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The nation’s peak body representing the welding industry announced it has established a new presence in South Australia, following the appointment of an executive general manager, strategic partnerships, to lead Weld Australia’s local efforts.
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The expansion marks the latest effort by the industry group to ensure that Australia’s welding industry remains competitive while fostering relationships with local stakeholders and driving policies to benefit the local economy.
Establishing their local presence is Ben Mitchell, who has been appointed as executive general manager, strategic partnerships, joining the role after 20 years of experience in marketing, strategy, leadership, and business. Mitchell has worked across welding, agriculture, automotive, aerospace and construction industries, having recently served as chief executive officer at K-TIG.
The move comes at a pivotal time for South Australian industrial growth, the industry group said in a statement.
Seventeen per cent of the state’s total output by revenue, 20 per cent of exports, and 7 per cent of unemployment are driven by manufacturing.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, said the expansion will help support the interests of the local manufacturing and welding industries, including defence industry.
“South Australia’s renewable energy share has surged from 1 per cent in 2007 to 74 per cent in 2023. South Australia is also home to Australia’s richest copper resource, with global demand for copper set to surge for use in sustainable technology such as electric vehicles and wind turbines,” Crittenden said.
“In addition, South Australia will be central to delivering some of the largest and most complex defence projects ever undertaken in Australia, including building Australian conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
“By establishing a local presence, Weld Australia will be better positioned to serve our members and advocate for the interests of the local welding and manufacturing industries.”
In joining the role, Mitchell will collaborate with local stakeholders to help drive South Australia’s manufacturing sector.
“I am thrilled to join Weld Australia and lead our efforts in South Australia. This state is at the forefront of a transformative period in manufacturing, renewables, and defence. I look forward to collaborating with local industries to harness these opportunities and drive sustainable growth,” Mitchell said.
“Weld Australia will work with government, industry, unions, and education and training providers to ensure that South Australia has enough skilled people to deliver these vital renewables and defence projects. We will progress our industry-leading skills programs, focused on encouraging high school students and women to pursue a career in welding, upskilling prisoners, training First Nations people, and modernising how TAFEs teach welding.”
