$500,000 Made in the Pilbara grants boost local manufacturing, jobs and regional innovation
$500,000 Made in the Pilbara grants boost local manufacturing, jobs and regional innovation
The successful recipients of the Made in the Pilbara Grant Program have today been announced. The program, delivered by CORE Innovation Hub will see $500,000 in grants awarded to 11 Pilbara-based businesses to strengthen local manufacturing capability, create jobs and accelerate regional innovation.
Funded by BHP and the Western Australian Government through the Local Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF), the initiative is designed to help Pilbara businesses invest in advanced equipment, technology upgrades, digital systems and workforce capability.
The program awarded funding to 11 businesses, representing a diverse cross-section of the Pilbara economy spanning engineering, advanced manufacturing, maintenance services, renewables and digital capability.
The grants are expected to support more than 40 local jobs and 14 apprenticeships, while unlocking over $800,000 in private sector investment, demonstrating strong industry confidence and co-investment in Pilbara-led innovation.
Projects supported through Made in the Pilbara will help businesses strengthen productivity, adopt new technologies and create new pathways for skills development and apprenticeships across the region.
2026 Grant Recipients
Business Project Funding Awarded
Made in the Pilbara was developed by CORE Innovation Hub with support from the Western Australian Government and BHP to build long-term regional capability, strengthen local supply chains and diversify the Pilbara economy.
QUOTES
Tim Day, Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President, BHP:
“Initiatives like this build long‑term capability and help to keep the Pilbara firing. Made in the Pilbara give local businesses the chance to innovate, grow and compete – while creating skilled employment and training opportunities in the communities where we operate. A strong local supply chain really strikes at the heart of our strategy in the region.”
Kate Spencer, WA Innovation Lead, CORE Innovation Hub:
“This program shows what’s possible when industry and government align to support practical, investment-ready projects that create real economic impact on the ground. By backing local businesses to invest in advanced capability and workforce development, we are strengthening the foundations of the Pilbara’s future economy.”
Media Contact
Kate Spencer
WA Innovation Lead, CORE Innovation Hub
E: info@corehub.com.au
W: www.corehub.com.au
P: 0437 058 658