Innovative manufacturing
Manufacturing is Brisbane’s largest exporting industry, accounting for $10.8 billion (AUD), over one-third of total out-of-region exports. It generates more than $18.3 billion (AUD) for the Queensland economy and experienced a 3.7 per cent average annual growth in the five years to June 2009. Queensland’s innovative manufacturing industry has concentrated on specific niches to ensure long-term growth – advanced manufacturing, machinery and equipment, plastics and metals, packaging and recycling, and marine. It is also the only state where increases in sector employment are predicted for the next 20 years – currently 11,000 businesses employ nearly 190,000 people throughout Queensland .
Ongoing expansion of the resources industry in Queensland has resulted in significant opportunities for companies to supply much-needed technologies and machinery to large mining companies. With a new focus on oil and gas exploration and production, the current environment is one of accelerated growth.
Strong population growth means manufacturers enjoy well-established infrastructure as well as solid plans for future road and rail development. The Queensland Manufacturing Institute supports and promotes the sector through research and development, and training, whilst earmarked industrial land across Brisbane will provide development opportunities into the future.
Sub-sectors
Advanced manufacturing
Key sub-sectors in advanced manufacturing include sheet metal, micro-electronics, robotics and mineral processing technology.
Companies to have achieved success in Brisbane include:
• Advanced Metal Products – Australia’s largest manufacturer of sheet metal components.
• Alphapharm – one of Australia’s largest pharmaceutical companies that has its research, production and packaging facilities in Brisbane. It exports to more than 50 countries including those in Europe and the United States of America.
• Corbett Robotics – a research, design and manufacturing software business.
Machinery and equipment
Queensland’s booming mining industry is home to some of the world’s largest mining companies. Its substantial growth has created many opportunities for suppliers to service this market.
Companies successfully supporting the mining industry include:
• Komatsu – one of the world’s largest manufacturers of earthmoving equipment.
• Sandvick – a machinery and equipment manufacturer.
• Volvo Mack – a global truck and parts producer.
Plastics and metals
Unprecedented residential construction growth in Brisbane has fuelled demand for associated fabricated metal and plastic products. A leading manufacturer in this sector is EGR Plastics, the largest manufacturer of its core products in the world and supplier to automotive companies such as General Motors and the Ford Motor Company.
Packaging and recycling
Brisbane City Council is one of the largest city councils in the Asia-Pacific region, and it is well known for its environmental responsibility and innovation. Areas of specialisation are in paper, metal and plastics recycling and packaging.
Companies to have achieved success in Brisbane include:
• Astron Plastics – a resin products and recycling service provider.
• Reefway Environmental Services – one of Australia’s largest recyclers of construction and demolition waste.
• Simsmetal – the largest metals recycling operation in the Asia-Pacific.
Marine
Brisbane has emerged as a major centre for the production and maintenance of the rapidly expanding super yacht market. With over 252 marine companies and more than 43 per cent of the national industry’s turnover, Queensland is Australia’s largest boat building state.