Funds for regional businesses

Two Western Australian regional companies have landed State Government funding worth nearly $1 million between them that will create, collectively, as many as 90 new jobs.

Johnson Hi-Tech has received $275,000 of WA Government money to establish an explosives manufacturing plant in Kalgoorlie.

The $2.1 million plant will make continuous coil perimeter hole blasting explosives for use in the mining industry and will create 40 new jobs.

Demand in WA for such explosives is currently being met by the company’s Queensland operations.

Earlier this month, JLV Industries received $688,000 in government money to relocate to Harvey and expand its operation.

The company manufactures, installs and maintains cable hauled conveyor systems for BHP Billiton’s Worsley alumina operations.

JLV also exports its products to countries including Jamaica, Israel, the Philippines, South Africa, the US and Canada.

Its expansion will create 50 new jobs.

The company is moving to Harvey because its Perth premises have become too small.