Manufacturing activity in the Northern Territory is set for another boost as Arctic Insulated Panels secured the final round of funding under the Northern Territory Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) announced.
According to AMGC, the $2.4 million project will enable the Darwin-based company to establish a local manufacturing process for advanced Polyisocyanurate (PIR) soffit boards designed for energy-efficient buildings in hot and humid climates.
The initiative is expected to create 35 new jobs and deliver a projected $16.5 million revenue uplift over five years, AMGC said in a news release.
AMGC also stated Arctic’s expansion marks the sixteenth and final project funded under the $7.5 million AMEF program.
Since its launch in 2021, AMGC said the fund has supported 16 advanced manufacturing projects valued at $32.1 million, which AMGC reports are expected to generate more than 310 jobs and over $163 million in economic impact.
Arctic’s Managing Director, Gary Burns, emphasised the project would strengthen local capability and provide tangible benefits for builders.
“This project gives builders access to a locally made, high-performance soffit board that meets or exceeds energy efficiency requirements under the National Construction Code. It means more local jobs, reduced project costs, and greater self-sufficiency for the Territory,” he said.
The company will design and commission custom PIR production equipment and employ an in-house chemist to lead research and development, including development of a specialised chemical formulation.
AMGC noted that local and interstate partners—including Rapid Engineering NT, Gillard Engineering Services, James Cook University, and CMI Certification—will support manufacturing, product testing, and accreditation.
Northern Territory Minister for Advanced Manufacturing, Robyn Cahill OAM, said the project demonstrates the broader value of advanced manufacturing across local industries.
“Arctic is developing a product that has far reaching impacts beyond manufacturing, it is delivering a solution for energy-efficiency in housings and buildings, creating local jobs and strengthening the Territory’s innovation eco-system,” she said.
“Through the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund we are driving real industry growth, which is in turn creating real opportunities for Territorians, now and into the future.”
AMGC said the AMEF co-contribution of $476,004 – matched by Arctic’s investment – will help consolidate the Territory’s position as a developing hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable building solutions.
Charmaine Phillips, AMGC’s Northern Territory Director, said Arctic was a strong example of the program’s outcomes. “Arctic is a worthy recipient of the AMEF’s final funds, demonstrating the impact of manufacturing and the importance of continuing to foster Northern Territory capability,” she said.
“This local manufacturer also demonstrates the substantive gains for local jobs and the economy when industry is supported to scale.”
The project builds on Arctic’s earlier AMEF-supported initiative to commercialise cyclone-certified insulated roof panels, which AMGC said resulted in a 150 per cent revenue increase, interstate expansion, and 25 new jobs at the company’s East Arm facility.
