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A u s t r a l i a ’s L a r g e s t C i r c u l a t i n g M a n u f a c t u r i n g M a g a z i n e - CAB Member
Industry Update Manufacturing Magazine
$12.00 INC.GST
Strike back
Issue 67 August 2012
Manufacturing Product Cards out September p49
Make your mark p10
EXCLUSIVE
Dick Warburton speaks out
It’s time for Aussie manufacturers to take on China
What’s your reputation worth? Karl Boothroyd reports p6
Keeping it in-house … Spitwater heaters in production
The company also produces a range of fan forced, popular, portable industrial Jetfire (LPG) and Spitfire (diesel) space heaters. And as well as pressure cleaners and heaters, Spitwater distributes a high quality range of industrial and commercial vacuum cleaners and industrial fans. The company has been servicing a wellestablished national and international client
Health: Chronic disease threat rises for some manufacturing workers p14
11-518
base since 1982 when the business relocated from Italy. At a time when many organizations are moving offshore, outsourcing or simply importing the finished product, Spitwater Australia has consciously brought many functions in-house. “Manufacturing components internally has improved product quality and has simultaneously reduced production times and parts inventories,” says Andrea Martinotti, General Manager and son of the company’s founders. “We use sophisticated robotic welding, and computer-controlled combined laser cutting and turret punching equipment in the manufacture of many of the parts for our products, Mr Martinotti says. “These and other state-ofthe-art operations such as our fully automated powder coating plant all contribute to the high build quality of our machines. Continued page 2
Aussie made: Global Spill turns 21 p29 Demag Cranes celebrates 50 years p44
See page 20
In an exclusive interview with Industry Update Dick Warburton, Executive Chairman of Manufacturing Australia, examines the major challenges now facing Australian manufacturers. Challenges such as the strong Aussie dollar, carbon tax, low cost overseas competitors, skills shortages and excessive or inconsistent regulation have pushed Australian industry to the brink. But while Australian manufacturing is currently fighting multiple fires on multiple fronts, there is light at the end of the tunnel, says Mr Warburton. Full interview page 24
Q&A with David Green, Kemppi p64
SEW
celebrates 30 years in Australia p76
Heavy duty pressure cleaners for the toughest jobs!
New DIESEL models with water-cooled KUBOTA engines
storage solutions tailored to fit.
WRhino/MECA/4606
Inside
Over the past decade Australian manufacturers have been sending production offshore in droves to take advantage of cheap labour and material costs. But wages in low cost countries such as China have been steadily rising and many manufacturers are now reviewing their options. For some, investing in local manufacturing is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative. One company that has remained loyal to local manufacturing is Spitwater Australia. Based at Albury on the NSW/Victoria border, Spitwater is 100 per cent Australian and privately owned, employing nearly 100 full-time and casual staff. As the name suggests, Spitwater makes a high quality range of high pressure water cleaners for heavy duty industrial cleaning applications, using the latest state-of-the-art manufacturing technology.
Freecall 1300 661 198 or www.mecaracking.com.au
With rugged all steel construction and a load of smart features, Australian made, electric, petrol or Diesel powered Spitwater, industrial pressure cleaners are designed for the toughest working conditions.
For more information on the Spitwater range call now
1300 880 403
Brisbane – Sydney – Melbourne – Adelaide – Perth
www.spitwater.com.au