Page 88 - Food&Drink Nov-Dec 2020

MACHINERY MATTERS
Manufacturing focus sees positive way forward into 2021
“There is no doubt the packaging and processing and manufacturing industries will play a major role in Australia’s economic recovery in the next one to five years.”
Welcome to the latest edition of Machinery Matters, brought to you by the APPMA in an exclusive partnership with PKN Packaging News and Food & Drink Business.
What a challenging year 2020 has been for everyone! The difficulties and devastating impacts of Covid-19 have been well documented
– including global loss of life, business closures, restrictions, negative mental health impacts and compromised educational programs. No individual or business has been exempt.
Australia, along with other island nations, has a unique opportunity to more rapidly adapt and operate in a Covid-safe environment due to our ability to control international border access while developing and implementing Covid-safe operations and public movement.
While Victoria has experienced significant virus outbreaks and their consequent restrictions, the more normal living and business patterns within other states continues to send a positive message of hope and optimism for 2021 regarding a progressive opening up of our domestic economies.
There is no doubt we will face ongoing challenges affecting operations in 2021. The APPMA’s recent decision to postpone AUSPACK until 2022 is an example close to home. Several drivers were behind the decision: the uncertainty around protecting the health and safety of our industry community; preserving the experience and value that exhibitors and visitors alike have come to expect from AUSPACK; and the likely Covid restrictions and congestion of other exhibitions in 2021. Combined, these factors made it clear that postponing until 2022 was in the best interests of the industry and every exhibitor, visitor, and sponsor.
Incentives and stimulus packages from the federal and various state governments provide an opportunity to assist industry to springboard into 2021. The recent announcement of the federal government’s industry task force, along with other support initiatives, will help in re-establishing industries across Australia. Facilitating communications and initiatives to gain a broader understanding about how the taskforce, grants and incentives operate, as well as the opportunities they present to the packaging and processing industries, will be a focus of the APPMA in the coming months.
After research suggesting Australia is one of the least self-sufficient advanced economies regarding manufacturing, it’s pleasing to see the federal government will commit nearly $1.5bn to the sector, with specific plans to support strengthening supply chains. Beginning early next year, a further $1.3bn will be spent to help manufacturers upscale their businesses, actualise concepts into finished products, and integrate into global supply chains. Key areas include food and beverage, medical products, and recycling.
While 2020 has been challenging, there is no doubt the packaging and processing and manufacturing industries will play a major role in Australia’s economic recovery in the next one to five years. Along with the entire APPMA Board and management team, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas, and I look forward to being able to re-engage at face-to-face events in 2021.
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 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020 MACHINERY MATTERS
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