Australian manufacturing is not dead

Investment in R&D and operational efficiencies can help Australian food and beverage companies like Frosty Boy compete and win on the international stage.

Queensland-­based manufacturer Frosty Boy Australia says that the manufacturing industry is not dead, despite the publicised closure of many manufacturing companies across the country, and the populist view that the sector is on its last legs.

Off the back of research from the Office of the Chief Economist confirming that there has a been a decline in the manufacturing sector, Frosty Boy is continuing to buck the trend as its local innovations have been key to its growth in more than 54 international markets.

Frosty Boy Managing Director Dirk Pretorius said that those working in the manufacturing sector who are able to bring a unique combination of expertise, innovation and efficiency can be both successful and commercially viable on the international stage.

“Frosty Boy has seen a significant increase in international demand for our products and we have adopted advanced manufacturing techniques to remain competitive. In fact, we have experienced an increase in production by 17% year on year over the last decade of operation,” Pretorius said.

“It is possible for Australian manufacturing brands to be successful on the international stage by adopting a culture of constant advancement in innovation and technology.”

Pretorius also said that the company’s global expansion plans were driving local growth, consolidating local jobs and adding significant value to the local economy sector through the company’s Gold Coast base.

Frosty Boy General Manager Sales and Marketing Felipe Demartini agreed and said: “The market belief is that Australia’s geographic isolation and high operational costs have reduced its international competitiveness but this is simply not true. Companies can sidestep this perception and expand into new markets if they embrace innovation and great service, and become experts in their field.

“Although generally Australia is seen to have significantly higher operational costs, Frosty Boy invests significantly in operational efficiencies to reduce this reliance and allow it to compete on an international level while still being able to leverage the internationally acclaimed ‘Australian Made’ brand.”

According to recent statistics, 83% of the Australian population wants more manufacturing jobs regardless of the fact that Australia is currently relying more on foreign producers to supply our manufactured goods.

Pretorius said, “We dedicate almost 4% of revenue to R&D, to leverage ourselves more strongly in global markets.

“Ranking sixth in largest employer by sector, the importance and potential of manufacturing in Australia should not be overlooked but embraced with open arms, intellectual rigour and innovative offerings,” he concluded.

Frosty Boy Managing Director Dirk Pretorius.