Bridgeman to invest in Townsville advanced manufacturing

A new advanced metal manufacturing and fabrication facility is to be built in Townsville by metals manufacturer Bridgeman Agencies to service defence, aerospace and construction customers.

Thanks to funding support from state government’s $415.5 million Industry Partnership Program, Bridgeman will invest $1.7 million in an advanced metal manufacturing and fabrication facility in Townsville.

The project will create 14 jobs and position the indigenous-owned company to grow its supply chain into defence and aerospace industries in North Queensland.

Bridgeman Owner & Managing Director Adam Sarota said: “Bridgeman’s manufacturing expansion project will develop our manufacturing capability…capitalising on regional strengths to build capability, sustainability, and resilience.

“Our Townsville site will enable Bridgeman to create further full-time employment opportunities for Townsville and local communities for the long term.”

Bridgeman will encourage partnerships with other Indigenous companies along the supply chain to deliver training and career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, he said.

The IPP, part of the Queensland Jobs Fund, is focused on growing priority industries, strengthening local supply chains, encouraging collaboration between all levels of government and industry and leveraging private sector investment.

This year’s State Budget included a $53.5 million boost to continue the programme.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said: “Since the launch of IPP in 2021, more than $1.1 billion worth of projects have been approved with the potential to create more than 1,850 ongoing jobs.

“Importantly, the programme paves the way for companies to leverage further funding from sources such as Commonwealth Government programmes – ensuring our Queensland industries get their fair share of these national funding programmes.

“Bridgeman’s project will build on the pipeline of fantastic projects taking shape with IPP support, including Vecco Group’s Townsville vanadium battery electrolyte manufacturing facility.”

Picture: Bridgeman Agencies