Queensland’s manufacturing sector is set to receive a boost with more than $500,000 in government funding supporting the expansion of defence armour production on the Gold Coast.
According to the Queensland Government, Arundel-based Craig International Ballistics will receive the funding through the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund to purchase equipment for manufacturing military-grade hard armour plates used in body armour for soldiers and police officers.
The company, which has manufactured armour products for more than 25 years and supplies the Australian Defence Force and international customers, will add a second high-pressure hard armour plate tool to its existing hydraulic press.
The new equipment will expand production of armour made from Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), a military-grade thermoplastic used to produce lighter body armour.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investment would strengthen the state’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
“The Gold Coast is a growing defence industry hub and this investment strengthens an important local link in a Queensland-wide supply chain,” Bleijie said.
He said local production would support skilled jobs and provide opportunities across the state’s defence industry supply chain.
Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works and Member for Bonney Sam O’Connor said the project would reinforce the Gold Coast’s position in advanced manufacturing.
“Through projects like this, we’re making the Gold Coast a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing,” O’Connor said.
Craig International Ballistics managing director James Craig said the funding would allow the company to invest in advanced manufacturing equipment at its Arundel facility.
“This investment will enable us to acquire advanced manufacturing plant and equipment at our Arundel facility, expanding our sovereign manufacturing capability for hard armour products in Queensland,” Craig said.
The new equipment is expected to be operational by late 2027 and is forecast to create 47 operational jobs, while also supporting potential export growth for the company.
The Queensland Government said the Sovereign Industry Development Fund is intended to support projects that strengthen sovereign capability, attract private investment and create long-term employment across industries including defence, biomedical manufacturing and biofuels.
