The Victorian Prospect July 2021

The Victorian

Prospect July 2021

What’s inside: The Victorian Prospect A message from Dianne Smith Page 3 Hi-vis adventures Pages 4-7 PVH partners with the local steel industry Page 8 Inland Rail Conference Page 9 A building company with a Victorian foundation: the Kane Constructions Story Pages 10-11

A collaborative approach between local businesses and universities Page 12 Don’t listen to what they tell you - the future of manufacturing is bright! Pages 13-15 New ICN Gateway Page 17

Calbah Site Tour with ICN Victoria Industry and Policy team members Front cover photo L-R: ICN team members - Mary Ann Xavier, Grant Jennings, Mark Osafo, Carla Costanitino and Stephen Baker, Head Product Innovation Siemens Mobility

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A message from

Dianne Smith

At ICN Victoria we thrive on making industry connections. While extended lockdowns over the past 18 months have resulted in fewer face-to-face opportunities, we have jumped at the chance to get out and about when restrictions have allowed. This edition of the Victorian Prospect is a compilation showcasing the first half of 2021 and our collective penchant for hi-vis!

Way back in 1984, we were founded on the principle that local businesses, especially Small and Medium Enterprises, should be given full and fair opportunities to compete for work on major projects, aided by local content considerations. In turn, this will help to create jobs by encouraging industry to first think local and social in all procurement decisions. Partnering with likeminded organisations is essential to this.

Our role of trusted government procurement partner, administering the Local Jobs First Policy and supporting the social and sustainable framework, is complemented by our strong industry relationships. The ICN Network, GROW (statewide), Latrobe Valley Enterprises, South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA), Aus Made, Engineers Australia, AI Group Insert more. All of which contributes to making a difference by stimulating employment and local industry engagement in Victoria, Australia and New Zealand.

In the pages that follow we take you on a journey across Victoria with visits to CME, Latrobe Valley Enterprises, Bambach, ASH Gippsland, Calbah, Ballarat GovHub, BRI, Ettamogah Rail Hub, iGlass, SOLOS Glass, Thornton Engineering, Hofmann Engineering, Siemens Mobility and SEMMA members: Essity, Fortress Resistors, Hilton Manufacturing and ABECK Group. We also check in with PVH, Geelong Manufacturing Council, Kane Constructions and SEMMA. We are pleased to introduce the new ICN Gateway. The refreshed, modern look and feel makes it even easier for project owners to promote their projects and suppliers to find work and promote their capabilities.

Over the past six months we have regularly spoken of the important role that ICN Victoria has to play in our economic recovery, we take this responsibility very seriously and have thoroughly enjoyed visiting so many great Victorian businesses that are doing their part. We look forward to meeting many more of you in the second half of the year and beyond.

Regards

Dianne Smith Chief Executive Officer

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Hi-vis adventures When our CEO, Dianne Smith told us she was looking forward to getting out and about in the hi-vis, she wasn’t kidding! When restrictions have allowed, Dianne and our team have spent as much time as possible out and about on site visits meeting some of our great Victorian businesses.

“With the announcement of Yallourn’s 2028 closure, it was a poignant day to be visiting Latrobe Valley. Thanks Dale Harriman, Gail Gatt and Gregory Lawrence for sharing your future Investment Roadmap. ICN Victoria looks forward to helping drive local jobs and capability,” said Dianne.

L-R: Brian Hughes, Owner Composite Materials Engineering (CME) and Dianne Smith, ICN Victoria CEO

L-R: Brian Hughes and Andy Balmain, ICN Victoria Business Development and Client Services Manager

In March, along with Business Development and Client Services Manager, Andy Balmain; Dianne visited local manufacturing firm, Composite Materials Engineering (CME). Not only a leader in manufacturing and composite materials, we’re pleased to say, CME is a leader in innovation and committed to Social Procurement.

Adviser, Colin Young, Dianne met with several key stakeholders in the region to discuss Local Jobs First, projects, job creation, social procurement, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, circular economy and so much more.

“It’s hard not to be excited about advanced manufacturing and circular economy, especially at the Centre for Australian Automotive Futures, Hydrogen Pilot and the civic projects coming online.”

Dianne and Colin also visited Latrobe Valley Enterprises where they felt the social impact of this social enterprise with the team enjoying making outdoor road signage and name badges (among other things eg recycling services).

“There is barely anything Wendy Bezzina and this wonderful team cannot do,” said Dianne.

“It was a pleasure to meet on-site with owner, Brian Hughes and Ben Hughes recently where we saw Melbourne tram seats being made as well as a range of clever products, some I want in my home right away! ICN Victoria appreciates the great association with CME, and we look forward to watching how they continue diversifying and growing,” said Dianne.

During a March tour of Central Gippsland with hometown Industry

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L-R: Wendy Bezzina, Latrobe Valley Enterprises CEO and Colin Young, ICN Victoria Gippsland Regional Industry Adviser

member of the South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Alliance (SEMMA), Calbah Industries is a leading design, engineering and steel fabrication firm that was established in the 1990s by Chester Baker.

“Thanks to Chester Baker, Vic Nikolsky and Krishna Baswa for showing the ICN Victoria team around their facility in Dandenong South. Impressed by the passion,” commented Dianne.

L-R: Megan Para, Marketing Manager ASH Timber and Dianne Smith

“For a region with such rich engineering heritage, it was fitting that the Latrobe Regional Gallery was showing Da Vinci Machines exhibition in Morwell at the time and the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (Geothermal) opened in Traralgon at the end of March. It is not just relying on power and paper, the Valley is a region of opportunity.”

Whilst in Gippsland, Bambach Specialised and Industrial Cables were also visited by Dianne and Colin. Based in Rosedale of central Gippsland, they are a great example of repurposing a manufacturing facility.

features on the Margaret Court Arena as well as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“This team of over 200 is gender diverse thanks to the drive by Managing Director Vince Hurley. Big thanks Megan Parameshwaran for your excellent hosting,” said Dianne.

Coming back to metropolitan Melbourne, also in March, Calbah Industries welcomed several of the ICN Victoria team to their site in Dandenong South in March. A

In April, alongside Ballarat’s local Industry Adviser, Garry Holding and Industry Engagement Manager, Andrew Bradley, Dianne explored this historical regional city. One of the visits was made to disability employer Ballarat Regional Industries (BRI), meeting with CEO Geoffrey Russell and CFO Peter Le Lievre. BRI has been established since 1984 and covers a range of services such as recycling, manufacturing, landscaping and maintenance.

“I remember BRI being one of the destinations visited by The Queen (following The Sovereign Hill Museums Association Hill) during the Royal Tour in 2000 and it was great to see BRI’s growth since then – and there will be more to come with their vision for the future,” said Dianne.

On the construction front in Ballarat, Dianne, Garry and Andrew had

“Thanks Alfred Chown for sharing your plans and multitude of cables with us and the more than 40 jobs you’re bringing to Latrobe City Council and the state,” said Dianne.

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), based in Heyfield, is a leading Australian owned timber manufacturer with a strong commitment to sustainability. Some of their major work includes timber

L-R: Garry Holding, ICN Victoria Ballarat Regional Industry Adviser, Peter Le Lievre BRI CFO, Dianne Smith and Geoff Russell, BRI CEO

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to a leading producer of architectural glass products.

Impressed by their product range, Dianne commented that it was “interesting to hear that the palindrome company name SOLOS, reflects the company’s approach to work, innovation and industry relationships; that leadership can come from any direction.”

L-R: Garry Holding, Richard Nicholson, Director Nicholson Constructions, Dianne Smith and Andrew Bradley, ICN Victoria Industry Engagement Manager

the opportunity to inspect the brand-new GovHub site set to accommodate 800 staff, built by Kane Constructions and Nicholson Construction. With Nicholson Construction established in 1889, this proved to be the Ballarat, family-owned business’ biggest project yet.

“It is the largest mass timber structure in regional Australia and provides spectacular panoramic views of one of Australia’s golden cities,” said Dianne.

and commercial construction use,” said Dianne.

Turning to the Barwon and Great South Coast region in May, Dianne accompanied local Industry Adviser, Peter McCracken, to two local SMEs that have significantly expanded their capability, as part of Geelong’s strong manufacturing and engineering foundations. Based at the former Pilkington plant, SOLOS Glass is a local manufacturer that has made a major transition from windscreens

Thornton Engineering is the leading fabrication facility for steel pressure vessels, heat exchangers and piling in Australia. Established in Penshurst over 40 years ago, Thornton Engineering has expanded over that time to now employ 170 staff across two sites in the Geelong area.

“They’ve evolved from supplying largely to agriculture, to delivering essential piling, pressure vessels, structural steel, plate fabrication and more for some of Australia’s most well-known companies. Thornton Engineering Australia Pty Ltd is also a key contributor to Victoria’s major civil infrastructure projects,” said Dianne.

With COVID-19 restrictions at play in early June, Dianne and Industry

“Up to 230 workers have been on site daily, and it has over-achieved in terms of supporting local apprentices and trainees.”

Another stop in the Ballarat region was made to iGlass Pty Ltd, a leader of advanced manufacturing in switchable glass technology and associated products. Garry, Dianne and Andrew learned about iGlass’ ability to supply to various industrial and architectural settings.

“CEO Johnny Pak and his highly skilled team have worked in partnership with CSIRO enhancing the innovations required for automotive, medical, residential

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L-R: Mark Collins, Product Development Manager SOLOS Glass, Joanne Littlejohn, Business Development Manager SOLOS Glass and Peter McCracken, ICN Victoria Geelong Regional Industry Adviser

L-R: Dianne Smith, Mark Collins, Lachlan McKenzie, Specification Representative, SOLOS Glass and Peter McCracken

Adviser for Loddon Mallee, Noel Morton, were able to arrange a virtual tour of Hofmann Engineering’s Bendigo site.

Hofmann Engineering is a specialist firm in the engineering sector, employing more than 600 staff nationally. At their Bendigo site, they manufacture rail bogies whilst delivering other products and services for transport, mining, and defence – with 75 people working on-site.

“ICN’s Noel Morton knows them well, and now I am now familiar with, and impressed by their professionalism and passion for local content and local jobs,” said Dianne.

“While Victorian Government has mandated local industry to create jobs for local communities through Local Jobs First and the Victorian Social Procurement Framework, Hofmann Engineering had already adopted company minimum standards for local apprentices and trainees, training, and innovation.”

Another facility that has been visited in recent months has been Siemens Mobility site in Port Melbourne, with a visit by Dianne

L-R: Eric Bougeois, Head of Customer Service and Product ANZ Siemens, Michael O’Sullivan, Head of Sales (Product) Siemens Mobility Australia. and Dianne Smith and Phil Davrain

L-R: Hofman Engineering Virtual Site Tour Noel Morton, ICN Victoria Bendigo Regional Industry Adviser, Virginia Peters, Office Manager/Scheduler Hofmann Engineering, Micah Bearlin-Allardice, Major Projects Manager Hofmann Engineering, David Hubbert, General Manager - Bendigo Hofmann Engineering. and Dianne Smith

and Phil Davrain in May followed by more of the ICN Victoria team in early July. Siemens Mobility has a strong connection to the Australian supply chain, with hundreds of local businesses contributing to their range of rail products manufactured at Port Melbourne such as point machines, trainstops and rail clamps. Further, they have a solid engineering team that provides solutions to Australian rail infrastructure.

“This presence in Australia has been going strong for 145 years, which is a great association and commitment.

Phil Davrain and I were struck by the team culture, Australian-made focus and knowhow as well as how motivated they were to assist with transport solutions to service a growing population,” said Dianne.

Dianne looks forward to many more visits to SMEs across regional Victoria over the remainder of 2021 and beyond!

To read more about Dianne’s adventures please check out her LinkedIn feed: bit.ly/DSLIFeed and let’s get #lovemyhivis trending!

Siemens Mobility Site Tour with ICN Victoria Industry and Policy team members

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PVH partners with the Australian steel industry

PVH is one of the leading solar tracker manufacturers in the world, with nine sites across Australia.

“It was very crucial to win the job, to be able to involve with the maximum local content possible.”

Alex Cantos, Australia Head PVH

PVH was selected to deliver the solar tracking system for the Winton Solar Farm as part of the Victorian Government’s renewable energy program. Our Greater Shepparton and Hume Regional Industry Advisor, Grant Jennings developed a strong working relationship with PVH’s Alex Cantos, primarily assisting to source local steel for the solar tracking system.

“It was a quite challenging process because basically there weren’t any past experiences with such a high level of local steel being placed in a solar farm in Australia.”

From the early onset, Grant Jennings coordinated an exceptional effort to connect PVH with local steel manufacturers. As such, several face-to-face meetings were arranged across BlueScope Steel, Infrabuild and Australian Tube Mills for Alex to further explore the local options. Grant also connected PVH with a Shepparton based company to help with steel galvanising requirements.

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Although this was initially seen as a tough prospect to meet the local content requirements, Alex pointed out that they needed to become “aligned with the best local players possible”. He was open to admit that he wasn’t particularly aware of the Australian steel supply chain capability (prior to this project), however ICN Victoria’s assistance helped to turn that around.

“The meetings with local steel suppliers were some of the most fulfilling experiences of my professional career,” said Alex.

“We were very much pleased to encounter not only supply partners, but also allies for our ambitious expansion plans overseas as well.”

With significant investment in renewable energy in Victoria and

across Australia in recent years, Alex commented that local industry was in a great position to further collaborate and strengthen the supply chain capability.

“Through this exercise that Grant facilitated in Winton, I saw a path to flourish the renewable industry here in Australia. We are already uniting forces to push for local content in Australia. We have been able to form very positive relationships with Australian steel mills.”

The meetings with local steel suppliers were some of the most fulfilling experiences of my professional career ICN Victoria looks forward to continuing to support local industry collaboration across the renewable energy sector over the coming years. as the field continues to grow.

Inland Rail Conference Our Shepparton based Regional Industry Adviser, Grant Jennings attended the Inland Rail two-day conference in Albury from 25-27 May.

Ettamogah Rail Hub: a container handling, intermodal transport facility connecting the region to national and international markets.

The Inland Rail conference was aimed at highlighting how the 1700km rail line project is transforming the freight industry in Australia and the benefits it will bring to the nation’s economy and broader supply chain. The event attracted over 400 industry professionals from across rail and various procurement sectors.

As part of the conference, several site tours were arranged with firms located around the Albury-Wodonga area, which Grant was able to attend a number of. The first of three site tours Grant attended took place at Milspec Manufacturing, a local end-to-end specialist designer and manufacturer to the rail sector, defence and other industries. The site tour featured discussion on the in-progress manufacturing of Bio Digesters to convert food waste into bio energy, with the ability to be utilised in facilities such as hospitals and hotels.

Another site tour as part of this conference included a trip to the Nexus Industrial Precinct, located 10km north of Albury’s CBD. The PACT Group have elected to construct the largest PET recycling plant of the Southern Hemisphere at this precinct, with the $45million plant to become operational in October 2021. The recycled PET material will be delivered to the site via rail as well as road, with an estimated output of over 20,000 tonnes of new recycled PET bottles and food packaging. This site will improve sustainability outcomes in Australia’s recycling sector, whilst reducing reliance on virgin plastic.

A third site tour was undertaken by Grant to the Ettamogah Rail Hub – a container handling, intermodal transport facility connecting the region to national and international markets. Opened in 2009, this intermodal facility provides access

to the Melbourne to Sydney rail line through its rail sidings, as well as the Hume Freeway. The hub is able to provide the flexibility of road transport along with the significant efficiencies of rail transport.

The ongoing Inland Rail project will have considerable impact upon local communities across Australia’s eastern states, with increased capability and interconnectedness to further assist local SMEs in various supply chains of Australia.

Grant Jennings, ICN Victoria Shepparton Regional Industry Adviser

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A building company with the Kane Constructions

Kane Constructions began operations from a small office based in the Melbourne s a total of 450 employees with offices across the eastern states of Australia.

“We feel that we’re well respected and we can catapult ourselves into those regional towns because we support local industry, especially regional contractors.”

Julian Hamilton, Director at Kane Constructions, expressed that they have operating capacity of around 35 projects across Victoria at a single point in time, ranging from smaller $50k projects all the way to projects over $100million, such as the new student centre at the University of Melbourne worth around $160million.

regional Victoria. Their very first major project occurred in 1980 at the West Gippsland Art Centre in Warragul (Job 87). Working in regional areas has continued on over the past four decades by Kane Constructions, with Julian explaining:

Kane Constructions cover a wide range of areas, which is possible by having a large subcontractor group.

This is further supported by ICN Victoria, with Julian commenting “We cover this large subcontractor base through people such as Industry Advisor John Sands, who keeps letting us know about new subcontractors.”

Kane Constructions has a long history of engagement across

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GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

John Sands has a strong connection with Kane Constructions that has been developed over the past few years working as the Industry Adviser assigned to many Kane Constructions projects. John first came into contact with Kane on the Orygen Youth Centre Redevelopment project with Ainsley Middleton. John found the relationship to be very open and positive, explaining: “The Orygen building was just fantastic, with some great timber featuring heavily throughout the interior and exterior. I found working with Kane and Ainsley on that project to be a very cohesive relationship,” said

h a Victorian foundation: story

suburb of Armadale in 1973. Over the course of 48 years, they have grown to have where we can really support women in construction.”

Finally, one particular project Julian is especially proud of is GMHBA Stadium, which Kane Constructions have played a critical role in its redevelopment.

“It’s been a real journey through my career at Kane. I helped win the first project at the Eastern stand, followed by the swimming pool. I’m confident that you can say that we truly built GMHBA.” “It’s a landmark in the town of Geelong with the Claws of the Eastern stand and the light towers. Truly an amazing project and it’s been challenging through that journey.”

Orygen Youth Centre Building

Kane Constructions have been setting out to better support the level of women involvement in the construction industry. Recently, they have had strong female participation in their Graduate Cadetship Program, but find some difficulty in retaining many graduates long-term.

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

“We’re currently sitting at about 12% participation in Victoria across all levels, from executive to graduate. We feel that is above our peers but it’s just not good enough. As such, we have important initiatives organised by Geoff Purcell, Construction Director as well as Richard Frisina, Joint Managing Director that have set themselves to run key projects

Geelong FC Social Club and function space, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

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A collaborative approach between local businesses and universities

With a membership base of over 100 manufacturers that collectively employ over 10,000 people, the Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC) aims to strengthen the local industry base and drive future growth through innovation and advanced manufacturing in the region.

Michael Williams, former Industry Innovation Manager GMC

Former Industry Innovation Manager, Michael Williams sat by the virtual fireside with us earlier this year to share his insights before finishing his role with GMC. Michael played an active role in highlighting the benefits of collaboration with universities to local businesses. Largely driven by connecting businesses from regional Victoria to universities.

Michael has an extensive background in the Geelong area, mostly in the automotive industry with General Motors Holden and their suppliers.

He was employed at the MHG glass factory in North Geelong in the early 2010s (supplying mainly to Toyota), at which Michael was given the scope to execute business development through identifying new markets and new products whilst investigating diversifying away from the automotive industry.

The universities he engaged with included Deakin University, Federation University and RMIT. These instances of connection allow for collaboration and exploration of ideas that enable businesses to expand their capacity and workforce.

Michael is enthused by the fact he enabled business development to about 150 companies through his role at GMC.

“It’s really quite exciting what can be done once companies meet up with the academics and ideas start to flow,” explained Michael.

One prime example of collaboration Michael has been involved with is Boomaroo Nurseries and Deakin University. Through working

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“GMC provided an opportunity to share those skills built over a number of years and provide those skills into the local manufacturing community.”

with Deakin, Boomaroo were able to germinate and grow 26% additional seedlings through the hothouse without taking any extra space.

“When you’re looking at 300 million seedlings a year, the increase is worth millions of dollars over a number of years. On this project, there was initial hesitancy that it could be achieved, but we managed to solve it collaboratively, which I really love about this role,” commented Michael.

Michael supported Ross and Lyn George at Austeng (Fireside Chat alumni) with the 100-year bridge project, explaining: “This has been significant because it’s leveraged investment at Austeng, but more importantly, through their collaborative partners, Rocla, and a few other companies, there’s been other investment and employment that has taken hold.”

We encourage manufacturing businesses to consider how they can collaborate in 2021 and beyond!

Don’t listen to what they tell you - the future of manufacturing is bright!

SEMMA is the peak industry association representing over 200 leading manufacturing companies located in South East Melbourne; Australia’s most dynamic manufacturing region. passionate about manufacturing is an understatement, which is one of the reasons why the alliance has an outstanding reputation.

Vonda Fenwick, SEMMA CEO

Peter Angelico, SEMMA President

We sat by the virtual fireside with Vonda Fenwick, CEO and Peter Angelico, President of the South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance (SEMMA) to chat about how SEMMA came to be, working with ICN and the future of manufacturing.

to today, SEMMA has more than 200 members that vary from your mum and dad’s micro company through to very large brand names, and foundation members like Jayco who collectively employ over 16,000 people and generate an estimated $3 billion of gross domestic product for the state of Victoria.

The industry body was formed almost eighteen years ago when it was realised that manufacturers in the South East didn’t feel that they had a voice. One of the defining moments of SEMMA’s establishment was a manufacturing breakfast in early 2000’s where one of the attendee’s stood up and spoke very passionately about the fact he had recently lost business to an overseas company. The very next day and thirteen calls later, those who attended the event wanted a call to action. After some focus groups, it was identified that what was really needed in the South East was a united voice to advocate for those manufacturers. Fast forward

To say Vonda and Peter are exceptionally knowledgeable and

Collectively, Vonda and Peter have had close to sixty years’ experience in manufacturing. Vonda’s vast background started with a consultancy group that specialises in manufacturing (some clients were as notable as BHP and General Motors) and since has worked with almost every kind of manufacturer you can think of. Plastics and rubber, R&D in the aerospace sector to scientific equipment. Peter on the other hand, started a build and print component manufacturing company in 1992 and spent a lot of time around manufacturing facilities during his electrical trade days.

Further to SEMMA’s core function of advocating and being a united voice for the South East manufacturers, Peter emphasised

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counts as one of the most significant developments. With the introduction of a Commissioner, company supply chains can be audited, whether it’s a steel supplier, raw materials, or service provider.

The biggest derived benefit is that it can promote long-term careers in manufacturing which is a monumental win for industry.

the misrepresentation of a dying manufacturing industry – in reality the industry is only changing and evolving.

“Darwin’s theory of evolution was not survival of the fittest, but survival of those most capable of change. That’s the thing that we try and really push with our members.

Whatever you’re doing today may not necessarily work tomorrow or in a couple of years’ time. You’ve got to keep evolving and keep changing.”

That’s how SEMMA see’s their role – to help members work on and manage that change, so that they can evolve into a better business tomorrow.

The mutual goal of connecting manufacturers with major projects has resulted in ICN Victoria and SEMMA forming a long-standing relationship, one where both organisations can provide insight and support. As Peter shared, “sometimes we’re not even getting into the ballpark, and that’s where ICN comes in and makes that connection.”

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It is thought that the misconception can partly come down to confidence, manufacturers are really great at what they do, manufacturing and in many cases precisely manufacturing small things in high volumes but maybe not as competitive. This is where collaboration and joint ventures can influence the “Right. We can do this” mentality and result in manufacturers taking a bigger piece of the pie.

SEMMA’s role of supporting those manufacturers in the South East and further providing industry solutions is varied and extensive.

SEMMA’s hand in the creation of the Local Jobs First Commissioner,

SEMMA also focuses on providing business opportunities to their members. When they hear of one of their members, or hear of an external body, pro-Government agency that is looking for particular items, SEMMA can reach out to their members and make suitable connections. As a result, SEMMA has introduced a collaboration program and secured some funding from the Victorian State Government for it. Allowing SEMMA to engage a specialist from South Australia, who has been running a series of workshops. Vonda confirmed the response to that has been brilliant, there have been several people pair up and come out of the workshop saying, “Hey, we’ve got something new that we can do together.”

Another notable project SEMMA are planning is their Short Course Welding Program that will be offered

ICN Leadership Team presenting to SEMMA members in 2019

to their members, effectively this will get welders straight into jobs the moment they finish their training.

The project has gained support from some local politicians who are advocating on SEMMA’s behalf. “I think it’s safe to say industry should be watching this space,” said Vonda.

The prospect of bringing manufacturing opportunities back to Australian industry is particularly exciting. It’s an interesting time given the silver lining from COVID-19 restrictions that has prompted industry to look at what’s in their backyard instead of sticking to their overseas supply chains.

SEMMA and ICN could not be more optimistic for the future of Australian manufacturing.

L-R: Andy Balmain, Vonda Fenwick, Peter Angelico and Kate West

More hi-vis adventures Building on our strong relationship, a small group from ICN Victoria, led

by Dianne Smith and Andy Balmain, enjoyed a series of site visits on Wednesday July 14 organised by SEMMA.

First on the tour, Essity (formerly Asaleo Care), Australia’s only manufacturer of personal hygiene products, based in Springvale.

With iconic brands such as Libra and TENA, they have an employee base of 250 at the Springvale site alone. Essity’s Springvale site is the only manufacturer of personal care products for feminine and incontinence care categories in Australia. Thanks Matthew Arblaster, Jody Scaife, Paul Honey and David Griss.

Phil Newman, Managing Director Fortress Resistors

Then to Fortress Resistors in Braeside, a business that has continually proven themselves

across major transport, mining and renewables projects in recent years. Phil Newman explained their critical involvement in electrical system delivery in a wide range of applications across the country and association with Telema S.p.A.. It was a great opportunity to discuss the supply chain challenges they often face and improvements that can be made.

Then to family-owned Hilton Manufacturing Pty Ltd in Dandenong South who showed us how they are an integral component of running transport in Australia. With miles and miles of steel in their facility,

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Andy Balmain, Vonda Fenwick, ICN Victoria’s Paul Morris, Senior Policy Analyst, Georgia Ruffell, Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination Team Leader and Communications & Events Officer, Jacob Halls; Matthew Arblaster, Site & Operations Manager - Springvale Essity and Dianne Smith

they design and fabricate various aspects for the trucking and caravan and other industries. Established in 1976 in nearby Hilton St, they have a team of 270 employees now and also have a large solar tracking system (dual axis) on the factory roof. Thanks Todd Hartley, you’re a saint for showing us around.

Our final stop at ABECK Group in Dandenong South. From humble beginnings in the early 1990s to ongoing work with major companies, it was great to see what can happen when a former sparkie gets bending and rolling! With an enterprising, solution-oriented mindset, Peter Angelico showed us around the site specializing in ‘made to order’ steel fabrication. We had a ‘grate’ time at your site Peter.

“Happy to host the ICN firstly in my role as honourary SEMMA President and also as the Owner/ Founder of ABECK Group. The ICN is at the forefront of promoting local content and promoting the interests of Australian Manufacturing and SEMMA stands shoulder to shoulder

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with the ICN. Local manufacturing means long-term, sustainable careers for Australians from all walks of life,” said Peter Angelico.

A big thank you to SEMMA for organising our itinerary, especially Vonda Fenwick, Peter Angelico and Justine McLaughlin. It was great to discuss key advocacy points of the manufacturing industry, along with the micro-credential welding initiative. Great show of capability in the south-east!

L-R: Todd Hartley, Managing Director Hilton Manufacturing and Vonda Fenwick

L-R: Georgia Ruffell, Dianne Smith, Vonda Fenwick, Peter Angelico and Andy Balmain

New business, upgraded We are pleased to introduce the new ICN Gateway . The refreshed, modern look and feel makes it even easier for project owners to promote their projects and suppliers to find work and promote their capabilities.

From 14 July, you will have noticed a difference when accessing our flagship online procurement and supply chain portal, ICN Gateway.

In summary, the fundamental changes for suppliers finding your project include: •

A dynamic and improved registration process for suppliers

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Multiple ways to find your project and work opportunities

•

Mobile device friendly

•

A cleaner, clearer and more user-friendly system

•

Projects now appear in relevant industry categories on the main Gateway page in industry search icon’s

•

Suppliers can now add ‘favourite projects’ to their dashboard to find your opportunities quicker.

•

A cleaner, clearer and more user-friendly project page

Enhanced features for Project owners: •

Divided project page for quicker access to work package information (less scrolling)

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