G.E.T. Engineering, an Emerald manufacturer, has received a grant from the Queensland Government’s Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP) worth more than $280,000.
The funding was awarded to the local company in Round 1 of the MHGP and will be used to acquire a robotic arm to assist with welding operations.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said assisting regional manufacturers by helping them become more competitive was a key focus of the Queensland Government.
“Building local businesses, strengthening their capacity and capability helps local economies by delivering long-term, local jobs.
“Our government is focused on delivering critical support to regional manufacturers, after the COVID-19 pandemic, to make sure they have the tools they need to grow and thrive,” Mr Butcher said.
“Australian companies are increasingly looking to local manufacturers to step up and fill gaps exposed in supply chains, so it’s fantastic to see these family businesses in regional Queensland build and grow, to meet demand.”
G.E.T. Engineering is a manufacturing and large industrial equipment repair business servicing the local mining, agriculture and civil sectors.
The company will use the $284,051 grant to purchase and install an automatic robotic arm to perform large, repetitive welding operations.
The new equipment, according to General Manager Paul Klowss, will help create four new positions and address the manufacturing sector’s welding skills deficit.
“It’s great to see the Queensland Government helping and investing in this area,” Mr Klowss said.
“It will be a big boost for our business once we get it up and running and will significantly increase our capacity and capability.
“It’s difficult to get welders for these repetitive tasks and so this robotic arm will fill that gap,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to growing the business and adding new roles to our team.”
