In a recent reflection, Jens Goennemann, managing director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, has addressed the persistent notion that “Australia does not make anything anymore.”
Goennemann’s remarks stem from his personal experiences during a gruelling 13,000-kilometre journey along the Canning Stock Route, one of Australia’s most challenging overland trails.
The Canning Stock Route, first opened in 1910, spans 1,850 kilometres through Western Australia, connecting the goldfields south of Wiluna to Halls Creek in the remote Kimberley region.
Known for its ability to challenge both vehicles and equipment, the journey provided Goennemann with the opportunity to test Australian manufacturing firsthand.
Goennemann emphasised the robustness of Australian-made products, which proved essential in preparing his vehicle for the arduous journey.
His LandCruiser, equipped with enhancements from domestic manufacturers, successfully endured the trek with only minor issues.
Among the standout products were those from South Australian manufacturer REDARC, whose battery management system, inverter, and lithium battery pack powered essential equipment for the journey.
“Around the campfire with my fellow Canning alumni, I found myself debunking the myth that ‘Australia does not make anything anymore’ simply by pointing to my car,” Goennemann shared.
He highlighted that focusing solely on finished goods often leads to underestimating Australia’s manufacturing potential.
Goennemann pointed to the successes of companies like REDARC, which extends its highly developed electronics manufacturing capabilities to industries such as defence, space, and mining.
He also cited JMACX, known for its Australian-made suspension and drivetrain upgrades, and Premcar, a vehicle remanufacturer that serves the aerospace, industrial, defence, and transport industries.
Despite these examples of manufacturing excellence, Goennemann expressed concern that Australia is not fully realising its potential.
“The vastness of this amazing continent bought into focus again that we have just about everything we need at our fingertips for manufacturing success,” he noted.
“We only need to pull the right levers in an integrated approach to unlock our latent potential, rather than tinkering around the edges in an eclectic fashion.”
Goennemann warned against complacency fueled by reliance on commodities and called for a strategic and long-term approach to manufacturing policy.
“Australia is at a crossroad,” he concluded, “and we have not taken the right turn yet.”
