PGF boosts manufacturing and engineering

A COLLECTIVE engineering group and an agritech business unit were two big winners at provincial growth fund announcements yesterday.

The Southland and Otago Regional Engineering Collective (Sorec) gained almost $500,000 for its planned work, while Scott Agritech got $5.8 million to establish an agritech business unit.

Farra Engineering chief executive Gareth Evans spoke on behalf of Sorec, which gained $495,000 over three years to help build capability and capacity in the sector.

He said engineering companies had tried to ‘‘breathe life into the industry’’ in the past, but had not gained traction.

Manufacturing generated 12% of gross domestic product and paid better than average wages, and it was important people knew there was a viable manufacturing centre.

The sector had underinvested in the past 20 years, and was falling behind competition.

It needed better collaborations between companies, and to look towards the longterm.

Having a central body to help that would make a big difference, in an industry in which another 200 well paid jobs could be created.

He said the collective planned to appoint a fulltime regional leader in the next couple of weeks.

Scott Agritech’s money would go towards establishing a business unit that would become a supplier of automation solutions and services, mainly intended for businesses in the food processing sector.

Other PGF grants.—

Petridish Ltd ($240,000) towards equipment and salaries for its Makerspace area that allows manufacturing businesses to trial and test new products.

United Machinists ($520,000) towards purchasing engineering equipment to accelerate the manufacturing of parts and products.

Site Weld ($350,000) to buy engineering equipment for its fabrication, repair and maintenance services business, which services mining, industrial, heavy transport, marine and forestry sectors.

Farra Engineering Ltd ($325,000) towards the installation of a horizontal floor borer machine which will help complete maintenance work in shorter timeframes for South Island power generators.

Bison Group Ltd ($110,000) towards creating a demonstration space to showcase its products that lift and weigh shipping containers.

Red One Fabrication Ltd ($93,000) towards engineering equipment to help the company increase its output.