Manufacturing industry’s success depends on innovation

Minister for Industry and Innovation Greg Combet toured an electrical manufacturing plant in the lower Hunter Valley in early February. In a media release, Combet cited innovation as the key to its growth.

Ampcontrol - a supplier of electrical and electronic solutions to the mining, power and energy sectors - manufactures ‘smart’ electrical components at its Cameron Park plant.

“Since opening this plant four years ago, employment has doubled, turnover has tripled and the company already has plans underway to expand into the future,” Combet said. “The future success of Australia’s manufacturing industry, including for companies based in the Hunter, will depend heavily on their ability to innovate or improve productivity and competitiveness.”

Among the innovative solutions the company has implemented are its iMac monitoring and control system, mining relays and gas detection equipment.

Ampcontrol has strong links with the University of Newcastle, participating in the University’s ResTech project. This has been helped by the government’s research funding and grants programs that aim to connect academia and the commercial sector.

“Like many successful small and medium manufacturers in Australia, Ampcontrol are meeting the current economic challenges by embracing innovation as part of their long term strategy,” Combet said.

“Their investment in the research, design and production of new technologies means they are well placed to offer solutions to the power, mining and energy sectors, allowing smarter supply, decreased costs and safer workplaces.”

The Gillard Government offers funding support and tax incentives for investment in innovation, from R&D to commercialisation and manufacturing, Combet’s office said. “Improving the competitiveness of Australian industries is an important part of my new portfolio responsibility as the Minister for Industry and Innovation,” he added.