Brisbane – August 31st , 2007 – ManufactureLink today announced that they have achieved a major milestone in registering their 1000th buyer. This figure represents significant growth for Australia’s first online sourcing system for custom manufacturing and engineering services.
In May 2006, in what was a first for Australia, ManufactureLink created an original, online software system that brought buyers and suppliers of custom manufacturing services such as CNC machining, investment casting, metal stamping, toolmaking and rapid prototyping together, and using the latest in internet technology, made the process of sourcing custom components fast and efficient. ManufactureLink’s growth rate stamps the company as an outstanding success, despite entering a fragmented Australian manufacturing market not yet accustomed to using the internet to conduct business transactions.
George Pofandt, Managing Director of ManufactureLink, said, “To achieve this milestone after just 15 months of operation is absolutely fantastic, in terms of system uptake, and also for our manufacturers. Not only does it demonstrate the usefulness of our online systems to buyers looking to source, but this also means Australian suppliers have a successful, central contact point through which they can promote their capability to both the domestic and global markets.”
ManufactureLink has continued to innovate and create new, intelligent systems to add to its already impressive array of online sourcing tools. In recent times ManufactureLink has created the first online collaboration tools specifically for custom manufacturers. These tools allow engineers to collaborate online with manufacturers to find solutions to difficult manufacturing problems. In another first, ManufactureLink also created intelligent search tools that closely reflect the traditional methods engineers use to locate a manufacturer having the exact expertise they require. This combined with their new directory format, means anyone can very quickly and easily find the Australian manufacturer they need.
“We have already designed our next generation of search and sourcing tools, and are working hard at implementing this technology,” said Mr Pofandt. “Some of our new tools are a world first and will identify ManufactureLink as one of the world’s leading online sourcing systems.”
ManufactureLink has also catered for the demand from its buyers to include other capability in their directory, such as fulfillment assembly, electroplating, finishing, chemical manufacturing, engineering design, heat treatment and maintenance services. These services are not always sourced using the traditional Request For Quote process; with ManufactureLink’s new directory format, these services can now easily be found through ManufactureLink’s website.
The future for ManufactureLink looks bright, with their system fast becoming the first port of call for those seeking custom manufacturing and engineering services.
About ManufactureLink
ManufactureLink’s mission is to provide world-class online services to fill real needs of the Australian manufacturing industry. An Australian initiative, ManufactureLink provides the technology to connect buyers with suppliers of custom manufacturing, engineering and maintenance services. Our fully-automated technology facilitates supplier searches and the complete Request For Quote (RFQ) process, while requiring no special software or training. Our buyers are engineers, draftsmen, purchasing officers and managers who need to source manufacturing and engineering services. Our suppliers are Australian manufacturers who provide manufacturing services on a job-by-job basis, such as machine shops, jobbing shops, casting foundries, fabricators, toolmakers, moulders, as well as design engineers, electrical engineers, electroplaters, metal finishers and maintenance specialists who service the manufacturing market.
In addition to performing searches for supplier contact details, buyers can quickly submit RFQs by completing an online quote submission form, uploading drawings and specifications, selecting the required manufacturing processes and submitting the RFQ to the system. Suppliers having the required manufacturing services are notified by email of an opportunity to quote. Buyers receive competitive quotes from multiple manufacturers and are provided with tools to make informed decisions in choosing a supplier with the right experience, capabilities, accreditations and reputation. By compressing the entire RFQ process from weeks to just days, ManufactureLink provides a ‘win-win’ solution for both buyers and suppliers, and improves their bottom line.
Media Contact:
George Pofandt, Managing Director
Ph: (07) 3208 7902
Fax: (07) 3036 6184
Mob: 0411 098685
Email: gpofandt@manufacturelink.com.au
www.manufacturelink.com.au
