New Mackay Manufacturing Hub key to innovation and jobs

The Palaszczuk Government has delivered on another election commitment today with the official opening the Mackay Manufacturing Hub.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the new Mackay Hub would provide businesses in the region with access to development programs and specialised training.

“Support for Queensland manufacturers – especially in the regions – is critical as we continue to deliver the Palaszczuk Government’s plan for economic recovery form the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“At the last election we committed to establishing a Hub in Mackay and we’ve now delivered on that commitment.

“Our government allocated $4 million to create the Mackay Manufacturing Hub which is now ready to boost the development of regional manufacturers and associated local supply chains.

“The Mackay Hub will service manufacturers across initial key focus sectors such as mining equipment, technology and services, resource recovery and agriculture and will be located within the Resources Centre of Excellence.”

The hub will provide support to manufacturers across the Mackay, Issac and Whitsunday regions and will link in with hubs in Townsville and Rockhampton.

Mackay is home to many first-class innovative manufacturers servicing global markets such as Vayeron and Mainetec. 

Vayeron specialise in sensor technology and condition monitoring for the mining sector and have developed an automated sensor that sits within the rollers of conveyor belts.

Vayeron managing director Ryan Norris said the Mackay Manufacturing Hub would be welcomed by Mackay manufacturers.

“The Hub will help develop the high-tech manufacturing segment of the industry through building the skills and knowledge base of those working in the manufacturing sector,” Mr Norris said.

“The Hub will also help with securing vital grants that help manufacturers like me increase capacity and capability, further improving our ability to connect with international markets.”

Vayeron is expanding its production to include building electronic equipment from scratch, becoming the first manufacturer in Mackay to do so, and will export to South America and the US. Mainetec specialise in dragline bucket production and maintenance and are in the process of integrating 3D technologies into their business to service their growing international marketplace.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said the Mackay Manufacturing Hub was part of a $38.5 million investment into a state-wide network of hubs that provided expert advice and support.

“We already have a network of hubs in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, and the Gold Coast, and now here in Mackay,” Mr Butcher said.

“The Palaszczuk government is committed to ensuring that manufacturing industry participants right across Queensland have what they need to develop next-generation expertise for the long-term.

“We’re continuing to invest to support our regional manufacturers thrive because they create long-term jobs and significantly contribute to the sustainable growth of our regional economies.”

Read more about our Manufacturing Hubs here: www.qld.gov.au/manufacturinghubs

ENDS

Media contact: Daniel Lato: 0438 891 158