Four manufacturers in northside Brisbane have upgraded their work practices to create more jobs for Queenslanders after securing more than $2.3 million in combined funding from the Palaszczuk Government.
Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard said the $46 million Made in Queensland (MiQ) grants program gives great local manufacturing the boost it needs to thrive.
"Our government is backing the work of Banyo businesses Watkins Steel and Queensland Plastics, Langford Metal Industries in Eagle Farm, and Geebung's Aqseptence Group because we want to see more products and jobs created on the northside," Ms Linard said.
"These manufacturers will use their grants to purchase and install advanced manufacturing equipment that will revolutionise their businesses, together creating an estimated 80 new high-skilled jobs of the future.
"Watkins Steel will purchase a leading-edge flat and angle steel processing machine with the assistance of $621,808 in MiQ funding, and Queensland Plastics has used their $146,900 grant to install plastic injection moulding and advanced automation equipment that will allow them to onshore production from China.
"Meanwhile, Langford Metal Industries will invest their $858,177 grant into an advanced laser cutter that will increase production and lower their energy use, and Aqseptence Group are purchasing an advanced fibre laser cutting machine with $677,252 funding support from MiQ.
Watkins Steel Managing Director Des Watkins said the automatic processing equipment is the most productive machine of its kind on the market.
"We now have the ability to automate many manual processes, making us more competitive with overseas markets," Mr Watkins said.
"At the same time we're improving safety in the workplace, increasing output, providing more employment and training our apprentices on state-of-the-art equipment."
Aqseptence Australia's Managing Director David Lazzarini said the grant will enable the company to perform previously outsourced work like precise perforated and slot perforated stainless steel sheeting.
"This gives us greater inhouse ownership of the product build process, which will drive increased cost competitiveness," Mr Lazzarini said.
"This initiative has already brought in new business from overseas, which will help create and sustain jobs in the manufacturing industry for Queensland."
Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said MiQ is helping local manufacturers expand, upskill and employ.
"Since 2017 the Palaszczuk Government has supported around 75 projects across Queensland through MiQ," Mr Dick said.
"The grants, which are matched by the manufacturers, will help create more than 930 new jobs over the next five years and are expected to generate approximately $92 million in private sector investment."
Shortlisted applicants for MiQ Round 3 have been invited to submit detailed applications.
MiQ complements the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan. To learn more visit the Made in Queensland webpage.
