Advanced standing for WSU facility

The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) recently hosted an inspiring workshop in collaboration with Western Sydney University (WSU).

Held at the Penrith (Kingswood) campus' Centre for Infrastructure Excellence, the workshop demonstrated how manufacturing and fabrication companies could diversify into the growing infrastructure sector.

AMGC National Director Michael Sharpe said the timely workshop explored the future of the Advanced Manufacturing sector – identified by Council and the Greater Sydney Commission as important for future jobs growth.

“The event included a tour of the innovative Centre for Infrastructure Excellence and featured Australia’s first Manufacturing Academy,” Mr Sharpe said.

This AMGC initiative is an online platform that offers free education, guidance and leadership for Australian manufacturers seeking advancement, competitiveness and growth.

“The Manufacturing Academy is an excellent source of real research, real stories and real insights from Australia's most informed and successful manufacturing minds,” Mr Sharpe said.

The Centre for Infrastructure Excellence is described by its Director, Professor Bijan Samali, as a leading test and research facility. It includes advanced laboratories for composites, structural dynamics and control, structural testing, fire testing, materials testing and hydraulic engineering.

“The Centre will play a key role in supporting upcoming transformational infrastructure projects in Greater Western Sydney and welcomes opportunities to engage with industry partners on advanced manufacturing through research and education,” Professor Samali said.

The event resulted from a collaboration between Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre National Director, Michael Sharpe and Visiting Fellow at WSU’s Centre for Infrastructure Engineering, Fariborz Moshfeghi-Nejad.

Mr Sharpe said the Centre for Infrastructure Engineering was the perfect venue for the workshop.

“The Centre aims to develop innovative solutions that address the effective design, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of civil infrastructure,” Mr Sharpe said. “And we know that a network of efficient and well-maintained infrastructure is crucial to the growth and prosperity of Australia.”

According to Mr Sharpe, every Australian manufacturer has the potential to be advanced.

“Manufacturing is undergoing a dramatic transformation, worldwide,” he said. “Manufacturers are creatively diversifying their focus across different stages of the manufacturing process, both before and after goods are produced. Advanced manufacturing is not about what you make, but how.”

Free workshop

Penrith Council will host a Futuremap workshop on 24 October. This free workshop will shine a light on leadership, strategy and innovation to help manufacturers think differently about the opportunities represented by emerging digital technologies and new business models.

You can find more information about the workshop here.

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING GROWTH CENTRE

The AMGC is an industry-led, not for profit organisation run by a board and management team of industry experts.

Established in 2015 as a key plank of the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Centre Initiative it drives innovation, productivity and competitiveness across Australia’s manufacturing industry.

The purpose of AMGC is to transform Australian Manufacturing to be more globally competitive and generate the demand for jobs. It shares respected research on how the industry can transform and puts that research into action by engaging with manufacturers and universities in high-impact projects and export hub opportunities.

AMGC encourages likeminded manufacturers and research institutions to join its ranks. Membership is open and free of charge. To become a member of AMGC, visit their website.