State funding boost sweet like honey for Logan manufacturer

Logan-based fabricated metal manufacturer Oxworks are set to add more than 100 new high-skilled jobs thanks to $1.5 million in funding through Round 2 of the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $40 million Made in Queensland program.

Visiting the Oxworks manufacturing and distribution facility, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the state was proud to help local businesses expand and evolve.

“Oxworks is another Logan success story our government is backing, with the business going from strength to strength since starting as a powder coating operation in 2001,” Mr Dick said.

“This investment will allow Oxworks to purchase a Honeycomb Automated Storage and Retrieval System to optimise efficiency and upskill their workforce, which is what Made in Queensland is all about.

“The Honeycomb system, and an improved facility layout, will see the creation of an estimated 102 high-skilled jobs – increasing business productivity by freeing up valuable floor space.

“The new automated system will take Oxworks to the next level in its advanced manufacturing journey, and the project complements the company’s expansion to a new manufacturing facility.”

Oxworks Managing Director Glenn Hosking commended the Queensland Government’s commitment to supporting growth in the manufacturing sector.

“Oxworks is a leading manufacturer and distributor of steel and aluminium fencing, gates, balustrades and privacy screens in residential, industrial and commercial markets,” Mr Hosking said.

“This funding will help us to transform the entire supply chain by adopting the traits of advanced manufacturing to enhance productivity and capacity, expand our product range, improve profitability, and build on our export capabilities.”

Round 1 of Made in Queensland saw the Palaszczuk 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,” Mr Dick said.

“Queensland’s manufacturing sector is worth $20 billion annually to our economy and provides jobs to more than 181,000 people.

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

Since January 2015, more than 186,000 jobs have been created in Queensland.

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