Indigenous manufacturer to set up shop in Townsville
Indigenous-owned and operated business Bridgeman will establish a new manufacturing facility in Townsville creating 20 new full-time jobs, thanks to a $935,000 grant from the Federal Government through the Northern Australia Development Program.
The plant will focus on precision machining and welding, based on the company’s existing facility in Brendale, Brisbane. Defence Primes in the maritime, land and air domain have expressed interest in the project’s offering.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Bridgeman team in Townsville today and discuss the project’s benefits.
“This is another great example of how Townsville is attracting significant investment, and how we as a Federal Government are partnering with industry to create local jobs,” Mr Thompson said.
“It’s also yet another project which boosts our sovereign manufacturing capability, while at the same time providing employment and training opportunities for locals, including veterans.
“These kinds of opportunities have been made possible because of our strong economic management and recovery from the pandemic.”
The project will add an estimated $80 million in manufacturing value to the Northern Australian region over the next 20 years. A significant portion of full-time employment opportunities will be allocated to Indigenous and Veteran staff along with apprenticeship programs.
Bridgeman Managing Director Adam Sarota said Bridgeman had been approached by several clients based in Townsville and Cairns to complete advanced metal manufacturing jobs from a plant based in Northern Australia as opposed to their current facility located in Brisbane.
“As a result of being awarded the Northern Australia Development Program grant, Bridgeman can now expand our metal manufacturing capabilities and build a centre of excellence for metal manufacturing in Northern Australia to accommodate growth and meet current demand specifically in this region,” Mr Sarota said.
“More importantly Bridgeman will create 20 new full-time jobs in the immediate term with ongoing new employment opportunities to follow.
“Our manufacturing expansion project will develop our manufacturing capability, deliver positive economic outcomes and create new jobs for Northern Australia.”
ENDS