The Queensland government has granted Logan-based sportswear manufacturer Struddys the preferred supplier status for the company’s “Buy Queensland” procurement approach to doing business.
As part of the recognition, Struddys will be enabled to supply uniforms to the Queensland government and its agencies.
Mick de Brenni, the state’s minister for procurement, said the government had removed application red tape, making it easier for local businesses to secure government contracts.
Approximately $18.5 billion is invested per year in goods and services. The Buy Queensland approach aims to allocate the majority of the funding for local contractors such as Struddys.
“I’m proud to see another iconic local company, now able to put Queensland’s frontline workers in Queensland-made garments. And in the runway to Brisbane 2032, we want the eyes of the world to see Queenslanders wearing Queensland-made,” de Brenni said.
Glenn Butcher, minister for regional development and manufacturing, said the latest contract with Struddys is part of the state government’s efforts to support Queensland businesses to boost manufacturing onshore.
“Struddys began 45 years ago as a single clothing store in Sunnybank, Brisbane, and they have evolved to employ almost 100 locals, making clothing for Australian sporting teams,” Butcher said.
“Manufacturing contributes more than $20 billion a year to Queensland’s economy — we know it’s far more than the traditional industry it once was and Struddys is a fantastic example of that.”
Michael Rasmussen, general manager of Struddys, said the company believes that supporting Queenslanders would encourage more Queenslanders to use their products, as well as other local products made in the state.
“Being able to supply to the Queensland Government opens so many doors for us and being on the preferred supplier list also shows the public we are a reputable, reliable, quality supplier that’s doing its best for Queenslanders,” Rasmussen said.
