NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has backed National Manufacturing Week – Australia’s largest integrated manufacturing industry event as a “crucial” industry event.
O’Farrell told exhibition organisers, Reed Exhibitions, that as the Premier and Minister for Australia’s largest manufacturing region – Western Sydney – he is well aware of the value that a healthy and dynamic manufacturing sector delivers for the NSW economy.
“By bringing together customers and suppliers, and promoting new technologies and innovations, trade events such as NMW are crucial to ensuring our local businesses remain internationally competitive,” he told Reed Exhibitions.
This year NMW will run from May 8 – 11 and will be held at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. The exhibition is aimed at strengthening industry through technology, innovation and education.
The 2012 event will feature innovations from the leading manufacturing suppliers, including Nord Drivesystems, Kemppi and BOC.
Alongside them will be smaller companies, including CGB Precision Products, suppliers of precision bearings for specialist manufacturing applications, who will be participating in NMW for the first time in almost a decade.
According to Reed Exhibitions, a higher number of smaller exhibitors or returning exhibitors reflects Australia’s growing capabilities in manufacturing for low volume, high value niche markets.
CGB Precision Products managing director, Bill Lingard has reported a growing interest in the company’s new products, for extreme or extremely precise applications, as well as its existing business in aerospace and automotive applications.
Lingard said the market and industry reach of NMW will be a central point for the company to exhibits its products to these and other manufacturers.
CGB is currently working with companies in printing, dental, automation, measurement and a range of newer industries.
NMW exhibition director, Paul Baker said the mix of large and niche exhibitors at this year’s event indicates that the industry that has grown steadily (in absolute terms) over the last decade. However, Baker noted that growth is at a slower rate than other sectors of the economy.
The Industry Innovation Council, Trends in Manufacturing to 2020, reported Australia’s manufacturing industry to have contributed approximately $111 billion to the local economy in the period of 2010 – 2011.
“Australia’s manufacturing industry is alive and well,” said Baker. “There’s no denying that manufacturers are operating in a tough environment, with the high value of the Australian dollar and higher cost base presenting a competitive challenge.”
“However, there is clear evidence Australian industry is responding with increased productivity and innovation. NMW 2012 will, once again, feature a showcase of the latest capabilities available to industry – and we believe there will be strong interest in these new developments.”
Last year, NMW attracted around 10,000 trade visitors.
NMW 2012
This year NMW will feature 12 Product Zones, including two new Product Zones, focusing on Sustainable Manufacturing and Metals & Composites. The zones have been designed to make it easier for visitors to find areas of specific interest.
The event will also include a one-day conference focusing on Essential strategies, tools and methodologies for Australian manufacturers.
For more information on NMW 2012, click here.