A message from Jens Goennemann
2018 has been a year of innovation, transformation and growth for Australian manufacturing.
The Australian Industry Group’s Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) remains in an expanding position at 51.3 marking 26 months’ consecutive growth across the manufacturing sector—the longest run of expansion since 2005.
In tandem with this growth, the manufacturing sector added over 100,000 new jobs this year alone and is now responsible for employing more than 1.3 million Australians, equivalent to over 10% of our country’s total workforce.
This revitalised manufacturing industry performance is positive news for the sector. It reflects burgeoning confidence levels across Australia’s entire economy and is indicative of the changing nature and advancement of manufacturing in Australia.
Throughout 2018, AMGC continued to support the development of a world-leading advanced manufacturing sector in Australia. We committed to over 30 projects across the country, with more lined up in the new year. The projects commenced in 2018 is expected to deliver over 1,100 new jobs, $250 million in revenue, and $18.3 million worth of funding.
We reached thousands of manufacturers through events, media and our newly launched monthly newsletter: AMGC Industry Edge. As a result, our membership is growing exponentially, with one new organisation joining the AMGC community—a vibrant ecosystem of like-minded participants who care about developing a more innovative, globally competitive manufacturing sector—every day.
One of our newest members is Native Secrets, who is featured in this month’s Better Together column. Be sure to read their story of collaboration with the University of New South Wales and perhaps even peruse their range of products. I can personally attest to the quality of their essential oils; the AMGC office regularly enjoys their oils in our vaporizer.
I believe 2018 will be viewed as the turning point in our industry. Overall, the perception of manufacturing has shifted. The very nature of the industry itself is transforming, and there are clear signs of expansion and prosperity. Australians realise that manufacturing stands for opportunity, and have a government that is committed to supporting business in general and manufacturing in particular.
I look forward to 2019, and am confident that it will be a highly successful year for AMGC, our members, and the wider Australian manufacturing industry.