Exclusives

Manufacturing companies worldwide are increasingly gearing up for a significant transformation with environmental sustainability at the centre. This comes amid stronger environmental regulations, a shift in consumer behaviour, and the industrial sector delves deeper into Industry 4.0. 

Australia has faced ongoing concerns over medicine supply in recent years, with reliance on imported pharmaceuticals and periodic shortages prompting greater attention on domestic manufacturing capability and supply chain resilience. 

Amid rapid technological progress and dynamic shifts in the business environment, businesses across all sectors must remain ahead of the curve. Brad Kasell, a seasoned expert in business intelligence and technology at Domo, a cloud-native data experiences innovator, shares his perspective on the emerging trends reshaping the manufacturing sector.

In 2020, Kyocera AVX, a US-based global manufacturer of advanced electronic components, spearheaded a plan to globalise all the systems across its manufacturing facilities located around the globe. 

Australian manufacturers are poised for unprecedented access to US and UK defence markets under the AUKUS partnership, presenting long-term contracts, deeper supply chain integration, and industrial growth. 

As the Australian manufacturing sector faces the challenges and transformations that come with rapid globalisation, the role of digital technology within the industry has never been more critical. 

Digital transformation technologies are experiencing a gold rush in the manufacturing industry, not just in Australia but beyond. However, amid this surge in cutting-edge tech and automation processes, a fundamental element remains crucial: trust.

The arrival of technological advancements in manufacturing has ushered in a new era of innovations and challenges for smart factories. For businesses in the era of Industry 4.0, data analytics serves as the driving force for revolutionising manufacturing processes and addressing new challenges that come with it. 

Sustainability has become a significant driving force in the global food supply chain as the demand for alternative products increasingly pressures manufacturers and distributors into abandoning single-use non-biodegradable plastic packaging.

Global building materials manufacturer Mapei has commenced construction on a new $60 million manufacturing facility in Truganina, Melbourne, in a move the company says will significantly expand its Australian production capacity and strengthen its role in supporting major infrastructure projects.