Page 54 - Food&Drink magazine July 2021

MACHINERY MATTERS
Australian manufacturing – leading the recovery
“The importance of the manufacturing sectors cannot be understated in relation
to the economic recovery
and growth on both the domestic and global stage.”
Welcome to another edition of Machinery Matters for 2021, brought to you by the APPMA in an exclusive partnership with PKN Packaging News and
Food & Drink Business.
Clearly progress is being made on a number of fronts in relation to COVID-19 pandemic with vaccination numbers across the US and UK increasing. While cases of COVID in those regions remain high the significant reduction in the fatalities represents a positive step forward.
While it may still be some time before international borders open fully it is great to see this has not prevented the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the UK. We look forward to understanding and exploring the benefits of this agreement in more detail and the opportunities it may provide for the packaging and processing industry in Australia.
The importance of the manufacturing sectors cannot be understated in relation to the economic recovery and growth on both the domestic and global stage. Within Australia The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) was established by Government to provide for the objective to drive innovation, productivity and competitiveness across the Australian manufacturing industry, while on a global scale the World Economic Forum (WEF) includes similar views with a focus on ensuring the future of advanced manufacturing and production.
There is no doubt many challenges and opportunities are unique to geographic regions, however, it is also clear there are many similarities. The participation of both the WEF and AMGC in the planned APPMA Business and Industry Conference [see note below] has provided the opportunity for the APPMA to facilitate initial discussions between all parties which has proven to be very positive. While it is early in the process, we believe the closer collaboration will provide a platform for increased sharing of information, experiences and joint initiatives that will benefit many of the manufacturing industry sectors, including food and beverage.
The recent changes to the Payment Times Reporting Act 2020 is another welcome Government support initiative providing a higher level transparency with regards to large businesses’ trading terms and in particular the payment terms to smaller businesses, who in many cases are more cashflow dependent. With the first reporting window being 21 July to 21 October, there is no data available at this stage, however, it is expected the information will highlight businesses where extended payment terms have become the norm thereby enabling increased supplier awareness prior to future transactions.
At the time of going to press, Sydney finds itself in an extended Covid lockdown, which casts uncertainty over the possibility of hosting in-person events in the immediate future. Consequently, the APPMA Board is in discussions about reformatting the Business & Industry Conference that was due to take place on 16 September in Sydney. We’re devising a feasible approach that will enable us to deliver the expertise of our high calibre speakers to the wider industry while abiding by the necessary Covid restrictions.
These are uncertain times, and not without their challenges, but it is our ongoing ability to adapt and deliver that has made our association, and our industry, so successful.
As always, please stay safe.
MARK DINGLEY CHAIRMAN
CONNECT WITH APPMA
There are various ways to stay in touch with APPMA, including our website appma.com.au and social media.
2 JULY-AUGUST 2021 MACHINERY MATTERS
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