Three regional Victorian manufacturing businesses will receive more than $2.5 million in grants to modernise their manufacturing capabilities, increase competitiveness and productivity and grow local jobs.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said that grants totaling $55 million will be provided to 86 projects across Australia through the Morrison Government’s Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF).
“The MMF fund grants will help key manufacturers invest in capital equipment and new technologies, while improving the skills of their workers,” Senator Henderson said.
“By encouraging businesses to enhance their operations through investment in cutting-edge technologies we’re also supporting them to create new job opportunities, boost economic growth and build a highly skilled manufacturing workforce.”
Successful round two funding applicants include:
Ballarat electorate
- Calix Limited at Maddingly secured $1 million to transform the development and production of bio-active materials and improve outcomes in agrichemical, defence and medical and health.
- Ferndale Confectionery at Delacombe secured $557,000 to expand its marshmallow production capability and expand warehousing and staff facilities.
Corio electorate
- Kyvalley Dairy secured $1 million to remodel and update its Geelong site into an advanced, specialised milk processing facility.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said MMF grants are a central element of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy and will help drive growth in the Australian manufacturing sector.
“This new MMF funding round underlines the Government’s commitment to increasing the competitiveness and productivity of Australian manufacturers,” Minister Porter said.
Businesses which receive MMF grants are required to match government funding on a three-to-one basis, with government grants funding up to 25 per cent of eligible project expenditure.
The minimum grant amount is $100,000, and the maximum is $1,000,000. Projects must be completed within two years.
MMF round two was a competitive merit based grants program, with applications assessed by a committee of independent industry experts.
The six National Manufacturing Priorities of the Strategy are: Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing, Food and Beverage, Medical Products, Recycling and Clean Energy, Defence and Space.
For a full list of successful recipients under the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund round two, visit www.business.gov.au/MMF
28 June 2021