"Cairns Manufacturers to Benefit from $10M Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program Funding, says Manufacturing Minister"

Positive signs for Cairns businesses as Palaszczuk Government unlocks $10M of manufacturing grant funding

Cairns manufacturers can look forward to increased support for business-expanding initiatives, thanks to the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP). The program has already benefited the likes of Status Signs, which won $134,461 in the first round of the MHGP. The funding was used to purchase a CNC routing machine, 3D UV printer, CNC laser cutter and automated software. In turn, this allowed the business to modernize and transition to manufacturing 4.0 processes. As a result, Status Signs has added five new staff, including two apprentices, since securing the funding. Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher recently visited Cairns business Status Signs to announce that Round 3 of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP) is open. Under Round 1 of the MHGP, Status Signs won $134,461 in funding to purchase new equipment. With the latest funding boost, even more regional Queensland manufacturers can apply for financial support to modernize their businesses and transition to manufacturing 4.0 processes.

What is the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program?

The MHGP is a grant program designed to help local manufacturers in Queensland get financial support for business-expanding initiatives. The program has awarded over $13 million to 49 projects in the eligible regions throughout Queensland, including Cairns

The program offers manufacturers a chance to gain financial support, which will help them to grow their business and modernize faster and more efficiently. The MHGP has already awarded over $13 million to 49 projects, including business development, technology adoption, skills, and training, across the five eligible regions throughout Queensland.

Cairns' Status Signs benefits from MHGP funding

Since securing $130,000 in funding from the MHGP in Round 1 in 2021, Status Signs has been able to hire five new staff, including two apprentices. The company used the funds to purchase a CNC routing machine, a 3D UV printer, a CNC laser cutter, and automated software. According to Status Signs Director Rhys Carmady, the funding helped the company become more competitive and attract new customers.

Round 3 of the MHGP now open

Manufacturers in Cairns and other eligible regions throughout Queensland can now apply for funding under Round 3 of the MHGP. The application process has been simplified to make it easier for as many people as possible to access grant funding. Contact the local Manufacturing Hub to learn more about the program and speak to one of the friendly staff.

Comments from Minister Butcher, Cairns MP Michael Healy, and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt

Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said the funding helps Cairns manufacturers grow their business and modernize more efficiently. Cairns MP Michael Healy praised Status Signs for making the most of the funding opportunity and called the MHGP an outstanding success. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt noted that the manufacturing industry contributes $20 billion a year to Queensland's economy and that the grant programs funded by the Palaszczuk Government have helped create or support over 1,100 good jobs and significantly boost services.

The MHGP is set to create more good jobs and better services in the region. Cairns MP Michael Healy was full of praise for the MHGP, stating it was "an outstanding success." Manufacturing contributes $20 billion a year to Queensland's economy, and, to date, 20 FNQ businesses have benefitted from nearly $7 million in funding from manufacturing grants programs funded by the Palaszczuk Government.

Following a review of Rounds 1 and 2, the application process for Round 3 has been simplified to ensure that as many people as possible can access grant funding. Manufacturers who are interested in the MHGP can contact the local Manufacturing Hub and speak to one of the friendly staff to learn more.