The Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF) is set to create up to 100 new manufacturing jobs and provide $35 million to the Northern Territory’s economy over the next three years, paving the way for a burgeoning advanced manufacturing industry.
In a media release, the government said it aims to commercialise local innovation and boost the region’s self-sufficiency, while also increasing skills, employment, and money for the Northern Territory.
According to the Territory, it has already been two years since the government and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) forged a strategic collaboration to identify the region’s manufacturing competence, strategic prospects, and local firms to co-invest in.
The $7.5 million AMEF was established in 2021, with co-funding provided to six projects in Darwin, Alice Springs, and Katherine thus far, reflecting a total commitment of $11.8 million to developing the Territory’s manufacturing environment and a 15:1 return on investment.
In particular, every project co-funded by the AMEF requires at least two partners, who must be a business, manufacturer, supplier, or researcher, with at least one of the organisations situated in the Northern Territory and matched dollar for dollar by Territory Government funds.
Corrosion Instruments, Diverseco, AirTip, Arctic Installations, Katherine Joinery, and Steeline GRP are among the projects funded by the AMEF.
“Just two years since the launch of our partnership with AMGC, the AMEF has helped grow the Territory’s understanding of manufacturing, supported businesses across Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs to expand their capabilities and create local advanced manufacturing jobs,” stated Minister for Advanced Manufacturing Nicole Manison.
The minister stated that the government has supported six initiatives that will produce $35 million in the Territory’s economy over the next three years, representing an outstanding return on investment.
With $5.2 million still available in the AMEF, Manison said the government is welcoming new applications to expand highly skilled, resilient Territory first job opportunities and diversify our local economy.
Meanwhile, NT AMGC Director Charmaine Phillips stated that the long-term objective of AMGC is to grow baseline manufacturing to support larger Northern Territory Government goals, as suggested in the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission Report, and to improve the capability and competitiveness of local manufacturers through these co-invested projects.
In the past 18 months, AMGC officials have attended approximately 320 in-person industry visits, 85 briefings for industry or business associations, 65 meetings with interstate manufacturers, and 20 events covering the whole Top End.
