NSW builds advanced manufacturing sector

Media release | 31 May 2018

The NSW Government today launched a new strategy to transform NSW into a global leader in advanced manufacturing.

The NSW Advanced Manufacturing Industry Development Strategy includes a dozen initiatives to make NSW a beacon for advanced manufacturing investment and exports, ensuring it can provide the jobs of the future.

Minister for Industry, Niall Blair said the work in this strategy coordinates actions across government, industry and research institutions to ensure that NSW manufacturing firms have everything they need to stay at the cutting edge.

“Our manufacturers touch the lives of almost every person in NSW every day – they keep the economy turning, provide vital products and create jobs across the state,” Mr Blair said.

“I believe NSW needs a strong manufacturing sector to unlock the opportunities the future holds.

“What matters most is not what a firm makes, but how they make it – that is what defines advanced manufacturing. We want to encourage NSW manufacturing firms to build on their significant strengths and excel on the world stage.”

NSW firms generate almost 30 percent of the nation’s manufacturing output, totaling approximately $33 billion in industry value-added. The sector in NSW employs about 253,000 people, invests about $6.7 billion annually in R&D and exports products worth $2.4 billion.

NSW’s strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with industry and stakeholders, including the Commonwealth’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, which has helped to analyse the competitive strengths and potential of NSW manufacturers.

The NSW Advanced Manufacturing Industry Development Strategy is available at www.industry.nsw.gov.au/manufacturing