Sunshine Coast business zoning in on advanced manufacturing

Sunshine Coast business ZoneRV is well on the way to becoming an industry leader in manufacturing stronger and safer off-road caravans, thanks to a Queensland Government Made in Queensland grant of more than $1.4 million.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher announced the grant at ZoneRV’s Sunshine Coast facility, during Australian Manufacturing Week.

“This funding will help ZoneRV invest in an advanced composite division and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which is going to support 90 new jobs and take this fantastic business to new levels.”

“Through Made in Queensland, the Queensland Government is supporting manufacturers to invest in new technologies and create more jobs. This is a win for local businesses and local communities and it’s something this government is incredibly proud of.

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the Made in Queensland program had been successful because it had delivered real outcomes for local manufacturers and more job opportunities for Queenslanders.

“Opening more opportunities for Queensland businesses and creating high-skilled jobs of the future is exactly what the Made in Queensland grants are for and it’s great to see it in action here on the Coast,” he said.

Nicklin MP Robert Skelton said ZoneRV is already a well-recognised name in the community.

“Zone RV is just one example of a fantastic Sunshine Coast business making great products here in our backyard.

“The team here draws on years of experience and have built lighter, stronger and safer caravans designed specifically for off-road adventures.”

ZoneRV’s state-of-the-art facility will include new equipment, robotics and interconnected systems that will enable them to manufacture more materials more efficiently.

ZoneRV founder David Biggar said the company was born from the need for improved technology, design and operating efficiencies in the caravan industry.

“This grant is helping us realise this vision,” Mr Biggar said.

“Our team harnesses 25 years’ experience in true composite manufacturing across the marine, aeronautical and civil construction industries and our products reflect this setting a new benchmark for caravan manufacturing standards in Australia.

“Thanks to the support from the grant we will be able to grow our team as well as create new and innovative products that will diversify our offering.”

Minister Butcher said the Made in Queensland grant program had supported 105 advanced manufacturing projects across Queensland, since its inception in 2017 and generated more than $140 million in private sector investment.

In addition, a Made in Queensland grant of $450,000 was awarded to another Sunshine Coast business, Freeze Dry Industries, and will go towards new equipment that will help the company increase productivity, global competitiveness, and create jobs.

Freeze Dry Industries Chief Executive Officer Michael Buckley was grateful for the grant from the Queensland Government.

“Our business is continually growing, and this grant will help accelerate that growth as well as support the production of high value consumer goods via affordable, environmentally sustainable innovation,” Mr Buckley said.

More than $54 million has been awarded through Made in Queensland and Queensland Manufacturing Hub Grants, creating or supporting more than 5,500 jobs. 

ENDS

Emilia Hutchinson – 0437 060 435