QLD manufacturers to get gov funding boost

A new round of Made in Queensland (MiQ) grants has put $20 million on the table to help manufacturers grow in the state, while regional manufacturers have $5 million available to fund expansion.

This latest round of MiQ funding is part of a $121.5 million program aimed at helping small and medium sized manufacturers to increase international competitiveness, productivity and innovation, and to generate high-skilled jobs for the future.

Over the last six rounds, the Made in Queensland program has supported more than 160 manufacturing projects in the state.

Previous grant winners include Berg Engineering, which received nearly $1m for a multi-axis CNC machining centre and CNC horizontal boring machine.

“The addition of the horizontal boring machine and multi-axis centre will significantly enhance Berg Engineering’s capabilities,” Berg Engineering Director, Derek Berg said.

“These machines enable us to handle larger, more complex projects with greater precision, efficiency, and flexibility, ensuring we stay at the forefront of the industry and meet the evolving demands of our clients.”

The funding targeting regional manufacturers is part of round four of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program.

Manufacturers in the Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mackay and the Gold Coast regions can now access grants up to $500,000 through this new round.

This program has already supported more than 100 regional manufacturing projects.

In one previous round, JSIS Engineering received $500,000. This funding enabled it to purchase and install electric ovens and dispensing machinery to improve automation and efficiency at their polyurethane product manufacturing facility.

QLD Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher said, “We’re helping manufacturers build supply chain resilience and grow their workforce.”

“MiQ is a proven winner, with more than 6,500 jobs created, many of those in regional Queensland, while the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program has a proven track record of success, injecting vital funds that achieve real and practical outcomes for regional manufacturers,” he added.

“Whether it’s our Made in Queensland or Manufacturing Hubs Grants or Energy Grants to help manufacturers cut emissions and costs – Labor is supporting businesses so they can grow and create jobs.”

“I’m proud to see that Queensland is the leading state for manufacturers with more and more businesses wanting to move here because of the incredible support on offer from the Miles Labor Government.