Manuplex, a steel frames and trusses manufacturer based in Rockhampton in Queensland, has received government funding to help fill a gap in the housing construction market left by the supply chain shortage.
Under the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs grant program, the local business will have over $500,000 to expand its product range, create 16 new jobs and provide better services to the region.
“Manuplex – which has 85 full-time staff – is purchasing 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,” minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said.
According to member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke, a pivot from manufacturing for the mining and commercial sectors to residential builds on the skills and capabilities of Manuplex’s existing workforce and capitalises on its strengths.
“Housing availability is top of mind for people in CQ and this grant means local builders won’t have to rely on supplies from out of town,” O’Rourke said.
“Not only that, but the steel frames and trusses manufactured by Manuplex with this equipment will complement their existing work, with opportunities in temporary and modular buildings for mining and defence camps,” 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.
Manuplex managing director, Matt Jurkic, said the opportunity would deliver growth for the business and benefit local builders significantly.
“We expect to put on another 16 full-time positions and upskill our current staff,” Jurkic said. “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,” he said.
“I know local builders who are frustrated – they can’t accept any more contracts and are struggling to complete the contracts they have 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.
Jurkic said the first machine has arrived and the business is already expanding its workforce.
“We’ve had overwhelming interest in the roles we’ve advertised so we’ll be able to run the machinery in shifts,” he said. “We’re also hiring more women than ever before, so this represents a step towards diversity, upskilling and growth for our team in a traditionally male-dominated industry.”
Butcher stated that manufacturing is the backbone of Queensland’s economy.
“Australian companies are increasingly looking to local manufacturers to step up and fill gaps exposed in supply chains, so it’s fantastic to see these manufacturing businesses in regional Queensland build and grow, to meet demand,” he said.
Find out more about the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs here.