The Northern Territory government has named Alice Springs’ trailer manufacturing business AirTip as the latest recipient of the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF).
Through the $276,500 funding, AirTip will be able to scale up the design, manufacturing, and commercialisation of a world-first, air-powered side tipping haulage trailer in the Red Centre. The project is expected to accelerate advanced manufacturing capabilities and bolster local workforces in the region.
“By making these important investments, the Northern Territory Government is growing industries, expanding exports, creating new opportunities for investors and securing exciting local jobs for Territorians,” said Nicole Manison, NT’s minister for advanced manufacturing.
“Advanced manufacturing is creating the jobs of the future, right here in the Northern Territory. AirTip will grow Territory-based design and engineering capability in Alice Springs.”
In a statement, the NT government said the bespoke haulage trailer will be used for bulk transport, pastoral, and mining operations and is expected to reduce emissions and operating costs, all while increasing fleet flexibility and payload capacities.
AirTip has partnered with Ross Engineering and the Complete Group to accelerate the production of the trailers, empowering innovation in the region and removing the need to source similar services from interstate.
“Through partnering with local companies, AirTip is creating a world-class product in Alice Springs, which will bolster the Territory’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, and service our mining industry,” said Jason Schoolmeester, Major Projects commissioner.
The latest AMEF investment brings the project’s total funding to over $550,000. An additional 10 new job positions are expected to be created under the project in the next five years.
AirTip is the fourth recipient of the AMEF, which is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
“AirTip is proof that we have highly capable manufacturers in Central Australia willing to invest to grow their local, national and potentially international impact,” said AMGC NT Director Charmaine Phillips.
“Co-investment in AirTip’s haulage solution will ensure that an innovative product moves to commercialisation, while also building key manufacturing capability and services in Alice Springs, and the Territory,” Phillips added.
