Month: May 2015

Australian manufacturing has gone through some difficult times in recent years, and conditions are undoubtedly still tough out there for many Australian manufacturers. However, there are signs that we’re beginning to turn a corner, with evidence emerging of a cautious optimism taking hold across our industry. Against this backdrop, Austech is set to make its return, and as preparations for the show have proceeded, the sense of renewed confidence has been evident. The enthusiastic response from exhibitors, as well as the early interest from those planning to attend the show, have provided a robust affirmation of the enduring importance of Australia’s advanced manufacturing industry. Co-located with National Manufacturing Week (NMW) and Safety First Expo, as well as the Inside 3D Printing conference, Austech 2015 will be a must-attend event for manufacturing professionals from around Australia. More than 10,000 industrial decision makers are expected to visit the show, taking the opportunity to interact and see the latest technology,…

Running alongside Austech at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, NMW 2015 will be laid out in 12 Product Zones to help visitors navigate the range of products and services on offer. A key focus will be to introduce updates in sectors and technologies that are driving industry growth: Digital Manufacturing, CleanTech/Sustainable Manufacturing, Engineering Services and more. In line with the changing face of Australian manufacturing, there will be a large number of new exhibitors and new capabilities on display. Among these will be KPMG, with an update on government grants and research incentives, alongside internationalisation consultants Baden-Württemberg International and dozens of international specialist suppliers. In addition, some of industry’s established leaders – including the likes of BOC, BAC, Lincoln Electric, Klingspor, Supagas, Stratasys, Telstra – will bring new and innovative solutions to the event. Demonstrations bring new technologies to life NMW visitors will be able to see and try new technologies like never before, with this year’s event including live demonstrations of innovations…

AMT: Let’s start with Austech - what can visitors expect this year? Shane Infanti: What we’re very pleased about with Austech this year, is the presence of all of the major machine tool dealers, and that’s the first time for a long time that we’ve had every one present. And in talking to those companies, what they’re anticipating on bringing out from a technology point of view is potentially equipment that hasn’t been seen in the country before, so that’s been pleasing. AMT: Do you think that’s indicative of a renewed confidence in the market here and in Australian manufacturing in general? SI: For Austech it’s more based on the decision we took to go to a two-year cycle. Technology suppliers recognise that Austech is still the major means for them to promote their technology out to the industry. Major shows are still a good way of getting the message out to potential customers. AMT: The decision to hold Austech every two years rather than…

Located right at the heart of this year’s Austech exhibition, the Manufacturers Pavilion highlights the capabilities of Australia’s precision engineering and advanced manufacturing industry. The Pavilion provides Australian component manufacturers, precision engineering firms, toolmakers, advanced manufacturers and general engineering companies the opportunity to exhibit their unique capabilities to an expected audience of more than 10,000 visitors. “The importance of our precision engineering and advanced manufacturers in this country having the opportunity to promote the capabilities and capacity they have to offer is critical in view of international competition,” explains AMTIL’s CEO and Exhibition Director Shane Infanti. “The Manufacturers Pavilion provides the perfect forum for these companies to put themselves in front of Austech visitors, many of whom outsource and contract out their work.” Among the manufacturers participating in the Pavilion this year are such highly respected companies as Ultimate Laser, Barden Fabrications, Hardman, Fountainline IMS, Bennett Precision Tooling and Harrop Engineering. The Manufacturers Pavilion will help these companies to promote their capabilities and connect with organisations…

AMTIL has been involved in this Programme and its predecessor - Enterprise Connect - for the past six years and are looking forward to continuing our engagement with the Commonwealth. The EIP is the Australian Government’s flagship initiative for business competitiveness and productivity at the business level. It forms part of the Australian Government’s new industry policy outlined in the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda. This Agenda is a business-focused element of the Australian Government’s broader Economic Action Strategy and brings together and builds upon other economic reforms to make the most of Australia’s strengths and business opportunities.   With a national network of more than 100 experienced private sector Advisers, the EIP offers support to businesses through three elements:   Business Management, providing support for business improvement and growth. Research Connections, helping small and medium businesses collaborate with the research sector to develop new ideas with commercial potential; and Accelerating Commercialisation, helping entrepreneurs, researchers, start-ups and businesses address…