By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A HALLAM business is set to benefit from a State Government technology grant.
KH Equipment, which specialises in non-electric starting technologies for the mining industry, will use the $201,600 grant to improve the productivity and increase competitiveness.
Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett said KH Equipment was one of 20 companies to be awarded a total of $3.4 million under the IMT program which is designed to boost investment in new technology.
“These grants are an excellent example of how new technology is helping to improve production processes, develop new skills and take advantage of a range of innovative export opportunities,” he said.
“Victoria is the hub of Australia’s manufacturing industry but to meet the challenge of the high Australian dollar and competitive international markets, manufacturers must look to increase investment in new technology to remain competitive.”
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich congratulated KH Equipment on receiving the grant, which she said would have a significant impact on the business.
“Non-electric starters are important in hazardous environments.
“They minimise downtime and increase workplace safety by maximising the reliability of starting system,” she said.
“KH Equipment will use the grant money to purchase and install special CNC lathes and a shaft processing cell which would automate most of the component manufacturing.
“This will see two new staff employed and a boost to the company’s export income of $1.5 million.”
Applications for IMT round four grants opened on 23 September.
For more information visit www.business.vic.gov.au/imt.
