Austech 2015 – The must-attend event with domestic onshoring on the rise

“The weaker Australian dollar is starting to drive manufacturers back to Australia in a sign the economy is adjusting to a post-mining boom world,” BlueScope Steel boss Paul O’Malley said recently. “After a very strong trend toward offshoring, we are starting to see some domestic onshoring for the first time in almost six years.”

Indeed, while some manufacturers may have opened the New Year with reductions in sales, production and new orders, the fall in the value of the Australian dollar could stimulate the manufacturing sector over the coming months. This year’s Austech exhibition comes at the right time, it seems, and the show, co-hosted with National Manufacturing Week (NMW), is expected to attract a combined total of over 10,000 visitors.

Owned and operated by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), Austech provides a forum for visitors to not only view the latest technology available today but also talk about applications that help them provide value-added, innovative and high-tech solutions. The principal focuses at the fair are machine tools for metal cutting and forming, production systems, high-precision tools, CAD/CAM, and accessories.

“Being present at Austech is an absolute must for all manufacturers of production technology aiming to serve customers on the Australian market and to demonstrate their competence, efficiency and capacity to them,” says AMTIL Events Manager and Austech organiser Kim Warren. “Now that we see a first positive trend towards onshoring, Austech is an event not to be missed by owners and managers of job shops, manufacturing facilities or research departments. In order to be competitive, they require efficient manufacturing technology, comprehensive engineering skills and good service.”

Thousands of industrial decision-makers regularly attend Austech and NMW to get ideas and find ways to cut costs and get more work. One regular visitor is Eric Woodgate, Managing Director of Shamic Sheetmetal, who says: “We attend Austech regularly, and purchased our Amada fibre laser cutting machine after the last exhibition.”

Hare & Forbes customer Michael Arena from Arena Engineering is another regular visitor to the show, where he sees new technology demonstrated and chooses the best for his needs. Ultimately, it is about finding ways to cut costs and get more work; which is required to keep up with technology.

All under one roof

From 26 to 29 May, the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre will be the place to be for all of Australia’s industrial decision makers, hosting several major industry events under one roof: Austech, with a focus on machine tools for metal cutting and forming, production systems, high-precision tools, CAD/CAM and accessories; NMW, showcasing the latest products covering sectors and technologies that are driving industry growth including sustainable manufacturing and engineering services; the Safety First Conference & Expo; the SMART Supply Chain & Logistics Conference; and the Inside 3D Printing Conference.

Visitors to the Inside 3D Printing Conference will get the chance to gain an insight into the latest cutting-edge developments in the fast-growing field of additive manufacturing. The two-day conference will take place on 26-27 May, with exhibits remaining open throughout Austech. Session topics will explore new opportunities and challenges for industrial and consumer 3D printing efforts, as well as the best strategies for a range of industries including product development, medicine, automotive, technology, software, and more.

Running alongside the exhibition, the Victorian Government Manufacturing Hall of Fame Gala Awards Dinner will be held on the evening of Tuesday 26 May. The Manufacturing Hall of Fame recognises Victoria’s most advanced and export-oriented manufacturers, companies who excel in business innovation and productivity and contribute to the Victorian economy.

Of course, the Hall of Fame gala ceremony will offer fantastic opportunities to network, as will Austech and NMW’s Happy Hour in the afternoon of the same day. Exhibitors and visitors are all welcome. Other social and networking events will be held over the four days of the show.

As a biennial event, Austech 2015 is a show not to be missed by anyone involved in advanced manufacturing in this country. Whether you are based in Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria – make sure to gather for this special event in May and dominate the competition by choosing the best technology for your needs.

For more information about Austech 2015 or to enquire about booking exhibition space, please call AMTIL on 03 9800 3666, or email Events Manager Kim Warren on kwarren@amtil.com.au