Manufacturing is taking centre stage in Queensland this week as the state hosts Australian Manufacturing Week 2026 for the first time in the event’s more than 20-year history, according to the Queensland Government.
The week-long exhibition, which opened today in Brisbane, is expected to attract more than 7,000 attendees from across Australia and overseas, showcasing manufacturing capabilities spanning food and beverage production, aerospace technologies and mining equipment.
In a media release, the Queensland Government said the event reflects its focus on building a “globally competitive and future-ready manufacturing industry” as part of its broader economic agenda.
It noted that Queensland’s manufacturing sector contributes more than $29 billion to the state economy, with the government highlighting support through its five-year Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, alongside investments including the $79.1 million Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program and new Manufacturing Hubs in Toowoomba and on the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said hosting the exhibition reinforced the state’s position in advanced manufacturing.
“Queensland is open for business and Australian Manufacturing Week provides an important opportunity for local Queensland companies to connect with industry leaders, attract global investment and expand into new markets,” Last said.
“The Crisafulli Government brought Australian Manufacturing Week to Queensland because we are ready to awaken Queensland’s sleeping giant.”
Last said recent global disruptions had highlighted the importance of sovereign manufacturing capability and supply chain resilience.
“Events like pandemics, political unrest, and trade and supply chain disruptions continue to highlight the importance of self-sufficiency and sovereign manufacturing capability and the Crisafulli Government is committed to accelerating the future of manufacturing right here in Queensland,” he said.
The exhibition also includes local manufacturers from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast, with some businesses providing site tours during the event.
Lorraine Maxwell, chief executive of AMTIL, said the event would help showcase Queensland manufacturers to national and international audiences.
“Queensland is home to a growing number of innovative manufacturers. Australian Manufacturing Week 2026 will highlight the strength of this local industry while continuing to serve as a national platform for showcasing excellence in advanced manufacturing,” Maxwell said.
“Australian Manufacturing Week gives local Queensland businesses the opportunity to connect with global manufacturers and share experiences, build capability and experience new technologies to advance their operations.”
