$4.45 million to be invested into developing advanced manufacturing skills and technology in the Northern Territory

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NT Chief Minister with representatives from CDU, AMGC, Diverseco and Minister for Advanced Manufacturing. Image provided.
Media Release by Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC)

Territory-based manufacturers will soon gain access to a multi-million-dollar advanced manufacturing facility. The facility will house robotic and bespoke automation products and services to support the implementation of technology such as robotic welders, automated pick and pack systems and product inspection services.

The project will see Diverseco and Charles Darwin University (CDU) work closely to develop four new robotic and automation micro credential qualifications tailored to the region and boost local skills and knowledge in advanced processes and machinery for the industry.

The commitment also enables Diverseco to expand its support services to local manufacturers wishing to advance their operations and improve staff capability by supporting them with access to the latest technology, training programs, design services, equipment implementation, and operations and maintenance activities.

Diverseco and its project partners will provide on-site technical support and training services to local businesses seeking to adopt advanced technologies in their operations and support these businesses to upskill their staff. The facility will also be available to local businesses to demonstrate these technologies and develop tailored automated solutions for their individual business needs.

This announcement is the latest co-investment awarded under the Northern Territory’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), which is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). AMEF will provide almost half a million dollars towards this initiative, giving industry the ability to experience and test the latest in automation technology with the total project representing $4.45 million investment into the NT’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Diverseco will support the advancement of NT’s manufacturing industry by leveraging its and CDU’s manufacturing capabilities spanning defence, transport, logistics, agriculture, mining and waste disciplines, focusing on the areas of;

  • automation solutions including industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots), sortation systems, weighting solutions, dimension-weigh-scan systems, full packaging lines and industrial metal detectors
  • bespoke, and advanced system integration solutions
  • extensive after-sales services, including equipment servicing, maintenance and spare parts
  • innovative and industry-tailored training to support for all the above capabilities

Chief Minister for the Northern Territory, Natasha Fyles said “Advanced manufacturing will be a major jobs driver of the future, and this new partnership will provide local manufacturers with the ability to turn their dreams into realities.

“By growing Territory capabilities in advanced manufacturing, we are expanding industries and export opportunities, creating new opportunities for investors and exciting job opportunities for Territorians,” said Fyles

Minister for Advanced Manufacturing, Nicole Manison said “This exciting collaboration will support the advancement of the NT’s manufacturing industry by leveraging its manufacturing capabilities in the defence, transport, logistics, agriculture, mining and waste industries.”

“Growing the Territory’s advanced manufacturing industry is a key part of our strategy to grow the economy to 40 billion by 2030 and create more jobs,” said Manison.

Northern Territory Major Projects Commissioner, Jason Schoolmeester said “This facility and the micro-credentials being developed will enable proactive local businesses to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of their business operations.

“It will also ensure that the NT workforce is gaining qualifications to meet industry needs. We look forward to seeing the many local business collaborations with Diverseco and CDU on this exciting new initiative”, said Schoolmeester.

AMGC’s Northern Territory Director, Charmaine Phillips said “Since the launch of the AMEF last year, AMGC and the Territory Government have built a solid understanding of the manufacturing capabilities that exist in the Territory and the needs of the industry allowing us to support industry growth,

“Diverseco’s presence in the NT will give local manufacturers direct access to leading technology and training resulting in skills, capability and jobs growth across the industry”, said Phillips.

Diverseco, Managing Director, Brenton Cunningham said “We are excited to work with the NT Government, AMGC, and CDU, for without their support we would not have a presence in the Territory.

“Diverseco looks forward to delivering this unique business solution into the Northern Territory and has every confidence that it will be well received by local industry and create further commercial opportunities for local manufacturers.  Diverseco seeks to create solutions at the edge of possibility and the more importance we give to skill development, the more competent will be our youth,” said Cunningham.

Charles Darwin University, Vice Chancellor, Professor Scott Bowman AO said, “This is an exciting partnership between CDU and Diverseco, and it will support course expansion into new robotic and automation qualifications tailored to the region, that will boost workforce capabilities in advanced processes and machinery,” Professor Bowman said.

“This investment into advanced manufacturing skills and technology is a welcome addition to the Northern Territory and offers new and exciting opportunities for our students.”