Online platform pairs local manufacturers with customers

The Morrison government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) has developed a COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register that brings together manufacturers, suppliers and customers, via a self-managed platform. Australian businesses looking to support the response to the COVID-19 pandemic now have greater access to potential partners and customers, through an industry matchmaking site backed by the government.

Ministry for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews described the digital platform as “the missing puzzle piece” that will enable widespread collaboration across the manufacturing sector and boost domestic capability by creating and expanding local supply chains.

“The matchmaking platform has already resulted in local businesses pivoting to produce essential medical supplies for COVID-19 — keeping Australians in work and building long-term capability in the recovery phase,” Andrews said.

The platform can be used by hospitals, GPs and community groups to find Australian suppliers of essential products, such as hand sanitiser, ventilators and PPE, now and into the future.

“I have said right throughout this pandemic that I don’t want Australian production of essential medical supplies to be a flash in the pan. This needs to be capability that industry maintains well after we come out the other side,” Andrews said.

The platform will initially combine AMGC’s COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register database of 2500 submissions with a further 600 local businesses, identified through the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources’ Request for Information on PPE production capability.

“Australian manufacturers are highly skilled, resilient and willing, and this enhanced platform allows them to continue to support the COVID-19 response while offering their services to a broader range of potential customers,” said Dr Jens Goennemann, AMGC Managing Director.

Manufacturers, suppliers and customers are being encouraged to leverage the platform to benefit all participants. “We want to ensure that the overwhelming offers of support from manufacturers, suppliers and individuals live as a resource and continue to provide solutions long after this pandemic,” Goennemann said.

The platform’s capability matching feature allows companies to post a need, solution or capability online, which is shared on a live community feed. The supply matching feature helps suppliers connect with organisations looking for crucial supplies across the manufacturing value chain, such as research, design, production or service and support.

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