Major Mackay mining and ag engineering business receives boost thanks to $500,000 grant

• Mackay manufacturer Key Solutions Group has been awarded $500,000 through the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP)
• New equipment will drive growth and create 8 new jobs

A Miles Government manufacturing grant will enable Mackay business, Key Solutions Group to purchase and install two Motoman AR1440 series welding robots, Power-Trac seam finders/trackers and rotary screw compressors.

This will expand its manufacturing capacity and grow the business, resulting in as many as eight new jobs and upskill 28 current employees.

Key Solutions Group specialises in pipe welding, repairs and component manufacturing and is a major service provider to Mackay’s critical mining and agriculture sectors.  

Purchasing this new machinery has been made possible thanks to $500,000 in funding from Round 3 of the Queensland Government’s Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program.

The equipment is expected to reduce production costs by 30 per cent and generate private sector investment of more than $1.2 million.

The Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program is a highly successful funding program, that has helped 63 projects across Queensland, over 3 rounds, creating and supporting more than 1,400 jobs.

The Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program forms part of the suite of measures implemented by the Miles Government which sees more than $207 million invested into Queensland manufacturers and support programs. 

This investment, which has benefitted businesses from the border, all the way to Far North Queensland, has created and supported more than 7,000 jobs across the state.

Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher and Resources Minister Scott Stewart visited the business today and said the company’s success demonstrates that the Miles Government’s commitment to the industry is paying dividends.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher:

“Every time we see a Queensland manufacturer take advantage of these grant programs, I know that it’s a step in the right direction for creating a more resilient and robust manufacturing sector.  

“We have helped so many businesses throughout Queensland, just like Key Solutions Group, with leaders who can see an opportunity to expand their factory’s capabilities, an opportunity to secure more clients and grow their business.

“We have heard from many manufacturers that it’s challenging to recruit staff for welding roles and so wherever possible, automation is solving some of those problems.

“It also means staff can be upskilled to new roles and some of those manage the robotic part of the process.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, Scott Stewart:

“Mackay and Paget have amazing and innovative manufacturers doing high-quality work in the resources industry, which is such an important part of the region’s economy.

“Key Solutions Group is another example of a business working not only in the resources industry but across a variety of sectors.

“That’s why it’s great to be supporting them through the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program which means they can grow even more.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert:

“The Miles Government is delivering business-shaping support for manufacturers here in Mackay.

“With the assistance of this Government, Key Solutions has been able to employ eight new staff and improve their capabilities.

“This new equipment will reduce production costs by 30 per cent and generate private sector investment of more than $1.2 million which is a fantastic result for this business!”

Quotes attributable to Key Solutions Group managing director, Frank Attard:

“This grant will enable our business to take a major step forward in our growth journey. We’ll be able to achieve significantly greater efficiencies in time usage and labour output, which will ultimately result in better service to our growing customer base.

“The robotic manufacturing facility project will be a key ingredient in our business growth path and we’re looking forward to bringing in more customers with a broader product and service offerings.”

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004