Maryborough-based truck and transport fabricator Allweld Manufacturing is ready to launch into defence and aerospace supply thanks to support from the Queensland Government's $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited Allweld's manufacturing premises in Maryborough to announce the company would receive support to assist its expansion and diversification.
"Regional manufacturers are helping to power Queensland's economic recovery from the worldwide impact of COVID-19 by investing locally and creating jobs," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"That's why my government is backing regional projects, such as Allweld's, that are helping us to implement our plan to boost employment and diversify the economy.
"In this case the assistance will allow Allweld to enter into an exciting new growth phase and increase its workforce by more than 40 per cent over the next four years, with 12 more full-time equivalent roles to be added to its existing 27."
Minister for State Development Kate Jones said Allweld was one of the Queensland businesses getting ready for the supply-chain opportunities in Queensland's expanding defence and aerospace industries.
"Allweld is already a renowned manufacturer for the road transport and marine industries and now, with the government's help, the sky's the limit for their future expansion into defence and aerospace," Ms Jones said.
"Allweld will now get its expansion underway with completion expected by January 2021."
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the new jobs – including apprenticeships - would be an opportunity for a great career start for young locals beginning their work lives.
"Manufacturing is an historically important industry for Maryborough and our Government's funding will help to ensure that continues," Mr Saunders said.
Allweld owner Andrew Shilleto said the family-owned company had been operating in Maryborough for more than 25 years with its success due to a focus on innovation, customer needs and quality designs and builds.
"Over the years we've been able to secure new markets and we are now designing and manufacturing a range of customised transporters including prime movers, tippers and trailers as well as fire, rescue and ambulance vehicles and marine craft," Mr Shilleto said.
Allweld Project Executive Manager Josh Linwood said the funding support will assist the company to expand its manufacturing facility in Maryborough and to diversify its production into new specialised areas, such as defence and aerospace, further driving the company's growth.
Learn more about how the government's Jobs and Regional Growth Fund is supporting the state's effort to drive Queensland's economic forward despite the global pandemic.
Queensland's overall plan for economic recovery: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, can be viewed here.
