Construction is set to commence on a new $3 million manufacturing facility that will allow Bundaberg-based firm Grillex to create fifteen new jobs in the Wide Bay region.
Formerly known as Unisite Group, Grillex design and manufacture a wide range of commercial outdoor community infrastructure, including electric barbeques, street and park furniture, and shelters.
Grillex General Manager Martin Rowland said the investment will help accelerate the company’s expansion by two years after recent work to streamline and future-proof business operations through lean manufacturing principles.
“We started in the playground equipment industry, but after reaching a leadership position in that space we became proactive with research and development into new product lines, targeting our customer base of local governments, education providers, tourist parks and private enterprises,” Mr Rowland said.
“Our current team of 25 staff have worked hard to get us to this point, where in addition to supplying the domestic market we currently export to New Zealand, Fiji and Dubai, and are now looking to expand into European markets.”
Grillex’s expansion plans are supported by the Palaszczuk Government’s $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund, designed to assist private sector projects to grow regional economies and create jobs for Queenslanders.
Minister for State Development and Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to helping Queensland manufacturers grow their businesses and create new jobs.
“Grillex is a great local success story: a family-owned business founded in 2006 that has grown to become one of Australia’s leading providers of outdoor community and leisure products,” Mr Dick said.
“The company has reached full capacity at its current locations, so to service an expected 25 per cent growth over the next five years Grillex will establish a new facility in Kensington industrial area near Bundaberg Airport.
“The 2680 square metre warehouse and office complex will feature the latest in manufacturing technologies on the assembly line, boosting Grillex’s global competitiveness.
“Fifteen new jobs will be supported through this expansion, including manufacturing and technical jobs on the production line, as well as roles in sales, management and administration.”
According to the Minister, the new site build will commence shortly and is expected to support around 30 local construction jobs over a 12-month period.
