Four Acacia Ridge manufacturers will install high-tech equipment and create an expected 50 new jobs over five years after securing $1.33 million in combined funding from the Palaszczuk Government.
Member for Stretton Duncan Pegg said the $46 million Made in Queensland (MiQ) grants program is a game-changer for the small-to-medium-sized manufacturers it supports.
“MiQ is invested in the growth of manufacturing in Queensland, allowing businesses to become more innovative and internationally competitive while creating more local jobs,” Mr Pegg said.
“Manufacturing is one of the biggest employment sectors here in Brisbane’s southside, so it’s great to see four Acacia Ridge manufacturers secure grants and commit to creating 50 new jobs for our community.
“Hydraulic cylinder manufacturer PTE Hydraulics will invest their $590,086 grant into advanced machinery to onshore work, and engineering firm G&O Kert will look to capture more defence and aerospace contracts with $360,000 for new equipment.
“Meanwhile, QLM Label Makers will increase their workforce by 20 per cent thanks to new inkjet imaging equipment funded through a $244,000 MiQ grant, and textile manufacturer Belgotex Fabrics will use their $134,007 grant to diversify and expand their market share.”
PTE Hydraulics Director Peter Harrison said the MiQ grant helped introduce production capabilities to the business that allowed it to create new high-skilled jobs.
“We purchased a new, latest-technology gear-shaping machine, and we’re well on target to achieve our budgeted sales increase and to boost our existing workforce of 75 by an additional 23 employees,” Mr Harrison said.
“The MiQ grant played a major role in enabling a new growth phase for our company.”
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 will be invited to submit detailed applications in November.
MiQ complements the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan. To learn more visit the Made in Queensland webpage.
