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AAAA launches Council for auto component makers A new Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) initiative will promote the interests and growth of the local automotive components manufacturing sector by focusing on innovation and export expansion. The Automotive Products Manufacturers and Exporters Council (APMEC) will support Australia’s large automotive components manufacturing sector. This Council will assist member companies engaged in producing automotive products for both the original equipment and aftermarket sectors and is open to businesses engaged in research, design, product development or production. AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said APMEC is a natural extension of the Association’s operations.
The inaugural Council will be led by Dayco Australia Managing Director Arnold Mouw. “While government previously recognised and supported only the manufacturing segment supplying local vehicle manufacturers, all other automotive businesses had to work independently to build their local and international markets,” said Mouw. “APMEC will be a welcome addition to Australia’s automotive landscape. It will help companies develop products and access new markets.”
“AAAA has operated successful Four-Wheel Drive and Performance Racing and Tuning Industry Councils for many years to support these specialist sectors of the Australian automotive aftermarket,” said Charity. “These AAAA Industry Councils actively advocate on behalf of member businesses to promote growth opportunities and also act as networking and information exchange groups. They have been very effective at expanding markets for Australian automotive components.”
While the strategy and activities of the APMEC will be determined by a leadership team drawn from its membership, the AAAA will provide resources to support those volunteers. AAAA Senior Manager Government Relations and Advocacy Lesley Yates will be the APMEC Project Manager. Yates said interest in APMEC membership is already high.
The APMEC will conduct research to identify and quantify business opportunities for Australian component manufacturers. It will also go formulate new, innovative ways for members to expand their businesses. “This is an exciting AAAA initiative. APMEC is about highend manufacturing growth and more skilled jobs for Australia,” said Charity.
“As we launch APMEC it already has 80 company members,” said Yates. “Given the wide range and high skill levels of Australian automotive design and manufacturing businesses, we expect membership to reach about 260. The automotive components sector in Australia is not dead. AAAA members are now exporting more than $800m worth of product each year. This is evidence that the global automotive market recognises Australian manufacturers’ innovation and quality production.”
Bendix celebrates 60 years of innovation Leading automotive brake manufacturer Bendix is celebrating a significant milestone having completed 60 years of innovation and technology driven manufacturing. Founded in 1955, Mintex, as the company was originally known, was established to meet the needs of Australian motorists. Located in Ballarat it initially employed just 30 people, but a short time later the company was bought by US-based Bendix Corporation, and Bendix Mintex was formed. During the 1970s Bendix Mintex developed innovative manufacturing processes for the production of disc brake pads that would see it begin exporting Australian technology overseas. These developments continued as the company began working on new friction materials to further improve the performance and pricing of brake pads. In 1993 the company’s dedication to innovation and quality saw Bendix Mintex named Manufacturer of the Year by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Further recognition came in 2008 when Bendix was inducted into the prestigious Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Investment in the plant at Ballarat has been significant, most recently with the commissioning of a $3.5m IAG moulding press as part of an $8.8m upgrade of the manufacturing facilities to deliver world-class high-tech products for the Asia Pacific region.
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AMT October 2015
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