SMEs invited to exhibit in Austech 2013 Manufacturers Pavilion

Austech 2013, Australia’s premier advanced precision manufacturing and machine tool exhibition, is inviting all small to medium manufacturing businesses in Australia to take part in its new and extended Manufacturers Pavilion.

The Manufacturers Pavilion highlights the capabilities of Australia’s precision engineering and advanced manufacturing industry and provides Australian component manufacturers, precision engineering firms, toolmakers, advanced manufacturers and general engineering companies the opportunity to exhibit their unique capabilities to an expected audience of more than 10,000 visitors next year in Melbourne, from 7 to 10 May 2013.

One of the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute’s (AMTIL’s) supporters in this initiative is SEMMA, a Victoria-based industry group representing more than 200 leading manufacturers based in South East Melbourne.

Former Victorian Industry and Trade Minister Martin Pakula (left) and AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti visiting the Manufacturers Showcase at Austech 2009.

“AMTIL is working with industry bodies such as SEMMA to provide as many manufacturers as possible with the opportunity to network and tap into local and international supply chains,” explained AMTIL’s CEO and exhibition director Shane Infanti. “The Manufacturers Pavilion provides the perfect forum for these companies to put themselves in front of Austech visitors, many of whom outsource and contract out their work.”

SEMMA CEO Paul Dowling added that SEMMA members will greatly benefit from this opportunity to promote their capabilities and gain new business.

“Networking amongst members will create mutual gain,” he said. “Moreover, our members will have the opportunity to meet CEOs and decision makers from other manufacturing firms, manufacturing network representatives from other regions and countries, and users of manufactured goods. South East Melbourne is a dynamic manufacturing region, with global capability centred in the area. This is an outstanding opportunity for our members to demonstrate this capability and to highlight the many advantages that our members bring to client firms.”

Austech organisers say the exhibition comes at the right time, as Victorian manufacturing has emerged as the country’s strongest, with 10,000 full-time jobs created in the past year despite a string of high-profile job losses over the past six months, according to the latest ABS figures.

According to Dowling, manufacturing in Victoria has a great future due to the innovative attitude and move towards high-technology manufacturing, the flexibility associated with the manufacture of small volume and niche products, the rising middle class within China and India demanding niche specialist products/services as well as the respect that Australian manufacturers have within global markets.

He added that “The key for the future is for government to establish a bipartisan vision for manufacturing, establish a culture for collaborative research/industry and a model to support this, and develop an infrastructure to encourage and embrace innovation with a degree of risk that will reward outcomes and support the necessary commercialisation.”

The Manufacturers Pavilion will host 40-50 stands for local companies to promote the capabilities and capacity they have to offer, which is critical in view of international competition.

The Austech website provides exhibitors and visitors with an online forum, including easy online registration and stand booking information, a list of exhibitors, related news and floor plans.