Territory advanced manufacturing gets up to speed

The Northern Territory is reaping the benefits of a focus on advanced manufacturing, with the territory’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund on track to create up to 100 new manufacturing jobs and generate up to $35 million into the economy over the next three years.

This comes two years into a strategic partnership between the territory government and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to identify the territory’s manufacturing capabilities and strategic opportunities, and identify local companies for co-investment.

The goal is to commercialise local innovation and increase the region’s self-sufficiency while growing skills, jobs and revenue for the Northern Territory.

The $7.5 million dollar AMEF launched in 2021, with co-investment awarded to six projects in Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine so far, – represents a combined commitment of $11.8 million to growing the territory’s manufacturing ecosystem and a return on investment of 15:1.

Projects awarded through the AMEF include with Corrosion Instruments, Diverseco, AirTip, Arctic Installations, Katherine Joinery and Steeline GRP.

Every project co-funded under the AMEF requires at least two collaborators – those being a business, manufacturer, supplier, or researcher – with at least one of the entities being Northern Territory based with Territory Government fund matched dollar for dollar.

Territory Minister for Advanced Manufacturing Nicole Manison (pictured) said the AMEF had helped grow the Territory’s understanding of manufacturing, supported businesses across Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs to expand their capabilities and created local advanced manufacturing jobs.

Mansion who is also Deputy Chief Minister said the fund has provided a ‘brilliant return on investment’.

She said: “With $5.2 million remaining in the AMEF, we look forward to welcoming new applications to continue diversifying our local economy and grow highly skilled, resilient Territory first job opportunities.”

Ongoing engagement with Territory-based manufacturers has also contributed to the growth in manufacturing activity in the Northern Territory.

AMGC representatives have conducted over 320 in-person industry visits, 85 industry or business association briefings, 65 interstate manufacturer meetings and 20 events spanning the entire Top End over the past 18 months.

NT AMGC Director Charmaine Phillips said: “There is so much latent manufacturing potential in the Northern Territory and the role of AMGC is about unlocking that potential through a suite of activities, from knocking on every manufacturer’s door to exposing the industry to best practices or helping fund projects that will generate jobs and an economic return to Territorians.

“The long-term goal for AMGC is that we can increase the capability and competitiveness of local manufacturers through these co-invested projects, and grow baseline manufacturing to support larger Northern Territory Government goals as recommended in the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission Report.”

Picture: Nicole Mansion