The South West Development Commission has announced Prime Supplies as a sponsor of a feasibility study into an advanced manufacturing and technology hub in the South West.
The Bunbury industrial supplies and service provider is among a number of organisations which have thrown their support behind building a case for the proposed facility.
It is expected a common-use facility would provide local manufacturers an edge when competing for work through access to infrastructure, technology, training, education and research.
State Government funding has been secured towards carrying out a study, with financial contributions from local ogranisations displaying the backing of industry.
Prime Supplies co-owner Geoff Glenn, who also has agricultural seeding systems manufacturer Agmaster in Perth, said he saw merit in the vision to create a common-use facility in Bunbury Geographe.
“Industry is the catalyst that ultimately creates employment. And that’s exactly what manufacturing does,” Mr Glenn said.
“There is no reason why we can’t be doing much bigger things in this space here in the South West.”
Mr Glenn, who has a background of more than 30 years in manufacturing, said he believed an advanced manufacturing hub, together with industrial land based at a port, would not only improve local capability but unlock significant opportunities with it.
SWDC chief executive officer Mellisa Teede said it was terrific to see Government and industry working together in order to lay strong foundations for what would be a possible future game-changer.
“It is really valuable having the support of stakeholders such as Prime Supplies,” Ms Teede said.
“We are working with many supporters who are contributing to the study in a variety of ways including sponsorship, participation in consultation including advisory groups, and by registering their interest as a potential future tenant.
“For example, we have recently established an education, research innovation group which is providing input into the study.”
For more information about the SW AMTECH (South West Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub) study or to register your interest in supporting SW AMTECH, click here.
