Multi-million dollar NT manufacturing investment creates a window to a more prosperous future
An award-winning multidisciplinary construction company is expanding into sophisticated glass manufacturing, adding to both its service offering and the Territory’s economy through a new project supported by the Northern Territory (NT) Government and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
Northern Trade Solutions’ new subsidiary, Northern Glass Solutions (NGS), is investing in the capability to meet growing needs in the NT and elsewhere for special-purpose and energy-efficient glass products, which are currently imported from southern states or overseas.
The existing gap in the local market means increased costs, longer lead times and potential delays, as well as increased danger of product damage due to transportation distances that are sometimes over 3,000 kilometres by road.
Its new factory at East Arm Business Park will be equipped to produce special-purpose products, including triple-glazed and quadruple-glazed, laminated, tempered, acoustic, fire-resistant, cyclone-resistant, safety and bullet-proof glass, the latter not currently being manufactured in Australia.
The project will establish a local supply of energy-efficient products designed to comply with the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC) updated 7-star efficiency rating, and meet the requirements of the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), which classifies Northern Australia as a Cooling Climate Zone – where the focus is on preventing solar heat gain in buildings.
With strong local and export potential to the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asian countries, the project is expected to create $12.6 million in new revenues and 22 jobs within five years. Throughout the project, the team will establish a state-of-the-art glass manufacturing line, upskill existing staff, and hire 10 new workers. NGS will deploy highly automated, Industry 4.0-ready equipment while also investing in and implementing new traceability solutions and an ERP system.
NGS will also collaborate with the Australian Glass & Window Association, as well as James Cook University (JCU) and RMIT University, to research, test, and establish manufacturing capabilities for special-purpose products suitable for Cooling Climate Zones.
The project seeks to establish an in-house research and development department that collaborates with the above expert institutions on R&D for future technologies and applications, including prototyping and testing with JCU for cyclonic regions. Through these collaborations, the project can tap into expertise and access the latest research findings, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the glass manufacturing industry in the NT.
As part of the project, NGS has been awarded $668,072 in co-investment from the Northern Territory Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). Accounting for cash and in-kind contributions, NGS will match the $668,072 co-investment in cash and contribute an additional $4.1 million to the 12-month project, representing a $5.4 million investment in the Territory.
Jiayun Li, Owner of Northern Glass Solutions said: “Our management team is excited by the opportunities to strengthen and grow the glass processing industry through the support of the Northern Territory Government. With over 15 years of experience guiding us, we’re proud to be expanding NTS into glass manufacturing – supporting our loyal customers and helping build a more self-sufficient and resilient Territory.”
AMGC’s Northern Territory Director, Charmaine Phillips, said “This increased capability will address a yawning gap in the local market which Northern Trade Solutions understands better than just about anyone else. This will provide a comprehensive range of specialised glass solutions, designed for our demanding climate and with great value outside of it as well.”
Administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), NGS’s project is the fifteenth business to receive co-investment through the AMEF, which was launched in 2021. Across all projects to date, the AMEF has spurred manufacturing activity, which is expected to create over 276 new jobs and generate over $147 million in new revenues for the Territory’s economy in its first five years.
