$250K new technology grant for Laverton manufacturer

A Victorian manufacturer has received a $250,000 new technology grant from the Victorian Government to fund new high-tech equipment to improve its competitiveness. Victorian Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett presented A&J Australia with the Investing in Manufacturing Technology (IMT) grant.

“A&J Australia designs, manufactures and markets rigid plastic and paper products for the chemical and hospitality industries, and will use the grant to help purchase a new injection-mould machine to manufacture a new drum at the Laverton North plant,” Hodgett said.

“The new system will allow the company to grow exports by more than $75,000 a year, employ five extra staff and allow five existing staff to move to higher duties.”

A&J Australia is a great local employer and a fine example of a thriving manufacturing business, Andrew Elsbury, Member for Western Metropolitan Region, said.

“There are many positive manufacturing stories out there, and A&J Australia is a perfect example of this, producing quality products and growing jobs in the western suburbs,” Elsbury said.

A&J is one of 20 companies to receive a share of $3.6 million under the fourth round of the IMT program, which aims to strengthen capability and encourage wider and ongoing innovation.

“The projects supported under this round represent an investment of more than $20.6 million in new technology, which will boost productivity and drive exports. The businesses spearheading these projects will deliver increased competitiveness, new skills and at least 171 new jobs and a further 195 jobs transitioned to higher valued roles,” Hodgett said.

“Importantly, the four rounds of the IMT program have generated a total investment of $66 million, which has created 452 new jobs. It is expected that the investment in IMT round four will increase exports by $38 million.

“IMT is helping to make manufacturing more export capable and competitive. A key initiative of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Manufacturing Strategy, IMT uses new technology to help invigorate production processes, develop new skills and generate fresh export opportunities.

“Victoria is the hub of Australia’s manufacturing industry, but to meet the challenge of competitive international markets, manufacturers must look to increasing investment in new technology to remain competitive.”

More information about IMT grants is available from www.business.vic.gov.au/imt.