Boost for Western Sydney Manufacturing
Western Sydney’s manufacturing industry is already one of the strongest in Australia – and it received a major boost last week with the completion of the first project out the new Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) in Bradfield. The new innovation hub, which is funded by the NSW Government, completed a job with Emu Plains-based cooling tower experts Marley Flow, who came to the AMRF to streamline manufacturing processes (e.g., pipe fabrication Australia) within their business. They managed to improve operational efficiency and, as a result, may now be able to gain six times the productivity of the business and an estimated 15-20% reduction in costs. The project was such a success that Marley Flow are set to go around again, this time with the goal of developing and designing new products for market.
According to the government, the AMRF is a cornerstone of Bradfield City Centre’s economic strategy, aiming to create high-value jobs and leverage the $20 billion worth of government infrastructure invested in the Aerotropolis. The facility will focus on cutting-edge manufacturing support, from engineering design to heat induction bending services, connecting businesses with expertise, advanced technology, and networks to scale their operations. Sustainability has been embedded into the First Building’s design. Featuring natural materials, a green roof with biodiverse native plantings, and internal rammed earth walls, the building sets a benchmark for sustainable urban development. Its design, co-developed by Hassell Studio and Dr. Danièle Hromek from Djinjama, incorporates principles of connecting and designing with Country.
“Marley Flow Control is excited to collaborate with the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) on the first project,” said CEO Gareth Jones. “Working with the AMRF, tapping into their engineering expertise and expert knowledge to improve our manufacturing processes and ways of working, will enable us to increase productivity and reduce costs. Simple changes could make a massive difference to our operations. We see this as the beginning of a long partnership with the AMRF to help develop our product offering. Along with TAFE Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, we’re proud to be one of the first to access this world-class manufacturing development centre right here in Western Sydney.”
It was a superb start for what should be an enduring addition to manufacturing in Sydney’s West. “The AMRF is a NSW Government strategy to accelerate innovation and grow businesses in Western Sydney and we’re delighted to announce the completion of our first project,” said Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison. “Western Sydney is home to one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing businesses in Australia and the AMRF is a resource to support them innovate, grow and provide more jobs. With the AMRF, it is an exciting opportunity to leverage the benefits of homegrown manufacturers and to transition to new ways of doing business or create high value components for the next generation of advanced technologies.”
