It’s an essential industry, says AMTIL

AMTIL, the peak body for manufacturing technology suppliers and users, has added itself to the list of voices requesting that manufacturing be designated an essential industry during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Australian Manufacturing Technology Industry Limited (AMTIL) released a statement on Tuesday requesting that manufacturing be made exempt from further tightening of restrictions on businesses in response to the virus outbreak.

“Manufacturing is essential, not just to our economy but in meeting so many of society’s most crucial requirements,” said CEO Shane Infanti. 

“And as this crisis has evolved, we’ve also seen manufacturers across the country stepping up and assisting in national efforts to combat the virus. It’s vital that manufacturers and their supply chains can continue to operate with as little disruption as possible.” 

Infanti said public health and safety were the priority, and manufacturers “been particularly vigilant” with safety measures for workers.

“In the longer term, this crisis has made it very clear that countries that do not have a strong local manufacturing base are left critically exposed in times like these. During this pandemic we’ve seen the capability, ingenuity and innovative capacity that Australian manufacturers have to offer.”

The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and other industry representatives have also requested manufacturing be deemed an essential service. 

As @AuManufacturing noted last month, Australia is behind other nations in applying such a designation. This has led to unusual situations for Australian companies operating in the United States – such as Austal and tna – being recognised as essential in the US but not at home.

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