Manuplex invests in mining mecca

Published on 07 February 2019

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Rockhampton Regional Council’s push to aggressively seize opportunities in the resources sector is paying further dividends with new businesses relocating to the region.

Mayor Margaret Strelow visited one of those businesses today, Manuplex, an engineering and manufacturing firm and said it was another sign of confidence in the Rockhampton Region.

“Council has not been shy in our support of the resources sector pursuing opportunities in the Galilee Basin while helping build up our businesses here at home,” Mayor Strelow said.

“Through Advance Rockhampton we have rolled out training workshops, highlighted supply chain opportunities, delivered capacity building programs and held special briefing sessions.

“At the same time, we have made Rockhampton a place where operators feel confident to do business and we welcome news from companies like Manuplex that are moving here to run their operations.”

Manuplex specialises in underground ventilation, steel fabrications and mining supply for underground coal mines.  The company also employs local staff and has a successful apprenticeship program in place including training unskilled miners for underground employment.

Manuplex Director, Matt Jurkic, said it was an obvious choice to invest in Rockhampton.

“We see Rockhampton Regional Council as a progressive council and this is in plain view to see with the new riverside redevelopment and restaurant, parks and other infrastructure projects in the pipeline,” Mr Jurkic said.

“This renewed energy across all sectors is what helped drive our decision to invest and relocate to Rockhampton.

“We have confidence Advance Rockhampton is both community and business focused and from our very first meeting with the team, they have been very supportive and willing to get behind us from the get-go.

“Rockhampton works well with Manuplex as nearly all our permanent staff are Rocky locals, which means we have been able to attract a very skilled workforce.

“And as a result, we have now commenced a major refurbishment of our new site in Kawana which will be completed by our own apprentices, using our own materials as well as other local suppliers.”

Mayor Strelow said Manuplex is just one of the many success stories for our Region.

“This is only the start and, while we no doubt will see more of this in the months to come, we know we can’t be complacent and have to capitalise on the momentum we’re seeing,” Mayor Strelow said.

“That’s why our Advance Rockhampton team is focused on being a direct link between business and industry to maximise local jobs and opportunities.

“Stay tuned and there’ll be more to say over the coming weeks in this space,” Mayor Strelow said.