ASIA IN WAGNERS’ SIGHTS
WAGNERS Composite Fibre Technology has grown leaps and bounds since it was established in Toowoomba 18 years ago.
Now a State Government grant has given it the ability to compete in Asia and on a greater global scale.
WHAT began as a research and development start-up almost two decades ago has grown into a business that employs 140-plus staff and works all over the globe.
Now, thanks to innovations made possible by a State Government Made in Queensland grant, Wagners’ Composite Fibre Technology business is able to compete with international manufacturers – even those in China – from its base in Toowoomba.
Wagners CFT general manager Michael Kemp said the grant was used to develop robotic manufacturing equipment known as a crossarm production cell.
“This step is a quantum leap for us,” he said.
“Previously with manufacturing and labour costs in Australia, it was hard to compete internationally.
“This will allow us (to do that) – certainly into Asian countries.
“We’ve been able to compete with some places, but this will allow us to really open up.”
Mr Kemp said the company was targeting work into Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as the United Kingdom and the United States.
“This machine gives us the capacity to grow and service those orders without detracting from the service we give to our current Australian customers,” he said.
State Development Minister
Kate Jones said the State Government had invested in the technology because of its portential to create hundreds of local jobs.
“It’s taken time to develop, but now we’re starting to see the benefits,” she said.
“We can make a composite fibre product that’s better than what’s produced overseas for a competitive price.”
As the company is bringing its new production cell online, their millionth crossarm rolled off the old line.
Since 2004 when Wagners started making composite fibre crossarms, “we’ve completely changed the industry,” Mr Kemp said.
“It was developed in Toowoomba and we’re very proud of that.”
While it is machines that are now helping Wagners take huge leaps forward in their CFT business, it’s the Toowoomba region people and businesses, and the research and development performed at Wellcamp which has helped the company get to this point.
“Making things in Queensland is something Wagners does,” he said.
“We’re very keen to support locals and we ask, of course, that people in Toowoomba support us.”