queensland is on track to become an international market leader in the delivery of advanced manufacturing.

“We’re seeing technologies, systems, products and services emerge from our state that are innovative, sustainable, and embedded in local and global supply chains,” Ms McMahon said.

“Queensland manufacturing continues to gather pace, and it’s because of the visionary work of companies like PWR.”

PWR CEO Kees Weel said the investment would help PWR strengthen its position as a premium supplier to industries, including high-end motorsport, aerospace, defence and electronics, while creating additional skilled jobs in Queensland.

“We have employed an additional 100 full-time employees since 2015 and currently have 185 full-time employees at the PWR facility at Ormeau,” Mr Weel said.

“With the purchase of the 3D CT scanner, we expect to employ a significant number of additional graduate engineers and programmers to further grow the business."

Since January 2015, 186,400 jobs have been created in Queensland.

In December alone, 6000 jobs were created – three-quarters full-time – while 35,300 jobs have been created in Queensland in the past year.

Queensland’s manufacturing sector is worth $20 billion each year to the state economy and consistently employs more than 180,000 people.

The $40 million Made in Queensland initiative complements the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.

To learn more, visit the Made in Queensland webpage.

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561