Queensland offers a unique home for manufacturing businesses to grow, evolve and embrace new and emerging technologies that are improving productivity and global competitiveness. The state’s natural resources, comprehensive transport, infrastructure networks and highly regarded universities and training institutes all contribute to Queensland’s ability to further its success.

Almost 180,000 people are employed to work within the industry that contributes over $19.2 billion to the economy, numbers which are predicted to rise. Here’s how Queensland is predicted to make waves in the manufacturing industry in the coming years, and why this could make it an ideal place to search for your next job.

Made in Queensland

Made in Queensland (or MiQ), is a $46 million initiative grants program that aims to assist businesses within the manufacturing sector in adopting cutting edge equipment and technology that allows them to grow and expand their product offerings, volume and employment capabilities.

The state is already known for its production of market-leading products, everything from motorsport vehicle parts and mining industry equipment through to native foods and craft beverages. Increasingly, these products are reaching a global market and grants such as the MiQ will allow manufacturers to meet growing consumer demand, allowing them to package faster, transport products further and hire more employees.

Training and education potential

In July 2019, the Queensland government announced it would be investing more than $7.7 million over the next four years to establish Australia’s first Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub on Brisbane’s northside.

With additional investment from third parties, an $18m facility will emerge that is intended to support and grow advanced manufacturing jobs right across Queensland.

By leveraging Queensland’s existing capabilities in research and manufacturing, and providing a real-life production environment, the ARM Hub is predicted to enhance the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems.

“Our government sees the ARM Hub as an anchor point to truly establish Queensland as a world- leader when it comes to robotics and automation in manufacturing,” Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, said in a statement. “It will allow Queensland manufacturers to learn cutting-edge robotic technologies and techniques, and develop industry skill and expertise to apply to their own businesses.”

Opportunities in defence

In 2018, Queensland secured the Australian Army’s $5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 project , a deal that will see 186 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles and 12 modules built in Ipswich from early 2021. This project alone is expected to give rise to around 450 jobs, making it an ideal area to move into for those seeking work in this field.

There is also a governmental push to secure the third phase of LAND 400, which would bring $10-15 billion of additional advanced manufacturing work to Queensland.

Creation of regional hubs

The more regional Queensland towns of Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns are set to become manufacturing hubs in the future, with significant investment earmarked for the project.

The Cairns hub will focus its attention on developing the marine, aviation and food manufacturing industries, while in Townsville manufacturing efforts will concentrate on food transformation advanced manufacturing and advanced metal production manufacturing. The third hub in Rockhampton will be dedicated to rail manufacturing and technology, advanced technologies for metal production and food product innovation.

All of these projects and major investments position Queensland as a manufacturer of the future, making it an ideal place to find work within this sector. Contact Acclaimed Workforce today for more information about available job opportunities.