Manufacturers from Sydney’s Blacktown, many of whom are food and beverage makers, need to adopt new technology in order to complete globally, according to a new report.
The report by Western Sydney University for Blacktown Council, points out that manufacturing is Blacktown’s biggest employer – it employs 15,300 people across almost 1000 businesses.
According to the report, businesses involved in the industry are facing challenges from low-cost Asian competitors and need to adopt advanced strategies to stay competitive.
“The decline in manufacturing in Australia is closely connected to the relatively high labour costs, by comparison with overseas rates, particularly in Asia,” the report said.
Last year, Lindt & Sprungli opened its purpose-built A$60 million site at Sydney Business Park (pictured). The site includes 66,000 square metres and 25,000 square metres of factory and logistics space.
Lindt Group chief executive officer Enrst Tanner said at the time that Lindt was happy it could contribute to the Western Sydney economy.
“I am delighted that the growth of our business in Australia has allowed us to not only expand our operations but to provide people in Sydney’s west with employment opportunities with Lindt,” Tanner said.
Blacktown is the sixth-most productive economy in NSW, with a gross regional product of $14.2 billion.