Manufacturing ‘healthy’

– Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong manufacturers have conducted their own investigation to challenge reports suggesting the manufacturing industry is on a downward spiral.
South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Alliance (SEMMA) conducted an internal survey of more than 110 members, consisting of large and small manufacturers, quizzing them on the state of manufacturing in the south east.
SEMMA executive officer Paul Dowling said industry reports and articles in daily newspapers over the past several months had reported negative trends in the manufacturing industry. He said the bad publicity might deter young people from wanting to work in manufacturing.
But once SEMMA members replied to the survey, Mr Dowling said the results painted a different picture for Melbourne’s south east.
“The results of our survey indicate that manufacturing in the south east region is alive and healthy, and continues to offer great career prospects for those wanting to enter the industry,” he said.
According to 27 per cent of respondents, projected earnings would be lower in 2006 than 2005, but Mr Dowling said this was due to 2005 being a record year for businesses and did not indicate that the industry was on a downward spiral.
Additionally, members said the difference would be ‘marginal’.
“As a result of this survey, SEMMA is delighted to conclude that manufacturing in this region – although not without its challenges, which SEMMA members continue to vigorously address via our programs, workshops and information sessions – is very much alive and healthy.”
Mr Dowling has sent the results of the SEMMA survey to Manufacturing and Export Minister Andre Haermeyer, Premier Steve Bracks and Treasurer John Brumby.