Defence and industry leaders showcase the future of SA manufacturing at the Tonsley Innovation District

Leaders from defence and industry gathered at the Tonsley Innovation District on Thursday for an exciting conference showcasing the Flinders Univestiy Line Zero Factory of the Future.

Hosted by the City of Marion, in conjunction with Flinders University Factory of the Future and The Executive Hub, the Future Made in Australia event welcomed small businesses, large manufacturers and defence suppliers to the facility.

The event foreshadowed the imminent opening of Flinders University Factory of the Future facility; a world-class, reconfigurable advanced manufacturing test bed, training and industry growth facility - the first of its kind in Australia.

With more than 100 attendees at Thursday’s event, it presented the first opportunity for key stakeholders to connect and learn about the opportunities coming soon to Tonsley.

Guest speakers included Defence SA chief executive Matt Opie, Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost, Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna, executive staff from Loftus Technology and Allin Towbars, plus many more.

The event will also featured demonstrations at the Factory of the Future Line Zero and the adjoining BAE Systems Australia facility.

It concluded with a Defence Teaming Centre networking event at the Mantra Hotel, Tonsley, sponsored by the City of Marion.

“Marion Council was excited to host an event that connects our local businesses with leaders in the defence and manufacturing industries,” Mayor Hanna said.

“We are proud of Tonsley, which has become a globally-recognised innovation district.”

The Factory of the Future will connect businesses and sectors which are of growing importance to the national economy, including the $90 billion defence shipbuilding industry.

About 250 companies will be involved in the facility, benefiting from collaborations with research expertise and opportunities to integrate into domestic and international value chains.

The facility is expected to help increase Australia's sovereign capability, offer more jobs, present research opportunities and produce advanced technology that will address skill shortages, particularly in the defence sector.

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