CQ business boosts jobs with state grant

CQ BUSINESS BOOSTS

a traditionally male-dominated industry.” Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke said Manuplex is now hoping to fill a critical gap in the housing market, left by the supply-chain shortage. JOBS WITH STATE GRANT we’ve had overwhelming A STATE GRANT WILL ENABLE A ROCKHAMPTON BUSINESS TO STRENGTHEN ITS interest in the roles ABILITY TO MEET DEMAND IN THE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION MARKET, WHILE CREATING NEW JOBS AND BOOSTING LOCAL BUSINESS. we’ve advertised Manuplex received $500,000 through the state government’s Queensland Manufacturing Hubs grants. The funding has enabled Manuplex to purchase four steel roll-forming machines, that will enable the business to create a new range of steel frames and trusses for the commercial and residential construction sector. Manuplex Managing Director, Matt Jurkic said he expected to put on another 16 full-time positions and upskill his current staff. “We can see this supply shortage impacting the construction sector for quite some time to come – it won’t turn around quickly – and we know this is a good opportunity for our company.” Matt said he knew builders who were frustrated as they could not accept any more contracts and were struggling to complete the contracts, they had due to the supply shortages, labour issues and increased costs on materials. “This will help them get their business moving quickly again too,” he said. Matt said the first machine had already arrived and his workforce was expanding. “We’ve had overwhelming interest in the roles we’ve advertised so we’ll be able to run the machinery in shifts. We’re also hiring more women than ever before, so this represents a step towards diversity, upskilling and growth for our team in “Manuplex has been able to pivot from its current manufacture of steel frames and trusses for mining and commercial purposes, to creating steel frames for residential homes. “This builds on the skills and capabilities of its existing workforce and capitalises on the business’s strengths. This is an area they are already familiar with and can move into seamlessly,” he said. The grant, part of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program, will also fund computer assisted design software that will help Manuplex modernise its manufacturing capability and increase productivity.

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