The Gillard Labor Government is helping three south-west Sydney companies to reduce their carbon emissions while at the same time increasing their overall competiveness and sustainability.
The Minister for Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet, today announced more than $2.2 million in funding from the Clean Technology Investment Program for Ardagh Australia Pty Ltd in Milperra, Tacca Industries Pty Ltd in Moorebank and Barron & Rawson Pty Ltd in Revesby.
"These three projects are examples of how the Gillard Government is working in partnership with manufacturers to cut costs, improve competitiveness and cut carbon pollution," Mr Combet said.
Ardagh Australia has been offered a $1.8 million grant to help fund a $5.4 million project that aims to consolidate its manufacturing activities. Ardagh hopes to upgrade can-making lines and replace a coil line at the Milperra site. The project is expected to reduce Ardagh's site-wide carbon emissions intensity by 48 per cent and result in savings of $250,000 in energy costs per year.
Tacca Industries and Barron & Rawson will receive $259,412 and $134,706 respectively to help install solar PV systems. Each company is matching the Government's contribution on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Tacca's 200kW system is expected to cut its carbon emissions intensity by 21 per cent and result in savings of $29,000 in energy costs per year. Tacca currently manufactures plastic packaging such as punnets and cake trays.
Barron & Rawson's 100kW system is expected to cut its carbon emissions intensity by 16 per cent and result in savings of $24,000 in energy costs per year. Barron & Rawson designs and manufactures specialised plastics for Australian and international markets.
"The Clean Technology Programs are funded from the carbon price and have been put in place by Labor to help manufactures cut costs, improve competitiveness and prepare for a low carbon economy," Mr Combet said.
Local manufactures are encouraged to apply for the $800 million Clean Technology Investment Program or the $200 million Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program.
In addition, the $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program is supporting other local businesses to develop new, clean technologies.
For more information, companies should contact AusIndustry on 13 28 46 or visit www.ausindustry.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister's office 02 6277 7920