Victoria Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll

Boosting Digital Technology In Manufacturing

Victor P Taffa

Andrews 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 State Government for a new Advanced Manufacturing Industry 4.0 Hub.

“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.” Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll said.

“Hub will help local manufacturers unlock the opportunities that exist with digital technologies to transform their operations, and deliver cutting edge products and services.”

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.

Hub forms part of the State 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.

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.

Growth in manufacturing is underpinned by the State Government’s $130 Million in manufacturing support, which is creating over 6,000 jobs and driving $1.6 Billion in private investment.