The Andrews Labor Government is backing Victorian businesses so they can harness the benefits of digitally enhanced manufacturing – creating jobs and boosting the economy.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today visited Swinburne University’s Factory of the Future to announce $2 million from the Labor Government for a new Advanced Manufacturing Industry 4.0 Hub.
The hub will provide tailored advice and training to local manufacturers to help them use digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, smart robotics and virtual reality to grow their business.
The hub forms part of the Labor Government’s Advancing Manufacturing Statement and will be delivered by Swinburne University – one of the nation’s leaders in shaping Industry 4.0 policy.
It will leverage Swinburne University’s $100 million investment in advanced manufacturing infrastructure and expertise, which will be made available to local manufacturers through this initiative.
The Factory of the Future was established to increase industry capabilities in Industry 4.0 and provide training to the local workforce in operating advanced manufacturing systems.
It’s Australia’s first fully immersed Industry 4.0 facility, featuring the most cutting edge and globally connected technology including MindSphere – a cloud-based operating system developed by global technology giant Siemens.
Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy, with over 13,000 businesses employing more than 280,000 people.
Victorian manufacturing is thriving, recording 17 months of consecutive growth in the Australian Industry Group’s Performance Manufacturing Index – the longest run of expansion since 2001.
The growth in manufacturing is underpinned by the Labor Government’s $130 million in manufacturing support, which is creating over 6,000 jobs and driving $1.6 billion in private investment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Digital transformation of manufacturing is a game changer, which is why we’re creating a new Advanced Manufacturing Hub – to ensure Victorian businesses are well equipped to take advantage of this technology.”
“The hub will help local manufacturers unlock the opportunities that exist with digital technologies to transform their operations, and deliver cutting edge products and services.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020