Mackay manufacturer Real Time Instruments (RTI) are set to gain the measure of new technology thanks to $107,700 in funding from Round 2 of the Palaszczuk Government's $40 million Made in Queensland grants program.
RTI is a high-tech manufacturer and supplier of online measurement equipment, with offices in Mackay, Brisbane and Perth.
Member for Mackay and Assistant Minister for State Development Julieanne Gilbert said the funding will improve RTI's productivity, profitability, product and service quality, and export capabilities.
"RTI will soon be able to employ more staff, apply best practice manufacturing processes, and capitalise on export opportunities," Ms Gilbert said.
"An estimated 14 new jobs will be created as a result of this grant, which will see the company put innovative processes in place to improve efficiencies and minimise waste.
"RTI sets the benchmark for online analysis of bulk materials. Their customers range from small food processors to large multinational mining companies.
"Our government understands that, with the right support, small-and-medium-sized businesses like RTI can start doing big business, which is what Made in Queensland is all about."
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government was boosting regional manufacturing through practical initiatives like Made in Queensland.
"Round 1 of the program saw our government invest $18.2 million in Queensland's manufacturing sector, which led to the creation of an estimated 532 direct, high-skill jobs," Mr Dick said.
"Through Made in Queensland Round 2, we'll allocate a further $17.62 million to help 25 businesses around our state innovate, expand and employ.
"Queensland's manufacturing sector is worth $20 billion each year to our economy and provides jobs to more than 180,000 people.
"A strong manufacturing sector means more Queensland jobs, and more jobs means a stronger Queensland."
RTI CEO Dr James Asbury welcomed the MiQ funding, saying RTI's goal is to capitalise on the growing need for process data and to double in revenue within the next five years.
"To enable this to happen the business will require modern LEAN manufacturing processes as well as streamlined enterprise resource software," Dr Asbury said.
"Our company is confident this funding agreement with the Queensland Government will assist in this process."
Since January 2015, 186,400 jobs have been created in Queensland.
In December alone, 6000 jobs were created – three-quarters full-time – while 35,300 jobs have been created in Queensland in the past year.
The $40 million Made in Queensland initiative complements the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.
To learn more, visit the Made in Queensland webpage.
