A Yatala manufacturer of sailing catamarans and industrial fibreglass products has secured a $735,000 grant for automated equipment, with the project expected to create 14 jobs over five years.
Lightwave Group will use the Queensland Government funding to streamline composite manufacturing and develop its workers’ skills.
General manager Ned Overell said the investment would change the company’s production processes.
“This grant will help us significantly improve our productivity,” he said.
The business operates from Computer Road in Yatala, in the industrial precinct south of Beenleigh.
Lightwave began building sailing catamarans in 1996, expanded into industrial composites in 2007 and established its purpose-built Yatala factory in 2020.
Its products now extend beyond boats to components used in projects such as wastewater treatment and commercial ferries.
The company reports more than 3000sqm of factory space at its Yatala facility.
The grant was announced through the first round of the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program, which awarded $12.5 million to 18 manufacturers.
Member for Coomera Michael Crandon welcomed the funding for Lightwave.
“I am looking forward to following Lightwave as they streamline their manufacturing processes,” he said.
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