AI Group

Workplace bullying is unfortunately too common. Ai Group explains how to identify the signs and take action. “I would end most days in tears – I felt utterly alone and like I was losing my mind. In the end I was too ill to work. I’m amazed I lasted as long as I did.” These … Continue reading Meet Australia’s seven worst workplace bullies →

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI) climbed again in August, for the second month in a row. After rising 1.8 points above July levels, the index read 53.1 in August. According to Ai Group, the stronger numbers were driven increasing production and rising exports. The Australian PMI bucks … Continue reading Australian PMI continues positive position →

During the panel discussions as part of the National Manufacturing Summit, one topic that never strayed far from the lips of speakers was the issue of skills. With the focus of the summit set by the opening keynote speeches, panels of industry representatives, peak organisations, and educational providers discussed how to get the right mix … Continue reading National Manufacturing Summit: Minding the skills gap →

Australian steelmaker, Bluescope Steel, has announced that it will invest almost $1 billion in its Ohio, US steel mill, North Star. Bluescope will expand its US production facilities by 40 per cent, and hopes that the expansion will be completed by 2023. One of the drivers of the expansion into the North American market is … Continue reading Bluescope to invest a billion in US production →

With Australian apprenticeship and traineeship numbers falling to a ten year low of 259,385 in 2018, chief executive of Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), Innes Willox, wrote to federal and state governments ahead of their meeting in Cairns on August 9. With global economic uncertainty and digitalisation driving the transformation of industry, Willox argued that … Continue reading Drop in apprenticeship numbers necessitates action: Ai Group →

The first Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Forum Conference, held on August 7, identified the priorities for industry in transitioning to Industry 4.0. The first priority that representatives from business, research organisations, education and training providers, unions, and government bodies identified is the need for an appropriately skilled workforce. To meet this need, industry and education … Continue reading Multi-sector conference identifies priorities for Industry 4.0 →

In a report released on August 6, the Australian industry Group (Ai Group), outlined how Australian businesses are transitioning to or already within Industry 4.0. In releasing the report, chief executive of Ai Group, Innes Willox, commented, “An overall finding is that there has been substantial progress in embracing Industry 4.0. But the gap between … Continue reading Gap between Industry 4.0 leaders and majority of businesses “substantial”: report →

Australian businesses are beginning to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, yet cyber threats remain an impediment. Innes Willox explains. Australian industry is currently in a state of transition to the Fourth Industrial Revolution – or Industry 4.0. It is fair to say that substantial progress in embracing Industry 4.0 has so far been confined to a … Continue reading IoT value untapped while cyber security threats grow →

In two announcements, the Australian Department of Defence has reached out to industry to make it easier for manufacturers to supply products for defence applications. In a change to the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), Australian businesses will no longer need a Defence contract to gain DISP membership. Companies can now self-nominate for DISP membership. … Continue reading Defence sets out new terms of engagement with manufacturers →

Investing in leadership training can help overcome barriers to innovation and improve competitiveness. Ai Group explains. Major management research undertaken in 2016 by the Centre for Workplace Leadership revealed that Australian organisations should be concerned about the state of leadership and management capability in this country – and the verdict came from sources including Australian managers themselves. Surveying almost … Continue reading Leadership: power to your people →

The Ai Group’s Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI), has returned to positive territory in July. The index climbed 1.9 points to reach 51.3. Readings above 50 indicate an expansion of activity in the sector. In June, the Australian PMI dropped below 50, indicating a contraction in the sector, for the first time in nearly … Continue reading Australian PMI returns to positive →

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has backed the Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC) proposed changes to energy rules. In a statement, Ai Group chief executive, Innes Willox, promoted the suggested changes. “Our initial reaction, however, is very positive. Energy users demanded, and the AEMC has responded. There is much work to do before a … Continue reading Industry group backs AEMC changes to demand response rules →

The importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills were highlighted during the recent federal election. With the election over, the sector is now focussed on the opportunities ahead. Manufacturers’ Monthly reports. While the federal Coalition government, in its 2019 budget, recognised the need for greater enrolment of young people – and, in particular, … Continue reading Training the workforce of the future →

Industry 4.0 is here now and threatening to disrupt your business. It’s not too late to prepare; start with your people and up-skill them for an integrated, automated manufacturing supply chain. You’ve probably heard the term “Industry 4.0” bandied about – the fourth industrial revolution, the next thing you need to worry about. An automated, integrated … Continue reading Are you ready for the next revolution? Prepare your people for the Industry 4.0 →

Reports of a deal between the federal government and Centre Alliance on gas prices have manufacturing bodies calling for decisive solutions. A condition of the minor party’s approval of the government’s income tax cut package, Centre Alliance senators have lobbied for reductions in the price of gas, partly through limitations on the export of gas. … Continue reading Industry groups urge for significant reform to gas prices →

Numbers released by the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) as part of their ongoing tracking of the manufacturing sector indicate that June was a mixed month for the sector. The Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) While production and exports expanded, other activity indexes contracted, with employment down by 5.5 points, new orders down 2.5 … Continue reading June’s PMI: A mixed month for manufacturers →

In collaboration with the national industry associations of G20 countries, the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has called for action to confront the dissolution of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement system. The WTO established the rule-based framework that Australian manufacturing businesses that rely on international exports and imports depend upon. With Australia’s export … Continue reading Ai Group joins call for stable international trade regime →

The Australian Industry Group’s (Ai Group) Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI) has remained in expansionary territory at 52.7 points in May. It marks the 33rd consecutive month of stability and reading over the 50-point mark. Despite its positive streak, the PMI has dipped 2.1 points from the previous month, indicating a slower rate … Continue reading Australia PMI recovery slows in May →

The Ai Group has welcomed Australia’s entry to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on government procurement. Australia will become the 48th member of the agreement once it joins in May 2019. In April 10, Ai Group chief executive, Innes Willox, said Australia’s accession to the WTO government procurement agreement will provide Australian exporters with … Continue reading WTO agreement gives Australian exporters greater transparency →

Manufacturing entered 2019 with a lot of momentum built up over the past 2-3 years. 85,000 jobs were created by the industry in 2018, among the highest of any sector according to the ABS. It has been a period of growth with change, as a new model of manufacturing success emerges from the twin currents … Continue reading This Year’s Model: Priorities for Australian Manufacturing in 2019 →