By CASEY NEILL
EVEN Jayco mastermind Gerry Ryan learnt a thing or two at the Victorian Manufacturing Showcase.
He said 600 people attended the event at Chisholm Institute in Dandenong on Tuesday 27 October, up from 500 last year.
“Which is a 20 per cent increase – any business would like that type of increase,” he said.
“Manufacturing’s alive and well.”
Mr Ryan said the panel members had “actually done it” and shared ideas that would help others to improve.
“Even though I’ve reached some heights, I had some take away messages from every one of the presenters,” he said.
“I wrote three pages of notes, it was just fantastic.”
He said the event gave manufacturers an opportunity to network and work together.
“We get stuck in our businesses and don’t get to take time out,” he said.
“It was a great springboard for everyone to go back into their businesses and improve their businesses and their network of contacts.”
Industry Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced the $5 million Future Industries Fund Manufacturing Program at the event.
“This fund will support Victorian manufacturers to invest in new technologies and processes, and help to transition Victoria toward a high-tech manufacturing economy,” she said.
Ms D’Ambrosio said companies could apply for up to $500,000 to invest in new manufacturing technologies and processes that would create new jobs, increase productivity and boost economic growth.
South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) executive officer Adrian Boden said the cash could only be good news.
“What I like about what they’re saying is the innovation can be product, process, organisation … it depends what you’re trying to do,” he said.
“I think the government is recognising that innovation isn’t just product.”
Mr Boden said Peter Meek from Dandenong South yogurt producer Chobani and fruit industry supplier GP Graders shared their journeys.
“They were very clear on why they were successful,” he said.
Chisholm Institute engineering, electrotechnology and telecommunications associate director Paul Sadler said he picked up information he could take back to the classroom.
“I invited a 3D printer to come back and talk to the group that’s doing 3D printing,” he said.
“It wasn’t just about sitting there and listening to people speak.
“There was an opportunity for people to engage with senior leaders in manufacturing about their success stories, and try to glean some advice that they could use to improve their business.”
Bombardier managing director Rene Lalande said manufacturing in the transport industry was undergoing substantial changes right now.
“But with the positive outlook for public transport, the talent I have seen in our local enterprises, and the renewed efforts of our government to value local content, I know manufacturing has a real future in Victoria,” he said.
“I encourage you all to look not only outward, but inwards.
“Embrace the changes, and challenges, of the manufacturing industry – and ultimately, be part of it!”
