Funding for new advanced manufacturing facility in Townsville

The Queensland Government has announced funding for a new advanced manufacturing facility in Townsville. With funding from the Industry Partnership Program (IPP), Garbutt’s Bridgeman Agencies will build an advanced metal manufacturing and fabrication facility in Townsville, with plans to service local construction and defence contracts. The project cost is estimated to be $1.7 million.

The government says the project will create 14 jobs and position the Indigenous-owned company to grow its supply chain into defence and aerospace industries in North Queensland.

The IPP, part of the Queensland Jobs Fund, is focused on growing priority industries, strengthening local supply chains, encouraging collaboration between all levels of government and industry, and leveraging private sector investment. This year’s state Budget included a $53.5 million boost to continue the program.

The next allocation of IPP funding opened in August, with a focus on unlocking opportunities presented by new global demand driven by the shift to decarbonisation.

“Since the launch of IPP in 2021, more than $1.1 billion worth of projects have been approved with the potential to create more than 1850 ongoing jobs,” said Deputy Premier Steven Miles. “Importantly, the program paves the way for companies to leverage further funding from sources such as Commonwealth Government programs — ensuring our Queensland industries get their fair share of these national funding programs.

“Bridgeman’s project will build on the pipeline of fantastic projects taking shape with IPP support, including Vecco Group’s Townsville vanadium battery electrolyte manufacturing facility.”

“We are very honoured to be awarded the Industry Partnership Program grant by the State of Queensland,” said Bridgeman Owner and Managing Director Adam Sarota. “Bridgeman’s manufacturing expansion project will develop our manufacturing capability, deliver positive economic outcomes and create new jobs for Townsville and Northern Australia.

“Without the support of the Queensland Government’s Industry Partnership Program grant funding, we would have been unable to expand into Townsville, develop our manufacturing capability and create new jobs for North Queensland that deliver long-term tangible and positive outcomes for the region.”

Image: iStock.com/Shanenk