Functional confectionery foods manufacturer ATP Science is set to increase its manufacturing capacity with funds offered by Australia’s Queensland Government.

The company is engaged in the production of low sugar, high-protein functional confectionery (Gummies) food.

ATP Science received A$1.5m ($1.2m) in round three funding from the state government’s A$46m ($36m) Made in Queensland programme.

Queensland Minister for Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said: “The Palaszczuk Government recognises the critical role our state’s manufacturing sector will play as we deliver Queensland’s economic plan to recover from the global Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our government is committed to the ongoing transformation of the state’s manufacturing industry as it transitions to advanced manufacturing.”

The funding will be used by ATP Science to purchase high-tech production equipment to enhance its capacity.

It is anticipated that the funding would create 33 new local jobs over a period of five years.

ATP Science managing director Jeff Doidge said that the company will be able to increase the manufacturing capacity of functional confectionery food (gummies) by nearly eight times with the technologically advanced equipment.

Doidge said: “We will be able to go from producing 8,000 packets of Gummies per shift to 62,000 packets per shift.

“This will give us the scope we need to keep up with demand as we enter new markets, such as the fast-moving consumer goods sector, and to target additional export opportunities.

“We are grateful for the support of the Queensland government in assisting ATP Science to make this new project a reality.”