Client: OZTEC Manufacturing
Project title: Advanced Manufacturing Capability Expansion
Category: Manufacturing
Location: QLD
The client
OZTEC Manufacturing is a Toowoomba-based engineering and manufacturing business producing structural steel, industrial conveying systems, farm machinery and specialised equipment for the oil and gas sector.
The company undertakes design-and-construct projects for customers across agriculture, resources, infrastructure and other industrial sectors. Its Toowoomba operation combines engineering, fabrication, welding and heavy-lifting capability.
The challenge
OZTEC was expanding beyond its traditional agribusiness work into larger commercial, structural engineering and oil and gas projects. This transition placed additional demands on the company’s manufacturing capacity and its ability to control production timeframes.
Parts of the manufacturing process, including laser cutting, machining and bending, were being outsourced. Although OZTEC had established supplier relationships, relying on external processing reduced its direct control over scheduling, turnaround times, quality and available production capacity.
The company identified an opportunity to invest in advanced manufacturing equipment that would bring critical processes in-house and support more complex projects. The challenge was to demonstrate that the proposed investment was commercially justified, aligned with the Made in Queensland objectives and capable of producing meaningful productivity, competitiveness and employment benefits.
These considerations remain directly relevant to manufacturers assessing the current Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program, which similarly focuses on advanced equipment, technology, productivity, competitiveness and skilled jobs.
Our solutions
GrantHelper worked with OZTEC to turn a substantial equipment investment into a clear and evidence-supported advanced manufacturing project.
The proposed project brought together four complementary technologies: a fibre laser cutting system, CNC press brake, fibre tube laser and fibre laser welding robot. Collectively, the equipment was intended to establish integrated in-house capability across laser cutting, tube processing, precision forming and robotic welding.
GrantHelper helped connect the proposed equipment with the limitations of OZTEC’s existing process, the need to reduce reliance on outsourced production and the company’s plans to pursue larger and more technically demanding work.
We also structured the funding case around the project’s commercial rationale, expected manufacturing improvements, customer demand and skilled employment outcomes. Supporting material was organised to show why the investment was required and how OZTEC could deliver the project successfully.
This strategic approach remains central to a competitive Transforming Queensland Manufacturing application. Equipment specifications alone are not enough. The application must show how the technology will transform the manufacturing operation and produce credible, measurable benefits.
Outcomes
OZTEC Manufacturing secured $643,000 through Round 6 of the Made in Queensland program.
The funding approval supported an advanced manufacturing project intended to bring more production activity under OZTEC’s direct control, reduce reliance on outsourced processing and increase its capacity to compete for larger and more complex projects.
The application forecast 15 additional operational positions in the first year, comprising engineers, draftspersons, boilermakers and equipment operators. These were projected employment outcomes contained in the funding case rather than confirmed post-project results.
What made this grant project a success?
OZTEC’s proposal was not presented as a simple equipment purchase. The application demonstrated how four complementary technologies would work together to address an identifiable production constraint and support the company’s strategic direction.
The funding case brought together manufacturing process analysis, commercial demand, equipment capability, business growth and skilled employment outcomes. This provided assessors with a clear explanation of why the investment was required and how it would strengthen a regional Queensland manufacturer.
OZTEC also worked collaboratively with GrantHelper to provide the technical information, commercial evidence and supporting material needed to develop a cohesive and competitive application.
|
“I would highly recommend Steve to anyone looking for assistance in applying for a Government Grant. We found his work to be high quality and he was a pleasure to deal with. He greatly simplified the whole process and put us in a strong position to be successful in our grant application.” Michael Sheehan – Mechanical Engineer, OZTEC Manufacturing |
Three Made in Queensland successes
OZTEC Manufacturing is one of three Queensland manufacturers GrantHelper has helped secure funding through Made in Queensland.
Following OZTEC’s successful Round 6 application, GrantHelper assisted two further Queensland manufacturers to secure funding under Round 7:
- $1.2 million for a Queensland manufacturer of CNC-machined couplings and industrial fittings
- $1.1 million for a Queensland manufacturer of home and lifestyle products
Together, these three successful applications secured nearly $3 million in manufacturing grant funding.
From Made in Queensland to Transforming Queensland Manufacturing
Made in Queensland has since been succeeded by the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program. The current program continues to support Queensland manufacturers investing in advanced manufacturing equipment, automation, integrated systems and Industry 4.0 or 5.0 technology.
While the program name and specific requirements have changed, a strong application must still connect the proposed investment with measurable improvements in productivity, competitiveness, business capability, employment and wider benefits for Queensland.
GrantHelper’s three Made in Queensland successes provide practical experience in developing the strategy, evidence and supporting documentation needed to present advanced manufacturing investments as clear and credible funding propositions.
Learn more about this grant
Is your organisation eligible for a Manufacturing grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s next grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
