On the fifth episode of Coast and Commerce, season two, Ben Amos interviews Tim Kelly, the leader of the Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) on the Sunshine Coast. Tim discusses the thriving manufacturing industry on the Sunshine Coast, highlighting companies like Country Chef, Protector Aluminium, and Zone RV that are achieving world-class manufacturing. He explains MEF's role in supporting local manufacturers through networking, events, and connecting them with resources and grants. The conversation highlights the importance of advanced manufacturing, automation, and attracting top talent to the region while providing job pathways for young people on the coast. Tim emphasises MEF's efforts to change the perception of manufacturing and create a self-sustaining ecosystem that can position the Sunshine Coast as a manufacturing hub.

Takeaways

• The Sunshine Coast has a robust manufacturing industry with around 1,400 manufacturers employing over 8,500 people and contributing 20% of the region's total exports.

• Notable companies like Country Chef, Protector Aluminium, Kilcoy Global Foods, Zone RV are doing world-class manufacturing on the Sunshine Coast.

• The Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) supports local manufacturers through networking events, connecting them to resources/grants, and providing advice.

• MEF aims to attract and retain top talent in STEM fields by engaging students through programs like the eVTOL autonomous air taxi project.

• Addressing labour shortages and housing affordability are key challenges, making automation and advanced manufacturing critical for future competitiveness.  

• MEF is working to change perceptions that manufacturing jobs are "dirty, dull, dangerous" and position the region as an attractive manufacturing hub.

• With a fun, ‘not taking themselves serious’ attitude as "MEF heads", the forum tries to make manufacturing engaging and facilitate meaningful connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:12 Specializing in Helicopter Fitouts

04:30 Supporting Growth and Diversifying the Economy

06:52 Introduction to the Benefits of Having Businesses in the Sunshine Coast

09:11 The Importance of Supporting Local Manufacturers

11:18 Connecting Businesses with Local Suppliers

13:32 Introduction to MEF and its Support for Early-Stage Startup Manufacturers

15:40 Supporting Manufacturing Businesses

19:50 Promoting Manufacturing and Innovation on the Sunshine Coast

22:07 The Power of Mentors

24:12 Catalyzing Change and Creating a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem

26:20 Creating Connections and Scaling Good Interactions

27:31 The Problematic Issue of Housing Availability and Cost

28:14 The Need for a Cultural Shift in Perception towards Manufacturing

29:11 Attracting Top Talent for Driving Innovation

29:11 The Power of Banter

30:12 The Manufacturing Excellence Forum

30:57 Advocacy for Manufacturing

31:19 Stay Informed

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