The Territory Government continues to build our advanced manufacturing ecosystem, with today's announcement of a $4.45 million co-investment to expand robotics capabilities and advanced technology training in the NT.
Manufacturers in the Territory will soon have access to a multi-million-dollar advanced manufacturing facility that will house robotic and tailored automation products such as robotic welders, automated pick and pack systems and product inspection services.
The facility will provide on-site technical support and assistance to businesses, while upskilling manufacturing capability across the region.
The collaboration will see Diverseco and CDU work closely to develop four new robotic and automation qualifications tailored to the region, boosting local skills and knowledge in advanced processes and machinery.
This specialised training will improve local capability by supporting participants with access to the latest technology, training programs, design services, equipment implementation, and operations and maintenance activities.
This investment is the second grant to be awarded under the Territory Labor Government's Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF) and will provide almost half a million dollars toward the new Advanced Manufacturing initiative.
The AMEF is part of a five-year, $8.75 million partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) and provides grants to industry-led advanced manufacturing projects located in the Northern Territory across our priority sectors, where those projects commercialise new products and processes.
These projects can include transitioning a new product or process from pilot/prototype stage to full commercial operations; and/or support early-stage small scale and pilot research projects in advanced manufacturing.
Every project funded under the AMEF requires at least two collaborators - those being a business, manufacturer, supplier, or researcher - with at least one of the entities being Territory based.
Quotes from Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles
"Advanced manufacturing will be a major jobs driver of the future, and this new partnership will provide local manufacturers with the ability to turn their dreams into realities."
"By growing Territory capabilities in advanced manufacturing, we are expanding industries and export opportunities, creating new opportunities for investors and exciting job opportunities for Territorians."
Quotes from Minister for Advanced Manufacturing, Nicole Manison
"This exciting collaboration will support the advancement of the NT's manufacturing industry by leveraging its manufacturing capabilities in the defence, transport, logistics, agriculture, mining and waste industries."
"Growing the Territory's advanced manufacturing industry is a key part of our strategy to grow the economy to 40 billion by 2030 and create more jobs."
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Projects Commissioner Jason Schoolmeester
"This facility and the micro credentials being developed will enable proactive local businesses to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of their business operations."
"It will also ensure that the NT workforce is gaining qualifications to meet industry needs. We look forward to seeing the many local business collaborations with Diverseco and CDU on this exciting new initiative."
AMGC's Northern Territory Director, Charmaine Phillips
"Since the launch of the AMEF last year, AMGC and the Territory Government have built a solid understanding of the manufacturing capabilities that exist in the Territory and the needs of the industry allowing us to support industry growth,."
"Diverseco's presence in the NT will give local manufacturers direct access to leading technology and training resulting in skills, capability and jobs growth across the industry", said Phillips.
Diverseco, Managing Director, Brenton Cunningham
"Diverseco looks forward to delivering this unique business solution into the Northern Territory and has every confidence that it will be well received by local industry and create further commercial opportunities for local manufacturers."
"Diverseco seeks to create solutions at the edge of possibility and the more importance we give to skill development, the more competent will be our youth."
Charles Darwin University, Vice Chancellor, Professor Scott Bowman AO
"This is an exciting partnership between CDU and Diverseco, and it will support course expansion into new robotic and automation qualifications tailored to the region, that will boost workforce capabilities in advanced processes and machinery."
"This investment into advanced manufacturing skills and technology is a welcome addition to the Northern Territory, and offers new and exciting opportunities for our students."
