Applications are now open for the federal government’s $50 million Manufacturing Transition Program which aims to assist Australian manufacturing move into higher value activities and more sophisticated and sustainable markets.
Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane said the government is working with Australian industry to identify and access new markets and new job opportunities.
“Australian manufacturing is turning its focus to new areas of growth and specialist expertise where we can capitalise on our areas of competitive strength and tap into global supply chains," the Minister said.
“The Manufacturing Transition Program will aid this process through grants of $1 million to $10 million that focus on ensuring manufacturing businesses become more competitive and sustainable."
The goal is to transition Australia's manufacturing sector toward higher-value, knowledge-based activities.
“We are providing the right settings through tailored programs as well as getting the economic fundamentals right to facilitate investor confidence and encourage productivity growth," he said.
The Manufacturing Transition Program is about moving firms away from low-tech commodity style production that may not be globally competitive, to advanced manufacturing where Australia’s specialised knowledge and skills provides an advantage.
“Together with economy-wide incentive mechanisms to boost investment, we are streamlining industry assistance and supporting manufacturers to invest in their own future by moving up the value chain," Macfarlane said.
The program will run for three years and information is available at www.business.gov.au/manufacturing-transition-programme.
