Palaszczuk Government funding is helping Brendale electronics manufacturer Elexon Electronics power through turbulent global economic conditions caused by COVID-19.
Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said Elexon last year received $890,325 from the $46 million Made in Queensland (MiQ) program to introduce leading-edge electronics manufacturing equipment and transform the business into an intelligent Industry 4.0 factory.
"Despite the difficult global economic environment we find ourselves in, programs like Made in Queensland are helping local manufacturers to expand their businesses and employ more Queenslanders," Ms Boyd said.
"Elexon is a great local example of how our government's continued support of Queensland manufacturers is helping them to navigate tough global economic conditions and find new opportunities to grow and prosper.
"In addition, the grant has ensured Elexon can continue onshore manufacturing and positioned the company to plan for future expansion.
"This is great news, because it means more jobs for locals."
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said Elexon purchased a new storage system, jet printer, pick and place machines and soldering systems to update its manufacturing line.
"This has allowed Elexon Electronics to double its productivity while reducing costs to stay competitive," he said.
"The company has been able to put on two new full-time workers, upskill six existing workers and retain its full workforce as a result of the MiQ project.
"Elexon are also partnering with companies to assist in high-tech product development from wildlife tracking equipment, ground movement measuring systems, to precision water testing."
Elexon Electronics CEO Frank Faller said the company manufactures and exports high-tech electronic products for the defence, medical and mining industries.
"This new manufacturing line is a game-changer for us," Mr Faller said.
"Its cutting-edge technical capabilities allow us not only to be on the forefront of advanced manufacturing in Australia, but also to compete internationally and allow Queensland businesses to have their high tech-products manufactured locally.
"We very much appreciate the support of the Queensland government. This investment helped us to keep our manufacturing in Queensland rather than having to start looking at offshoring."
The $46 million MiQ program is supporting approximately 84 projects across Queensland, helping create more than 1000 jobs over the next five years and is expected to generate approximately $100 million in private sector investment.
MiQ complements the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.
