Manufacturing
Tasmania’s manufacturing sector has evolved over decades to focus on advanced design and production.
Incredibly rich and diverse, Tasmanian manufacturing consists of a wide range of companies across many different subsectors including food production, primary metal and metal product manufacturing, wood product manufacturing, transport equipment manufacturing, and beverage product manufacturing.
Diversity, competitiveness and collaboration
To develop and maintain an effective and efficient manufacturing sector, Tasmanian manufacturing businesses have embraced a strong culture of lean and continuous improvement.
They focus on enhancing skills, new technologies, design and systems integration, and collaboration to drive innovation and growth through their value chain.
Tasmanian manufacturers have a distinct edge due to their strongly integrated and mature supply chains, allowing them to respond quickly to new and niche opportunities, including the capability to scale-up from smaller, bespoke products to large manufacturing projects.
Tasmania’s manufacturers, professional services and research and education institutions are similarly very closely connected and collaboration is high in both product and process development.
The capabilities of businesses are well known in the industry, and strong peer relationships exist in the closely networked sector, supported by proactive local industry associations
Stable, skilled and competitive workforce
Manufacturing businesses in Tasmania have a long history which has created a skill-base and work culture that embraces sophisticated, modern manufacturing systems. We are part of the global production supply chain which attracts and supports globally competitive companies including large-scale corporations such as Caterpillar, Elphinstone, Simplot, Cadbury and McCain Foods.
The establishment of Tasmania’s Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Burnie houses an Original Equipment Manufacturer facility and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned Simulated Work Environment, driving and sustaining culture of innovation through Tasmania’s manufacturing supply chains.
Renewable energy
Tasmania’s renewable energy proposition is unique in the nation. Tasmania's energy is derived on-island from clean, renewable sources such as hydro and wind energy. As a state, Tasmania is 100 per cent renewable and is set to become a net exporter of renewables by 2026.
This aim is supported through new projects such as the Project Marinus interconnector, proposed wind generation, and the Battery of the Nation suite of projects which provide even more opportunities for businesses across the state.
This abundance of renewable energy sets Tasmania apart and offers a strong proposition for a major low-cost hydrogen industry which is actively being pursued and encouraged.
These developments offer substantial opportunity for manufacturing development within Tasmania both for new manufacturing operations and in support of existing manufacturing facilities.
With increasing global attention on reducing carbon emissions, Tasmania offers a significant competitive advantage for companies who have committed to, or are planning to commit to, reducing their emissions. Through Tasmania’s combination of the renewable energy sources, businesses have access to 100 per cent renewable energy in their manufacturing operations.
Digitalisation
As a sector, manufacturing is recognised as one of the most innovation-intensive parts of our economy. High performing businesses have become leaders in adaptation through investment in new technology and practices, and through providing exceptional customer service.
Technologies are converging and companies are grappling with requirements to embed smart technologies within their products to meet customer expectations and an increasingly connected Internet of Things (IoT) system.
Tasmania is home to an increasing number of companies that are readily embracing these emerging technologies and newly emerging advanced manufacturing enterprises are a direct result of new opportunities, markets and products.
Tasmania’s uptake of advancements in digitisation, connectivity, robotics, automation and artificial intelligence, coupled with relatively low staffing and commercial lease costs, provide significant opportunities for businesses to maintain competitiveness in the ever-increasing connected world.
Thriving Tasmanian-based start-ups range from cybersecurity services and circuit board manufacturing to software development and IoT applications.
These companies are broader than information and communication technology providers, they incorporate technology and service businesses with a reach into advanced manufacturing, food and agribusiness, consulting, engineering and other sectors.
