The Queensland Government has announced permanent funding for the Townsville Manufacturing Hub as part of a $17 million statewide boost for manufacturing.
Making the announcement at Beehive Vinyl Products, which has been awarded a Made in Queensland (MiQ) grant, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said the Government’s investment in manufacturing hubs and MiQ Grants “has created and supported nearly 6000 jobs to date”.
“The work done at these hubs is vital to building and strengthening Queensland’s booming manufacturing sector,” the Minister continued.
“Manufacturing already contributes $20 billion a year, to the state’s economy and employees and we want to see that grow even further.”
Beehive Vinyl creates long-lasting vinyl tool bags that are shipped all around the world and to a variety of interstate businesses, including the resources industry.
“That’s $270,000 to go towards new equipment that will help Beehive increase their output and meet the growing demand for more of their products,” Mr Butcher said.
Resources Minister and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the funding would allow Beehive to create up to nine new jobs their workshop.
“It’s great to see a local company working with the resources sector too which is an important part of Townsville’s economy,” Mr Stewart added.
Beehive Vinyl Manager Sean Kerlin said the grant award would help the company adopt LEAN manufacturing practices, introduce new technology and processes that will automate sections and alleviate production bottlenecks.
“We have strong and growing demand for our products but we are faced with labour shortages in those parts of the factory process that require repetitive, monotonous welding work to be done,” Mr Kerlin explained.
“The grant will help with new machinery and staff skills, so that we can increase output and grow our business.
“Our products are growing in demand, partly due to the fact that being made in Queensland means they are a high-quality product and also because there is a reluctance to buy from overseas for a range of reasons, including longer lead times.”
