Tasmanian small and medium manufacturers will now have access to world-class services to help them become more productive and competitive with the opening today of the $12 million Enterprise Connect Manufacturing Centre at Burnie.
Speaking at the opening, Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said that the centre would help individual companies keep their doors open by offering practical assistance to tackle increasingly difficult conditions.
"Manufacturing in Tasmania is a $6 billion industry, employing over 20,000 workers, and vital to the state's economy," Senator Carr said.
"We face a turbulent economic environment and extraordinary global competition. This centre will allow Tasmanian manufacturers to tap into the latest ideas and technologies to face these challenges head on.
"Australia has high living standards, and we want to keep it that way. It’s hard to compete on price alone with low-wage countries. What we need to be competing on is quality, safety, originality, design, and environmental responsibility – all the things you get when you invest in innovation."
Senator Carr said that the Manufacturing Centre is an integral part of the Rudd Government's $251 million Enterprise Connect initiative.
"Enterprise Connect is a national network of manufacturing and innovation centres designed to help firms become stronger by focusing squarely on innovation, creativity and excellence," he said.
The centre will conduct business reviews and provide a host of other services. Firms can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for professional help to improve their business.
"Enterprise Connect services are available state-wide through a network of independent business advisers based in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart. Advisers will work with companies on their premises at times that best suit their needs," Senator Carr said.
For more information on Enterprise Connect, visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or call the Enterprise Connect hotline on 131 791.
Media contact: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936