Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, March 3 – March 7, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading.

5) “Make it here, ship it everywhere”: federal government announces $5 million for Australian Made

The federal government has announced $5 million in new funding, which it says will make the Australian Made logo “more recognisable across the globe” and support new activities under the Australian Made Export Initiative program.

In a short statement on Sunday, industry minister Ed Husic said the grant will be administered over three years from July.

“Make it here, ship it everywhere – backing Australian Made helps back Aussie businesses and Aussie jobs,” said Husic.

4) Frozen chips maker plans new $425 million factory in Victoria

Farm Frites, a Dutch frozen potato products manufacturer, is planning to build a new, $425 million plant at Dooen, in Victoria’s Wimmera region.

The speciality frozen chip supplier is planning to build the 24-hour production facility in the Wimmera Agriculture and Logistics Hub, located in the middle of Victoria, NSW and South Australia’s potato growing region.

The new, 30-hectare food processing plant, the company’s first in Australia, would create about 250 jobs for local workers.

3) New Austrade CEO appointed

Highly experienced public servant Dr Paul Grimes has been appointed the new CEO at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade.)

Grimes moves into the role following previous CEO Xavier Simonet and Acting CEO Daniel Boyer.

According to a statement from trade minister Don Farrell on Monday, the trade commission plays a critical role in “helping Australian businesses to grow and reach new markets, attract investment including to build a Future Made in Australia and promoting Australia as a premier destination for tourism and study.”

2) Whyalla steelworks was ‘relying on luck for safety’ before administration

The Whyalla steelworks was losing $1.5 million per day before being forced into administration, burning through nearly $320 million in seven months, administrators KordaMentha revealed at a creditors meeting on Monday.

The administrators outlined total debts exceeding $1.34 billion, including $189 million in outstanding employee entitlements and $40.2 million owed to the South Australian government for unpaid water bills and mining royalties.

KordaMentha administrator Sebastian Hams described a facility in worse condition than during its previous administration under Arrium almost a decade ago, with critical maintenance neglected.

1) Why Trump tariffs won’t bring US manufacturing jobs back

The notion that tariffs can restore American manufacturing jobs is a persistent yet flawed belief. While it’s politically appealing to frame trade barriers as a solution to economic decline, the reality is far more complex.

Technological advancements—particularly automation and AI—are reshaping industry at a pace that no tariff can counteract. The evidence is clear: manufacturing productivity is rising, but employment is not.

Yet, the idea persists. Why? Walter Adamson explains.

And in case you missed our podcast…

In episode 111 of @AuManufacturing Conversations, we hear from Dr Chris Jeffery, CEO of Convergence Medical Robotics. The third-time founder shares some lessons learned from running successful companies; how to build the right culture, especially at the early stage; and how you can move fast while doing difficult things.