A new initiative aimed at increasing the presence of locally made medical technologies in healthcare services has been announced with the formation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA). 

The Alliance, spearheaded by the BioMelbourne Network, builds on the foundation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and will pilot its efforts in Victoria.

The AMMA brings together several key industry partners, including AusBiotech, MTPConnect, AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited), and ICN Victoria (Industry Capability Network), with seed funding support from the Victorian Government.

Focus on advocacy and local procurement

The Alliance aims to address procurement barriers that currently limit the uptake of Australian-made medical technologies within the domestic healthcare system.

Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network, highlighted the importance of the initiative in creating sustainable local opportunities.

“Australia is home to world-class medtech innovators and manufacturers. Increasing awareness of these companies and growing local content in health will support Australian health services to continue to deliver world-leading care and strengthen our country’s sovereign capabilities,” Parr said.

“The Victorian pilot aims to demonstrate the potential of this ambitious and important solutions-focused Alliance and serve as a stepping stone for advancing the national agenda.”

Call for industry support

The AMMA is inviting Victorian medtech companies currently manufacturing or developing products for local or international markets to join the Alliance.

Contract manufacturing firms are also encouraged to participate. While peak industry bodies involved in the initiative offer formal memberships, the AMMA has clarified that becoming an Alliance supporter is not contingent on membership.

The Alliance aims to work closely with these peak bodies to build on existing industry efforts, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow both locally and internationally.

New uplift program in development

The AMMA is also co-developing a capability uplift program to help medtech manufacturers identify and secure opportunities within the domestic health system.

The initiative aims to address this gap by creating clearer pathways into the health sector, mirroring practices in other international markets.

The AMMA said establishing strong domestic customers will serve as crucial proof points for Australian products and attract further investment in medical innovation.

The Alliance’s efforts aim to unlock opportunities within the healthcare sector to ensure Australian patients benefit from locally made technologies.

Companies interested in joining the Alliance or participating in the capability uplift program can express their interest directly through the AMMA.

The post New medtech initiative targets growth opportunities for homegrown manufacturers appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

In response to growing demands for sustainable practices, BOC has outlined a comprehensive approach to decarbonisation, focusing on providing diverse solutions tailoured to meet the needs of various industries. 

In an exclusive interview with Australian Manufacturing, Vesna Olles, director of Clean Energy and Strategy at BOC, emphasised the necessity of supporting all low-carbon pathways to assist organisations in reducing emissions.

“We understand that organisations and industries need a range of decarbonisation solutions to reduce emissions and believe support is needed for all low-carbon pathways,” said Olles. 

“We are helping industries adapt their processes and operations and are working with the transport and off-grid power sectors to help them reach their decarbonisation targets.”

With over 80 years of experience in hydrogen production and distribution, BOC is positioned at the forefront of Australia’s decarbonisation journey. 

The company specialises in the production, storage, and supply of hydrogen for transport and off-grid applications, as well as providing oxygen to enhance fuel efficiency in heavy industries—a critical step in the hydrogen pathway.

Addressing industry needs

BOC’s extensive experience in the hydrogen supply chain uniquely positions the company to support manufacturers facing challenges related to storage, reliability, cost, and safety. 

In collaboration with partners, BOC is exploring opportunities for large-scale hydrogen production to bolster domestic supply, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors such as manufacturing. 

The company is also actively involved in developing local manufacturing capabilities, including hydrogen buses and remote hydrogen fuel cell power generators.

“Hydrogen has a critical role to play in the future of Australian manufacturing,” Olles noted. 

“It is a key decarbonisation pathway for sectors like chemical manufacturing, heavy transport, and steelmaking. Positioning Australia as a leading producer of hydrogen and its derivatives will create significant opportunities for our manufacturers.”

Overcoming decarbonisation challenges

Despite the promising outlook, the decarbonisation journey for Australian manufacturers is fraught with challenges, primarily the high costs associated with transitioning to renewable energy sources. 

Olles pointed out that reducing the costs of renewable electricity and electrolysers is essential for the green hydrogen industry to thrive. 

Additionally, she highlighted the need for supportive government policies and incentives to encourage early-stage hydrogen projects.

“The biggest challenge for Australian manufacturers is the cost to decarbonise,” said Olles. “We need the cost of renewable electricity, which is used to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis, to come down. The green hydrogen industry must work on developing and improving the cost curve to lower the overall cost of green hydrogen.”

Successful partnerships and projects

BOC has initiated several projects aimed at driving decarbonisation through hydrogen solutions. In partnership with Linde Engineering, BOC is advancing cutting-edge hydrogen technologies in Australia. 

Key projects include an offtake agreement with AGIG’s Hydrogen Park South Australia, which transports green hydrogen to Whyalla for BOC’s argon production and hydrogen bus trials.

The company is also engaged in larger initiatives, such as the South Australian Government’s proposed 200 MW hydrogen plant in Whyalla, where BOC and ATCO Australia were selected as preferred partners to execute the Hydrogen Jobs Plan.

Another project is the Illawarra Technology Hydrogen Hub in Port Kembla, currently in the design phase and aiming for a final investment decision.

For more information on BOC’s decarbonisation strategies and hydrogen solutions, visit its website.

The post BOC pioneers decarbonisation efforts in Australian manufacturing appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

Health Support Services (HSS), the shared services provider for the Western Australian (WA) public healthcare system, has issued a callout to local manufacturers. 

The organisation, which delivers procurement, financial, ICT, and workforce services to over 65,000 employees across WA public health services and hospitals, is seeking information about WA-based manufacturers of medical goods, equipment, and technology.

HSS’s Procurement and Supply unit, responsible for managing supply chain services across the WA health system, has initiated market research to better understand the local manufacturing landscape. 

This aligns with the WA government’s strategic focus on bolstering local procurement and manufacturing capabilities within the healthcare sector.

The Request for Information (RFI) – Western Australian Manufacturers of Medical Goods, Equipment, and Technology invites manufacturers to share details about locally made medical products, as well as WA-developed medical technology services currently in use across Australian or international health systems.

By gathering these insights, HSS aims to explore potential opportunities for engaging with local manufacturers to procure their products and services. These findings will be shared across the WA Health system to encourage future collaboration.

Interested parties can find more information on how to submit a response through the Health Support Services website via Tenders WA. 

Submissions for the RFI will close at 5:00 PM AWST, on 4 November 2024.

HSS emphasised that the RFI is purely informational and does not signal a commitment or interest in any specific product, nor does it guarantee procurement from any supplier.

The post HSS calls on local manufacturers to strengthen WA health system appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

Kinoko-Tech, an Israeli food-tech startup specialising in fungi-based fermentation, has entered into a strategic commercial agreement with Metaphor Foods, an accelerator and investment company, to locally produce thousands of tons of sustainable, protein-rich products in Australia. 

This collaboration sets the stage for expansion into Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and New Zealand, with production set to commence in 2025, the firms said in a news release. 

The agreement encompasses the production and sale of a variety of food products, including “centre of the plate” items that aim to provide nutritious alternatives to existing vegetarian and vegan options. 

“We’re excited to partner with Metaphor Foods and bring our technology to new markets,” said Jasmin Ravid, CEO of Kinoko-Tech. 

He continued, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in scaling up our production and making a meaningful impact on global food sustainability. With Metaphor Foods and Hela APAC’s expertise, we’re well-positioned to expand our reach across the APAC region.”

Kinoko-Tech offerings will be showcased through a range of snack items such as muesli and nut bars, protein bars, and crispy chips.

Kinoko-Tech’s cutting-edge technology, licensed from Yissum, the tech transfer company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, utilises fungi mycelium to grow on legumes and grains. This results in healthy, natural foods with significantly enhanced nutritional profiles. 

Under the agreement, Metaphor Foods, the innovation arm of Hela APAC, will oversee the rollout of Kinoko-Tech’s products throughout the Asia-Pacific region. 

Hela APAC is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge food technology and flavors, with a global presence that spans ten manufacturing sites and representation in over 70 countries. 

The initial focus will be on local production in Australia, followed by plans for expansion into Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

Geoff Gordon, director of Metaphor Foods and Hela APAC, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “At Metaphor Foods, our role is to facilitate transformational food tech startups like Kinoko-Tech, enabling them to make a global impact.”

He continued, “We’re thrilled to be part of their journey, starting in Australia and soon expanding to other key markets in Asia and New Zealand. Kinoko-Tech’s technology is truly a game-changer in the food industry.”

The post Kinoko-Tech and Metaphor Foods set to launch eco-friendly protein solutions across APAC appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

First Graphene has reached a commercial agreement with Halocell Energy to supply graphene for the production of perovskite solar cells, a move expected to boost Australia’s renewable energy capabilities.

The two-year deal involves First Graphene’s PureGRAPH technology, a graphene formulation known for enhancing material performance. 

According to the agreement, the New South Wales-based Halocell Energy will integrate PureGRAPH as a high-performing coating for its perovskite solar cells.

“This landmark agreement with Halocell Energy is a significant milestone for First Graphene as we officially enter the commercial perovskite solar cell industry,” said First Graphene Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell. 

“These locally manufactured products will change the way Australians leverage solar power in their home and improve Australia’s renewable energy performance as a whole.”

The first perovskite solar modules enhanced with graphene are expected to be released later this month, aimed at replacing disposable batteries for small electronic goods. 

These advanced solar cells are up to five times more efficient than conventional silicon cells and are also more cost-effective. 

Halocell Energy reports that by using graphene, manufacturing costs can be reduced by over 80 per cent, as the need for expensive conductor materials like gold and silver is eliminated.

“This partnership not only strengthens our position as a leading innovator in the solar cell market but also aligns with our commitment to supporting domestic suppliers,” said Halocell Energy CEO Paul Moonie. 

“The integration of these locally supplied materials into our roll-to-roll production process enables cost-effective, rapid manufacturing, which will be a gamechanger for the solar industry in Australia.”

The roll-to-roll production technique, which is being developed in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology, allows for the scalable and low-cost creation of perovskite solar cells. 

This project recently received AUD 2 million in funding from the Australian Government to explore further commercialisation of the technology.

Bell added, “Importantly, this agreement will open the door further for First Graphene to showcase the benefits of leveraging the unique properties of graphene to improve renewable energy technology. We are excited to embark on this venture with Halocell Energy and look forward to delivering the benefits of our PureGRAPH® products to energy consumers across the country.”

The post First Graphene secures supply deal for in-demand perovskite solar cells appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

Western Australia has reached a major milestone in public transport, with its first locally manufactured electric bus commencing passenger services.

This move is part of the state’s broader effort to deliver a cleaner and lower-emissions transport network, the government said in a media statement.

The first electric bus, set to operate on Perth’s Central Area Transit (CAT) routes in the CBD, marks the beginning of a wider rollout. 

Seventeen additional electric CAT buses are expected to join the fleet by mid-next year. These buses will be supported by newly installed charging infrastructure at the Elizabeth Quay Bus Depot.

Each electric bus has the capacity to travel up to 300 kilometres on a single charge and is projected to save around 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. 

Studies show that the operating costs of these buses are approximately $1 million lower over their 18-year service life compared to their diesel counterparts.

“This is a big milestone for our electric bus manufacturing program, and I am thrilled the community will now be able to jump on board the first locally-made zero-emission bus,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti. 

“In expanding the State’s fleet of electric buses, we are not only reducing carbon emissions, but we’re also creating positive change economically by supporting more than 100 local jobs and saving up to $1 million in operating costs over its 18-year service life.”

The electric bus delivery is part of a $250 million joint initiative between the State and Commonwealth governments. 

This initiative aims to introduce 130 new electric buses to Western Australia’s public transport network, while also upgrading depots with necessary infrastructure.

Supporting this effort, the State Government has awarded $12 million in contracts to Perth-based businesses Civcon and Gemtek to retrofit the Malaga bus depot for electric bus charging capabilities.

The first electric bus for this depot is expected next year, servicing both the northern suburbs and Perth’s CBD. Additional upgrades are also planned for depots in Karrinyup, Whiteman Park, and Claisebrook.

“Our Government is driving the revitalisation of our city and is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to create jobs, economic activity and attract more people to the Perth CBD,” said Perth MLA John Carey. 

“It’s brilliant that our new locally-made electric Perth CAT buses will be rolling out from today, ensuring our city remains connected and helping deliver lower emissions across our transport network.”

The initiative is expected to support more than 100 local jobs, including nine apprenticeships, while also preparing the workforce for the growing electric bus fleet through specialized high-voltage technical training.

Transport Minister Saffioti expressed optimism for the future, stating, “In the next couple of years, we will see the fleet of electric buses grow substantially, while significant investment will also be undertaken to ensure our network of depots have the infrastructure in place to support operations.”

The post Perth CAT routes welcome first locally-manufactured electric bus appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

Defence industry and technology company Black Sky Industries has officially launched in Australia with the establishment of its multi-million dollar headquarters in Logan, South East Queensland, along with additional launch, test, and manufacturing facilities spread across Western Queensland. 

These developments are set to accelerate the production of sovereign-scale rocket motors and defence systems, the company said in a media release. 

Black Sky Industries, formerly known as Black Sky Aerospace, holds the distinction of being Australia’s only sovereign developer and supplier of solid rocket propellant and solid rocket motors to the defence sector. 

The company was founded by aerospace, defence, and manufacturing veterans Blake Nikolic, Karl Hemphill, and Dr Vu Tran, who also co-founded the $3 billion technology startup Go1.

To date, Black Sky has made several key hires, including former L3Harris Technologies director David Johnson as General Manager, Enterprise Development, and defence innovation veteran Stephen Delo. 

These strategic appointments reflect the company’s commitment to reimagining the design, development, and manufacturing of rockets at scale.

“At Black Sky, complex rocket manufacturing is done with a high degree of innovation, security, and safety but at much lower cost than others. This has the potential to save Australia and our allies billions of dollars and ensure taxpayer funds can be utilised in other areas,” said Blake Nikolic, co-founder of Black Sky Industries. 

He added, “We innovate, move quickly, and deliver results. We achieve what others won’t even attempt and we imagine the unimaginable and bring it to life.”

The company’s capabilities include the local production of ammonium perchlorate (AP), a crucial component for conventional solid rocket motors used in aerospace and defence industries. 

In addition to producing solid rocket propellant and motors, Black Sky offers its proprietary Wagtail Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) technology, designed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones.

Central to Black Sky’s operations is Cortex1, a proprietary software platform that underpins everything from research and development to manufacturing. 

The platform powers products and platforms including launch control, tracking, and mapping, and leverages data-driven propellant formulation and characterisation technology using artificial intelligence.

Dr Vu Tran emphasised the importance of local manufacturing to secure and strengthen Australia’s defence supply chains, reducing dependence on external jurisdictions. 

“Australia spends $50-$55 billion on defence each year yet we’re lucky to have just one company in the top 100 list of defence suppliers. Black Sky aims to change that,” Dr Tran stated. 

“Having sovereign defence capability will help Australia achieve greater efficiency and resilience in the delivery of defence technologies, and in our ability to protect the nation.”

He added that local manufacturing offers numerous benefits, including lower geopolitical risks, increased operational transparency, and alignment with regulatory compliance. 

“It also encourages the growth of local businesses while building a skilled workforce to develop a consistent pipeline of local talent with proximity and access to local R&D institutions,” Dr Tran noted.

These developments are set to accelerate the production of sovereign-scale rocket motors and defence systems, the company said in a media release. 

Black Sky Industries, formerly known as Black Sky Aerospace, holds the distinction of being Australia’s only sovereign developer and supplier of solid rocket propellant and solid rocket motors to the defence sector. 

The company was founded by aerospace, defence, and manufacturing veterans Blake Nikolic, Karl Hemphill, and Dr Vu Tran, who also co-founded the $3 billion technology startup Go1.

To date, Black Sky has made several key hires, including former L3Harris Technologies director David Johnson as General Manager, Enterprise Development, and defence innovation veteran Stephen Delo. 

These strategic appointments reflect the company’s commitment to reimagining the design, development, and manufacturing of rockets at scale.

“At Black Sky, complex rocket manufacturing is done with a high degree of innovation, security, and safety but at much lower cost than others. This has the potential to save Australia and our allies billions of dollars and ensure taxpayer funds can be utilised in other areas,” said Blake Nikolic, co-founder of Black Sky Industries. 

He added, “We innovate, move quickly, and deliver results. We achieve what others won’t even attempt and we imagine the unimaginable and bring it to life.”

The company’s capabilities include the local production of ammonium perchlorate (AP), a crucial component for conventional solid rocket motors used in aerospace and defence industries. 

In addition to producing solid rocket propellant and motors, Black Sky offers its proprietary Wagtail Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) technology, designed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones.

Central to Black Sky’s operations is Cortex1, a proprietary software platform that underpins everything from research and development to manufacturing. 

The platform powers products and platforms including launch control, tracking, and mapping, and leverages data-driven propellant formulation and characterisation technology using artificial intelligence.

Dr Vu Tran emphasised the importance of local manufacturing to secure and strengthen Australia’s defence supply chains, reducing dependence on external jurisdictions. 

“Australia spends $50-$55 billion on defence each year yet we’re lucky to have just one company in the top 100 list of defence suppliers. Black Sky aims to change that,” Dr Tran stated. 

“Having sovereign defence capability will help Australia achieve greater efficiency and resilience in the delivery of defence technologies, and in our ability to protect the nation.”

He added that local manufacturing offers numerous benefits, including lower geopolitical risks, increased operational transparency, and alignment with regulatory compliance. 

“It also encourages the growth of local businesses while building a skilled workforce to develop a consistent pipeline of local talent with proximity and access to local R&D institutions,” Dr Tran noted.

The post Australia’s Black Sky Industries unveils new HQ, facilities to boost defence production appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

Weld Australia has unveiled the findings of its 2024 Member Survey, revealing a critical situation in the nation’s welding and fabrication industry. 

The survey highlights severe work shortages and escalating costs in energy, materials, and labour, which are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to thrive. 

In response, Weld Australia is calling on Federal and state governments to establish firm local content policies to support and sustain Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities.

“Australian welding businesses are facing unprecedented pressures,” stated Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia. 

He explained, “Lack of work, combined with the rising costs of energy, materials, and labour, is making it nearly impossible for companies to invest in the technology and skills necessary to stay globally competitive. We need a clear and enforceable commitment from the Federal and state governments to support local manufacturing.”

The survey paints a worrying picture: half of the welding workshops are operating at 80 per cent capacity or below, with 70 per cent of members indicating they have the capacity for additional work. 

A staggering 75 per cent of respondents identified the lack of a steady project pipeline as their primary challenge.

“The solution lies in enforceable local content requirements,” Crittenden continued. 

“Government-backed initiatives must prioritise Australian-made steel and fabrication in renewable energy projects and other infrastructure developments. This would provide the long-term security our industry needs to invest in advanced technologies, productivity improvements, and workforce development, ensuring Australia remains competitive on a global scale.”

Crittenden further emphasised the need for precise legislation, stating, “The Federal and state governments must commit to building sovereign manufacturing. Local content legislation must specify that 60% of all fabricated steel used in our renewable energy projects is manufactured in Australia by local welders.” 

“This local content legislation must be drafted in conjunction with industry to eliminate the loopholes that so often arise in these types of policies. Australian governments must also mandate that all wind towers are constructed, erected, and inspected according to Australian Standards.”

The survey also revealed inflation as a significant concern for the industry. A majority of business owners cited rising costs as a major threat to growth over the next year: 64 per cent mentioned the rising cost of energy, 61 per cent pointed to the rising cost of materials, and 50 per cent were concerned about rising labour costs.

Weld Australia members consider themselves highly productive, with two-thirds rating their welding staff’s productivity as good or excellent. 

However, the survey highlighted that only 25% of respondents spend less than two hours per shift on actual welding, and 58 per cent spend less than four hours—considerably less than the five hours per day reported in countries like the United States and Germany, which have similar Workplace Health and Safety Standards.

“A clear pathway to productivity is through the use of technology,” Crittenden noted. 

“When companies focus on improving their processes, they naturally innovate—implementing the latest technologies to streamline operations. However, the uptake of advanced welding technology remains relatively slow. This lack of tech adoption is impeding our ability to navigate the current challenges facing the industry.”

Crittenden warned that without a guaranteed supply of work, especially from government-backed projects, many welding businesses would struggle to justify investments in advanced technologies. 

“We risk losing critical skills and capabilities that are essential for our nation’s economic future,” he said.

Crittenden stressed the importance of local content requirements in strengthening domestic supply chains, boosting investor confidence, and cultivating a skilled workforce. 

“Local content requirements will fortify our domestic supply chains, boost investor confidence, and cultivate a skilled workforce, positioning Australia as a global manufacturing leader. This will create a capacity mechanism that generates a clear, long-term signal for investment by private equity and local manufacturers,” he concluded.

The post Welding industry struggles with costs, urges local content mandates appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

Western Australia’s electric bus program is advancing rapidly, with contracts awarded to retrofit Perth’s Malaga bus depot with essential EV infrastructure.

The Malaga depot will be the first in the state to undergo significant upgrades, enabling it to fully charge a fleet of 90 electric buses overnight. 

This development follows the partial upgrade of the Joondalup depot in 2022, which served as a trial for four electric buses, the government said in a media release. 

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King highlighted the importance of this initiative. 

“Australia’s transport sector is the third largest source of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, which is why our Governments’ pursuit of an electric bus network is critical for our transition to net zero,” she said. 

“The retrofitting of Malaga bus depot – which will be the first of many to be rolled out under this program – will deliver zero-emission public transport services for commuters now while supporting the growth of the WA capital.”

The $12 million contracts to extend and realign the bus parking area and install EV charging equipment at Malaga were awarded to Perth businesses Civcon and Gemtek. 

This project represents a significant milestone in the $250 million joint initiative between the State and Federal Labor Governments.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti expressed optimism about the program’s growth. “In just two years, we have seen Transperth’s EV fleet grow exponentially,” she stated. 

“What started out as four buses is now a commitment to provide 130 locally-built electric buses to be rolled out over the next two years. As this program continues to expand, we must ensure we have the infrastructure in place to support the day-to-day running of these buses. Upgrades to existing depots, such as the one in Malaga, are essential to the smooth and efficient operation of the electric bus fleet now and into the future.”

The Australian Government has committed $125 million towards electric bus charging infrastructure in Perth, while the Cook Government has matched this with another $125 million for the acquisition of 130 locally-manufactured electric buses.

Federal Member for Cowan Anne Aly underscored the broader benefits of the initiative. 

“This program ticks many boxes for public transport growth in Perth’s northern suburbs, as well as minimising the impact on the environment, making it an incredible investment from the Albanese Labor Government in partnership with the Cook Labor Government,” she said. 

“I’m pleased to see the Malaga bus depot in my electorate of Cowan as the starting point for a new zero-emission roll out of electric buses across Perth – a win-win outcome for all.”

The first electric CAT bus is set to enter formal passenger services within the week, marking the beginning of a new era in Perth’s public transport network. 

This bus is one of 18 new electric buses that will be integrated into the Perth CAT bus network over the coming weeks.

Electric buses have been operating in Perth since early 2022, with four initially deployed on the Joondalup CAT route as part of a trial. 

These buses have since transported over 440,000 passengers, covered more than 380,000 kilometres, and saved approximately 350 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Further conversions of bus depots to support the ongoing production and operation of electric buses are planned as part of the broader initiative to transition Perth’s public transport system to a more sustainable future.

The post Perth’s Malaga depot first to receive major EV infrastructure upgrades appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

New research from the Australian Fashion Council and Epson Australia highlights the critical juncture of Victoria’s nearly $1 billion fashion manufacturing industry, detailing both its current and future value.

The report, titled “Victorian TCF (Textile, Clothing, Footwear) Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth,” was compiled by RMIT University and reveals that the Victorian TCF manufacturing sector has lost 18 per cent of its value over the past five years. 

However, it suggests that strategic policy interventions and collaboration between industry and government could inject an additional $225 million into the state’s economy and create 1,500 new jobs, raising the sector’s value to $1.09 billion. 

Over half of the businesses in this sector employ a workforce that is more than 60 per cent female, compared to 28 per cent in the broader Australian manufacturing industry.

Without increased investment and prioritisation, the report warns that the sector could lose $98 million in value and 700 jobs by 2030. 

Additionally, this decline could lead to a loss of technical skills, increased reliance on overseas supply chains, and missed opportunities to bolster Victoria’s reputation for producing high-quality, innovative, and sustainable products.

The report outlines five key recommendations to drive growth in the sector:

1. Prioritise TCF Manufacturing: Include TCF manufacturing as a priority in the Made in Victoria statement.
2. Enhance Procurement Policies: Strengthen government procurement policies to increase local content in uniforms, workwear, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
3. Revitalise Skills Training: Develop a new TCF skills and training program to address workforce skill gaps.
4. Invest in Technology: Co-invest in advanced technology and future jobs to support a sustainable, circular clothing economy.
5. Develop a National Strategy: Create a national TCF manufacturing strategy with Victoria leading the way.

Australian Fashion Council CEO Jaana Quaintance-James stressed the urgency of supporting local manufacturing. 

“It’s imperative to the future of Victoria’s, and more broadly Australia’s, textiles, clothing, and footwear manufacturing industry that we collectively invest in and preference local. This sector is ours to lose,” she said.

Quaintance-James also highlighted the importance of quick action to support the female-dominated workforce in the sector. 

“What has also been made clear is how important swift action is for the many women employed in fashion manufacturing, and how crucial the role of a female-powered workforce will be in turning its decline around,” she added.

The report also advocates for the adoption of a smart-factory model, which leverages technologies like digital sampling, digital printing, and laser cutting to reduce waste and production lead times. 

Craig Heckenberg, managing director of Epson Australia, pointed to the benefits of sustainable technology in local manufacturing. 

“The smart-factory concept and technology to support it, can allow Australian brands to produce high quality, sustainable Australian-made clothing, for Australian consumers and abroad,” Heckenberg said.

The report is available on the Australian Fashion Council’s website.

The post Future of Victorian fashion manufacturing hinges on strategic investments, says report appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.