Qld looks to grow manufacturing sector

Queensland is looking to beef up its manufacturing industry in a bid to bring back well-paying jobs and capitalise on emerging opportunities in the sector.

Acting Premier Curtis Pitt has announced the Queensland Productivity Commission will hold an inquiry into manufacturing, which already contributes $20 billion into the state's economy each year.

The inquiry will investigate how to build on the state's traditional manufacturing base and specifically look at how the government can help bring well-paid manufacturing jobs back to Queensland.

It will also examine opportunities in advanced areas including health, mining, transport and the environment.

"This is an important inquiry," Mr Pitt said at a window manufacturing business in Brisbane on Thursday.

"In 2014/15 manufacturing contributed more than $20 billion to the economy."

Australian Industry Group Queensland director Jemina Dunn welcomed the manufacturing industry's referral to the productivity commission, saying the sector had great potential despite having faced a series of challenges.

Innovative firms had already emerged even though the sector had faced challenges posed by cheap imports and a high Australian dollar, she said.

More than 170,000 Queenslanders work in manufacturing, making the sector one of the state's biggest employers.

The inquiry is expected to start soon and be completed by August next year.