Northern Territory manufacturing capability to lead the nation through Steeline GRP investment
The Northern Territory now boasts advanced manufacturing capabilities unmatched anywhere in Australia. Steeline GRP (Steeline) has invested in Australia’s longest-reach robot welder, largest aluminium router and a state-of-the-art beamline for metal processing and manufacturing.
This nation-leading machinery is underpinned by a substantial training and upskilling program to equip local workers with the skills needed to operate such sophisticated technology.
The collaborative project led by Steeline in partnership with local robotics and automation company Diverseco and Charles Darwin University (CDU) greatly boosts the NT’s industrial self-reliance and skills base. It will reduce supply risk for many of the region’s businesses and create a local source of high-quality processed products for critical industries such as defence, energy, gas, mining and construction.
To assist with advancing Territory capability, Steeline secured $800,000 in co-investment from the NT Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF). The total project pool of $3.5 million consists of matching the $800,000 co-investment dollar-for-dollar, plus contributing an additional $1.9 million through in-kind services, support, and labour.
Steeline GRP, General Manager Tony Halikos said: “The team at Steeline GRP is passionate about local manufacturing and local processing. The new in-house advanced manufacturing capabilities we have rival or match that of any manufacturer anywhere in Australia or SE Asia and will compliment all industries – defence, energy, gas, mining, maritime and construction – requiring the local capability for projects big or small,
“Based on the advanced capabilities we now have, Steeline GRP is now able to process some of the largest carbon steel, aluminium steel and stainless steel products in sizes currently unable to be handled elsewhere in many parts of Australia,
“Our overall aim is to ensure that the critical industries of the Northern Territory and Australia have access to world-class capabilities, underpinned by advanced machinery developed by sovereign entities and world class staff. By doing so, Steeline GRP and the entire Top End manufacturing ecosystem can become more resilient, more prosperous and more capable as a result. Improving our sovereign capability and capacity to the benefit of our local industry and local manufacturing environment if the driver of this investment.” said Halikos.
Steeline’s facility is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing in the NT, featuring advanced automated metal manufacturing technology, including a Kawasaki Long-Reach Robotic Welding System with a 2.1m arm on an 8m track, a 14-axis ART Metaltek XB1200 Beamline Fabrication Machine and a true 2.5m x 11m ART Router Machine.
The technology is locally supported by skilled staff with specialised STEM capabilities not currently available in the region, increasing local employment and reducing the need for outsourcing.
In addition to the support made under the AMEF project, Steeline has further advanced its manufacturing capability by complimenting these pieces of equipment with a new 12000kw Fibre Laser Machine, a 40 metre Ocean Steel Shot Blasting machine and an LVD Turret Punch Press, to enable end-to-end processing capacity.
Managing Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), Dr Jens Goennemann said: “Steeline proves that investing in manufacturing boosts capability, skills and career opportunities too. It creates a ripple effect of increased local business activity. The Territory Government’s commitment to advancing its manufacturing ecosystem is yielding results with more jobs created and greater local spending retained within the Territory.”
The impact of the investment in this project alone will be significant for the Territory, which has a substantive list of companies looking for local manufacturing and supply of sovereign products such as large pieces of finished structural steel, aluminium plate and even composite panelling, normally bought in from interstate or overseas. This increased local capability reduces supply chain risks, lowers transport costs, increases efficiencies and cuts lead times.
AMGC’s Director for the Northern Territory, Charmaine Phillips said: “Steeline’s project is a key step forward in strengthening NT’s manufacturing industry, aligning perfectly with the goals of the AMEF to drive economic growth and self-sufficiency in the Territory.”
Upskilling and knowledge transfer has been led by Diverseco, CDU, Aeromech and the Industry Skills Advisory Council NT, covering expertise in robotic welding, 3D inspection software, and laser tracking systems. CDU will create pathways for STEM graduates into new roles at Steeline.
Steeline conservatively estimates the project will lead to cumulative revenues of $7.25 million and create 10 new jobs within five years across the entire manufacturing value chain including apprentices, truck drivers, other skilled workers, engineers and administrative staff. Four of the forecast new jobs do not currently exist in the NT, bringing a raft of new skills to the Top End.
It opens great potential for the Territory’s ecosystem to supply important local projects in construction and in critical areas of defence (local and international), infrastructure, mining, oil & gas, aviation and other key sectors such as agriculture.
