Advanced Manufacturing: Beyond the production line

CEDA welcomes an esteemed panel to launch our first policy perspective of 2014, Advanced Manufacturing: Beyond the production line. This report explores whether Australia can secure a future in high value-add advanced manufacturing in the new global marketplace.

EVENT OVERVIEW
Manufacturing is a vital industry, particularly in Western Australia where it is contributed 5.2 per cent in 2011-12 to the state economy making it the third highest industry.

Yet Australia's manufacturing sector has been in long-term decline. Rising labour costs and the strong dollar have turned Australia into a high-cost operating environment. With international competition becoming more intense, we are no longer able to compete on price. This is evidenced in the demise of Australia's car manufacturing industry. 

Question to be addressed at this event include :

• Can Australia transition to a new manufacturing paradigm focused on highly specialised, innovation-intensive sectors such as mining, engineering and aerospace?
• Can the manufacturing sector once again grow to become a significant contributor to the national economy, or is Australian manufacturing an industry of the past?

All guests will receive a complimentary copy of Advanced Manufacturing: Beyond the production line.

Keynote Speaker
Jeff Connolly
Chief Executive Officer, Siemens

Speakers
Zoran Angelkovski
Chief Executive Officer, META

Steven Landry
Managing Director, ATCO Australia 

Facilitator
David Singleton
Chief Executive Officer, Poseidon Nickel