Gladstone manufacturer Mecha – Engineered Mechanical Solutions has secured funding through the Queensland Government’s Regional Manufacturing Hubs Grants program ‘to adopt world-leading technology and processes’.
The $243,605 grant will help Mecha acquire new advanced manufacturing equipment including hand-held and in-situ 3D Laser scanners, a 3D printer for proto-typing, a holographic wall for design and display, and software to integrate and operate the equipment.
Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher said Mecha will undertake a rapid reverse engineering project which will allow multiple organisations within the region to collaborate and reverse engineer parts on a large scale.
“Currently, the process to procure parts from overseas and interstate is liable to disruptions,” Mr Butcher noted.
“Through this new Rapid Reverse Engineering system Mecha will be able to manufacture plant and equipment spare right here in Central Queensland, retain local jobs and create new high-value roles.”
Mecha’s CEO Matthew Canniffe the project will see Gladstone become home for a technology that opens up opportunities for manufacturing and engineering alike in ways not previously possible.
“Our concept for the 3D scanning, prototyping and local manufacture of parts has been endorsed by our clients and we appreciate and know that our clients and other stakeholders will benefit from the new technology,” Mr Canniffe said.
“We have managed to protect 42 jobs at Mecha through continuous improvement and create 2 new skilled jobs through the technology enabled by the grant.
“This technology will create many more jobs for locals when it becomes broadly adopted in the very near future.
