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Manufacturing a Manufacturing Ecosystem on the Sunshine Coast
Manage episode 416844351 series 3532450
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On the fifth episode of Coast and Commerce, season two, Ben Amos interviews Tim Kelly, the leader of the Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) on the Sunshine Coast. Tim discusses the thriving manufacturing industry on the Sunshine Coast, highlighting companies like Country Chef, Protector Aluminium, and Zone RV that are achieving world-class manufacturing. He explains MEF's role in supporting local manufacturers through networking, events, and connecting them with resources and grants. The conversation highlights the importance of advanced manufacturing, automation, and attracting top talent to the region while providing job pathways for young people on the coast. Tim emphasises MEF's efforts to change the perception of manufacturing and create a self-sustaining ecosystem that can position the Sunshine Coast as a manufacturing hub.
Takeaways
• The Sunshine Coast has a robust manufacturing industry with around 1,400 manufacturers employing over 8,500 people and contributing 20% of the region's total exports.
• Notable companies like Country Chef, Protector Aluminium, Kilcoy Global Foods, Zone RV are doing world-class manufacturing on the Sunshine Coast.
• The Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) supports local manufacturers through networking events, connecting them to resources/grants, and providing advice.
• MEF aims to attract and retain top talent in STEM fields by engaging students through programs like the eVTOL autonomous air taxi project.
• Addressing labour shortages and housing affordability are key challenges, making automation and advanced manufacturing critical for future competitiveness.
• MEF is working to change perceptions that manufacturing jobs are "dirty, dull, dangerous" and position the region as an attractive manufacturing hub.
• With a fun, ‘not taking themselves serious’ attitude as "MEF heads", the forum tries to make manufacturing engaging and facilitate meaningful connections.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:12 Specializing in Helicopter Fitouts
04:30 Supporting Growth and Diversifying the Economy
06:52 Introduction to the Benefits of Having Businesses in the Sunshine Coast
09:11 The Importance of Supporting Local Manufacturers
11:18 Connecting Businesses with Local Suppliers
13:32 Introduction to MEF and its Support for Early-Stage Startup Manufacturers
15:40 Supporting Manufacturing Businesses
19:50 Promoting Manufacturing and Innovation on the Sunshine Coast
22:07 The Power of Mentors
24:12 Catalyzing Change and Creating a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
26:20 Creating Connections and Scaling Good Interactions
27:31 The Problematic Issue of Housing Availability and Cost
28:14 The Need for a Cultural Shift in Perception towards Manufacturing
29:11 Attracting Top Talent for Driving Innovation
29:11 The Power of Banter
30:12 The Manufacturing Excellence Forum
30:57 Advocacy for Manufacturing
31:19 Stay Informed
14 episodes
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