Government assists auto manufacturers to diversify into food packaging

Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane has announced that almost $5.7 million in Australian Government support will generate a total of $17.6 million in investment, to help Australian automotive component manufacturers diversify into new markets, including food packaging.

Nine businesses will receive grants ranging from $109,000 to $1 million from Round Two of the Automotive Diversification Programme to complement contributions by each recipient.

Successful applicants include:

• Cutler Brands in Kilkenny, South Australia — $1 million towards a $2.1 million project to develop a new high-speed production line that integrates multicolour direct printing and plastic shrink sleeve production, targeting the food, beverage and cosmetics sectors.
• Venture DMG in Keysborough, Victoria — $498,993 towards a $997,986 project to create new hybrid shopping trolleys that will be made from steel and injection-moulded plastic capturing the latest global trend in shopping trolley design and manufacture.

Macfarlane said the Automotive Diversification Programme funding was part of the Australian Government’s $155 million Growth Fund.

“This funding will allow firms to shift their focus and plan for the future, while ensuring skills and jobs in Australian manufacturing are retained,” Macfarlane said.

Applications for Round Three of the Automotive Diversification Programme close on 17 September.