Distinguished Queensland manufacturers are making their debut appearance at the Australasian Processing and Packaging Expo (APPEX) 2024, held from March 12th to 15th at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Among the exhibitors are notable names such as Weltrade Packaging, renowned for their production of high-quality plastic packaging on the Gold Coast, the government said in a media statement.
Weltrade Packaging recently received a manufacturing grant exceeding $56,000 from the Queensland Government utilised in the acquisition and installation of blow moulding equipment and a scanner, enabling the creation of four additional jobs.
Joining Weltrade Packaging are other leading Queensland manufacturers, including VACPAC, a Loganholme-based vacuum packaging specialist; Moda, a Mansfield-based provider of biodegradable and sustainable packaging solutions; and Tynic Automation, an industrial chain and power transmission equipment manufacturer based in Brisbane.
The Queensland Government is also participating in the expo, showcasing the benefits of manufacturing in Queensland and highlighting government support available for manufacturing businesses.
A key highlight of the four-day event is the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) 2024 Awards of Excellence, scheduled for March 13th.
These awards recognise innovation, leadership, and best practices in the Australian packaging and processing sector.
The Queensland Government said it is sponsoring the Sustainability Excellence Award category, with Assistant Minister Saunders presenting the award.
This category honours initiatives demonstrating a steadfast commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices.
Additionally, the Queensland Government, known for being the first government in Australia to implement a Women in Manufacturing Strategy, is also supporting the Women in Packaging and Processing networking event at this year’s APPEX.
This initiative aims to foster networking opportunities and promote diversity and inclusion within the manufacturing industry.
Minister for Manufacturing Glenn Butcher expressed enthusiasm about Queensland’s participation in APPEX, emphasising the state’s commitment outlined in the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap and Action Plan to promote its manufacturers to interstate and international markets.
“We’re excited to connect with the leading innovators in this sector, identifying the latest technology and processes that can be introduced to the factory floor and further streamline a business.
Additionally, he underscored the significance of sponsoring the Women in Packaging and Processing networking event, recognizing its potential for fostering valuable connections and business opportunities.
Minister Butcher also expressed a desire to host such events in Queensland to showcase the state’s manufacturing prowess.
“We know Queensland is the place to be for manufacturers and it would be fantastic to host this event in the sunshine state and showcase to the rest of the nation just how fantastic Queensland manufacturing is,” he remarked.
Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing, Regional Development, and Jobs Bruce Saunders pointed out the crucial role of manufacturing in Queensland’s economy, contributing $20 billion annually and supporting local communities through job creation and business growth.
“So, it is fantastic to showcase our Queensland manufacturers on this national stage to demonstrate the capabilities that exist in the Queensland manufacturing sector,” he noted.
Assistant Minister Saunders also looked forward to presenting the Sustainability Excellence Awards, aligning with initiatives like the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant, aimed at assisting manufacturers in adopting more sustainable practices while reducing energy costs.
