The Northern Territory is poised to become a leader in advanced manufacturing, following Steeline GRP’s (Steeline) major investment in state-of-the-art machinery, as revealed in a news release.
This includes Australia’s longest-reach robot welder, the largest aluminium router, and a state-of-the-art beamline for metal processing and manufacturing, positioning the Territory as a leader in the national manufacturing sector.
Tony Halikos, general manager of Steeline GRP, highlighted the importance of the investment: “The team at Steeline GRP is passionate about local manufacturing and local processing. The new in-house advanced manufacturing capabilities we have rival or match that of any manufacturer anywhere in Australia or SE Asia.”
“This will complement all industries—defence, energy, gas, mining, maritime, and construction—requiring local capability for projects big or small.”
The project is a collaborative effort between Steeline, local robotics and automation company Diverseco, and Charles Darwin University (CDU), aimed at boosting the Northern Territory’s industrial self-reliance and skills base.
By reducing the reliance on interstate and international supply chains, the initiative will provide local businesses with a steady source of high-quality processed products for critical sectors such as defence, energy, gas, mining, and construction.
To support the initiative, Steeline secured $800,000 in co-investment from the Northern Territory Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF).
The total value of the project is $3.5 million, with the co-investment matched dollar-for-dollar, in addition to $1.9 million in in-kind services, support, and labour.
“Our overall aim is to ensure that the critical industries of the Northern Territory and Australia have access to world-class capabilities, underpinned by advanced machinery developed by sovereign entities and world class staff,” said Halikos.
He added, “By doing so, Steeline GRP and the entire Top End manufacturing ecosystem can become more resilient, more prosperous and more capable as a result. Improving our sovereign capability and capacity to the benefit of our local industry and local manufacturing environment if the driver of this investment.”
Steeline’s new facility, now equipped with the latest in automated metal manufacturing technology, includes a Kawasaki Long-Reach Robotic Welding System with a 2.1m arm, a 14-axis ART Metaltek XB1200 Beamline Fabrication Machine, and a true 2.5m x 11m ART Router Machine.
These advanced technologies are supported by a skilled workforce with specialised STEM capabilities that are currently unavailable in the region, further boosting local employment and reducing the need for outsourcing.
Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), emphasised the broader impact of such investments.
“Steeline proves that investing in manufacturing boosts capability, skills, and career opportunities. It creates a ripple effect of increased local business activity. The Territory Government’s commitment to advancing its manufacturing ecosystem is yielding results with more jobs created and greater local spending retained within the Territory.”
Charmaine Phillips, AMGC’s Director for the Northern Territory, noted: “Steeline’s project is a key step forward in strengthening NT’s manufacturing industry, aligning perfectly with the goals of the AMEF to drive economic growth and self-sufficiency in the Territory.”
The project also focuses on upskilling the local workforce, with knowledge transfer led by Diverseco, CDU, Aeromech, and the Industry Skills Advisory Council NT.
Specialisations in robotic welding, 3D inspection software, and laser tracking systems are among the areas covered, with CDU creating pathways for STEM graduates to fill new roles at Steeline.
