“Quicklook” Assessment of Greater Adelaide's Assets & Challenges ...

MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing Interview
These notes are based on interviews with people knowledgeable of a variety of
manufacturing industry information. The date of the interview was Monday, 9 th of July,
2001. This is a compilation of notes from Nick Daley, Anna Hardesty, Simi Shonowo
and Barbara Fossum.
Quotes
“Industry Development needs to be considered so important that it is taken off the
political agenda”
Background of South Australian Centre For Manufacturing (SACFM)
• SACFM charter is to help technology companies accomplish outcomes better.
• SACFM is leaving areas of money making and going more into a consulting role
to raise money for the portion of expenses not covered by the government
funding.
• SACFM narrowed the base in mid 1990’s to focus on Automotive, Engineering,
Water development, Foundry and Tooling.
• They turn away lifestyle businesses that are not manufacturing related.
• Based on policy direction, SACFM’s current priorities are the – Food, Electronics,
and Water industries; alternate list: Auto, Metals, IT, and Biotechnology.
What SACFM does
• Roles – support manufacturing after Holden’s headquarters moved.
• Help skilled shops grow to become small businesses.
• International bench marking for small companies in Australia.
• Expose small companies to the latest technologies to help them stay competitive
– when the technology diffuses and becomes commonplace SACFM leaves the
market.
• Facilitate small companies working together.
• Try to help bring together and manage the assets of manufacturing industry
better.
• Promote the Manufacturing industry and change the image by utilizing:
‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award, manufacturing learning centers, and ‘Make it in
Manufacturing’ campaign.
Case studies ideas
• Introduction of Rapid prototyping
• General Motors Holden Engine Manufacturing plant – lost opportunity
• Creating ATS for tooling companies to work together to win contracts as a group
Issues
• Industry should collaborate to create a national industrial policy, including industry
mix.
• Need to change the image of manufacturing in South Australia because it
employs about 16% of South Australia.
• No longer have many apprenticeships. Should there be a return of
apprenticeships for the education in manufacturing?
• Setting Industrial policy direction is not as collaborative a process as it could be,
between government and business groups.
• Need people with depth and breadth of information in technology industry (need
to think in terms of the supply chain and long term instead of focus on the one
trick that will make the company rich).
• Need to attract adequate management skill for the Manufacturing Industry to SA.
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