The Labor Senator  for Tasmania, Carol Brown, and the Minister for Economic Development, David O'Byrne, today joined together to officially open Tasmania's first custom garment decoration plant.

Senator Carol Brown said the Hobart business, Uniform City has received a $55,000 grant from the Federal Labor Government's Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program.

"I congratulate Uniform City on securing this Federal Government grant which will help them undertake new innovative ways to produce more of its products locally and secure Tasmanian jobs.

"Uniform City produces printed clothing, and this grant has allowed them to acquire new digital printing technology, and an online self-service portal.

"The new system allows custom-designed clothing work which has previously been sent interstate or overseas to be done locally.

"The investment also brings Uniform City closer to its owners' goal of full digital customisation.

"The Federal Government grant will help to improve Uniform City's business model and manufacturing process," Senator Carol Brown said.

The Tasmanian Minister for Economic Development, David O'Byrne said as a small state with an export-based economy, we need to be innovative and prioritise quality to compete well in the marketplace.

 

"Uniform City is doing just that - investing in technology that complements its natural strengths, like quality and efficiency, to secure and grow its market share.

"Uniform City was created a quarter of a decade ago in the garage of Charles and Diane Cook," Mr O'Byrne said.

"It's grown into a Hobart institution - a great success-story built on innovation, hard work, and a 'can do' attitude.

"Now, by embracing technology offered by the new digital economy, Charles and Diane no longer need to go offshore for many of their design and printing needs.

"They've now got the equipment to compete against overseas markets like China, with a quick turnaround.

"This proud Tasmanian business is becoming truly self-sufficient, and I congratulate the operators for their confidence and ambition," he said.   

The new technology brings Uniform City up to world standard for clothes production and printing, and gives staff the opportunity to boost their skills.

In particular, the new online portal allows school students to custom-design clothing for graduations and events. They can share and work together on designs through social networking like Facebook.

The web portal was developed by Hobart company, Ionata - another example of a growing Tasmanian ICT company providing digital solutions to local small businesses.

"The manufacturing sector is recognised as a key priority in the Government's Economic Development Plan, which helps local businesses play to Tasmania's strengths, find new markets, and create the jobs of tomorrow," he said.

Tasmania's 36,000 or so small businesses employ about 106,000 people. The Tasmanian Government supports them with many small business programs and services - identified through its Small Business Strategy, released last year.

Kay parts of the strategy include:

• Business Tasmania Online - providing online training modules, interactive toolkits, and market intelligence, to help businesses find new markets.
• The Digital Ready Program - helping businesses use new digital technology and online channels to grow their markets and reach new ones.

For more information on Uniform City's new digital printing technology, visit http://www.uniformcity.com.au/