“The funding has been awarded to three local companies for a range of projects that will see an expanded workforce which is fantastic news for our local economy and local jobs,” Mrs Williams said.

“The successful applicants are AE Gibson & Sons, Bale Defence Engineering Systems and Harold Vickery and Son.

“The Regional Job Creation Fund allows businesses to fast track their growth plans, expand their operations and create a solid base for job creation now and into the future,” Mrs Williams said.

Engineering company, AE Gibson & Sons Managing Director, Troy Krogh said, “The NSW Regional Job Creation Fund grant enables our business to move ahead with plans to grow our business activities through new and existing market segments nationally and internationally, creating additional advanced manufacturing employment roles at our company, in the fields of Mechanical and Electrical Apprenticeships and Trades, Mechanical Engineering, and Automation & Robotic Engineering."

"This Grant is significant, as it supports our business to evolve our capability and skills to match the needs and opportunities emerging in the market.”

Bale Defence Operations Manager, Gary Walker said, “We will continue to grow our capability by recruiting an additional 10 people this year, operating across engineering, manufacturing and administration. "

"The growth in human resources employed will include recruitment of qualified candidates, investment in our young adults with several apprenticeships being offered this year, as well as maintaining our internship programme".

“These initiatives will enable Bale Defence to support the Defence Industry and meet key strategic industry capability criteria to support and sustain the Australian Defence Forces from a proud, Australian family owned, Port Macquarie base.”

Heavy duty leather goods company, Harold Vickery and Son Director Matthew Hyde said, “The grant will help fund the purchase of new machines and the fit out of a purpose-built facility in the beating heart of Port Macquarie’s industrial district."

"The business will be transformed with advanced manufacturing techniques and machines to deliver better products, faster and more efficiently to customers around Australia.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s $140 million Regional Job Creation Fund is on track to create over 6,500 new direct jobs in regional NSW by helping businesses expand production and provide incentives to move operations to the regions.

“This fund allows businesses to fast-track their growth plans, expand their operations and creates a solid base for job creation in regional NSW."

Under the Regional Job Creation Fund, eligible businesses could apply for grants to support the purchase of new equipment, expand facilities, create new iconic tourist experiences and visitor attractions or relocate businesses from out of state to regional NSW, which will lead to the creation of new jobs.

An additional $100 million for the Regional Job Creation Fund was included in the 2022/23 Budget. Further details will be available later in 2022.

More At | https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-growth-fund/regional-job-creation-fund