Why Victoria’s supply chain is the place to do business

As manufacturers around the world seek to secure diversified supply chains, local and global manufacturers are turning to Victoria for high quality advanced manufacturing and top-shelf innovation - from aerospace engineering and uncrewed aircraft systems to anodising and ancillary parts.

Diversification - ensuring that we’re never relying on only one source - plays an important role in supply chain security. With businesses looking at continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty, everyone is asking “where can we diversify to ensure we don’t lose supply?”

With the deepest, most diverse and most globally connected supply chain of any state or territory, Victoria is well-placed to meet the needs of local and global manufacturers.

Rohan Stocker, CEO of Moorabbin-based precision engineering company Marand (who developed the world-renowned F35 engine trailer) believes that Melbourne’s history as an automotive hub combined with its proliferation of renowned universities also gives the capital city an edge when it comes to availability of future talent and historical expertise.

“Victoria’s capabilities are second to none,” he says. “We’ve got high-tech capability when it comes to physical assets and equipment, but also human resources and spatial capabilities in terms of having a defence [industry] resident in Victoria. We have the land, and the flight test facilities that we can continue to exploit as a world-class solution.”

To capitalise on this capability, the Victorian Government is offering a range of investments to onshore essential capabilities, solidify a pipeline of talent and offer even more world-class solutions to local and global manufacturers.

For example, the $2.6 million Defence Industry Workforce Development program will deliver internship programs to train Victorians in the defence sector.

We’re also boosting training with the $4.5 million Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program, which will upskill and prepare 300 Victorian workers for the next generation of advanced technologies and ensure the current workforce has the skills needed for the jobs of the future.

And the Low-Carbon Manufacturing Grant Program will help Victorian manufacturers compete globally for renewable energy components, supporting Victoria’s transition to net zero and helping create the jobs of the future.

Connecting Victorian manufacturers with each other is a vital driver of success - and not just for local markets. Seer Medical, the Victorian company making the world's first automated in-home epilepsy monitory systems, attributes its success to the local manufacturing ecosystem. According to Seer Medical COO George Kenley, “Access to local suppliers and local skills are essential ingredients to the velocity of our innovation.”

“We’re blessed with world class educational institutions, an abundance of raw materials and renewable energy, and a unique ingenuity in its people. These natural advantages can be transformed into a sustainable competitive advantage for advanced manufacturing, if coordinated and supported by government and industry.”

The power of early adoption

Recently, Spee3D became the first in the world to print metal onto a US navy ship while out on the water. This transformative capability means ships can remain active while undertaking repairs, rather than stranding potentially thousands of personnel at sea or in port while traditional repairs are undertaken.

“Globally, supply chains remain in a state of flux,” says Spee3D COO Phil Bowles. “We’re fortunate to have a high percentage of local content, with two thirds of our machines made here in Victoria. The more early adopters we can get on board in other industries, the more we can strengthen that local capability.”

Read more about how the Victorian Government is supporting the state's advanced manufacturing industry.