Adelaide electronics firm to expand following govt grant

The South Australian Government has announced a Future Jobs Fund grant for Adelaide-based Entech Electronics, in a move that will see the company double its local production capacity and create 60 direct jobs in advanced manufacturing.

Founded in Adelaide in 1986, Entech is an advanced electronic manufacturing company that currently employs about 80 staff at its headquarters in Devon Park and also operates a manufacturing facility in China. The company supplies high-quality electronic components across many industries.

The $1.75 million grant forms part of a total investment of $3.5 million, which Entech will use to move to a new facility with more capacity to manufacture products targeting the high-value aerospace, defence and medical technology industries. The latter two industries have recently become a focus for the company, with clients including Raytheon, Thales, Micro-X and Ellex Medical.

The project will also see the creation of jobs in Adelaide’s north for electronics assemblers, technicians, engineers and team leaders, with further positions in logistics and procurement. Entech expects that in addition to the direct jobs created, more than 200 indirect jobs will also be created across South Australia.

“This investment in Entech represents the single largest project we have embarked on,” said Entech MD Wayne Hoffman.

“The creation of 60 or more positions in our advanced manufacturing facility is exciting for Entech and also for other high-technology design and marketing businesses who need manufacturing services.

“High-tech, high-reliability, high-value and niche products represent the future of manufacturing in Australia and we are proud to be at the forefront of the precision electronics market.”

The grant comes as part of the SA Government’s $200 million Future Jobs Fund, an initiative of the 2017–18 state Budget to drive employment and create ongoing jobs in the following key sectors:

• Health and biomedical research;
• IT and advanced manufacturing;
• Renewable energy and mining;
• Shipbuilding and defence; and
• Tourism, food and wine.

A total of 57 businesses have received offers of funding so far, for projects that will create 3200 jobs in high-growth sectors.

“Jobs are the number-one priority for the state government, which is why we are helping advanced manufacturing firms like Entech grow and create new jobs in our economy,” said South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis.

“High-value, high-tech production of precision components is the future of manufacturing in South Australia. As businesses like Entech grow, they will act as anchors that attract more high-tech businesses, opportunities and jobs to South Australia.

“By doubling their production capability in Adelaide and creating 60 new jobs, Entech Electronics will be able to win more high-value contracts with Australian and international customers.”

In addition to Entech, this week saw the announcement of a $500,000 Future Jobs Fund grant for Fleet Space Technologies to construct a new mission control centre. The grant means the company can construct and run a mission control centre in Adelaide using local, in-house employees, creating 17 ongoing jobs in IT and advanced manufacturing.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/paulrommer