1000 manufacturers now buying online

ManufactureLink, Australia's first online sourcing system for custom manufacturing and engineering services, has registered its 1000th buyer since beginning its online purchasing system in May 2006.

The online software system puts buyers in contact with custom manufacturing services such as CNC machining, investment casting, metal stamping, toolmaking and rapid prototyping — making the process of sourcing custom components fast and efficient.

"To achieve this milestone after just 15 months of operation is absolutely fantastic, in terms of system uptake, and also for our manufacturers," said George Pofandt, managing director of ManufactureLink.

"Not only does it demonstrate the usefulness of our online systems to buyers looking to source, but this also means Australian suppliers have a successful, central contact point through which they can promote their capability to both the domestic and global markets."

The site also provides online collaboration tools specifically for custom manufacturers, allowing engineers to collaborate online with manufacturers to find solutions to difficult manufacturing problems. It also has search tools that closely reflect the traditional methods engineers use to locate a manufacturer having the exact expertise they require.

"We have already designed our next generation of search and sourcing tools, and are working hard at implementing this technology," said Pofandt. "Some of our new tools are a world first and will identify ManufactureLink as one of the world's leading online sourcing systems."

The site also has a directory format for sourcing services like fulfilment assembly, electroplating, finishing, chemical manufacturing, engineering design, heat treatment and maintenance services.