Major Townsville defence and ag steel fabricator receives boost thanks to $833,000 grant

• Townsville manufacturer NEM Equipment Hire has been awarded $833,000 through the Made in Queensland program
• New equipment will drive growth and create 20 new jobs over five years

A Miles Government manufacturing grant will enable Townsville manufacturer, NEM Group to purchase a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Beamline machine that will expand the manufacturing capacity and grow the business, resulting in as many as 20 new jobs over the next five years; with five of those being created within the next 12 months.

NEM Equipment Hire, part of the NEM Group, are a major service provider to Townsville’s defence sector and the sugar industry. This work includes servicing Wilmar sugar mills, blast-and-paint, equipment maintenance for air force equipment such as dozers and fuel trucks, as well as repairs to army equipment, and manufacturing replacement steelwork, to name a few.

Purchasing the new CNC beamline machine has been made possible thanks to $833,000 in funding from Round 5 of the Queensland Government’s Made in Queensland program.

The machine will ensure tasks they can be completed more quickly and to a consistently higher standard. This is crucial for NEM as the business pursues increased project work from its air force and army clients.

NEM will be able to deliver steel fabrication components on-site faster and more efficiently through reduced manufacturing times, reduced lead times and faster logistical processes.

Made in Queensland is a highly successful grant program, that has helped over 100 businesses across Queensland, over 5 rounds, creating and supporting over 6,000 jobs.

The Made in Queensland grant program forms part of the suite of measures implemented by the Miles Government which sees over $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 over 7,000 jobs across the state.

By partnering with manufacturers, MiQ has also generated over $180 million in private sector investment, further proving that when we invest in growing our manufacturing sector, we grow the economy and create more jobs. 

Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher 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:

“Townsville is a garrison town and important hub for the growing sugar industry, so it’s fantastic to come to a business that embodies those two sectors so well. This MiQ grant of $833,000 is helping them be more competitive.

“NEM is adding industry 4.0 technology to its factory processes and the future looks bright for this innovative, entrepreneurial business that is focused on growing its customer base and adding 20 new jobs over the next five years.

“What a fantastic success story we’re seeing here and it’s great to see how this grant will help NEM take the next step in its business growth journey.”  

Quotes attributable to Mundingburra MP, Les Walker:

“The Miles Labor Government is all about good secure jobs and grants like this are really helping manufacturers reach that next level here in North Queensland.

“With the assistant of our Government, NEM will be able to employ 20 new staff, and expand their capabilities.

“This equipment will support the crucial work NEM does for long-standing food processing client, Wilmar and its eight sugar mills throughout Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to NEM Group General Manager, Aymon Vagulans:

“This equipment is going to give our business a boost that will see us move up to the next level in profitability and growth.

“We’re actively working to expand the work we do for the defence and food processing sectors and the CNC machine will be a valuable tool in that strategy.

“In addition, as we grow we’ll be able to employ more locals and create opportunities for our existing workforce to add to their skills and grow in their professional development.

“Of course, we are facing the same employment constraints that most manufacturers are – we’re finding it difficult to recruit trade-qualified employees, trainees and apprentices from traditional talent pools.

“So, we have diversified our talent attraction strategy, testing targeted recruitment of women into CNC machining positions with great success. We’ve recently employed four women into FTE positions as CNC program technicians and this has added immense value to NEM operations.”

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004