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New Beginnings for Australian Semi Trailer Manufacturer

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Aussie semi trailer manufacturer MaxiTrans has announced a major rebrand – including a new name. They will be known as Freighter Group from now on as part of a wider change in identity with a new logo to follow. “We set about embarking on a significant transformation journey when we purchased the trailer business, with the aim of creating a new era for the future of the company and the trailer manufacturing industry in Australia,” said Executive Chairman Greg L’Estrange in a cerement at the company’s manufacturing hub in Ballarat. “The journey started with a $50 million investment into our Ballarat site. Similar to the TAFE Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, this investment has seen the introduction of a range of state-of-the-art equipment and an expansion of the overall footprint of the facility, transforming it into a modern manufacturing environment.

“The completion of the upgrade puts the business in a position to be able to continue to evolve with the changing needs of our customers long into the future. The Freighter Group name not only connects our rich heritage, but importantly it connects with our Vision of ‘Freight it for Life’, which is our total commitment to supporting our customers for the life of our product. We are excited to take the business forward under the Freighter name and continue to deliver product solutions through our wide range of industry leading brands.” On top of the new name, Freighter will also launch a new subsidiary brand, Freez-R, a refrigerated trailer, as well as an in-house spares brand, Hitcher Parts. “We are thrilled to announce the release of Freez-R to the Australian market.” said L’Estrange. “This is a new era for our business and the structural metal product manufacturing industry in Australia. Changing our name to Freighter Group better reflects who we are as a business and our vision for the future.

“As the preeminent trailer brand in Australia, Freighter has a rich history with origins extending back to 1946 and has continued to build a strong reputation within the industry since its introduction. We are excited to take the business forward under the Freighter name and continue to deliver product solutions through our wide range of industry leading brands. With almost 80 years of experience designing and manufacturing trailers for steel fabrication Australia, we have developed a Ready Range solution across our expansive product offering that consists of specifications suited for a wide array of applications,” said L’Estrange. “This allows our product to be more competitively priced, further streamline the manufacturing process using heat induction bending services and deliver shorter lead times. Freighter Group is ready for the future of the Australian trailer market. We look forward with great excitement as we continue to expand and evolve as a business to further support the changing needs of our customers long into the future.”

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Digitalising People Management in Manufacturing

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Manufacturing represents a significant pillar of the Australian economy. According to Australian Government jobs data, Australia’s manufacturing sector accounts for 6.5% of Australian employment. The manufacturing sector is on a path of progressive transformation. By embracing advanced technologies, manufacturers are making significant investments in enhancing operational efficiency, safety, sustainability, and decision-making capabilities. The shift of manufacturing towards digitalisation holds immense potential for growth and improvement in the sector. This blog delves into how digitalisation holds the key for improved HR processes and people management in manufacturing.

Lagging Back-Office Technologies

Despite the widespread adoption of advanced technologies for production and operational purposes, many sizable steel fabrication Australia companies are yet to fully digitalise their Human Resources (HR) processes. Traditional methods like paper-based timesheets and spreadsheet-driven shift scheduling are still prevalent, contrasting sharply with the industry’s otherwise forward-looking technological stance. This inefficiency in HR processes is a clear indication of the need for change. The reluctance to digitalise HR functions in the manufacturing sector is a missed opportunity. Many manufacturers are yet to realise the potential benefits of identifying skills gaps and developing the workforce, reducing costs, and fostering a more sustainable business model. Transitioning to a digital-first approach in people management is not just an investment in technology, but a fundamental shift in organisational culture that values digital transformation in all facets, including administrative and HR operations.

Digital Revolution in People Management

Digital workforce management solutions have transformed how manufacturers handle these tasks and enhanced strategies to reduce manufacturing cycle times. Time and attendance software automates tracking employee hours, reducing errors and freeing up valuable administrative time. Auto rostering systems take this a step further by optimising shift schedules, ensuring that the right people are in the right place at the right time, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of digitalising people management is improving workplace safety. Auto rostering systems can incorporate safety protocols into the scheduling process, ensuring that employees are not overworked and there are enough staff members with the necessary skills on each shift to handle emergencies. This proactive approach to safety can help prevent accidents and improve overall employee well-being. Efficiency is another area where digital solutions shine. By automating routine tasks, manufacturers can reduce the time spent on administrative work. This allows managers to focus on strategic initiatives like process improvements and quality control. Additionally, with real-time employee attendance and productivity data, managers can make informed decisions that boost operational efficiency. Digital workforce management systems generate a wealth of data that can be analysed to identify trends and areas for improvement. For example, analysing attendance patterns can reveal chronic understaffing during specific shifts, prompting a re-evaluation of scheduling practices.

Employee Empowerment and Engagement

Digital solutions empower employees by giving them greater control over their schedules. Quality people management systems offer self-service options that allow workers to request time off, swap shifts, and view their schedules from their mobile devices. This flexibility can lead to higher job satisfaction and engagement, as employees feel more valued and in control of their work-life balance. For pressure vessel manufacturers, the key to successful digitalisation people management involves fostering a flexible, innovative, and well-trained workforce that can adapt to new technologies. As technology advances, the potential for digital workforce management solutions to transform the manufacturing industry grows. Mobile devices can track employee movements and alert managers to potential safety risks on a real-time basis.

Looking to the Future

The future of manufacturing lies in the ability to adapt and innovate. The ongoing reluctance to fully embrace digital HR processes is more than a missed opportunity; it is an oversight that can affect the competitiveness of Australia’s manufacturing industry. Manufacturers who commit to transforming their people management practices through digitalisation will lead the industry towards a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future. It is a pivotal moment for the sector to redefine its operations and culture, ensuring it remains at the forefront of global manufacturing excellence.

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Ladd Partners and Cloudteam Company Join Forces as Gold Sponsor at the Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference

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In a significant move that underscores their commitment to innovation and collaboration within the manufacturing sector, Ladd Partners (a consulting services firm for inventory management on Salesforce) and Cloudteam Company (a leading provider of Cloud CRM and ERP solutions across EMEA) will announce their joint Gold Sponsorship at the upcoming Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference, taking place in New Orleans from March 25-27. This strategic partnership highlights their shared vision for delivering technology solutions to help customers drive manufacturing excellence and efficiency using Rootstock and the Salesforce Platform.

“The joint Gold Sponsorship with Ladd Partners and Cloudteam will be a notable highlight at our Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference,” said Matt Wolf, SVP of Global Alliances at Rootstock Software. “Ladd Partners’ unparalleled expertise in inventory management on the Salesforce Platform combined with Cloudteam’s innovative approach to leveraging Rootstock ERP to overcome steel fabrication challenges represent a cutting-edge combination. In addition, with Ladd Partners responding to customer needs in North America and Cloudteam in EMEA, it’s the type of global synergy we strive for in our partner ecosystem.” “Partnering with Cloudteam at the Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference is our first step in enabling our ability to deliver inventory management solutions globally,” said Krista Ladd, Co-founder, and Managing Partner of Ladd Partners. “We take great pride in our ability to effectively deliver salesforce solutions that truly transform our customers’ operations. This partnership allows us to showcase those strengths, and when combined with Cloudteam, we help manufacturers leverage the tools and strategies they need to drive quality management and to achieve new levels of efficiency and growth across both United States and EMEA.”

“Our alliance with Ladd Partners embodies our shared commitment to innovation,” said Gert-Jan Ter Weeme, CEO of Cloudteam Company. “Today, the manufacturing industry faces complex challenges, particularly in demand, supply, and order fulfilment. At Cloudteam, we take our manufacturing clients on a digital transformation journey, helping them to leverage a holistic CRM and ERP solution on the Salesforce Platform. Our Rooted-In sponsorship is a significant step forward in our mission to deliver Salesforce solutions to customers globally, expanding our reach and enhancing our service offerings to meet the dynamic needs of the manufacturing sector.”

The 2024 Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference will include:

  • Ladd Partners and Cloudteam Company customer success stories that demonstrate how manufacturers have benefited from the combined power of their technological expertise.
  • An exhibit area where attendees can meet the companies to better understand their consulting services.
  • Keynote presentations on Manufacturing Mega Trends, Signal Chain Vision, and Accelerating Value with the Power of Salesforce.
  • A Business Track featuring manufacturing leaders driving success in various areas, such as financial management, team empowerment, and reimagined business processes.

A Technology Track to discuss top manufacturing technology trends such as AI, enabling data-driven decisions, integration, and managing data governance.

© K999 Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. 2023