PORT Stephens and Hunter manufacturers have joined together to explore how they can tap into the $195 Billion that the government will be spending in new defence equipment for land, sea and air over the next 10 years.

Forecasts suggest that there is a potential spend in the sector of $785 billion over the next 20 years, with the Australian Government committing to spend as much as it can sourcing from Australian business.

This is a golden opportunity for local businesses, especially given our proximity to Williamtown.

The Ai Group assist small to medium enterprises (SMEs), providing expert information from within Defence Contractor Primes, defence organisations, and local SME, existing contracted, suppliers.

The network is also addressing the skills shortage especially in metal fabrication and trades.

Adrian Price, Ai Group’s Regional Manager, told News Of The Area “There are huge opportunities for long term business that will allow local businesses to plan into the future, creating long term jobs.”

“I see steel, as the heart of all manufacturing, we need to see steel as a sovereign industry for the future of Australian manufacturing,” he said.

The network is also hosting the Hunter Makers Festival and hopes to showcase Port Stephens manufacturing at the event which will take place later in 2017.

Ai Group is also working with businesses educating them on energy, showcasing a Hunter business that is using solar power on an industrial scale, and how this can work operating in Port Stephens businesses.

Ai Group is also advocating for industry in relation to securing lower energy costs for industry.

 

By Marian SAMPSON