Palaszczuk Government funding helps North Qld manufacturers to grow

Three North Queensland manufacturers will share in more than $745,000 through the Palaszczuk Government’s Regional Manufacturing Hub Grants Program to adopt leading-edge technology and processes, help boost their business and create jobs.

Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher said the new program funding added to the $6.8 million already invested in 25 companies to date, supporting 142 jobs in regional Queensland over five years.

“Through the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program, the Palaszczuk Government is helping to strengthen the state’s regional manufacturers and creating jobs,” Mr Butcher said.

“Supporting businesses to adopt advanced manufacturing equipment and methods will help them grow and deliver secure, long-term, and most importantly, local jobs.”

Ingham manufacturer LiquaForce will receive $128,509 to improve their enterprise planning and Internet of Things effectiveness – helping their business to grow.

“LiquaForce, a first-class regional liquid fertiliser business, has developed a strategy over the next five years to construct and commission three new liquid fertiliser factories in Mackay, Ayr and Far North Queensland,” Mr Butcher said.

“With our support LiquaForce will be able to build its manufacturing capability, service its customers and increase its production along the Queensland coast while remaining profitable and sustainable.

“This project is expected to create 40 new high-tech jobs across the region ─ 14 of which have already been hired.

“It will also upskill the current manufacturing workforce and manufacturing supply chain jobs, and produce apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities in the future.

“As a result of this funding, LiquaForce will invest in new technologies to support their domestic and global competitiveness.”

Family-run North Queensland manufacturer, Tully Welding Works will also receive $438,563 to expand its current fabrication facility and purchase a state-of-the-art, automated beam drill line and robotic plasma cutting bench.

“The project will enable Tully Welding Works to enter into a whole new manufacturing market, provide up to seven new jobs, and increase production and capabilities,” Mr Butcher said.

Tully Welding Works Director Stephen Valeriano said it was the company’s first MHGP grant and he was excited to be able to install a new purchase a state-of-the-art, automated beam drill line and robotic plasma cutting bench.

“The new Ficep Excalibur PRO 1201Ex Drill Line will help expand our business capacity, capability and sophistication to meet the current and growing needs for our business.

“It will improve our overall production and competitiveness by robotically drilling, milling and marking out steel members for fabrication, reducing handling and processing times, and improving accuracy and productivity.

“The new Drill Line will provide much needed regional expertise and enhanced manufacturing capability and service delivery, benefiting businesses and industries in the region, and our workforce will be upskilled to operate the state-of-the-art equipment,” Mr Valeriano said.

GTB Engineering have been awarded $180,975 for the purchase and installation of a Plasmax high definition plasma cutting unit.

GTB Engineering’s Director Guy Davis said the new equipment will improve business capabilities, improve productivity, and provide more opportunities to employ locals.

“We are extremely pleased to be awarded the grant which will also provide employment to the Tully region, upskilling and training opportunities for current staff at GTB Engineering, and we predict that it will create three new jobs,” Mr Davis said.

Through the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program, the Queensland Government is helping to strengthen the state’s regional manufacturers and creating jobs.

To find out more visit www.qld.gov.au/manufacturinghubs

ENDS

Media contact: Daniel Lato – 0438 891 158