Michele Stansfield has the vision to fuel biomanufacturing’s next frontier.   The Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Cauldron Ferm was recently in Mackay for the announcement they will build the region’s first precision fermentation facility, with support from the Queensland Government Industry Partnership Program.

“I don’t think people of Mackay realise what they have here. “Mackay is a one-of-a-kind place, it has amazing feedstock, workforce and a progressive community and that all together will drive the biomanufacturing industry,” Michele said. The Greater Whitsunday region has been identified as the place for new market opportunities related to biomanufacturing such as precision fermentation, synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology. This project is set to be the largest end-to-end contract manufacturer of precision fermented bioproducts in the Asia-Pacific region. The Cauldron Bio-Fab is projected to have 1,000 tonnes of bioproducts annually for sectors like food, nutrition, beauty, biofuels, and chemicals. It also has the potential to address significant global challenges linked to health, agriculture, environment, food production and more. Michele said biomanufacturing has been part of the Queensland Government’s agenda for almost a decade and Mackay is a great place to manufacture the next generation of feed, fibre and fuel. Michele said not only will the facility help significant global challenges it will also create new employment pathways for the region’s METS workforce.

“I have said it many times in public that we will need ten trades people for every scientist on site, so there is a huge  similarity between the workforces. “I think this will give the community diversification and allow people to choose where they want to go”. One of the most exciting aspects of the Cauldron Bio-fab is its potential to create diverse job opportunities in the region. Stansfield envisions a future where Mackay’s youth, including those interested in science and technology, can stay in the region and find meaningful work in cutting-edge industries. “For me it is about creating future jobs for the kids of Mackay.” Growing up Michele confessed she was a ‘full -blown nerd’ living in a regional community, with limited options. “The only thing I could choose was to be an accountant. I had to go away to learn and eventually working in an industry outside of that town.

“What we are doing here is creating opportunities for the nerds of the future, the kids of Mackay will have some cool jobs in the region,” she said. Cauldron’s passion for biomanufacturing is fuelled by over three decades of continuous fermentation research and development, and 10+ years of hands-on experience in hyper fermentation manufacturing. According to current UN projections by 2050, the global population will reach nearly 10 billion people. Current industrial production methods cannot sustainably meet projected growing demand. The future of manufacturing hinges on resource efficiency – transforming how we make everyday products by doing more with less. Michele said the facility will look like a winery featuring very large stainless-steel tanks where they will use microbes to create molecules, which will form the building blocks of everyday items.

“When I say molecules, I am talking about the key inputs to make silks that we can clothe the world with, fuels to put into jet fuels and even proteins you can put in your breakfast shakes.” “So, we put these microbes in one of these big tanks and they grow, and they grow, and then you turn a switch on the microbe. Then suddenly it starts creating egg protein, jet fuel precursors or spider silk, it is amazing technology. “We are bringing all of these technologies from around the world, and we are going to do it here in Mackay-   which will lead to amazing export opportunities as well,” she said.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer Kylie Porter said GW3 has been instrumental in advocating for the Mackay region to be the preferred home for the emerging Queensland biomanufacturing industry. “Our vision is to transform the Greater Whitsunday region into a globally significant biomanufacturing hub by 2030, leveraging diverse biomass, human talent, research investment, and infrastructure. “Securing public investment in this facility is a major milestone that will create new revenue streams for the region and diversify its economic base. “Our region has long been a leader in the METS (Mining Equipment, Technology Services) sector. Now, with the advent of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing, we can leverage our existing skills, expertise, and technology to build an entirely new industry. “The Cauldron Bio-fab in Mackay is at the forefront of this shift, demonstrating how regional Australia can play a leading role in the global biomanufacturing revolution,” Ms Porter said.

Fact Box

•            Biomanufacturing refers to the development and manufacturing of products from living organisms and cells, rather than fossil fuels.