Manufacturing training facility for SA

Pneumatic and automation technology provider, SMC Pneumatics has opened a new training facility in Adelaide.

The $1.2 million Hindmarsh facility is the beginning of SMC's planned expansion in training and upskilling Australia's manufacturing workforce.

At the official opening, South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry and Trade, Kevin Foley said SMC's investment was a good indicator of South Australia's economic performance and the health of its small- and medium-sized enterprises.

With more than one million people working in the sector, which comprises around 12% of the Australian economy, Australian manufacturing is technologically advanced, innovative and globally competitive.

SMC Asia Oceania chairman, Peter Driver said that despite significant efficiency gains in recent years as a result of investment in new technology, innovation, industrial relations reform and a reduction in tariffs, crucial focus is still not being placed on training and upskilling the current workforce.

"We are an international company, but unlike most international companies we reinvest back into Australia. That reinvestment is underlined by training," he said. "Hindmarsh is only the start of SMC's investment in the development of manufacturing in Australia."