Ten manufacturing companies have received a share of $5 million in funding from the NSW Government to locally produce personal protective equipment (PPEs).
The $5 million funding was provided by the state government to support domestic and international markets through COVID-19 and boost local jobs.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the grants provide the manufacturers with up to $500,000 each, allowing them to produce face masks, gloves, disinfectant and medical-grade handwash and soap.
“When COVID-19 first hit last year, we realised how important it was for Australia to reduce its dependence on PPE imports and to shore up local manufacturing for our future needs,” Deputy Premier Barilaro said.
“The demand for PPEs remains high both here and internationally and the NSW Government is pleased to support our local businesses to pivot from their traditional practices and produce the materials desperately needed for export.”
Deputy Premier Barilaro said the state’s management of COVID-19 provided an opportunity for home-grown businesses to provide Australian citizens with PPEs but to also export the products to international neighbours.
The grants will help create new jobs, boost the state’s local economies and strengthen its manufacturing export capability in the long term.
Envirus, a new joint venture enabled by the funding between Newcastle-based industrial PPE manufacturer Maddison Safety and wetsuit manufacturer Sharkskin International, will be using the funding to purchase additional machinery and equipment.
The company intends to use the grant to increase its capacity to retool and produce P2 face masks, with Sharkskin focusing on the business-to-customer market and Maddison Safety on the business-to-business market.
Managing Director of Maddison Safety Tim Maddison and Managing Director of Sharkskin International Shane Holiday both agreed that the $5 million grant funding was a great initiative for Australian manufacturing.
“The grant has supplemented the investment we made during the height of COVID in 2020, helping us to purchase new machinery and secure more staff and training to keep up with demand,” Managing Director Maddison said.
“While COVID-19 has impacted domestic business in our traditional markets Sharkskin International’s Domestic Manufacturing of PPE grant will help the business to scale up production and further pursue international markets,” Managing Director Holiday added.