Border region manufacturing SME network launches

A new industry body representing Albury-Wodonga manufacturers has been launched, with Manufacturing BRIDGE (Border Region Industry Development & Growth Exchange) to hold its first meetup on Thursday.

In a statement welcoming the establishment of Manufacturing BRIDGE, NSW MP for Albury Justin Clancy (pictured) compared it to local SME groupings such as i3net in the Illawarra region.

“From ski boats, whisky, defence equipment, camper trailers, grain silos, sheds to forged steel, you name it we make it,:” said Clancy. 

“We have a vibrant manufacturing sector in our region, and we want to make sure its voice is heard and that our region is recognised as a place for manufacturing.”

According to Invest Albury Wodonga’s website, manufacturing employs 4,222 people in the region, home to facilities for companies including Visy, Xlam, Mars Petcare, Asahi, V2 Foods, Malibu Boats, and Butko.

Chair of the new group, Brad Robertson, said, “This initiative also provides a platform to align educational priorities at TAFE and university levels. 

“Developing dedicated local pathways for manufacturing skills training and advanced research to help attract, upskill, and retain talent, ensuring our workforce is ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.”

Manufacturing BRIDGE is hosting an open invitation get-together for manufacturers on Thursday, November 28, at Soden’s Hotel, at 459 Wilson Street Albury, from 4 pm.

Picture: credit justinclancy.com.au