Townsville-based manufacturer The Outback Pie Co. will receive around $524,000 in Queensland Government funding to install automated production equipment, with the project expected to create 24 jobs and improve manufacturing productivity.
The funding is part of the Queensland Government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program (TQMGP), which supports businesses investing in equipment and processes to improve productivity and growth.
According to the Queensland Government, the grant will help the bakery automate dough handling, filling, forming and packaging processes. The investment is expected to improve production efficiency, product consistency and workplace safety while helping the company meet growing demand.
The Outback Pie Co. manufactures baked goods for petrol and convenience stores, supermarkets and food service distribution channels.
Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said 18 companies had secured funding from the program’s first round, which offered $12.5 million. Of the 119 applicants, 11 successful businesses were based in regional Queensland.
“The 18 grant recipients represent the variety of Queensland’s manufacturing sector from food and beverage producers to skin care manufacturers, and suppliers to construction, resource and medical companies,” Last said.
He said the successful projects were expected to create more than 300 jobs and support the upskilling of more than 550 existing workers.
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the investment would help the company increase production and improve productivity while supporting local employment.
The Outback Pie Co. managing director Milo Gaffney said the funding would help the business respond to demand for its products nationally.
“The new automated production equipment will enable us to increase productivity and better meet demand while maintaining the quality standards our customers expect,” Gaffney said.
He said the project would also provide opportunities to upskill existing staff and create new jobs in Townsville.
