Grants to support better manufacturing

MANUFACTURERS in regional Victoria with shovel-ready projects to increase their productivity and grow jobs have a week left to apply for up to $1million in federal government funding.

Round 2 of the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) will co-fund capital investments and associated reskilling, and aims to support small and medium enterprises through investment in transformative manufacturing technology and processes, as well as jobs growth and a more highly skilled workforce in the manufacturing sector.

“Applications close January 21 so I’m calling for all eligible local businesses to make sure they’ve looked into how this program could help them grow and deliver more local jobs,” Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said.

“We want to help take hard-working manufacturers like those in regional Victoria to the next level, because we know if they prosper our community prospers.

“Regional Victoria is home to many thriving manufacturing businesses including 467 manufacturers in Ballarat electorate which employ 5,215 workers, 418 in the Bendigo electorate which employ 5,810 workers, 389 in Corangamite which employ 5,178 workers  and 475 in Corio who employ 5,314 workers, providing a real boost to their local economies.

“By helping our manufacturers become more competitive, we not only create more direct jobs, but jobs in businesses right along the supply chain – from our farmers to our truckies.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the second round of the MMF was a key element of the Government’s $1.5billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

“The Morrison 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.”

Round One of the MMF in April spent $48.3 million on nearly 200 projects valued at more than $215 million. These projects are expected to create about 2,600 new jobs.

Projects in Round Two need to align with the National Manufacturing Priorities announced as part of the Morrison Government’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy, which are resources technology and critical minerals processing, food and beverage, medical products, recycling and clean energy, defence, and space.

For more information on the MMF, including how to apply, head to business.gov.au/mmf.