New technologies can deliver significant productivity gains and make companies more responsive to customers and competitive changes. Many manufacturers are being held back by lack of information and a sense they need to make ‘all-or-nothing’ changes. Hear how getting expert advice, making a plan, learning from others, and starting small can help you to implement the right technology for your needs.

Panelists:

Nicole Davidson,  Marketing Manager, Davidson Engineering

Nicole has 25 years of experience running a small steel fabrication business and a farm with her husband in rural Victoria.  After the invention of Davo’s Fencing Clip in 2017, Nicole took on the marketing role with no experience. Looking to social media, Nicole has taken Davo’s Fencing Clip from concept to sales of $250,000 in just 2 years. Now, taking international orders, Davidson’s are investing in state of the art wire bending technology, and have tapped into alternative internet technology to solve communication problems in a rural setting, while still keeping her customer interactions personal and tailored.

Jo Hugman, Industry 4.0 Team Leader, REDARC

Jo Hugman is a Process Engineer and MBA graduate with 20 years experience in Advanced Manufacturing.  Jo has worked in Aluminium Smelting, Photovoltaic Solar Cell Manufacturing, Oil and Gas Production and Electronics manufacturing.  Jo is also an Industry Leaders Fund scholar.  She is currently working as Industry 4.0 Team Leader at REDARC electronics where she is accountable for implementing the Industry 4.0 strategy for the Supply Chain and Production areas of the Company.

Alfredo Martinez-Coll, Director, Business Relationships (Biomedical), University of Technology Sydney

Alfredo has joined UTS as a Director, Business Relationships (Biomedical Engineering) and is focused on increasing the level of industry engagement / investment into FEIT around Biomedical capabilities. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Registered Technology Transfer Professional and a member of the National Advisory Group of AusMedTech (Medical Devices Group of AusBiotech). Alfredo is passionate about engaging with researchers, investors, and industry in the life sciences / medtech sector assisting with the translation of research discoveries into social impact; with particular expertise around Australian Government industry-focused granting schemes.

Michael Haddy, State Director South Australia, National Director Defence and Space, AMGC

Michael commenced as Director – South Australia in April 2018, and is based in Adelaide. Michael has a three-decade-long background in business, commercialisation and software engineering. He founded Innovation Science in 1999, a company that has developed and deployed combat system simulation and specialist systems, and provided engineering expertise in Australia, the UK and Canada. He has served different senior roles at Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation Program, an initiative that delivers guidance and prototype solutions for Defence projects, between 2010 and 2017.

Michael Sharpe, National Director Industry, AMGC

Michael joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre in 2017 and is the National Director – Industry. Michael has vast industrial experience including nearly three decades at Sharpe Bros (Australia), one of the nation’s leading road companies. From 2004 -2014, he served as Managing Director of the family business. From 2012 – 2016, he was on the board of HunterNet, a successful industry clustering initiative in the Hunter and Central Coast region and served as Chairman for a one-year period.

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Access to capital is a perennial problem for smaller business, and particularly for manufacturers looking to invest in advanced technology. Preparing loan applications, financial modelling and navigating grant processes require different skills than those used for the day-to-day running of a manufacturing business. Learn about practical steps you can take to increase your chances of securing funding and how manufacturers have accessed capital for their own businesses.

Panelists:

Alexandra Hordern, Director, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

With a background in law and strong family ties to small business, Alexandra’s career spans across both the private and public sectors that intersect with small business. Alexandra has worked in industry bodies and private businesses, advocating to government. She spends her spare time with friends and family and enjoys bushwalking.

Adam Gilmour, CEO and Co-founder, Gilmour Space Technologies

Adam Gilmour is the CEO and Co-founder of Gilmour Space Technologies, a venture-funded rocket company in Queensland that is developing more affordable launch vehicles for small satellite/payload customers. A lifelong space fan, Adam believes that rockets can be made smaller, cheaper, faster, and that the New Space industry, and Australia, would benefit greatly from having more dedicated access to space.

Michael Reznikov, Associate Director for SME, NSW & ACT, Export Finance Australia

As Associate Director for SME, NSW and ACT, Michael is responsible for implementing and executing Export Finance Australia’s origination strategy for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in NSW and the ACT. Working closely with clients, banks and other industry contacts, Michael provides tailored financial solutions to support a company’s growth aspirations when expanding offshore and winning export or export-related contracts.

Mark Peters, State Director Queensland and Northern Territory, National Director Projects, AMGC

Mark joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre in 2017 as State Director, Queensland and Northern Territory. Mark’s role is to support Queensland and Northern Territory manufacturers to transform their business to become more globally competitive. Previously, Mark worked as a Business Advisor as part of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme. He has worked with hundreds of firms covering diverse industries, such as, manufacturing, resources, agriculture, medical and transport. Mark has a commercial background as a CEO with companies in the process control and motion control industries.

Michael Sharpe, National Director Industry, AMGC

Michael joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre in 2017 and is the National Director – Industry. Michael has vast industrial experience including nearly three decades at Sharpe Bros (Australia), one of the nation’s leading road companies. From 2004 -2014, he served as Managing Director of the family business. From 2012 – 2016, he was on the board of HunterNet, a successful industry clustering initiative in the Hunter and Central Coast region and served as Chairman for a one-year period.

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Hiring the right people can be difficult, but it is crucial for long-term success. Australia has a talent pool, as well as international hires, who could be a good fit for roles across the value chain. Reaching talented people can require thought about how and where a company should advertise. Learn how you can use Australian manufacturing’s strength to reach the right person for your role.

Panelists:

David Fox, General Manager, LA Services

David began his working life as an apprentice fitter machinist in 1988. He joined LA Services in 2006 as a Project Manager, he became involved in larger projects supplying custom engineered equipment for oil & gas majors in Australia.  These experiences highlighted the impacts and opportunities such manufacturing had on LA Services business. In 2012 David return to UTS undertaking a Master of Engineering by research part time focusing on project management in the SME engineered-to-order space. In 2016 his role fully transitioned into management responsibilities and the planning of LA Services future.

Michael Grogan, State Director Victoria and Tasmania, National Director Skills and Training, AMGC

Michael commenced as State Director, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania in May 2016, and is based near Melbourne. Michael joined AMGC having led Sutton Tools for almost two decades as CEO. Under his leadership, Sutton Tools employed 350 workers across three locations in Victoria.  Michael champions skill development and collaboration across the VET and Tertiary education sectors, and is active in training packages development.

Michael Sharpe, National Director Industry, AMGC

Michael joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre in 2017 and is the National Director – Industry. Michael has vast industrial experience including nearly three decades at Sharpe Bros (Australia), one of the nation’s leading road companies. From 2004 -2014, he served as Managing Director of the family business. From 2012 – 2016, he was on the board of HunterNet, a successful industry clustering initiative in the Hunter and Central Coast region and served as Chairman for a one-year period.

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Many skills gaps can be filled by developing the abilities of existing employees. Company culture has a big effect on employee retention and many successful manufacturers make it a priority. Join us for a conversation on how a collaborative culture that prioritises communication and invites employees to speak up can make businesses more productive and innovative.

Panelists:

Chris Bridges-Taylor, Executive Director, B&R Group
Chris Bridges-Taylor is an Executive Director at B&R Enclosures, supplier of an extensive range of products standard and custom built enclosures, data racks and cabinets for residential, industrial, mining, data, Telco, hazardous area applications. B&R is a family business started by her father over 60 years ago employ over 300 people across 4 countries. After 25 years running B&R with her brother, Chris’s is moving her focus to their Family Office, Bridges Capital Ventures, while still supporting members of the third generation take up leadership of the business. B&R truly is a family business, with a dedication to manufacturing for the long term. For B&R Industry 4.0 is a key business strategy, driving growth, locally in Australia and in their international markets.

George Laggis, Beyond Blue Ambassador
George Laggis is a senior finance executive and chartered accountant with diverse experience of over 25 years in the FMCG, Distribution/Retail and Telco sectors. He is currently the General Manager Finance in the automotive services sector.

Informed by his own lived experience of mental illness and embracing his self-awareness and vulnerability, George is an active and vocal advocate and educator of workplace mental health. This has captivated his earnest desire to ensure the health and wellbeing of individuals throughout diverse communities, in particularly the corporate sector. 

George is a volunteer speaker for Beyond Blue, a national organisation that works to raise awareness about anxiety and depression, reduce the associated stigma and encourage people to get help.

Darren Naumann, Industry Facilitator, AMGC
Darren joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre as Industry Facilitator in May 2020. He works closely with industry to secure Australian PPE supply chains and local manufacturing capability. Darren served for over 30 years as an engineer in the Australian Army. His roles included a range of leadership, military engineering and infrastructure management appointments including command of the Army’s 19th Chief Engineer Works, and exchange postings with the RAAF, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the UK Ministry of Defence.  In his last appointment with Defence he managed the national Defence capital infrastructure program. Following retirement from Defence, Darren led the recovery program after the 2015 NSW Hunter Valley and Central Coast floods. He currently provides strategic infrastructure, governance, emergency management, procurement, and Defence advisory services to public and private sector clients.

Michael Sharpe, National Director Industry, AMGC
Michael joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre in 2017 and is the National Director – Industry. Michael has vast industrial experience including nearly three decades at Sharpe Bros (Australia), one of the nation’s leading road companies. From 2004 -2014, he served as Managing Director of the family business. From 2012 – 2016, he was on the board of HunterNet, a successful industry clustering initiative in the Hunter and Central Coast region and served as Chairman for a one-year period.

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Companies that export can transform their growth trajectory and profitability. Export opportunities are often ‘out of sight, out of mind’, and easily missed. Hear how other manufacturers have extended their market reach and how you can increase the likelihood of finding the right overseas partner.

Panelists:

Susan Cull, Chief Executive Officer, ICT International Pty Ltd
Susan Cull has thirty-six years’ experience in development and management of ICT International, a role she has shared with her husband Dr Peter Cull. Combined they have developed ICT International into a world-class export focused technology company which designs, manufactures and deploys bespoke, integrated, wireless monitoring solutions for commercial agriculture, and for scientific research in the natural and built environment. In 2006 ICT International commenced an R&D program, the company dedicating 16-20% of its annual turnover to development of product. This has produced a family of unique digital instruments for monitoring of plant, soil and environmental parameters. These are now exported to over 51 countries annually, from its regional base, Armidale.

Peter Cull, Director, ICT International Pty Ltd
In the early 1980’s, Dr Peter Cull, having completed his PhD in irrigation monitoring, sought to expand his research and bring together scientific theories with their practical applications especially in soil and plant sciences. For Peter, water was always the key, and he believed that developing precision instruments to accurately measure, monitor and understand water would make a significant difference to some of the major challenges in food production and land use. Since then, Peter and his wife Susan have developed ICT International into a highly successful manufacturing and export company providing scientific measuring and monitoring solutions in some of the world’s harshest and most vulnerable environments.

Isaac Edmiston, Sales and Marketing Director, Norweld
Isaac joined Norweld Australia in 2007 as an adult apprentice after a career in hospitality. After a short apprenticeship he moved into a management role before becoming a partner in the business in 2016. A love for fishing, camping and travel allowed him to connect with his customer based and expand the Norweld brand on a National and International level.

Matt Bromwich, CEO, IntelliDesign
Matt has over 15 years experience in the design and manufacture of complex electronic devices across a range of industries including medical, defence, industrial and consumer. He has helped IntelliDesign to become the largest electronics manufacturer in Queensland with a growing portfolio of national and international customers. IntelliDesign is focused on working with it’s customers in creating innovative, game-changing products by providing a true end-to-end design and manufacture model with ongoing support for the life of the product.

Mark Peters, State Director Queensland and Northern Territory, National Director Projects, AMGC 

Mark joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre in 2017 as State Director, Queensland and Northern Territory. Mark’s role is to support Queensland and Northern Territory manufacturers to transform their business to become more globally competitive. Previously, Mark worked as a Business Advisor as part of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme. He has worked with hundreds of firms covering diverse industries, such as, manufacturing, resources, agriculture, medical and transport. Mark has a commercial background as a CEO with companies in the process control and motion control industries.

Michael Sharpe, National Director Industry, AMGC

Michael joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre in 2017 and is the National Director – Industry. Michael has vast industrial experience including nearly three decades at Sharpe Bros (Australia), one of the nation’s leading road companies. From 2004 -2014, he served as Managing Director of the family business. From 2012 – 2016, he was on the board of HunterNet, a successful industry clustering initiative in the Hunter and Central Coast region and served as Chairman for a one-year period.

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