Federal government cash splash creates 30 jobs in Brisbane North
More than 30 new jobs could be created in Brisbane’s north, with a federal government cash splash offering a post-coronavirus lifeline for local companies. WHERE THEY’LL BE HIRING
North
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MORE than 30 new jobs could be created in Brisbane’s north, with a federal government cash splash offering a post-coronavirus lifeline for local companies.
Four companies will share in $547,500 of a $50 million federal fund, promised as part of a national plan to resuscitate the jobs market after the pandemic.
CNC Components Pty Ltd, which manufactures precision machined components for the mining/industrial, aviation, military, medical and communication industries, will receive $260,000.
The grant is expected to generate three new jobs and will enable CNC Components to satisfy expected production increases, allowing it to accept more projects nationally and better position the company for additional orders.
Co-owner Maree Young said the funding would go directly into new machines, robotics and assist with staff training.
“We are looking to employ more qualified tradesmen and apprentices to operate the fleet of machines we currently have and intend on purchasing soon,” she said.
“Our aim is to have one of the most technologically advanced precision machine shops in Australia.
“The new machines and technology allow us greater precision and capabilities.
“Our customers range from mining/industrial, aviation, military, medical and communication just to name a few.
“We pride ourselves on perfection. The latest technology in our new machines will enable us to supply more high-end intricate parts used in a diverse range of applications.”
The business, which currently employs 12 staff, started at Geebung in 2003 and moved to larger premises at Brendale last week.
Elexsys Energy Pty Ltd at Enoggera, trading as Planet Ark Power, was granted $100,000 to speed production and improve quality control of its soon-to-be released eleXsys power grid stabilisation device.
The grant will also enable the company to add six employees to its 50-strong workforce and boost skills.
Planet Ark Power’s stakeholder engagement and strategy director Stephen Robertson said the system would be “transformative”, allowing a massive increase in the amount of rooftop solar power that could be fed into power grids.
Kelvin Grove health products company Opti Grow said it planned to put on an extra three to seven people as a result of its $87,500 grant from the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund.
But if export demand increased as they hoped, they might need to employ a dozen new workers and would generate downstream jobs at testing facilities and other companies which they used.
CEO Alan Scott said Opti Grow would use the grant to buy a purpose-built $180,000 air dryer which would be fabricated in Brisbane.
Opti Grow is a leading manufacturer of nutraceuticals, bioactive products derived from foods which have health benefits.
It has a hi-tech growing system which optimises light, water and nutrients to grow sprouts so they produce more antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
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“This air dryer will have advantages over freeze drying – the technique is quite unique,’’ he said.
“You can’t compete on price in Asia, you need to compete on quality and we believe this air dryer will result in a better quality product than our competitors sell.
“The process is unique as far as we know.
“We’ve already had some inquiries from Asia and from the expansion we’re hoping to achieve, we’re looking to run the plant 24/7 if we can, which would turn us into a whole new sort of company.’’
Magnetica Limited at Eagle Farm will receive $100,000 for a facility upgrade which is expected to create 11 new jobs.
Magnetica designs and develops Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) components and systems for MRI scanners.
CEO Duncan Stovell did not wish to comment at this stage, but information provided by the federal government states the company will use the grant to implement a Haas VF-8/50 vertical CNC mill and upgrade CAD/CAM software to SolidCAM.
They will also upskill and hire new staff.
“As the only independent MRI accessory company in Australia, and with growing international sales, this project will transform … manufacturing capability, ensuring (the company) can manufacture (its) innovative MRI accessory coils in-house,” the government statement said.
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