Arctic insulated panels secures final AMEF funding to manufacture NT-made, energy-efficient soffit boards
Darwin-based manufacturer Arctic Insulated Panels (Arctic) is establishing an advanced Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation manufacturing process to make high-performance ‘soffit boards’ locally. Soffit boards, which are installed under the eaves of roofs to provide ventilation, protect structures from moisture and improve thermal performance, are essential components in energy-efficient building design.
Supported by the Northern Territory Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), the $2.4 million project will see Arctic develop and commercialise an energy-efficient, sustainable insulation board designed specifically for the NT’s hot and humid climate. Furthermore, by manufacturing these boards locally, Arctic will reduce the Northern Territory’s reliance on imported building materials while exceeding compliance with national energy efficiency standards.
This marks the sixteenth and final project to be funded under the AMEF, which is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC). Since the Program’s launch in 2021, the AMEF has supported a total of 16 advanced manufacturing projects valued at $32.1 million, spurring activity expected to create over 310 new jobs and generate more than $163 million in revenue for the Territory’s economy over the next five years.
The AMEF program has played a pivotal role in developing the Territory’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, driving innovation across industries including construction, mining, renewables, and defence. Arctic’s project will result in a fully operational PIR insulation manufacturing line capable of producing world-class soffit boards for local and interstate markets.
The project will enable Arctic to reduce reliance on imported products, build local manufacturing capability, and lay the groundwork for further research and development of next-generation insulation solutions – paving the way for this new PIR initiative. Specifically, Arctic is expected to create 35 new jobs across technical, production, and quality control, while generating an estimated $16.5 million in additional revenue.
Arctic’s Managing Director, Gary Burns, said: “This project gives builders access to a locally made, high-performance soffit board that meets or exceeds energy efficiency requirements under the National Construction Code. It means more local jobs, reduced project costs, and greater self-sufficiency for the Territory.”
The project will employ an in-house chemist to lead research and development activities, optimising product quality and developing a unique chemical formulation. Arctic will design and commission fit-for-purpose PIR production machinery, to be custom built for Arctic’s proprietary process.
Northern Territory Minister for Advanced Manufacturing, The Hon Robyn Cahill OAM said, “Arctic is developing a product that has far reaching impacts beyond manufacturing, it is delivering a solution for energy-efficiency in housings and buildings, creating local jobs and strengthening the Territory’s innovation eco-system.
“Through the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund we are driving real industry growth, which is in turn creating real opportunities for Territorians, now and into the future.”
Collaboration will be key to the project’s success, with Rapid Engineering NT, Gillard Engineering Services, James Cook University (JCU), and CMI Certification partnering to deliver the advanced manufacturing capability. JCU’s Cyclone Testing Station will conduct rigorous testing on the soffit board’s structural integrity and cyclone resistance, while CMI Certification will guide the CodeMark accreditation process.
AMEF’s co-contribution of $476,004, matched by Arctic’s own investment and in-kind support, will strengthen the NT’s position as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable building innovation.
AMGC’s Northern Territory Director, Charmaine Phillips, said: “Arctic is a worthy recipient of the AMEF’s final funds, demonstrating the impact of manufacturing and the importance of continuing to foster Northern Territory capability. This local manufacturer also demonstrates the substantive gains for local jobs and the economy when industry is supported to scale.”
The Arctic project builds on the company’s earlier AMEF-supported success, where it completed a $2.9 million project to commercialise cyclone-certified insulated roof panels, resulting in a 150 per cent revenue increase, expansion into Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia, and the creation of 25 new jobs at its East Arm facility.
Administered by AMGC, Arctic is one of 16 projects to receive co-investment through the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), launched in 2021. Since this time, the AMEF has driven advanced manufacturing activity across the Territory, creating an estimated 311 new jobs. Since its inception, AMGC has undertaken more than 650 stakeholder engagements, 168 site visits, 25 regional visits, and 136 interstate engagements – strengthening industry connections and capability across the Northern Territory.
