State Govt chips in with $370k for Central Queensland business

Mr Davie, a director with Keppel Brand and a cattleman at heart, said the government's commitment of $372,148 would enable the company to broaden its supply offering of hot box food products to takeaway service providers.

It will also allow Keppel Brand, which services more than 18,000 outlets, to explore new markets, including interstate and international retail markets.

"I want to thank the Queensland Government for this funding, which will better automate our processes and increase our product yield," Mr Davie said.

"We're still in the development stage but this support will help us moving forward.

"This project will help introduce more Australian beef into the takeaway, convenience and food service markets and with Central Queensland being home to the largest beef herd in Australia, we want to showcase our region's best-known product."

The funding has been provided through the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program and will allow Keppel Brand to buy cutting-edge food processing and packaging equipment, according to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher.

"This will set up Keppel Brand to develop a new range of coated beef products for the Australian and export food service and retail markets," Mr Butcher said.

"The equipment will also modernise the company's existing manufacturing processes, making them more competitive and delivering more consistent products."

The project could lead to jobs for six additional workers.

Keppel Brand has operated for more than 30 years.