Community
3 July, 2024
More work at 4WD factory
A $645,000 Miles government grant for leading Cairns manufacturer Norweld to buy a fibre laser cutting system is expected to add 28 full-time jobs initially and 152 extra roles over five years.
The machine is expected to reduce production times and increase safety in the workshop through automation of the laser cutting process to make ute trays, canopies and 4x4 accessories and equipment.
Norweld special projects director Isaac Edmiston said the new laser cutter would deliver significant benefits to the business to expand their product line and meet new demands from customers in Australia and overseas.
“Our growth is a result of continued focus on making quality products and meeting the changing needs of our customers, always ensuring we exceed their expectations,” he said.
“We’ve grown from humble beginnings as a small, Cairns-based fabrication business into a nationally-recognised brand in the Australian 4x4 industry with branches nationwide.
“With our expansion into international markets, we have managed to export Norweld trays and canopies onto six continents. Australian-made is synonymous with tough and Norweld Australia has proven that our trays and canopies can handle the harshest environments imaginable.
“With the new machinery purchased with this grant funding, and the growing number of sites, Norweld has boosted its production by 50 per cent, producing 25 trays and 15 canopies per week. By the end of 2024, we expect to manufacture 50 trays and 24 canopies per week.”
Norweld Australia has expanded, including a newly-built Brisbane facility to complement the Cairns head office.
Regional development and manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said Norweld was “a fantastic Cairns success story”.
“They started more than five decades ago and have expanded with workshops and representatives all over the country, exporting their amazing Queensland-made products to the enormous US market and beyond”.
“This grant will give them an even bigger slice of the export market and help them continue their inspiring growth journey,” he said.
Cairns MP Michael Healy said the four-wheel driving industry had exploded in the past five to 10 years and Norweld Australia had positioned itself as a leading manufacturer and supplier for accessories and trays.
