World Economic Forum attracted to Queensland advanced manufacturing

World Economic Forum representatives undertaking a statewide tour of innovative Queensland manufacturers have today visited the future location of Australia’s first-ever Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub on Brisbane’s northside.

The ARM Hub is an $18 million advanced manufacturing initiative being delivered in partnership with the Palaszczuk Government, QUT, Urban Art Projects (UAP) and other organisations.

Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the visit by World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing representatives was a huge vote of confidence for manufacturing in Queensland.

“Forum representatives have travelled to Queensland because they recognise our strong advanced manufacturing capabilities and the potential our $20 billion sector holds,” Mr Dick said.

“They see our state as a ‘lighthouse’ for Industry 4.0 and were attracted here to learn more about the techniques we’ve adopted to help our manufacturers transition to advanced manufacturing capabilities and create more jobs.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to working with the sector, educators and global thought-leaders like World Economic Forum to extend the reach of Queensland manufacturing right around the globe.

“One of the ways we are achieving this is by collaborating on projects such as the ARM Hub, and through other state-led initiatives that are part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.”

In addition to Brisbane, World Economic Forum representatives will also visit Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba, hosting a roundtable at each location with industry and government.

World Economic Forum’s visit to Queensland was at the invitation of Leanne Kemp Queensland Chief Entrepreneur and appointed Co-Chair, Global Future Council on the Future of Manufacturing, World Economic Forum.

Ms Kemp said the World Economic Forum’s Readiness for the Future of Production Report says Australia has the resources and the right combination of other capabilities to capitalise on opportunities.

“Queensland is leading the world in open, collaborative and democratised technology on the factory floor,” she said

“Advanced manufacturing will enable the transition to the circular economy, which will create new business models.

“There is no better way of doing this than through a connected ecosystem approach, and I’m pleased to showcase Queensland’s capabilities on the international stage.”

Queensland Manufacturing Ministerial Council member and Strategic Engineering Australia Director Shay Chalmers said the visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss advanced manufacturing strategies and highlight the manufacturing achievements of the state.

“When it comes to advanced manufacturing Queensland is well aligned with what others are trying to achieve across the globe and we’re ahead of the pack when it comes to collaboration,” Ms Chalmers said.

UAP co-founder and Managing Director Matthew Tobin said UAP is thrilled to be part of building a more collaborative and connected manufacturing industry.

“The ARM Hub and the World Economic Forum are important resources that will help local businesses benefit from our industry’s rapid digital transformation,” Mr Tobin said.

ENDS

Media contact: Lesley Major 0419 288 284