New 10-year plan to 'reform' SA manufacturing sector

26/10/2012 - South Australia has launched a 10-year strategy to reform the state's manufacturing sector.

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Premier Jay Weatherill said the $11 million plan set out a series of new programs to respond to economic conditions that threaten the future of manufacturing industries.

"South Australia's manufacturers employ more than 73,000 people and are operating under conditions which have dramatically changed, particularly because of the high Australian dollar," Weatherill said on Thursday.

"We need to compete with other countries by making products that are niche, high-value products, rather than cheap products, made by workers on low wages.

"Under our advanced manufacturing strategy, we will grow high-tech precincts with clusters of small businesses coming together to share knowledge and ideas, as well as work closely with universities and other institutions."

The strategy will also develop a network of manufacturing executives who will use their experience to mentor others in the sector, provide government funding for a pilot program to help small businesses become more innovative and include a voucher system to help firms connect with researchers.

Manufacturing Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the strategy would enhance innovation, upgrade the leadership, knowledge and skills of the workforce and address infrastructure and policy gaps.

Source: AAP

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Have your say...

dave d | 26/10/2012 10:49 1

Would be nice to hear from our illustrious leader that they are throwing their support behind this initiative instead of financing O'seas owned Auto manufacturers and pointing manufacturers to China.

max | 26/10/2012 10:54 2

Another 11 million down the toilet. Let me tell you about Mr T and how he has treated manufacturing in this state.1.8 Billion for the Desal which was imported from Spain(numerous problems with quality hence it is being moth balled) ,New RAH 1.8 Billion,structual steel from China, labor imported from Manila. When quizzed on why all government projects are not given to contractors in this state his answer "It is commercial in confidence"What a crock .The only way we can get SA back to where it should be ,is not waste any more money on a talk fest but be more transparent and give us poor manufacturers in this great state a chance

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