Emerald manufacturer G.E.T. Engineering is boosting its manufacturing capability with a grant of more than $280,000 through the Queensland Government's Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP). The local manufacturer received the funding under Round 1 of MHGP and will use the grant to purchase a robotic arm, which will help with welding tasks. On a tour of the G.E.T. Engineering work site, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said supporting regional manufacturers by helping them become more competitive was a key focus of the Queensland Government.
"Building local businesses, strengthening their capacity and capability helps local economies by delivering long-term, local jobs. "Our government is focused on delivering critical support to regional manufacturers, after the COVID-19 pandemic, to make sure they have the tools they need to grow and thrive," Mr Butcher said.
"Australian companies are increasingly looking to local manufacturers to step up and fill gaps exposed in supply chains, so it's fantastic to see these family businesses in regional Queensland build and grow, to meet demand."
G.E.T. Engineering – a manufacturing and large industrial equipment repair business servicing the local mining, agriculture and civil sectors – will use the $284,051 grant to purchase and install an automatic robotic arm to perform large, repetitive welding operations. General Manager Paul Klowss said the new equipment would contribute to the creation of four new jobs and would help with the welding skills shortage impacting the manufacturing sector.
"It's great to see the Queensland Government helping and investing in this area," Mr Klowss said.
"It will be a big boost for our business once we get it up and running and will significantly increase our capacity and capability.
"It's difficult to get welders for these repetitive tasks and so this robotic arm will fill that gap," he said.
"We're looking forward to growing the business and adding new roles to our team."
Through the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program, the Queensland Government is helping to strengthen the state's regional manufacturers and creating jobs.
Emerald business, Ryder Machining Services, also received a Manufacturing Hubs Grant of $10,290.
"Manufacturing already contributes $20 billion a year, to the state's economy and employees and we want to see that build even further," Minister Butcher said.
Thanks to the Palaszczuk Government's strong commitment to manufacturing, the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs recently received permanent funding, so they can continue to help regional manufacturers to grow their businesses and create local jobs.
"The Hubs are bringing together the state, industry partners, local governments, local businesses and educational institutions to collaborate and grow regional manufacturing," Mr Butcher said.
