OPS have established an ag-tech industry in western Queensland. Not only does this make good practical sense, but this industry engages a broad group of local people across a wide range of skills. This industry continues to grow and develop.
From the outset, OPS explored options to design and manufacture all aspects of our products in western Queensland. Resulting in the creation of a local industry as there was a strong belief that this region had the talent and resources to make this happen.
OPS places a priority on local businesses and business within Queensland. With all our professional services such as accounting, legal and banking are all based in Longreach. All our marketing is produced within Queensland.
As we developed our products, we formed some powerful relationships with other local businesses. Namely Mercury Business Supplies and Centwest Engineering and Steel Supplies.
Metalwork - Centwest Engineering and Steel Supplies
At Centwest, Ian Harris and the team took on the design and manufacture of the metal components of our products.
The Centwest team provides the module enclosures, masts and all other metal components within the OPS solution. The relationship with Centwest has caused these designs to evolve quickly and according to need. The Centwest team has taken ownership of manufacturing the diverse range of metal components given the increasing scale of the business. Centwest Engineering and Steel Supplies are based in Miner Road, Longreach.
The Honourable Glenn Butcher MP met OPS in Longreach in September 2021 and this included a visit to Centwest to review the local metal work design manufacturing capabilities. The Minister was impressed, providing solid feedback on how the local capability could be scale based on his engagement with other industries within Queensland.
Electronic Circuit Board Design and Production - Mercury Business Supplies
Mercury Business Supplies (MBS) manage the design and development of our electronic circuit boards. OPS partnered with MBS to establish this capability and today MBS completely “own” this important function.
MBS also design and deliver cable looms and other similar components required for the assembly of the OPS products and solution components. Additionally, we also purchases a wide variety of batteries and solar panels through MBS for our products.
Software Development
Significant components of the OPS software solution are developed and maintained by resources in Longreach and almost all of the OPS software solution is developed and maintained within Queensland.
Establishing the Local Ag-Tech Industry
Establishing the ability to design and manufacture metalwork, electric circuit boards and software within western Queensland is a powerful construct; resulting in the creation of the local ag-tech industry.
Each of the parties take ownership and accountability for their respective areas of responsibility. This ecosystem of mature integrated companies forms a significant ag-tech development industry. It is noted that this ag-tech industry has the ability to deliver a wide variety of high-tech robust ag-tech products in a scalable and cost effective manner.
Western Queensland is emerging as a national hot-spot for ag-tech innovation.
The capability of this local ag-tech industry has been identified and acknowledged by the three tiers of government.
- Local government support by numerous local councils, principally from Tony Rayner, Mayor of the Longreach Regional Council.
- State government support from the Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who has met with OPS personally in Longreach. Including support from Mark Furner MP meeting with team for an ag-tech briefing.
- Federal government support with the previous Australian Agricultural Minister David Littleproud MP holding an extended meeting with OPS personally in Longreach. We have maintained an ongoing relationship with David Littleproud as he is our Federal Member for Maranoa.
