Labor pledges $10m for advanced manufacturing at Flinders’ Factory of the Future

Joint-capabilities

11 May 2022

By: Reporter

Labor pledges $10m for advanced manufacturing at Flinders’ Factory of the Future

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese and Labor’s industry spokesman Ed Husic have committed $10 million to support Australian advanced manufacturing capabilities via the Flinders University Factory of the Future.

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The funding was welcomed by Flinders University pro vice-chancellor (research impact) Professor John Spoehr, who explained that the investment would enhance the manufacturing growth accelerator program.

The program is expected to engage over 200 SMEs.

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“This is an important moment for the future of manufacturing in South Australia; a turning point in the rebirth of the critically important manufacturing sector in our state,” Professor Spoehr said.

“An investment of this scale would help fuel some 800 secure jobs. Located at the former Tonsley Mitsubishi assembly plant, the Factory of the Future facility is set to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of automotive manufacturing, positioning South Australia as a leader in industrial transformation.”

Set up in conjunction with BAE Systems, the Factory of the Future initiative is designed to enhance Australia’s manufacturing capabilities, hoping to enable Australian SMEs to integrate with major defence programs including the Hunter Class frigate program.

“The Factory of the Future will help to realise the ambition of accelerating the growth of advanced manufacturing output, jobs, and exports in South Australia. It will work with SMEs to maximise their prospects of successful participation in key local supply chains, better positioning them to secure local contracts and pursue lucrative export opportunities, through linkages with key industrial partners,” Professor Spoehr continued.

“The Factory of the Future facility is pivotal to South Australia’s fortunes as a smart state, and it’s pleasing to see the value of Line Zero being recognised federally.”