Grants support Queensland manufacturing capacity

A Queensland government manufacturing grant will enable Mackay business, Key Solutions Group to purchase two Motoman AR1440 series welding robots, Power-Trac seam finders/trackers and rotary screw compressors.

This will expand its manufacturing capacity and grow the business, resulting in as many as eight new jobs and the upskilling of 28 existing staff.

Key Solutions Group specialises in pipe welding, repairs and component manufacturing and is a major service provider to Mackay’s critical mining and agriculture sectors.

Purchasing this new machinery has been made possible thanks to $500,000 in funding from Round 3 of the Queensland Government’s Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program.

The equipment is expected to reduce production costs by 30 per cent and generate private sector investment of more than $1.2 million.

The Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program has helped 63 projects across Queensland, over three rounds, creating and supporting more than 1,400 jobs.

Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher (pictured) and Resources Minister Scott Stewart visited the business and said the company’s success demonstrated that a commitment to industry was paying dividends.

Butcher said: “Every time we see a Queensland manufacturer take advantage of these grant programs, I know that it’s a step in the right direction for creating a more resilient and robust manufacturing sector.

“We have helped so many businesses throughout Queensland, just like Key Solutions Group, with leaders who can see an opportunity to expand their factory’s capabilities, an opportunity to secure more clients and grow their business.

“It also means staff can be upskilled to new roles and some of those manage the robotic part of the process.”

Picture: Glen Butcher