Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub (AMTECH)
Planning now, to manufacture the jobs of the future.
The WA Government has identified technology and advanced manufacturing as a priority economic sector that will help to grow and diversify the economy, create jobs, and secure the State’s future.
At a regional level, advanced manufacturing is recognised in the South West of Western Australia as a key economic contributor with significant scope for advancement.
To unlock the industry’s potential locally and in support of the State Government’s objectives, we are investigating the feasibility of establishing an advanced manufacturing and technology hub.
It is envisioned a facility in the Bunbury Geographe area would give manufacturers an edge when competing for work by providing local access to infrastructure, technology, training, education and research.
The hub would support hundreds of future jobs, including apprenticeships by boosting business capability and capacity to develop new supply chains to capitalise on global markets.
The State Government has appointed consultancy firm Deloitte to deliver a full feasibility study and business case that will define the advanced manufacturing and technology hub (AMTECH) proposal and provide the rationale for investment.
Information & Documents
Considerable input from stakeholders has helped to shape the vision and inform the work undertaken so far. This includes the valuable insights provided by an industry leaders group, who continue to play an important role in providing expert and technical advice on industry needs and market opportunities. We have also established a project steering group to monitor progress with an independent chair and cross-government representation, including:
- South West Development Commission (SWDC – lead agency)
- Development WA (DevWA)
- Southern Ports Authority (SPA)
- Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI)
- Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC)
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)
- Department of Treasury
Stage 1 of the Feasibility Study is now complete marking a major milestone for the project. A wide range of stakeholders have been consulted, including industry peak bodies, small to large scale enterprises, education and training providers and government.
A range of options are being considered which vary in terms of the level of industry specific focus and development prioritisation or staging. Several key themes have emerged which continue to be examined in greater detail as the Feasibility Study progresses, including:
- Model type and the defining the characteristics of AMTECH
- Workforce development opportunities and the specific skillsets required
- R&D capability and how AMTECH can leverage existing industry know-how to support applied research outcomes
- Common use facilities and the type of infrastructure and equipment that will provide the greatest benefit to manufacturers
- Positioning of AMTECH and the size and scale required to attract and benefit new and existing enterprises and training providers
- Emerging market opportunities and key drivers influencing innovation now and into the future
As we progress to Stage 2 of the feasibility study we will continue to engage with industry and government to test and define the details regarding infrastructure provision, associated costs and planning requirements. Potential development options will be examined to determine how a model may operate and progressively develop over time to service industry and investor needs.
Several key components will be considered throughout this process, including development of an advanced manufacturing precinct or business park with on-site education and training facilities, common user infrastructure, R&D programs, workforce development and industry accelerator programs.
Over the coming months the study will differentiate possible development options to determine what type of model provides the best value proposition based on the region’s comparative advantages, industry needs and future market opportunities.
Further engagement with industry will occur as we progress through this stage, helping to shape the potential design, location and configuration of AMTECH and provide the greatest benefit to the region’s manufacturing value-chain.
Strategic considerations such as the capacity of the Port, availability of power, water and optic fibre connections, as well as freight rail, transit routes and accessibility to a suitable workforce will all be examined in greater detail as part of Stage 2 feasibility analysis.
