Feel Good About Manufacturing in Australia

We rarely hear good stories nowadays about manufacturing in Australia.
Historically, we had a robust Australian manufacturing base but in recent times most manufacturing has moved off shore. Cheaper imports may seem like a good idea but as the story goes ‘if a deal seems to be too good to be true, it probably is’. Apart from the loss of brains trust and skill sets, imported products may not always be what they seem to be. The stringent safety and environment standards followed by Australian manufactures are not necessarily adhered to by overseas manufacturers.
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It is refreshing then to hear of a local manufacturing success story, such as that of Wilson & Gilkes. Wilson & Gilkes couple the very latest state-of-the-art technology and manufacturing solutions, with ingenious Australian design to produce ‘worlds best practice’ and eco friendly products. One example of this is the Lock & Dock computer storage, security and mobility units, designed and manufactured by Wilson & Gilkes in Australia, to Australian environmental and safety standards. The Lock & Dock range is manufactured at their Moorebank facilities with the help of local engineers, industrial designers, trades people, apprentices and an enthusiastic support team.
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Wilson & Gilkes also believe in supporting the next wave of Australian manufactures and actively participates in the SouthWest Connect Work Placement Program. Work placement is a compulsory component of the school based vocational HSC courses, which are recognised by both industry and the Board of Studies.
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Students are placed with Wilson & Gilkes for a week to enhance skills learned in the classroom.
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Through this program students experiencing real working conditions, which help build confidence, self respect and better prepare them for their future careers. Students also have unique access to the latest state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and personnel, giving them the opportunity to understand the seemingly limitless possibilities that await them. The program also helps students gain their HSC and national industry recognition.
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One recent program participant was Christopher Fifita. Christopher assisted in the manufacture of Lock & Dock units that have proven to be so popular with schools throughout Australia and New Zealand. Christopher’s contribution may seem small but he is an important reminder that through even our smallest actions, we can all make an important contribution to the future of manufacturing in Australia.