Two Townsville manufacturers will install high-tech equipment and create an expected 11 new jobs over five years after securing $435,708 in combined funding from the Palaszczuk Government.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the $46 million Made in Queensland (MiQ) grants program was a proven jobs-boosting initiative for regional Queensland.
"Respected Townsville manufacturing firms Rapid Pacific Group and Australian Professional Galvanizing will maximise production using leading-edge technology, and by doing so will create more work for north Queenslanders," Mr Stewart said.
"Rapid Pacific Group received $91,400 to invest in an advanced tube-bending machine that will significantly enhance their speciality metals product offering while increasing productivity and profitability."
Member for Mundingburra Coralee O'Rourke said Australian Professional Galvanizing would use their $344,308 MiQ grant to increase production capabilities and save energy leveraging Australia's first ThermX kettle, furnace and fume extraction system.
"The Palaszczuk Government is proud to invest in innovative, long-standing Townsville businesses that employ locals and form the backbone of our local economy," Mrs O'Rourke said.
Australian Professional Galvanizing CEO Steve Pollard said they "would be the first Australian galvanising plant to adopt this latest technology after galvanizing North Queensland's steel assets for more than 50 years".
Rapid Pacific Group General Manager John Peters said the company, which manufactures metal handrail and floor-grate systems, "now has the ability to tap into new markets and compete against imports".
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.
