On 19 November, innovative manufacturing technologies were showcased as Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser officially opens the new office and Technology Demonstration Centre (TDC) for QMI Solutions at Eight Mile Plains.
“QMI Solutions, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has established itself as a centre of excellence to support local manufacturers,” Mr Fraser said.
“This new facility will enable QMI Solutions to continue supporting Queensland manufacturing companies achieve world-class manufacturing performance, increase innovation, implement sustainable practices, lift productivity and improve global competitiveness. The facility will include a factory demonstration area, new technology displays and much more.
“QMI also plans to create Australia’s first Design and Innovation Resource Centre at Eight Mile Plains which is modelled on ‘live laboratories’ in Germany and Finland. It will enable companies to work in multi-disciplinary teams to develop concepts, ideas and new products.”
Mr Fraser said QMI Solutions was set up in 1993 and has developed into a world-class integrated Centre of Excellence for Queensland manufacturing.
QMI Solutions’ Performance and Innovation Division has broken new ground many times over the years and can be credited with dramatically increasing the productive output of Queensland manufacturers. The organisation assisted over 1500 companies manufacturers in the last financial year alone.
It was instrumental in establishing technologies like the first generation water-jet-cutting machines and incremental sheet forming technology and is a leader in supporting manufacturers to adopt lean manufacturing principles, new product development solutions and international benchmarking. In addition, it now champions sustainable manufacturing practices to help companies reduce waste, achieve savings and increase profitability.
“QMI Solutions also incorporates ICN Queensland which is implementing the Queensland Government’s $6.45 million Queensland Made Means Queensland Jobs initiative to assist competitive businesses to maximise the opportunities arising from major projects through the Local Industry Policy.
“The third component of the Centre of Excellence is Manufacturing Skills Queensland, which is devoted to addressing skills formation and workforce development issues to support the industry attract and retain quality, skilled employees.
“QMI Solutions is also partnering with the State Government to pilot the Ulysses program to encourage Queensland manufacturers to embrace innovative design to gain a competitive advantage.
“In addition QMI Solutions has strong linkages with universities to help generate greater linkages between Queensland SMEs and research institutions and works closely with the Federal Government’s Enterprise Connect initiative to deliver a range of products and services to the State’s manufacturers.
Mr Fraser said QMI Solutions’ services to industry had been invaluable in assisting Queensland businesses cope with the challenges of the global financial crisis and that QMI Solutions plays a critical role in the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 vision – especially our goal to increase by 50% the number of Queensland businesses undertaking R&D or innovation.”
“The new head office will allow QMI to expand its services and help more companies achieve manufacturing best practice with world-class technologies.”
Over 120 guests were on-hand to help QMI Solutions celebrate the official opening of the new premise at 33 McKechnie Drive within Brisbane Technology Park.
QMI Solutions Chief Executive Officer Jim Walker said the Technology Demonstration Centre (TDC) would allow Queensland manufacturers access to factory demonstrations and new technology displays that would directly benefit them.
“The new technology centre will host world-class technologies and demonstrations, giving Queensland manufacturers rare exposure and the opportunity to experience research and development not readily accessible,” Mr Walker said.
“With support from the Queensland Government, UQ and QUT, we have continued this concept in our new building and strengthened it by showcasing more technologies than we have in the past,” he said.
One technology on display at the official opening was self-piercing riveting which was developed in Queensland. Licensed by Henrob and widely used throughout the world within the automotive and marine industries, Director Stuart Blackett said self-piercing riveting is a great example of a Queensland manufacturing innovation that has been adopted internationally throughout industry.
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