Australia's number one manufacturing and industrial equipment magazine and catalog

The Brisbane-based national woodworking and stone processing equipment supplier Wood Tech Group acquired professional plastics and aluminum manufacturer Rogers Industries for more than $12.5 million.

The acquisition includes land, plant, plant and equipment. Rogers Industries was founded in 1953 as a small engineering workshop. Today, Rogers Industries, headquartered in Hemmant, Queensland, is an industry leader in plastic injection molding and aluminum die casting services.

Rogers Industries' customer base includes local and national companies that produce components for truck/ute bodies and pallets, excavators, and aluminum pipe fittings for agricultural irrigation.

Acquisitions through related trusts include the transfer of assets of more than 17,000 square meters of land near the Port of Brisbane for the redevelopment of Wood Tech Group. Machinery is also part of the transaction, including injection molding machines, CNC lathes, milling and machining centers, and multiple furnaces.

The existing site already includes 7,000 square meters of factory space, and it has announced a further investment of 3 million US dollars for the construction of a 2,500 square meter dedicated office as the national group headquarters. The new headquarters will also include a technology and innovation center to invite collaboration between inventors, designers, engineers, government departments and actual production.

The Wood Tech Group is becoming increasingly diversified; last year, a new division, PPE Tech, was established to produce millions of P2 masks locally for industry and government. Hemmant's new factory will invest 1.5 million US dollars to expand production for new ISO clean rooms, automated production lines, and quality inspection facilities for masks and other PPE. The acquisition of the plastics division of Rogers Industries will enable the development of new products into face shields, helmets, safety helmets and safety glasses.

“The acquisition of the Rogers business and its integration into the wider Wood Tech Group is an investment that shows confidence in the local manufacturing industry in Brisbane,” said Group Managing Director Ron Smyth. "Existing Rogers' business will expand with further investment, plus our new internal capabilities will complement the existing business unit, local manufacturing of mechanical spare parts, and the expansion of Australian PPE production."

Smyth continued: "Our message to Australian companies is clear: If you want to re-support your manufacturing, please contact us. Our technology investment enables you to provide your customers with Australian-made products."

The company expects to announce as many as 50 new positions at its Brisbane headquarters in the next six months.