REDARC is investing in Industry 4.0 technology and training with support from the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
The Lonsdale-based manufacturer plans to use the co-funding investment of over $800,000 to extend its smart factory and skill capabilities across its in-house and supplier operations.
REDARC says it allocates up to 15 per cent of its yearly revenues to R&D.
“In that context, we need to have a nimble, agile and value-driven manufacturing base to be able to sustain that type of business and respond quickly to customer needs,” Andrew Rogers, Manufacturing Engineering Manager for REDARC, said.
“Industry 4.0 is more than a buzzword; it represents the next leap in technological prowess and competitiveness. It should however be viewed as a journey without end, because after digitisation there will be something else to adopt to ensure we maintain our competitive edge.
“It’s important that we bring our suppliers along in the process, as we prefer to control our quality and supply chain by making sure all parts of this chain work together.”
The collaborative project is budgeted at a total of $803,540, with AMGC contributing matched funds of $397,770, with the reminder matched and in-kind funding from REDARC partners including Advanced Focus, Minitab, Swinburne University, Artis Group and CADWalk.
Local manufacturer Arkidelo, which injection moulds cases for REDARC’s Tow Pro product, will play a part in the project’s digital supply chain integration.
“There is a misunderstanding when it comes to the term advanced manufacturing, being advanced is not related to what you make, but how you make it,” Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director, AMGC said. “Being advanced is about continual improvement in your processes, workforce skills and products across the critical steps of design, research and development, logistics, production, sales, service and support.”