Mareeba manufacturer making its mark in Far North Queensland

Mareeba manufacturer Homefab is set to make its mark in Far North Queensland and create more jobs thanks to a $425,211 grant from the Palaszczuk Government’s $40 million Made in Queensland program.

Homefab is an award-winning manufacturer of steel-framed building components – tested to cyclonic wind loadings, is termite and borer proof and not combustible.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the funding would introduce new machinery improving the company’s productivity and competitiveness, particularly in Australia’s cyclone regions.

“Our investment, through Round 2 of Made in Queensland, will help create five new highly-skilled jobs and deliver exciting growth opportunities for the company,” she said.

“Homefab were also successful in securing funding in Round 1 of the Made in Queensland program, receiving $125,837 to introduce business process management software and deliver factory layout improvements.

“The improvements implemented from Round 1 funding, and those to come from the Round 2 investment, will ensure Homefab’s brand new site will be an example of best practice manufacturing processes and operations.”

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said as well as bringing new ideas and investing in the latest technologies, Homefab also builds genuine relationships working with local businesses, sponsoring local community programs, and offering work experience for local students.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to back companies such as Homefab and will continue to support manufacturers through its 10-year Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap and Action Plan,” he said.

“Our Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap is being delivered in partnership with industry to help transform our manufacturing industry.”

The Palaszczuk Government is also investing $30 million to establish Manufacturing Hubs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton.

“Cairns is an ideal location for a Manufacturing Hub, with the local manufacturing sector contributing $762 million to the state’s economy and generating more than six per cent of all industry employment in the region,” Mr Crawford said.

Homefab Managing Director Peta-Maree Broadley welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment and said the Made in Queensland funding will assist the Homefab team with its project of advanced manufacturing technologies.

“Homefab has come a long way over the past 28 years. We currently have 12 full-time employees at our facility at Mareeba and this grant will help us to adopt even more innovative processes and new technologies and expand at a faster rate,” she said.

“Having a focused project plan, skilled staff and innovative culture, we are well placed to implement these new technologies to boost our already strong market competitiveness.

“The Homefab team actively implements continuous improvement processes to optimise our productivity and international competitiveness.”

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

Round 1 of Made in Queensland saw $18.2 million invested 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, the Palaszczuk Government will allocate a further $17.62 million to help 25 businesses around the State innovate, expand and employ.

To learn more, www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry-development/made-in-queensland.html

ENDS

Media contact:

Bernadette Condren - 0417 296 116