Prime Minister Scott Morrison made a surprise stop in Logan Saturday afternoon to visit a local business that has been awarded a $1 million grant as part of a program that will enhance Australia’s sovereign defence industry.
The grant to Holmwood Highgate in Loganholme will enhance the company’s ability to manufacture bulk liquid tankers to serve the commercial, aviation and defence industries.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits Loganholme business (Photo: Brian Lowe)
Holmwood Highgate is a family-run business and owner Wade Mellish said they will use the money from the government to invest in a laser cutter which will give them increased in-house capability to make a better, more compliant and more robust product.
As for increasing the number of employees on their campus, Mellish said that will definitely be the case due to the government’s JobMaker plan announced in the federal budget.
“At the moment, we’ve got ads running for boilermakers and auto electricians. With the announcement in the budget, we’ve got 12 apprentices already on our books at the moment and we’ll be putting on another six to start immediately,” said Mellish.
“We’re always investing in our people upskilling.”
Forde MP Bert van Manen, who was also onsite with the Prime Minister, has congratulated the company, saying, “Holmwood Highgate are not only providing highly-skilled jobs for Logan locals, but they’re also playing an important role in keeping Australians safe.
“This grant will allow them to invest in new technology, train more young people and hire more locals.”
