The Northern Territory Government announced a substantial $492,000 investment in cutting-edge digital printing technology for the region in a bid to foster the growth and diversification of the advanced manufacturing sector.
Colemans Printing, with branches in Darwin and Alice Springs, is set to introduce an innovative HP digital label solution equipped with tailored finishing capabilities, specifically designed for Northern Australia’s climates.
This technology will offer traceability, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality features, the government revealed in a media release.
Additionally, Colemans will be well-equipped to meet industry demands, including the transition to National Packaging Sustainability Targets, which mandate that all packaging must be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
This investment will also reduce the need for businesses to outsource similar services from other states.
Colemans will be capable of servicing vital sectors such as shipping, oil and gas, mining, health, agriculture, as well as beverages and food.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles highlighted the significance of investing in new industries to diversify the economy and enhance resilience.
“To date, the AMEF program is on track to create up to 100 new manufacturing jobs and generate up to $37.5 million into the Territory’s economy over the next five years,” Fyles said.
She added, “By investing in Colemans’ capability, NT businesses are less susceptible to supply chain delays while retaining more businesses in the Territory, in turn growing local jobs and prosperity.”
Minister for Advanced Manufacturing Nicole Manison stressed the importance of nurturing the Territory’s advanced manufacturing sector as part of their strategy to achieve a $40 billion economy by 2030.
“The AMEF has been designed to lift the capability of the NT manufacturing ecosystem in which printing and packaging plays a significant role. Providing the Territory with this new printing technology means that we can have more reliability within our supply chain,” Manison noted.
Meanwhile, Tony Coleman, managing director of Colemans Printing, expressed enthusiasm about the transformative impact of this project on the Top End.
“It will give businesses located across the region access to the latest labels and packaging technology, while shortening lead times and expediting high-quality solutions across Northern Australia,” Coleman noted.
This technology represents a collaboration between Colemans Printing, Currie Group, and Charles Darwin University, and it is the latest project supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF).
The AMEF, part of an $8.75 million partnership with the Northern Territory Government over five years, is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre.
Colemans Printing becomes the seventh project in the Territory to receive co-investment through the AMEF.
For more information about the AMEF, you may visit this website.
