Exploring the manufacturing landscape

With existing manufacturing capabilities in automation, steel fabrication, recycled plastics, defence products, geosynthetics and more, Albury Wodonga is strongly positioned to remain competitive in the national and global manufacturing landscape.

As the most productive sector in Albury Wodonga in terms of output, manufacturing injects $3.2 billion (22% of total output) into the local economy.

While Australia continues to evolve its manufacturing sector, advanced manufacturing or “Industry 4.0” is where business can add value and make gains in terms of skills, productivity and revenues.

“It’s critical that we embrace the next era of manufacturing to ensure the sector continues to thrive and support jobs in our region,” AlburyCity Mayor, Cr Kevin Mack.

“Australia’s future lies in advanced manufacturing and the shift is already underway. It is the answer to the challenges that face us be it energy, efficiency, resources, productivity and value,” said Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).

Locally based manufacturer Geofabrics is securing its place as a leader in geosynthetic products, investing in plant automation and innovations in polymer chemistry. This has been supported through the assistance of $332,000 in co-investment from the AMGC.

“Through the growth of their product range, Geofabrics is showing that other regional manufacturers can grow their revenues and employment by focussing on value-added activities in areas of R&D, advanced processes and collaboration, rather than trying to compete on cost,” said Dr Goennemann.

Located on the Hume Freeway and along the Inland Rail Corridor, Albury Wodonga is an ideal location to establish manufacturing operations.

As a distribution hub, a number of service providers in the road and rail industry operate locally, providing manufacturers with choice and competitiveness in the distribution of their products.

To support the future growth of the manufacturing industry locally, the Nexus Industrial Precinct and Logic Wodonga offer premium parcels of land at affordable prices, ideally suited to the manufacturing, transport and logistics sectors.

Hear from Milspec Manufacturing talk about their experiences doing  business in the manufacturing space in Albury Wodonga.