The global manufacturing sector is witnessing a seismic shift in its automation approach as companies worldwide, big or small, grapple with the ongoing labour shortage and skills gap within the industry. 

Australia could strengthen its domestic battery manufacturing sector by producing key lithium-ion battery components locally, with a new CSIRO report identifying opportunities to build on the country’s existing aluminium, copper and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Australia’s craft and manufacturing sector has significant economic and productive potential, but gaps in national recognition, workforce development and domestic production capacity are limiting its visibility, according to a new report from the Australian Crafts Alliance.

The Western Australian Government has opened the ninth round of its Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program, making $5 million available for projects that support manufacturing, create jobs and drive economic growth across regional communities, including the Peel region.

Australia has showcased its life sciences research, clinical trial and manufacturing capabilities to Japanese industry representatives at BioJapan 2026, with a record 23 Australian organisations participating in the event under the Team Australia banner.

Western Australia's manufacturing sector has been recognised in the 2026 WA Innovators of the Year Awards, with a new Advanced Manufacturing category introduced as nine winners and two runners-up shared more than $310,000 in prize money.

Four Australian stainless steel projects across food processing, construction, data centres and advanced engineering have been recognised for their contributions to the country's manufacturing and fabrication industry at the 2026 Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) Fabricator Project of the Year Awards.

Global manufacturing activity continued to expand in October, although rising input costs, material shortages and supplier delivery delays added pressure on manufacturers, according to the latest J.P. Morgan Global Manufacturing PMI data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Has wondering where and how you should be using AI within your operations become the latest worry to be added to an already long list? If you answered in the affirmative, you’re in good company. 

Gold Coast skincare manufacturer MooGoo Skincare will expand its local manufacturing capacity with support from a $1.3 million Queensland Government grant, a move expected to create 25 jobs and upskill 42 existing workers.

The NSW Government has opened Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a development partner to deliver a new Enterprise Precinct at Bradfield City in Western Sydney, with the proposed development expected to support advanced manufacturing and other emerging industries.