Manufacturing forum powers innovation and regional growth
With global trade and supply chains evolving, the Sunshine Coast’s manufacturing sector is proving its strength.
In the last financial year the sector delivered nearly 20% of regional exports and $1.32 billion in annual value added (up from $900 million in 2022/23) and contributing $4.44 billion in total output (Gross Regional Product) in 2023/24, despite comprising just 4% of local businesses (SC Jobs Hub).
From advanced food production and clean tech to defence, this dynamic sector consistently outperforms its size and demonstrates that regional manufacturing can compete on a global stage.
Recently, the Queensland Government announced the establishment of a new Sunshine Coast Manufacturing Hub as part of a $10 million investment in regional manufacturing support. This Hub aims to help local manufacturers modernise, innovate, and grow across key sectors including food and beverage, health and medical products, aviation and building materials. Mayor Rosanna Natoli welcomed the initiative as a strong vote of confidence in the Sunshine Coast’s potential as a leader in advanced manufacturing and a catalyst for creating high-value jobs.
The Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast (MEFSC) has been central to this growth, providing a collaborative grassroots program focused on fostering smarter, more sustainable growth in the region’s manufacturing sector.
MEFSC’s mission is practical and powerful, ensuring local businesses are equipped to meet the challenges of a changing industry landscape. Through access to mentorship and advice, support with grant funding, talent recruitment and commercial premises, the forum works alongside manufacturers as they scale and grow on the Sunshine Coast.
“MEF is about building capacity through connection,” explains MEFSC Director Tim Kelly. “By creating opportunities to share ideas and solve problems together, we’re helping manufacturers future-proof their operations.”
A forum for forward thinkers
Every month, MEFSC hosts a showcase event at a local facility offering manufacturers the chance to network, learn from industry leaders and celebrate each other’s success.
One such event took place at Protector Aluminium in Corbould Park – supplier of aluminium poles to Bunnings nationally – offering a behind-the-scenes look at a local manufacturer excelling at scale.
In addition to these events MEFSC deliver capability building programs on topics such as lean manufacturing, automation and digitisation to empower businesses to embrace new technologies with confidence.
Ambitious goals for growth
While the Sunshine Coast’s broader economy grows at 4.5% per year, local manufacturing is expanding at a slower pace. MEFSC has set a clear target to increase manufacturing’s share of GDP to 6% by 2030. Achieving this requires higher productivity, with scalable solutions such as automation and digitisation opening new possibilities for skilled workers.
“Automation and digitisation aren’t about replacing people,” says Kelly. “They’re about enabling our skilled workforce to do higher-value work and lifting productivity where it matters most.”
Real-world success stories
Sunshine Coast businesses are already embracing change and reaping the benefits of automation in manufacturing processes.
Country Chef, known for its baked goods available through Coles across Australia, has introduced advanced processes into its banana bread production, driving efficiency and quality.
Likewise, Gourmet Garden has digitised elements of its semi-dried herb operations, helping the brand maintain quality while reducing costs which has been instrumental in its success in competitive overseas markets, including the United States.
An ideal location for manufacturing
Beyond community and capability, the Sunshine Coast offers compelling infrastructure advantages. With dedicated industrial areas, highway access to the State’s port and the region’s new international capable runway, manufacturers have reason to build business and capability locally.
The region also boasts Australia’s fastest internet broadband connection to Asia via the international submarine cable landing in Maroochydore, supported by a Tier III data centre. For manufacturers reliant on digital systems and secure data transfer, this digital infrastructure is a major drawcard.
Then there’s the lifestyle. Over 300 days of sunshine, pristine natural surrounds, and a highly educated population that is growing rapidly.
With the right support and shared vision, manufacturing on the Sunshine Coast is poised for a bold new era where innovation and collaboration are the foundations of global competitiveness.
For manufacturers ready to scale intelligently and sustainably, the Sunshine Coast offers the complete package.
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