The Federal Government’s recently announced Victorian Enterprise Connect Manufacturing Centre is set to have a positive impact on National Manufacturing Week 2009, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 12-15, according to organiser Reed Exhibitions.
With the opening of the Victorian Enterprise Connect Manufacturing Centre in Dandenong around 4000 small and medium Victorian manufacturers will now have access to world-class services designed to help them become more productive and competitive.
“NMW is a well-established event, especially in Victoria where there is a strong manufacturing base, and it is good to see that the Federal Government is encouraging the manufacturing sector to ‘think smarter’ in terms of how they operate,” said Paul Baker, Exhibition Manager for NMW.
“In today’s uncertain economic climate, it is critical that businesses invest in technology, systems and services to increase productivity and efficiency — and this is an excellent example of government support for our vital manufacturing sector,” he said.
Victoria’s new $32 million centre is part of a national network of manufacturing and innovation centres designed to help firms become stronger by focusing squarely on innovation, creativity and excellence.
Opening the facility, Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said it was an integral part of the government’s $251 million Enterprise Connect initiative — a national network of manufacturing and innovation centres designed to help firms become stronger by focusing squarely on innovation, creativity and excellence.
“Victorian firms can now tap into the latest ideas and technologies by accessing a network with local roots and a global reach,” Senator Carr said.
Senator Carr said officers from the Industry Capability Network of Victoria would also be based at the centre.
Baker said that Reed Exhibitions, along with its exhibition partners, have been working on a number of new initiatives designed to increase the profile of NMW so it becomes a destination for manufacturers from around the country.
“New features at next year’s NMW in Melbourne will include Austech’s ‘Factory Of The Future’ and a dedicated Logistics and Materials Handling section,” said Baker.
“These two sections will add new and exciting dynamics to next year’s event.”
Coordinated by AMTIL, Factory of the Future will cover over 750 sq m of floor space, and will feature the very latest in fully automated laser-controlled machine tools, separate ‘cells’ demonstrating robotics and laser technology, as well as design and prototyping.
“Seminars are planned alongside the feature exhibits so visitors can learn about the latest technology and manufacturing techniques — and then be able to see it operating,” said Baker.
“This will allow visitors to tap into the very latest developments and technologies, and see how they can have an impact on increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and raising their profits.
Baker said that NMW’s Logistics, Materials Handling & Distribution (LMHD) pavilion is set to grow dramatically.
“Companies are looking at ways to increase productivity and efficiencies throughout the entire supply chain and the efficient movement of finished products is an integral discipline.
“So LMHD will feature the latest in forklift developments, storage and racking solutions as well as new technologies in radio frequency-controlled warehousing and RFID,” he said.
Other related events to be held in conjunction with NMW include:
· The Endeavour Awards, run by Manufacturers Monthly magazine, which recognise the essential role manufacturing plays in Australia’s economy, will be announced at a Gala Awards dinner to be held Wednesday May 13. For more information on the Endeavours go to www.manmonthly.com.au.
· The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Gala Dinner, organised by the Victorian Government’s Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. It will be held at Crown Casino on Monday May 11.
Further information call John Delpech, on (02) 9422 2568, email john.delpech@reedexhibitions.com.au, or visit www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au.
