Merewether’s Modus Operandi Brewery will receive a $1 million boost, thanks to a government grant aimed at updating the city’s manufacturing sector.
The cash splash is set to increase the business’ competitiveness and productivity, while also helping to grow local jobs.
The grant is being delivered under round two of the Government’s Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF), which is providing grants totaling $55 million to 86 projects around Australia.
The grants are designed to help small and medium sized manufacturers invest in capital equipment and new technologies, while improving the skills of their workers.
M O Brewery co-founder Jaz Wearin said the grant was a win not only for the business but for Australia as a whole.
“We are so very grateful for this amazing grant. We are a family owned business with a growing national brand and we are working hard to keep up with demand,” she said.
“This Grant will allow us to invest in our facility, hire more community members and keep this product Australian made and owned.
“Non-alcoholic beer will make up 5% of Global beer sales by 2027 which is a huge number which we are proud to be part of and brewing here in Newcastle.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the grants are a central element of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy and will help drive growth in the Australian manufacturing sector.
“This new MMF funding round underlines the Government’s commitment to increasing the competitiveness and productivity of Australian manufacturers,” Minister Porter said.
“By encouraging businesses to enhance their operations through investment in cutting-edge technologies we’re also supporting them to create new job opportunities, boost economic growth and build a highly skilled manufacturing workforce.”
Senator Hollie Hughes congratulated Modus Operandi Brewery and said the grant would help the business create greater efficiencies by transforming and upgrading their manufacturing operations.
M O Brewery has won the Small Independent Brewer Championship Awards for three out of the last five years and from the new Merewether site will be brewing NORT for Modus’ new full flavoured nonalcoholic beer.
“This will help M O Brewery to modernise its business and potentially create new opportunities, including local job opportunities,” Senator Hughes said.
“It reflects well upon the quality of businesses in the Newcastle electorate as well as providing an example of what others can also achieve.”
Businesses which receive MMF grants are required to match government funding on a three-to-one basis, with government grants funding up to 25 percent of eligible project expenditure.
The minimum grant amount is $100,000, and the maximum is $1,000,000.
Projects must be completed within two years.
MMF round two was a competitive merit based grants program, with applications assessed by a committee of independent industry experts.
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