Western Australia's manufacturing businesses received a boost today with the launch of the Western Australian Manufacturing Centre by Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr.
The centre will provide world class business services to assist Western Australia's manufacturing sector – a sector which employs around 103,000 workers and contributes $11.29 billion to the economy annually.
This centre is about real and practical assistance to help manufacturing companies do business better.
It will not be a static force - expert business advisors will be hitting the road and heading out to workplaces to conduct free, onsite business reviews for eligible companies.
Whilst many companies excel at the creative, innovative and product-based aspects of their work, they often lack both the time and resources to look at improving day-to-day business processes.
This is where the centre will be a real value-add for business. In the midst of this global economic crisis, the centre could not come at a more important time.
The detailed advice from the business review process is backed up by funding of up to $20,000 to make the improvements identified.
The Australian Government is giving businesses the tools and advice they need to be more productive, more innovative, and more dynamic.
This centre is already off to a great start, providing services to over 100 clients.
Businesses are facing a turbulent economic environment and this centre will allow them to tap into the latest ideas and technologies to tackle challenges head on.
The centre is working closely with partners including the Coastal Business Centre, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia, CSIRO, Austrade and links to Enterprise Connect's Mining Technology Innovation Centre launched in Mackay yesterday.
To see how your business can benefit from this centre and other services within the Australian Government's $271 million Enterprise Connect initiative, visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or call the dedicated hotline on 131 791.
Media contact: Catriona Jackson, Minister's Office, 0417 142 238
John Dean, Department, 02 6213 7180 or 0419 031 331