Manufacturers in Gippsland with shovel-ready projects to increase productivity and grow jobs can now apply for government funding to help modernise their operations.
Local MP Darren Chester said businesses could now apply for between $100,000 and $1 million to invest in new technology as part of the Federal Government’s economic plan to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.
“Securing a grant through the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund would be a game-changer for many local businesses,” Mr Chester said.
“We want to help hard-working manufacturers, including those in Gippsland, to take their operations to the next level because we know if they prosper and grow, our community will prosper and grow.
“Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley have a proud history of manufacturing innovation and excellence. By helping our manufacturers become more competitive, we not only create more direct jobs, but jobs in businesses along the supply chain.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the second round of the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) was a key element of the $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
“The Federal Government knows that manufacturing is central to our nation’s economic future and creating jobs for the recovery from COVID-19 and for future generations,” Ms Andrews said.
“In these uncertain times, we’re giving manufacturing businesses the confidence and certainty they need to invest in themselves to deliver new and innovative products and services.
“We want to deliver more products for Australians, and beyond that, we want to open up more opportunities for manufacturers to take on the world with their top quality products.”
The Federal Government invested $48.3 million into nearly 200 projects valued at more than $215 million in round one of the MMF earlier this year. Moon Deck, which makes glow-in-the-dark surface coating at its Bairnsdale premises, received $100,000.
In this second round, successful projects will need to align with the National Manufacturing Priorities. These priority areas are resources technology and critical minerals processing; food and beverage; medical products; recycling and clean energy; defence; and space.
Applications for round two of the MMF will close on January 21, 2021. For details, visit business.gov.au/mmf.