Against a solid backdrop of manufacturing industry growth – the AI Group's March figures show that Australian manufacturing has grown for eight consecutive months and is now at its strongest point this decade.
This year's National Manufacturing Week (NMW) will prove a buoyant meeting place for businesses looking for ideas, technologies and solutions that can help their businesses get ahead.
NMW (May 11 – 13, Sydney Showground – Sydney Olympic Park) is Australia's largest, longest-running manufacturing event, bringing the industry together to see, touch and discuss new and innovative manufacturing solutions.
NMW 2016 will showcase hundreds of products and services from around the world, laid out in 12 Product Zones including a dedicated Process Control and Instrumentation area, as well as next-generation components in Automation & Robotics, Air Technology, Electrical, Engineering and more.
Among dozens of 'firsts' for NMW 2016 will be innovative materials handling systems from Magnet Sales and Millsom Materials Handling, next generation LED lights from LEDified as new, autonomous robotics from Impact Robotics.
NMW also gives you the opportunity to see new and innovative technologies in action: with a rolling demonstration program of automation technologies in CNC Routing Machines, waterjet cutting without heat-affected zones, the AutoFast® Auto-Feed Riveting System, robotics and more.
As Kevin Smith, GM of Millsom Materials Handling describes, "You can tell people that our vacuum lifting technology means you effectively require only one person for a lifting task: but when you demonstrate vacuum lifting, people really get its potential for delivering OH&S and productivity gains."
"There's just nothing like a physical demonstration, which is why we're going to be part of NMW 2016," Smith said.
Alongside its impressive showcase, NMW will also present a powerful seminar program featuring industry leaders sharing new ideas and strategies that have delivered proven success.
Among high profile speakers will be Dr Keith McLean, CSIRO's Manufacturing Flagship Director outlining some of the ways in which 400 Australian manufacturers have leveraged CSIRO research to help them target new, high value niche markets. CSIRO, says Dr McLean, stands ready to partner with more businesses to develop new products, processes and materials that can give local businesses an edge.
Also at the NMW Seminar Theatre, Sam Bucolo, Professor of Design Innovation at UTS will share his passionate interest in Design-Led Innovation, the approach used by global brands such as Apple, Nintendo & Alessi to generate creative product innovations.
There will also be a clear focus on reducing operational waste. Speakers including Peter Meakin from the Opie Manufacturing Group will outline strategies for streamlining production, transport and even innovation processes, to free up time and/or resources for new programs.
NMW 2016 will also focus on emerging opportunities through its co-location with the Safety First Conference & Expo, Australia's one-stop workplace safety event, as well as Inside 3D Printing Conference & Expo, the Sydney edition of the world's largest 3D printing event.
Held once every two years in Sydney, NMW gives business professionals industry's most comprehensive, focused showcase of new ideas, technologies and strategies for being at the forefront of change and industry growth.
Don't miss out! Entry to NMW is free for trade visitors and registration is now open at nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au. By registering now, you'll access a range of services, including updates via the NMW website for this year's game-changing event.
May 11 – 13
Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au