NT construction company to move into specialty glass manufacture through $5.4 million project

Multidisciplinary construction company Northern Trade Solutions is diversifying into specialty glass manufacture, opening its Northern Glass Solutions (NGS) division with support from a $668,072 co-investment from the Northern Territory Government.

According to a statement on Wednesday, the grant supports a collaborative project related to the effort. The project is expected to run for 12 months, is budgeted at $5.4 million, and links NGS with the Australian Glass & Window Association, James Cook University and RMIT University for R&D, testing and establishing manufacture of products, including triple-glazed, quadruple-glazed, and specialised glass.

The release adds that the project includes establishing a new-to-Australia “manufacturing capability for safety and bulletproof glass products” at a new factory at the East Arm Business Park.

The support comes through the NT government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC.)

Jiayun Li, Owner of NGS, said: “Our management team is excited by the opportunities to strengthen and grow the glass processing industry through the support of the Northern Territory Government. 

“With over 15 years of experience guiding us, we’re proud to be expanding NTS into glass manufacturing – supporting our loyal customers and helping build a more self-sufficient and resilient Territory.”

Lu’s company has cited a gap in the NT market, creating :increased costs, longer lead times and potential delays, as well as increased danger of product damage” as a result of products travelling up to 3,000 kilometres by road.

AMGC’s Northern Territory Director, Charmaine Phillips, added that NGS will “address a yawning gap” in the local market, which its parent company “understands better than just about anyone else.” 

NGS estimates $12.6 million in new revenues and 22 jobs within five years as a result of the project, which will establish a state-of-the-art glass manufacturing line, upskill existing staff, and hire ten new workers.

Picture: supplied

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