Australia’s ZoneRV, a Sunshine Coast business, is posing itself to become an industry leader in manufacturing stronger and safer off-road caravans with the help of the Queensland Government’s “Made in Queensland” grant of over AU$1.4 million.
Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher announced the grant at ZoneRV’s Sunshine Coast facility during Australian Manufacturing Week.
“This funding will help ZoneRV invest in an advanced composite division and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which is going to support 90 new jobs and take this fantastic business to new levels,” he said.
“Through Made in Queensland, the Queensland Government is supporting manufacturers to invest in new technologies and create more jobs.
The funding is considered a win for local businesses and communities, which the government is “proud of,” according to a news release by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the Made in Queensland program had been successful because it had delivered real outcomes for local manufacturers and more job opportunities for Queenslanders.
“Opening more opportunities for Queensland businesses and creating high-skilled jobs of the future is exactly what the Made in Queensland grants are for, and it’s great to see it in action here on the Coast,” he said.
Nicklin MP Robert Skelton said ZoneRV is already a well-recognized name in the community and that it is just one example of a fantastic Sunshine Coast business that makes “great products” in their area.
“The team here draws on years of experience and have built lighter, stronger, and safer caravans designed specifically for off-road adventures.” ZoneRV’s state-of-the-art facility will include new equipment, robotics, and interconnected systems that will enable them to manufacture more materials more efficiently.
ZoneRV founder David Biggar said their company was made to address the need for improved technology, design, and operating efficiencies in the caravan industry.
“This grant is helping us realize this vision,” Biggar said. “Our team harnesses 25 years’ experience in true composite manufacturing across the marine, aeronautical and civil construction industries and our products reflect this setting a new benchmark for caravan manufacturing standards in Australia.
“Thanks to the support from the grant, we will be able to grow our team as well as create new and innovative products that will diversify our offering.” Minister Butcher said the Made in Queensland grant program had supported 105 advanced manufacturing projects across Queensland since its inception in 2017 and generated more than $140 million in private sector investment.
A “Made in Queensland” grant of $450,000 was also awarded to another Sunshine Coast business, Freeze Dry Industries, and will go towards new equipment that will help the company increase productivity, global competitiveness, and create jobs.
Freeze Dry Industries Chief Executive Officer Michael Buckley was grateful for the grant from the Queensland Government.
“Our business is continually growing, and this grant will help accelerate that growth as well as support the production of high-value consumer goods via affordable, environmentally sustainable innovation,” Buckley said.
More than $54 million has been awarded through Made in Queensland and Queensland Manufacturing Hub Grants, creating or supporting more than 5,500 jobs.
Have you heard about ZoneRV’s cool eco-friendly caravan models? They’re focusing on innovation and sustainability, all thanks to the Made in Queensland program. Pretty awesome collaboration with other industry leaders too!