The Queensland Government will invest more than $2.5 million across seven Far North Queensland manufacturers to help them adopt new world-leading technology and processes, support growth in the region and employ 45 workers combined.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said local manufacturer Norweld was among the seven companies to be awarded funding through the Queensland Government's $13.5 million Manufacturing Hub Grant Program – an investment in leading-edge technologies and processes that drive growth and job creation for the regional manufacturing sector.
"I am thrilled Norweld Australia, a first-class local manufacturer and innovator, will receive $181,912 to upgrade their equipment and purchase a flatbed router," Mr Healy said.
"This new equipment will make it easier to cut and fabricate heavy duty aluminium to produce ute trays and canopies for use in some of Australia's harshest conditions.
"Not only will this equipment increase Norweld's production numbers, it will reduce the time it takes to manufacture its products, and most importantly it will create job opportunities for five new workers and three new apprentices."
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said the grants delivered on the Palaszczuk Government's ongoing commitment to Queensland manufacturing especially those in regional Queensland.
"Helping Queensland manufacturers grow their business, move into advanced manufacturing and employ more Queenslanders is why the Manufacturing Hub Grant Program was established," Mr Butcher said.
"The grant funding is also providing regional manufacturers with opportunities to onshore their production operations which strengthens Queensland's supply chains in these uncertain times and creates more jobs opportunities right here in Queensland.
"Seven North Queensland manufacturers can now purchase the very best technology and work through the economic challenges brought on by the global COVID-19 outbreak.
"Strengthening Queensland's vital manufacturing sector is a key part of the Palaszczuk Government's economic plan to Unite and Recover for Queensland jobs in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic."
Norweld Australia said the grant provided an opportunity for the company to expand its workforce.
"The grant allows us to protect our current workforce of 50 while giving us the opportunity to put on up to five skilled workers and up to three apprentices," a spokesperson Norweld Australia said.
The grant funding is also supporting Australian Professional Galvanizing, CSF Industries, Cristaudos Industrial Electrics, EDMS Australia, Perrott Engineering and Tooleys Waterblasting.
"CSF Industries will receive $425,000 grant to purchase a Zeman Scanning and Plate (SPS) Cleat Sorting Robotic System, which will quicken the company's fabrication line," Mr Butcher said.
"The company can now add 10 new highly skilled workers to its Steel Fabricators Division, as well as protect its 131 person strong workforce."
Mr Butcher said Cristaudos Industrial Electrics will receive $539,260 to purchase and install a state-of-the-art laser cutter and Nitrocube package which will greatly reduce the cost to produce electrical switchgear equipment for the marine, industrial and mining sectors.
"The Nitrocube produces its own nitrogen, which is required to power the new laser cutter, allowing the company to service more clients and put on eight new workers," he said.
"Australian Professional Galvanizing has been awarded $337,199 to purchase a MexxWeld Turnkey Robotic Welding Cell (automatic welder) and StruMIS Fabrication and Manufacturing Management System Software Package (ERP system).
"By having this new equipment, APG's production costs will be far less and it can integrate its various software into one modern system, allowing the company to employ another nine workers.
"EDMS Australia will receive $150,449 to purchase and install a 3D scanner and 3D printers to replicate an object's geometry in minute detail. This will make the company a more attractive option for clients, who would otherwise look offshore.
"Perrott Engineering has been awarded $624,487 to purchase and install a state-of-the-art new Multifunctioning CNC machine. This very advanced technology will enable the company to manufacture a wider range of products, making them more competitive in the marine, defence and mining sectors, both domestically and internationally.
"Tooleys Waterblasting will take high pressure water blasting to the next level with $302,614 for a robotic-controlled water blaster to remove coatings from vessels at the shipyards in Cairns and is the first of its kind in Australia."
Tooleys Waterblasting Director Laurie Tooley said the company has been operating out of Edmonton in Cairns since 1991, servicing the marine, industrial and commercial sectors.
"This new equipment will boost our productivity by at least 40 per cent and allow us to service a greater area," Mr Tooley said.
