The blurring of construction and manufacturing that is the growing trend towards off-site pre-fabrication is fast becoming a reality in Australia. From residential homes to skyscrapers, buildings are increasingly being made on production lines that resemble factory operations before transport to a site and assembly. The latest paradigm shifting building to open its doors, 25…
Comment by Peter Roberts One of the biggest complaints made by manufacturers is that few young people are interested in a career in manufacturing. But perhaps they are not the probblem? When I was in short pants South Australian schools took children on factory tours, and I can still recall the former Chrysler car plant…
This is how you reshore manufacturing of even the most simple low cost products to Australia.
With a population of 209 at the last census and a nine-hour drive to the state’s capital city, Gindie might seem an unlikely destination for talented young software or mechatronics engineers chasing a career with a promising robotics manufacturer. But Queensland’s Central Highlands has a high-tech centre. And it’s hiring.
Analysis by Peter Roberts. Step-changes in technology are accompanied by the demise of companies and industries, but negative economic effects are almost always outweighed by new business opportunities that emerge. As renewable take hold in electrical generation in Australia numerous companies have been formed or taken the opportunity to diversify. Examples include solar-voltaic panel manufacturer,…
Comment by Forum member Professor Roy Green. Connectivity isn’t everything, but it’s almost everything. Faster, better and cheaper is transforming our daily lives. And connectivity isn’t just about broadband access. It’s also about fast and efficient freight transport. Even in a digital world where so much of what we produce is intangible, Australia’s fortunes as…
Cook Medical Australia is finalising its business plan for 2019, including recruitment of an extra six or seven workers a month to keep up with international orders for a key product range.
Comment by Peter Roberts. The giant Nystar silver, lead and zinc refinery is a looming presence over the main street of South Australian mid-north industrial town, Port Pirie. On this weekend when I visited the city its massiveness looms larger as the company has confirmed that as many as 100 of the 700 workers are…
Analysis by Peter Roberts. Australians are among the richest people in the world, in fact among the richest people who have ever lived on this planet, but few of us accept this and what it means for manufacturing. The 2018 Global Wealth Report by Credit Suisse, shows that Australians are the world’s second richest judged…
Comment by Peter Roberts. The new defence industry minister, Steven Ciobo is touring South East Asia this week spruiking Australian defence exports, something it is generally hard to fault. He is supporting the 20 companies exhibiting at Indo Defence Expo and Forum 2018 in Indonesia, and having meetings in Singapore to strengthen bilateral defence industry…
