Employment and Training Boost at Nowchem From Regional Jobs and Investment Package

Nowchem’s new Automated Pharmaceutical Cream Manufacturing equipment is now operational and making an impact on the local economy.

Nowchem received a $129,250 Federal Government grant under the Regional Jobs and Investment Package program in 2018.

The fully computerised mixing system improves consistency of product, increases output and facilitates a wider variety of pharmaceutical creams and lotions to be produced locally. This state-of-the-art manufacturing technology will create long-term training opportunities and sustained employment in the Shoalhaven.

Managing Director, John Lamont, said four new jobs have already been created at Nowchem with another four trainees still needed. However, a lack of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) courses in the Shoalhaven means appropriately trained applicants are hard to come by, not only for Nowchem but also for other local manufacturing businesses.

“There’s this need in the Shoalhaven for about 20 new jobs a year for GMP trained people but there’s no GMP training here. So we’re forming a cluster with TAFE NSW and out of that there’s going to be two ranges of training,” John said.

One of the most powerful outcomes of the project is the chance for local manufacturers to work together to create training opportunities.

The cluster (which includes industry groups such as Blue Biotech, Manildra Group, Cottee Jersey, South Coast Dairy and Unicorn Cheese) are working together with local employment agencies to run a 16 week Good Manufacturing Practice certification scheme. Comprising 4 weeks in the classroom and 2 weeks of work experience, the scheme will create a highly-skilled, job-ready pool of talented people keen to work in the industry.

The ability to manufacture high-value, pharmacy based creams locally means less need for imports, and as Nowchem Pharma expands, most importantly, more jobs.

Chair the RJIP South Coast Local Planning Committee and RDA Far South Coast CEO, Fiona Hatcher, said, “This is an excellent example of the outstanding results the Regional Jobs Investment Package. Nowchem is a wonderful illustration of the calibre of South Coast businesses striving to improve employability and liveability outcomes for our region.”

The RJIP South Coast Local Planning Committee developed the Local Investment Plan for the South Coast, identifying growing industries in the region and thereby providing applicants and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science with the appropriate parameters within which to work, and ensuring funding decisions were locally driven.

Nowchem’s state-of-the-art manufacturing system was one of twenty-three projects along the South Coast to receive nearly $20 million in grants.

Paul Goodwin, Project Manager, RDA FSC (L) and John Lamont, Managing Director, Nowchem (R) inspect Nowchem’s new Automated Pharmaceutical Cream Manufacturing equipment.