RECAPPING A YEAR IN AUSSIE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

As we draw the curtain on a truly remarkable year and our inaugural season of?Manufacturing?Tech?Australia, it's time to look back and marvel at the wealth of knowledge and innovation that has unfolded. This year has been a fantastic journey through the dynamic and ever-evolving world of?manufacturing?technology. It’s been our privilege to attend, and record live at a host of industry events, engaging with a plethora of thought leaders who've generously shared their invaluable insights.?

Let me take you through a detailed recap of the key topics, the standout episodes, and the exceptional guests that have made this season truly one for the books.

This season, we've had the honour of covering five pivotal events, each weaving new narratives in the?manufacturing?landscape:

VICTORIAN?MANUFACTURING?SHOWCASE (VMS2023)

Episode 18 was a live coverage special from the Victorian?Manufacturing?Showcase?2023. We delved into the latest in ERP systems, cybersecurity, and celebrated the inauguration of Victoria's pioneering nano?manufacturing?plant by Innofocus. The episode was enriched with discussions from a range of solution providers, sharing top tips and insights into sustainable infrastructure loans. The highlight was The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP's announcement of the new Skills Solutions Partnership Program, coupled with Westpac’s Chief Economist Besa Deda’s insightful analysis of the Australian and Victorian economies.

MANUFACTURING?MATTERS

This special episode gave listeners a sneak peek into the future of Aussie?manufacturing. The Australian?Manufacturing?Growth Centre - AMGC - shared their aspirations and challenges. We had enlightening talks with AMGC's Managing Director Jens Goennemann and COO Kelly Godeau, and Bernie Quinn of Premcar, exploring the exciting vision of transitioning from local to global market engagement.

CEMAT?AUSTRALIA?2023

Over three dynamic days, we covered a range of topics. Day 1 focused on automated warehouse technologies, industrial cooling solutions, and introduced Hyundai's hydrogen-fueled forklifts. Day 2 was all about UTS TechLab's last mile logistics innovations, the Australian Forklift Championships, and a networking event by Big Ass Fans. Day 3 delved into integrated warehouse automation, innovative omni-directional wheels, and the prospects of the TMX Metaverse, rounded off with insights from program manager Natalie Green.

MME MODERN?MANUFACTURING?EXPO?2023?SYDNEY

Spanning two days, the Modern?Manufacturing?Expo?2023?in Sydney was a showcase of innovation. Day 1 featured the Smart?Manufacturing?Conference, insights into large-scale additive?manufacturing, and the integration of part management with iPart360. Day 2 brought us conversations with Mitsubishi Electric, Investment NSW, and numerous organisations contributing to digital skills, workplace training, and?manufacturing?skills development. Jonathan Wilczek also gave us an inside look at the expo, emphasising themes of connection, automation, and digital transformation.

AUSTRALIAN?MANUFACTURING?WEEK (AMW) MELBOURNE?2023?

We brought Australian?Manufacturing?Week to life with three special episodes recorded live in Melbourne. Day 1 highlighted local?manufacturing?capabilities, including digitalisation, 3D printing, and lean?manufacturing. Day 2 provided insights into factory monitoring,?manufacturing?services, CNC technology, and large industrial robots. The final episode celebrated 'Australian Made', with stories from the Australian?Manufacturing?Pavilion and Electronex, advocating for local?manufacturing?capability and collaboration.

In our regular episodes, we were joined by some amazing guests covering a variety of fascinating topics.?

SUSTAINABILITY

We delved into the critical theme of sustainability in the?manufacturing?industry through a series of engaging discussions. In Episode 9, Prof. Veena Sahajwalla introduced the innovative concept of microfactories and their role in driving the green revolution, illustrating how waste materials can be repurposed into valuable products. This episode underscored the impact of microfactories on disrupting traditional?manufacturing?and leading a sustainable transformation. Episode 7 featured John Rieusset from ABB, who discussed how Australian manufacturers are integrating sustainable technologies to achieve profitability. The conversation highlighted real-world examples of manufacturers yielding impressive returns while reducing waste and energy consumption, demonstrating the synergy between environmental stewardship and economic gain. Episode 6 with Chris Mander and Scott Andersen from Revival EV showcased their pioneering work in classic car conversions, transforming vintage vehicles into eco-friendly electric models. This episode highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and tradition in?manufacturing. Together, these episodes provided a rich tapestry of how sustainability is being woven into the fabric of modern?manufacturing, from innovative waste transformation to profitable green technologies and sustainable product design.

Curious about the transformative journey Aussie manufacturing technology took this year? Click here to read the full article and unravel the dynamic tapestry of Manufacturing Tech Australia's inaugural season.

About the author:

Shane Williams is a seasoned Virtual CTO, specialising in aiding SME businesses to confidently and cost-effectively adopt transformative technologies. With a firm belief in a tailored agenda-free approach for each business, Shane partners with leaders to leverage technology for maximum outcomes.

Shane is a celebrated author, with his best-selling book, The Platform Owner’s Guidebook, providing invaluable insights into tech utilisation. As an extension of his mission to share knowledge, Shane is also the creator and host of two successful podcasts. His newest venture, the Manufacturing Tech Australia Podcast, delves into the intersection of technology and the manufacturing sector in Australia, while the popular Platform Diaries Podcast offers a broader look at tech platforms and their growing influence.

Away from the professional sphere, Shane finds joy in riding motorbikes, brewing his own beer, and embarking on camping trips with his kids. His diverse interests and keen technological insight render him a prominent figure in the world of SME businesses.