Manufacturing

Featured stories

Boosting Australia’s gas supply

Boosting Australia’s gas supply

17 January 2019

As electricity prices continue to rise and domestic gas supply across eastern Australia tightens, Cooper Energy is one company that’s thinking big so it can be a significant part of the solution.

Boosting Australia’s gas supply

Insights, Trends & Case Studies

More than chemicals: Titan Ag connects with farmers

More than chemicals: Titan Ag connects with farmers

4 September 2017

After 10 years in business, Titan Ag is now a formidable strength in holistic agricultural chemical supply, respected for competitive products, relationship building – and now for being grain producers themselves.

More than chemicals: Titan Ag connects with farmers
Reinventing the 200-year-old ballet shoe

Reinventing the 200-year-old ballet shoe

3 April 2017

The ballet shoe has remained relatively unchanged for centuries – since it went from having a heel to being a flat. Enter former ballet dancer Tim Heathcote who is taking on the establishment to revolutionise its design once more.

Reinventing the 200-year-old ballet shoe
Service economy blooming

Service economy blooming

14 November 2016

While the 24-hour news cycle may talk down Australia’s transition from a commodity to service economy, the figures tell a different, and very positive, story.

Service economy blooming
The nuts and bolts of becoming a global supplier

The nuts and bolts of becoming a global supplier

25 October 2016

From one product line on Australian shelves many years ago, Stahmann Farms now has an abundant 40 nut products in some of the world’s biggest supermarkets chains as well as delivering branded products into its own online store in China.

The nuts and bolts of becoming a global supplier
NAB ACRI Australia-China Business Index: Bilateral engagement

NAB ACRI Australia-China Business Index: Bilateral engagement

27 January 2016

The first-ever report comparing attitudes of Chinese and Australian business leaders towards bilateral engagement was conducted by NAB and the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) at the University of Technology Sydney. This excerpt examines how bilateral engagement is expected in increase.

NAB ACRI Australia-China Business Index: Bilateral engagement
A visionary approach to business

A visionary approach to business

29 July 2015

Australia has proven to be particularly fertile territory for British-based Specsavers since it arrived here in 2008, famously opening 100 stores during its first 100 days down under.

A visionary approach to business
Australia-China Trade Report: Manufacturing Case Study

Australia-China Trade Report: Manufacturing Case Study

20 April 2015

Australian engineering company, Mawson Global offer value chain services to Australian SME clients who otherwise would not be able to access global sourcing. Their approach facilitates the transition from localised to globalised production for clients.

Australia-China Trade Report: Manufacturing Case Study
The 2014 Australia-China Trade Report

The 2014 Australia-China Trade Report

25 March 2015

Julie Bishop launched the 2014 Australia-China Trade Report. Commissioned by the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), one of Australia’s most respected China engagement forums and sponsored by NAB, the report examines bilateral trade between the two countries.

The 2014 Australia-China Trade Report
2015: Opportunities for SMEs in the year ahead

2015: Opportunities for SMEs in the year ahead

14 January 2015

2015 could be a good year for smaller businesses. Dean Pearson, NAB’s Head of Industry Analysis, looks at opportunities sector by sector, suggests ways to make the most of them and explains how technology is helping to level the playing field for SMEs.

2015: Opportunities for SMEs in the year ahead
The vision to make a difference

The vision to make a difference

1 December 2014

With a skilled workforce of blind and vision-impaired employees, the Royal Society for the Blind Industrial Services in South Australia has carved out a reputation for providing efficient, cost effective and high quality packaging and assembly services to a range of businesses.

The vision to make a difference
Ethnic Business Award Champion: ABC Tissue

Ethnic Business Award Champion: ABC Tissue

6 November 2014

Starting ABC Tissue soon after arriving from Hong Kong, Henry Ngai now manufactures some of Australia’s most popular brands of tissue products. He discusses his business, his strategy for success and being named Champion of Champions at the 2013 Ethnic Business Awards.

Ethnic Business Award Champion: ABC Tissue
Business View magazine – Summer 2014

Business View magazine – Summer 2014

3 November 2014

The latest issue of Business View magazine celebrates successful Australian business women. In our cover story we talk to top horse trainer Gai Waterhouse about overcoming barriers and what underpins the success of her business. We also chat to Collette Dinnigan and Lisa McGuigan.

Business View magazine – Summer 2014
China Economic Update – 15 September 2014

China Economic Update – 15 September 2014

16 September 2014

Weaker than expected industrial production data is likely to generate headlines this month. However these results are not as negative as they may seem – reflecting in part the impact of stimulus in Q3 2013.

China Economic Update – 15 September 2014
Developing a meaty supply chain across Asia

Developing a meaty supply chain across Asia

31 July 2014

One of the largest vertically integrated supply chain organisations in the world, Australian Country Choice (ACC) is looking to expand its supply of high quality meat into Asia. CEO David Foote discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Developing a meaty supply chain across Asia
Aussie Exporters and their Eastern Odyssey

Aussie Exporters and their Eastern Odyssey

14 July 2014

Australian businesses are increasingly exporting to Asia. Business View talks to Thermal Electric Elements (TEE), a manufacturer of custom-made heating units and elements, about their journey east and the impact it’s had on their business so far.

Aussie Exporters and their Eastern Odyssey
Aussie Importers and their Eastern Odyssey

Aussie Importers and their Eastern Odyssey

2 July 2014

Australians are increasingly importing from Asia. Business View talks to designer, Christina Re about her journey east, the impact it’s had on her Aussie-based business, and how she believes Asia provides scope for growth and the opportunity to create beautiful products.

Aussie Importers and their Eastern Odyssey
Blending family and business

Blending family and business

16 June 2014

From deep within the Victorian Mallee, the de Pieri and Carrazza clans are as renowned for blending family and business as they are for blending a great beer. Mildura’s popular brewers and restaurateurs, Stefano and Donata, talk to Business View about achieving the right mix.

Blending family and business
Business View magazine – Winter 2014

Business View magazine – Winter 2014

4 June 2014

In this edition, Business View magazine highlights the success of businesses working with, inspired and supported by family. Our cover story features how Mildura Brewery owners Stefano de Pieri and wife Donata Carrazza successfully blend family and business.

Business View magazine – Winter 2014
Robots at your service

Robots at your service

23 April 2014

Robots are on the march. Most of them work on assembly lines, building cars, making electronic devices and processing food, drugs and chemicals. But robots are spreading beyond the factory - a trend that will accelerate in 2014.

Robots at your service
The talk of the town: NAB business wrap

The talk of the town: NAB business wrap

27 March 2014

There’s been a lot for Aussie businesses to talk about recently, from shoes to defence contracts - Australian and global markets appear to be bursting with opportunities. Here's a selection of business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors in 2014

The talk of the town: NAB business wrap
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q4, 2013

NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q4, 2013

3 March 2014

The Manufacturing Activity Index continued with its slow improvement in Q4, supported by strong business confidence and falling labour costs. The index implies activity in the manufacturing industry expanded by 0.5% in Q4.

NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q4, 2013
The talk of the town: NAB business wrap

The talk of the town: NAB business wrap

23 January 2014

There’s been a lot for Aussie businesses to talk about so far in 2014 - from weather predictions to our reading habits. Here’s a selection of recent business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors in 2014.

The talk of the town: NAB business wrap
Australia installs 2M small-scale renewable energy systems

Australia installs 2M small-scale renewable energy systems

10 January 2014

Australians have now installed more than two million small-scale renewable energy systems, the Clean Energy Regulator has confirmed, providing a strong indication that investment in small-scale renewable energy continues to flourish in Australia.

Australia installs 2M small-scale renewable energy systems
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q3, 2013

NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q3, 2013

21 October 2013

The Manufacturing Activity Index was largely unchanged in Q3 – with positive trends for business confidence offset by negative ones for labour and purchase costs and final product prices. The index implies a slight increase quarterly manufacturing activity - at around +0.4%.

NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q3, 2013
Business View Magazine – Winter 2013

Business View Magazine – Winter 2013

23 July 2013

In this edition, we delve into the experiences of finance commentator turned business builder Alan Kohler, detail bringing an invention to life and explore running a business in an extreme climate. We also cover retaining staff, handling tax in your SMSF and negotiating contracts in China.

Business View Magazine – Winter 2013
A smarter way to trade in China

A smarter way to trade in China

22 July 2013

If you’ve been thinking about improving the efficiency of your importing or exporting business with Australia’s largest trading partner, there’s now a more efficient way to settle trade transactions in China. Hear the latest insights from NAB’s team of experts.

A smarter way to trade in China
More value for less effort – the secret of Lean

More value for less effort – the secret of Lean

16 July 2013

Being Lean worked for Toyota - could it work for you? Chris Foster, KPMG Director, National LEAN Service Line Leader, explains the five basic principles of the Lean system and how doing less work can create more customer value.

More value for less effort – the secret of Lean
Key considerations for your business strategy into China

Key considerations for your business strategy into China

23 May 2013

Considering doing business with China? Australia China Business Week, the most significant Sino-Australian business events of the year, kicked off in Shanghai last month ahead of upcoming events in Melbourne and Sydney. We reveal the insights shared by the Shanghai delegates.

Key considerations for your business strategy into China
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q1, 2013

NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q1, 2013

24 April 2013

The Manufacturing Activity Index improved in Q1, up to neutral levels – driven largely by less negative levels for business confidence. The index implies no growth in quarterly manufacturing activity – which would represent a slowdown according to recent official data.

NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q1, 2013
2013 Economic outlook for SMEs

2013 Economic outlook for SMEs

12 February 2013

SME confidence is expected to increase as financial markets show some improvement and consumers continue to spend strongly in certain sectors. While the dollar is expected to remain high, the cash rate could fall as low as 2.25 percent this year, reveals NAB’s Head of Australian Economics.

2013 Economic outlook for SMEs
ASX 300 Quarterly Business Survey – September 2012

ASX 300 Quarterly Business Survey – September 2012

29 October 2012

The ASX 300 Quarterly Business Survey captures the views of the ASX 300 business community and is a key peer comparator for companies. It aims to share business insights and an understanding of economic confidence for the quarter.

ASX 300 Quarterly Business Survey – September 2012
Quarterly SME Survey – September 2012

Quarterly SME Survey – September 2012

25 October 2012

SME confidence and conditions better in Q3 but still below average; sentiment of SMEs now in line with their larger counterparts but activity, capacity utilisation and new orders continue to under perform. Strength in recreation & personal services and transport a consistent theme

Quarterly SME Survey – September 2012
Manufacturing Sector Insights – October 2012

Manufacturing Sector Insights – October 2012

24 October 2012

This edition explores key topics and issues which have real potential for impact on manufacturers and the concept of optimisation in the context of business models, capital structure, funding profiles, working capital efficiency, approach to risk management and cost base.

Manufacturing Sector Insights – October 2012
Manufacturing Activity Index – Q3 2012

Manufacturing Activity Index – Q3 2012

23 October 2012

The Manufacturing Activity Index was unchanged in Q3 – despite diverging trends in the index components – remaining at negative levels. The index indicates further falls in Manufacturing growth in the quarter, which remains burdened by global economic trends and the strength of the dollar

Manufacturing Activity Index – Q3 2012
Quarterly Business Survey – September quarter 2012

Quarterly Business Survey – September quarter 2012

18 October 2012

Business conditions improve in the quarter but still soft. However, Monthly survey results suggest conditions weakened towards the end of the quarter. Forward indicators remain very weak. Confidence up a touch but still at downbeat levels – especially mining

Quarterly Business Survey – September quarter 2012
NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q2 2012

NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q2 2012

30 June 2012

The NAB Manufacturing Activity Index provides detailed analysis of activity in Australia’s manufacturing sector and has been constructed to replicate quarterly movements in activity within the sector. The Manufacturing Activity Index* eased further in Q2, remaining in negative territory – despite some divergent trends in individual sub-sectors. The index implies declines in quarter-on-quarter growth in […]

NAB Manufacturing Activity Index – Q2 2012
2012 best industries

2012 best industries

28 April 2012

Which Australian industries are peaking this year? IBISWorld General Manager, Karen Dobie, dissects the research.

2012 best industries
Helpline for small-medium manufacturers

Helpline for small-medium manufacturers

10 April 2012

A Gillard-chaired manufacturing taskforce aims to reignite Australia’s struggling manufacturing industry by helping local firms compete more effectively to harness opportunities emerging from the ‘Asian century’.

Helpline for small-medium manufacturers
Foundations of business success

Foundations of business success

30 December 2011

What’s the key to long-term business growth? Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory explain how they’ve adapted to keep going strong for over 120 years.

Foundations of business success