Australia's top 100 manufacturing companies revealed

Friday, 05 April, 2019

Australia’s ‘Top 100 Manufacturers 2019’ list has been released, with Caltex Australia topping this year’s list of leading Australian manufacturing companies, ahead of Fonterra Co-Op Group, Perth Mint, BP Australia and Viva Energy, who rounded out the top five.

Developed through research conducted by IBISWorld and presented by National Manufacturing Week, this year’s list shows the strength and opportunities that exist for Australian companies in food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, tobacco manufacturing and non-metallic mineral manufacturing.

“It’s certainly no surprise to see the Top 100 Manufacturers for 2019 dominated by companies operating within food production and non-metallic mineral production,” said Liam Harrison, Senior Industry Analyst at IBISWorld. “Australia is renowned for its strong agricultural exports and mining, energy and resources industry.

“Australia is a large exporter of commodities, with the nation benefiting from coal and iron ore prices staying relatively high year-on-year,” he said. “Whilst there is a large propensity for volatility amongst Australian food product manufacturers, the demand from China for products such as infant formula does provide opportunities for Australian manufacturers that are able to capitalise on this demand and expand their international offering.

“Despite the ongoing uncertainty of global trade partnerships and relations, manufacturers who respond quickly and export their products to new markets will do well if they open up to markets, where tariffs on other nations’ products exist or are introduced.

“Food product manufacturers, while the leading group of manufacturers in this year’s Top 100, also made up a strong proportion of the companies that fell the most or completely dropped off the list. This correlates to the level of exposure that food producers have when Australia suffers periods of natural disaster such as drought or flooding, which we all know have occurred over the past 12 to 18 months. This problem is often compounded, with most food producers unwilling or unable to pass these increased costs on to consumers due to their contractual agreements with the major supermarket chains,” Harrison explained.

This year’s Top 100 Manufacturers provides insight and guidance for manufacturers looking to develop strategies for long-term success, with investment into vertical integration; automation, including robotics; and the Internet of Things offering the ability to compete with global companies and minimise the impact of current costs of production.

“Vertical integration is a major factor for many of the leading manufacturers in generating revenue or stabilising the impacts of volatility to their manufacturing division. For example, this is evident with companies like Caltex Australia and BP Australia, where not only are they drilling and refining petroleum, but they’re also present at the bowser when consumers need fuel for their vehicles,” Harrison said.

The top 20 manufacturers in the list are: