Upton Engineering and Manufacturing were successful in applying for a $636,972 Queensland Manufacturing Hub grant

“It will enhance our current capabilities and allow us to deliver an internationally competitive advanced sovereign manufacturing capability from Gladstone.”

Upton Engineering and Manufacturing Managing Director Mitch Upton and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher.

A $636,972 state-of-the-art machining centre is set rewrite the future of one Gladstone business, courtesy of a Queensland Government Manufacturing Hub grant.

Upton Engineering and Manufacturing will use the cash to purchase a five-axis machining centre, which includes specialist tooling and software, which will help Upton staff increase capacity and capability.

Along with increased capabilities, job opportunities will also be created for more than a dozen people.

The new equipment and staff skills will mean the business is well positioned to continue its growth in traditional and emerging industries, targeting customers across Central Queensland, as well as further throughout the state.

Visiting Upton Engineering, Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said it was just one of the latest recipients to be awarded funding, through the Palaszczuk Government’s $13.5 million Manufacturing Hub Grant Program.

“The Queensland Government believes in local businesses and has invested more than $600,000 in Upton Engineering, through this grant program, enabling the business to grow and create 14 new jobs, thanks to this increased capability,” Mr Butcher said.

“The grant was delivered through the Queensland Government’s Gladstone Manufacturing Hub.

The hub provides a place for local manufacturing businesses to receive expert advice and support, with the aim to help industry professionals become more productive and drive job creation into the future.

“As a mechanical fitter and turner myself, I also congratulate the Upton team for investing in their people through training and upskilling, which contributes to staff retention and also helps keep skilled workers in our local manufacturing sector,” Mr Butcher said.

Managing director Mitch Upton said the grant had given the company the opportunity to accelerate its growth opportunities in existing and emerging markets, in ways not previously thought possible.

“This state-of-the-art 5-axis machining centre, with specialist tooling and software, expands our capabilities not only for the heavy industrial and engineering sectors in Gladstone and across but also supports our expansion into the defence sector and in the future, the aerospace industries,” Mr Upton said.

“It will enhance our current capabilities and allow us to deliver an internationally competitive advanced sovereign manufacturing capability from Gladstone.”

Mr Butcher said the $13.5 million Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program supported the regional manufacturing sector to implement and deliver world leading technologies, processes, and practices.

“Gladstone’s Manufacturing Hub is supporting manufacturers to become more productive through technology adoption, skills and training, strategic business development and advanced robotic manufacturing services,” Mr Butcher said.

“Our local manufacturing industry is a vital contributor to our state’s economy and the Gladstone Hub specialises in delivering more jobs and innovation in industries such as biofuels, hydrogen and renewable energy.

“Financial assistance, up to $1 million, is available to eligible businesses, to help build their manufacturing capabilities.”