Arctic in the NT: Meet the manufacturer cooling down the Top End
T
he word ‘arctic’ isn’t one usually associated with the Top End, but thanks to a new manufacturing deal, it’s one that you might be hearing more and more. That’s become Arctic Insulated Panels (Arctic) have become the latest recipient of a grant from the Northern Territory Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), who are set to tip in close to $500,000 to develop an energy-efficient, sustainable insulation board designed specifically for the Northern Territory’s hot and humid climate. Arctic, who manufacture from a facility in Darwin, are establishing an advanced Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation manufacturing process to make high-performance ‘soffit boards’ locally. Soffit boards, which are installed under the eaves of roofs to provide ventilation, protect structures from moisture and improve thermal performance, are essential components in energy-efficient building design but are currently not made in the NT
and have to be imported. “This project gives builders access to a locally made, high-performance soffit board that meets or exceeds energy efficiency requirements under the National Construction Code,” said Arctic’s Managing Director, Gary Burns. “It means more local jobs, reduced project costs, and greater self-sufficiency for the Territory. “The project will employ an in-house chemist to lead research and development activities, optimising product quality and developing a unique chemical formulation. “Arctic will design and commission fit-for-purpose PIR production machinery, to be custom built for Arctic’s proprietary process.” The grant, which is matched by Arctic’s own co-investment, is the second such collaboration with the AMEF and is expected to add 35 local jobs. “Through the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund we are driving real industry growth, which is in turn creating real
Gary Burns of Arctic (left) with Dr Jens Goennemann of the AMGC (right)
opportunities for Territorians, now and into the future,” said Northern Territory Minister for Advanced Manufacturing, The Hon Robyn Cahill OAM . The AMEF is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), which has allocated upwards of $32.1 million to build advanced manufacturing capacity in the Northern Territory since 2021. “Arctic is a worthy recipient of the
AMEF’s final funds, demonstrating the impact of manufacturing and the importance of continuing to foster Northern Territory capability,” said Charmaine Phillips, Northern Territory Director at the AMGC. “This local manufacturer also demonstrates the substantive gains for local jobs and the economy when industry is supported to scale.” AMGC - amgc.org.au
Australian packaging manufacturer strikes landmark global deal
P
ackaging manufacturer Packserv are set to take their Australian Made machines to the world after inking a landmark deal to distribute in the United States. Packserv, who were named Best Small Business at the 2025 Australian Manufacturing Awards, announced an alliance with FP Developments to sell their equipment in the USA and beyond. “As an industry-leading packaging machinery designer and manufacturer, Packserv recognises that FP Developments is a strong strategic fit for us and the perfect company to align with as we expand into the US,” said Nathan Wardell, Managing Director of Packserv. “Their machine quality, depth of industry experience, and proven reliability align closely with our own standards. “By expanding the FPD range and complementing it with solid technical support, we can deliver industryupdate.com.au
greater value to FMCG manufacturers globally.” Packserv make all of their machines from their facility in Marrickville in Sydney’s Inner West, with further facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane. Now, they will add FP Developments’ capability in New Jersey, with customer service and aftersales care available locally within the American market. “Packserv’s equipment aligns well with the type of systems our customers are looking for; proven, flexible and ready to be integrated into real production environments,” said Jeff Denson, CEO of FP Developments. “This allows us to bring those technologies to the US market while continuing to provide the engineering support and long-term service our customers expect from FP.” Packserv Australia - packserv.co
Nathan Wardell ( left), Managing Director of Packserv and Jeff Denson (right), CEO of FP Developments Industry Update Issue 147 - Feb/Mar 2026 | 47