National Manufacturing Week 2016 began with buzz yesterday at Sydney Showground, with visitors offered a host of opportunities for innovation. The NMW product showcase reflected the changing face of industry, with advanced and automated technologies in all Product Zones, while the NMW Seminar Theatre provided a platform for vital discussions around leadership, collaboration and how local businesses can affordably access world-class research services.
Co-located with the Safety First Conference & Expo and Inside 3D Printing, NMW 2016 is Australia's largest, longest running manufacturing industry event. It's the event that brings industry together to gain information and inspiration for growth.
Among the hundreds of exhibitors at NMW are those presenting new products to the Australian market: including local start-up 3D Brink and Amaero Additive Manufacturing, both introducing new machines that can create - for the first time in the world - larger-sized 3D printed parts.
The broader NMW showcase features dynamic advances in materials, robotics and more: with Impact Robotics hosting Australia's first public demonstration of its Sawyer collaborative robot, ATOM showcasing a dispensing system for consumables and global powerhouse Saint-Gobain introducing its films, tapes and fabrics for engineered products.
Robert Hamilton, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics commented, "I was surprised by the number of people already waiting for the doors to open before NMW started - and within hours, we'd made contact with people who need our product for niche applications, and businesses who are already using our product inside another product - a great start indeed!"
NMW is also 'home' to organisations delivering real, practical assistance for business innovation. The NSW Dept of Industry has a team of advisors on Stand 2620 outlining assistance programs, including - in addition to grants and incentives - helping direct you to potential industry partners. KPMG is also participating in the event, with its consultants sharing ideas for business growth.
Robby Clark, Exhibition Director for NMW comments that Day 2 of National Manufacturing Week will present more opportunities for businesses seeking to innovate.
"Innovation is clearly a driving concern for Australian manufacturers. Businesses - both those who are visiting and those who are exhibiting at NMW - are actively seeking out information about how they can successfully develop the capacity to innovate - on their own and in partnership with Australian research and development organisations," Clark says.
Thursday's session schedule features three separate speakers - including from The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, Western Sydney University and AusIndustry - sharing strategies for growth by engaging Australia's research capabilities, followed by separate presentations on Skills Development and Funding for Innovation.
Day 2 of NMW will also feature a strong practical element, including Australia's first public demonstration of the Sawyer Collaborative Robot, as well as of welding and riveting innovations. The program will conclude with an evening Plastic Seminar, outlining technical advances in Injection Moulding and auxilliary processes.
NMW - held in Sydney just once every two years - runs through to Friday 13 May. Don't miss out! nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au - and join your peers in industry this week at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
For further information contact:
Tracy Pendergast 0411 034 868
Pentica PR for NMW 2016
