A new centre dedicated to new technologies for manufacturers to use in their plants has been opened in Perth as part of a government initiative to boost the manufacturing industry.
The Enterprise Connect Manufacturing Centre based in Western Australia represents a slice of the government’s $271 million Enterprise Connect initiative, which comprises a national network of centres like this one, offering practical assistance to firms to encourage them to become more innovative with new technologies, and hopefully to become more efficient, productive and competitive.
Small- to medium-sized manufacturers can apply to access a free business review which is offered at the centre, along with supporting grants allowing them to purchase new technologies and products for their manufacturing plants.
The business reviews are conducted by a team of professional business advisors who will visit individual business sites to look over their operations.
The manufacturing sector currently employs around 103,000 workers and contributes $11.29 billion to the economy annually — figures which the government hopes to boost with the opening of the centre.
The minister for innovation, industry, science and research, Senator Kim Carr, opened the centre officially this week.