Matchmaking manufacturers: to boost COVID-19 supply chains

Australian businesses wanting to support the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will have greater access to potential partners and customers, due to an industry matchmaking site backed by the Morrison government. Developed by the government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), the ‘COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register’ will bring together manufacturers, suppliers and customers via a self-managed platform. “Industry asked for this and we have delivered,” Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said. “This digital platform is the missing puzzle piece that will unlock widespread collaboration across the manufacturing sector and boost domestic capability by creating and expanding local supply chains.”

The matchmaking platform has helped local businesses pivot to produce essential medical supplies for COVID-19 — keeping Australians in work and building long-term capability in the recovery phase. The platform can be used by hospitals, general practitioners and community groups to find Australian suppliers of essential products, such as hand sanitiser, ventilators and personal protective equipment (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,” Andrews said. “This needs to be capability that industry maintains well after we come out the other side.”

The platform will initially combine AMGC’s COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register database of 2500 submissions with 600 local businesses identified through the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources’ recent Request for Information on PPE production capability. AMGC Managing Director Dr Jens Goennemann said the willingness of Australian manufacturers to lend support during the current crisis demonstrates the strength of the industry. “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,” Dr Goennemann said.

The platform 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 supplies across the manufacturing value chain, be it research, design, production or service and support. “Collaboration is key to the manufacturing industry’s continued success and we encourage manufacturers, suppliers and customers to leverage the platform to benefit all participants,” Dr Goennemann said. “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.”

To access the COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register platform, visit www.amgc.org.au.

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