The future of the Townsville manufacturing sector has been given a further boost with the Palaszczuk Government announcing permanent funding for the Townsville Manufacturing Hub as part of a $17 million statewide boost for manufacturing.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said the Palaszczuk Government's investment in Manufacturing Hubs and Made in Queensland Grants has created and supported nearly 6000 jobs to date. "The work done at these hubs is vital to building and strengthening Queensland's booming manufacturing sector.
"Manufacturing already contributes $20 billion a year, to the state's economy and employees and we want to see that grow even further," Minister Butcher said.
In more evidence of the Queensland Government's commitment to local manufacturing, Minister Butcher made the announcement at Beehive Vinyl Products, which has been awarded a Made in Queensland (MiQ) grant.
Beehive Vinyl makes durable vinyl tool bags, which are exported all over the world and to many interstate clients, including the resources sector
"That's $270,000 to go towards new equipment that will help Beehive increase their output and meet the growing demand for more of their products," Mr Butcher said.
Resources Minister and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart congratulated Beehive Vinyl on their proactive approach to business.
"The Made in Queensland grant means up to nine new jobs will be created in this workshop, which is so important," he said.
"It's great to see a local company working with the resources sector too which is an important part of Townsville's economy."
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the Palaszczuk Government is doing everything it can to put Townsville manufacturers on the global stage.
"We are making sure Queensland manufacturers continue to remain nationally and internationally competitive, and in a position to take advantage of the growth opportunities," Mr Walker said.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the funding boost is more evidence of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to building local business.
"Beehive is known for their tool bags and thanks to this funding, the business expects to make and distribute a whopping 35,000 units," Mr Harper said.
Beehive Vinyl Manager Sean Kerlin said the MiQ grant would help the business adopt LEAN manufacturing principles, introduce new machinery and processes that would automate sections and ease production bottleneck issues.
"We have strong and growing demand for our products but we are faced with labour shortages in those parts of the factory process that require repetitive, monotonous welding work to be done.
"The grant will help with new machinery and staff skills, so that we can increase output and grow our business," he said.
"Our products are growing in demand, partly due to the fact that being made in Queensland means they are a high-quality product and also because there is a reluctance to buy from overseas for a range of reasons, including longer lead times," he said.
The Townsville Manufacturing Hub, part of the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs program, has proven to be a valuable resource when it comes to helping local manufacturers access grants and also training.
