David Littlerpoud MP David Littlerpoud

$100,000 Fed Gov’t Grant to help Nobby manufacturer boost production

April 29, 2020

Styrofoam box manufacturer Willow Springs Packaging will make use of a $100,000 Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) to help upgrade its machinery and boost production, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said today.

“One of my top goals as the Maranoa MP is to see our businesses meeting their potential through improved infrastructure,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Congratulations to Willow Springs Packaging, at Nobby, for their determination to grow their business and boost production.

“In their first year of operation they’ve seen huge demand for use of their boxes in the horticulture industry and it’s pleasing to see the business innovate with the help of $100,000 through the MMF.

“This funding will help the manufacturer automate its production line and to recycle used boxes.

“That will help Willow Springs Packaging achieve a 40% increase in their manufacturing capacity of styrofoam boxes for use in the horticulture industry.

“Another exciting point in this project will be the implementation of two sorting and pacing robots, which are currently being custom built.

“This investment will strengthen this business and provide a much needed confidence boost for the whole region as we face this unprecedented pandemic.”

Two hundred projects worth more than $215 million dollars are being supported through the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF). The Federal Government is contributing $48.3 million.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the projects are expected to create 2,600 Australian jobs and were about preparing Australian manufacturing beyond COVID-19 and the challenges of today.

“We established the MMF before the coronavirus pandemic to help small and medium sized manufacturers invest in capital equipment and new technologies to transform and upgrade their manufacturing operations,” Minister Andrews said.

The MMF builds on other Federal Government investments in manufacturing growth and competitiveness, including the $100 million Advanced Manufacturing Fund, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, and the $40 million Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre.

For more information on the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund visit www.business.gov.au/MMF.

ENDS