The Palaszczuk Government’s successful job-creating program Made in Queensland (MiQ) is about to set two new records: 1000 new jobs and $100 million worth of investment.
Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the job and investment thresholds are expected to be broken once Round 3 grants from the $46 million manufacturing program are announced.
“Since 2017 the Palaszczuk Government has supported around 75 projects across Queensland through two rounds of MiQ,” Mr Dick said.
“These 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.
“Through Round 3 of the program we’ll be building on those figures even further, with more great Queensland businesses funded and more new jobs created.
“The success of MiQ reflects the quality of our local manufacturers, and we’re so pleased to be partnering with them as they expand their operations, extend their reach and employ more Queenslanders.”
Knotwood, a 2019 Premier of Queensland Export Award winner and manufacturer of unique aluminium systems for properties, received more than $450,000 to install a state-of-the-art automated vertical powder coating machine at their facility.
Knotwood Chief Financial Officer Charlie Bellamy said MiQ investment had helped the business to increase output and take on a larger export market.
“After completing our MiQ funded project, Knotwood’s sales increased by 39 per cent in 2018 and 48 per cent in 2019, with a 68 per cent sales increase attributed to exports,” Mrs Bellamy said.
“We now offer around 55 wood grain aluminium finishes across our product range and export countries including the US, UK, Canada, Curacao and New Zealand.”
Mr Dick said the state’smanufacturing sector was one of Queensland’s biggest employers, providing work to around 170,000 Queenslanders.
“That’s why our MiQ funding is so important, because a strong manufacturing sector means more Queensland jobs, and more jobs means a stronger Queensland,” he said.
Shortlisted applicants for MiQ Round 3 will be invited to submit detailed applications in November 2019.
MiQ complements the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan. To learn more visit the Made in Queensland webpage.
