New manufacturing centre of excellence launched in QLD

A new $7.1 million Manufacturing Centre of Excellence has been launched in Maryborough, QLD, with train manufacturing a key focus.

The new Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will provide  facilities training skill workers in advanced machining, CNC, robotics and augmented welding, along with integrating virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies.

It is aimed at filling the gaps and supporting train manufacturing, with Downer and Manufacturing Skills Queensland coming in as foundation members of the new centre, to aid advanced manufacturing in the state.

It follows Queensland’s $9.5 billion investment in a Train Manufacturing Program, building 65 six-car passenger trains at a specialised facilities on the Fraser Coast, as well as a new rail facility in Ormeau, in the Gold Coast.

QLD Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing, Regional Development and Jobs, Bruce Saunders said, “We’re not just manufacturing trains here in Maryborough, we’re creating a lasting legacy for our region’s industry that will deliver good local jobs for generations to come.”

“Queensland’s Big Build is booming, so this new facility will put Maryborough – and the locals who’ll benefit – at the front of the queue for the good manufacturing jobs we’re creating.”

Manufacturing Skills Queensland CEO, Rebecca Andrews said this new facility is helping support one of the state’s most critical industries.

“Manufacturing is one of Queensland’s most significant and innovative industry sectors collectively contributing billions of dollars to the Queensland economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs,” Andrews said.

“The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, builds on the significant manufacturing investment in the region, and will require a vibrant training sector to deliver a range of vocational courses and a large pool of skilled available labour.”

Fellow Centre founder Downer’s Commercial Director QTMP, Kerry Armstrong, said the company is excited to be part of ramping up skills in the state.

“Students at the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will have the opportunity to learn advanced manufacturing techniques, that can be employed during the operation of our train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea once it is completed,” she said.

“The Centre of Excellence will include state of the art equipment and processes that support robotics, augmented reality and virtual reality.  The facility will showcase best management practices in manufacturing and safety.

“Downer is proud to play a key foundational role in developing the Fraser Coast region into Queensland’s rail manufacturing hub. In order to successfully deliver 65 six-car train sets, we need suitably qualified people. The Centre of Excellence will enable us to train these people right on the Fraser Coast, on the doorstep of the train manufacturing facility.”