Steeline manufacturing investment to boost NT jobs and capacity

An $800,000 government investment is promising to grow jobs and capacity for an NT manufacturer. Read how the money will be spent.

The largest NT-owned steel roll former is the latest recipient of a cash injection under the Territory government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund.

Steeline GRP is collaborating with Charles Darwin University, Diverseco and local business Custom Works to integrate new manufacturing equipment to scale up its operations.

Owned and operated by Tony Halikos, it is the sixth NT business to be funded under the AMEF.

Steeline GRP has committed $3.5m to grow the capability and capacity of the Territory’s manufacturing ecosystem, including an $800,000 investment from AMEF and a further $1.9m investment by Steeline through in-kind services, support and labour.

The money will allow Steeline to create 10 new manufacturing jobs in the Top End, meaning it will remove the need to outsource work from interstate and overseas.

A Steeline robotic welding arm.

It is anticipated the project will generate $7.25m in additional revenue over five years.

The AMEF investment will allow Steeline to purchase new manufacturing equipment including machines that cut longer and heavier pieces of aluminium and steel and better enhance welding into formation.

Investments under the AMEF are usually capped at $500,000, although additional funding may be available to projects that demonstrate an outstanding contribution to NT manufacturing.

The AMEF is part of a five-year, $8.75m partnership between the NT government and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to support industry-led advanced manufacturing projects in the Territory across priority sectors.

Advanced Manufacturing Minister Nicole Manison said the fund was delivering jobs and boosting the NT’s capability.

Steeline owner Tony Halikos

“The co-investment fund is achieving exactly what it set out to do, which is generate jobs, increase local capability and drive growth across the Territory,” she said.

“Steeline is playing a pivotal role in boosting local jobs, innovation and opportunities.”

Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre NT director Charmaine Phillips said the investment would increase Steeline’s ability to deliver economic development and major projects across the region.

Tony Halikos said the investment would deliver a significant boost to NT capacity.

“Our advanced manufacturing facility will house state of the art automated metal manufacturing technology and will be supported by skilled staff possessing STEM capabilities that do not currently exist in the NT,” he said.

Advanced Manufacturing Minister Nicole Manison and Arctic Installations managing director Gary Burns tour the workshop floor where cold room installation panels are prepared. Picture: Floss Adams.

“In short, we will be removing the requirement to outsource work interstate or overseas, while creating more local jobs. It’s a win-win for the Territory.”

Other NT businesses to receive AMEF funding include $110,000 to Corrosion Instruments, $500,000 to Arctic Industries to commercialise insulated panels and $276,500 to Alice Springs company AirTip to develop a side-tipping truck.

Labor campaigned during last year’s federal election to develop Australia’s manufacturing capacity. From a highest ranking of 55th in 1995, Australia has slumped to 86th on a global manufacturing measure.

In the NT, manufacturing makes up just 4.2 per cent of the economy compared to seven per cent nationally.

Australia’s sits between Paraguay and Uzbekistan as a global manufacturer.