Small manufacturers funded to embrace digital technology
An industry-led project to help small Australian manufacturers increase their use of digital technology and boost their productivity has received $250,000 in funding through the Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
The project will help 17 Australian small and medium businesses apply robotics, cyber-physical systems and automation to their manufacturing process, and increase their ability to compete on price and value.
The project is being led by South Australian-based engineering and design company Dematec Automation Pty Ltd, which develops a suite of sensors and monitoring devices that can assist manufacturing companies to become more advanced in their industrial processes.
The $250,000 funding from AMGC, an industry-led organisation that drives innovation, productivity and competitiveness for Australian manufacturers, is matched by industry funding.
Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash said the Turnbull Government is assisting Australian manufacturing businesses to adopt new technologies so they can innovate, expand and create jobs.
“The 2018 Budget includes initiatives that will help businesses such as Dematec Automation grow and create jobs,” Minister Cash said.
“We’ve also extended funding for the current Industry Growth Centres by two years, enabling them to build on their initial success with Australian manufacturers,” she said.
“Funding in the Budget of $20 million will help Australian small to medium businesses to form local and regional business hubs so they can work together to access new export markets and global supply chains.”
The Federal Member for Boothby, Nicolle Flint, said it was encouraging to see local South Australian manufacturing companies like Dematec Automation taking advantage of technology to remain competitive.
“Many innovative companies are already investing in digital technologies as part of their business planning and operations and projects like this will help others to boost their competitiveness,” Ms Flint said.
“The Turnbull Government is ensuring our manufacturers can adopt new technologies, innovate and continue to create jobs for South Australians.”
