$20.5 million awarded to QLD manufacturers from latest MiQ round

Local manufacturers continue to benefit from Made in Queensland grants as $20.5 million is awarded to 33 manufacturing projects across the state as part of Round five.

Over the next five years, 2,380 jobs will be created and supported and almost $51 million in private investment generated.

In addition, 18 of the 33 projects are in Regional Queensland, ensuring local economies outside the southeast corner benefit from business growth, jobs growth and wages being spent in the local community.

MiQ funding supports Queensland-based manufacturers to adopt manufacturing 4.0 processes, practices and equipment allowing them to start projects that include energy efficiency, export, reshoring, supply chain improvements, sustainability and decarbonisation.

Bundaberg business Aletek was awarded $1.36 million in Round 4 to purchase and install a punch/laser combination machine, hydraulic press, flatbed cutter and handheld 3D scanner.

This equipment has allowed them to expand their product line, onshore steel fabrication, and employ 15 new staff, taking their total workforce in the region to 89 employees.

The Queensland State Government’s 2023-24 Budget invested $32 million in the MiQ program.

Queensland regional development and manufacturing minister, Glenn Butcher said, “This job generating program has a total investment of $101.5 million, with 136 projects already receiving a grant.

“Jobs in manufacturing are good, secure jobs. That’s why the Palaszczuk Labor Government backs this program, we are supporting our manufacturers to go to the next level each and every day.”

Made in Queensland (MIQ) is a $101.5 million Queensland Government program helping small and medium-sized manufacturers to increase international competitiveness, productivity and innovation via the adoption of new technologies, and to generate high-skilled jobs for the future.

Since 2017, MIQ has supported 136 advanced manufacturing projects across the state. It is expected to create and support more than 9,500 jobs over 5 years and generate more than $190 million in private sector investment.

Of the 136 projects funded through MIQ, 42 per cent are being delivered in regional Queensland, creating more than 4,000 jobs over 5 years.