Australian Made shines a light on our ‘Australian Makers’

The Australian Made Campaign is taking Australians behind the scenes and into the local factories, workshops and farms of some of the country’s most innovative manufacturers with its ‘Australian Makers’ video series.

The short-form video collection seeks to celebrate Australia’s diverse and evolving manufacturing sector and shine a light on the people, processes and stories behind some of our most loved Australian products.

“We are passionate about Australian manufacturing, so we are very excited to launch the Australian Makers series,” said Ben Lazzaro, Chief Executive of the Australian Made Campaign.

“We’re highlighting the ingenuity and skill of our Australian Makers, and providing a unique insight into what goes into making a product in Australia, as well as the benefits that delivers to the wider community.

These Australian Makers are experts at leveraging their Australian credentials to succeed domestically and overseas and should be celebrated.  Australia’s manufacturing sector is stronger than you might think - nearly three thousand companies use the Australian Made logo on thousands of products sold here and around the world. It’s going from strength to strength.”

Benjamin Young, Founder and CEO of frank green, inspecting its Original Reusable Cup

One of those Australian Made licensees featured is frank green. Since its inception in 2013, frank green has grown into one of Australia’s best-loved reusable cups and bottles brands and is rapidly expanding around the world.

Benjamin Young, Founder and CEO of frank green said in the series, “There is no way that we would have been as successful as we are today unless we manufactured in Australia. We have travelled the world, we have looked at manufacturing processes in different countries, and I just think that in terms of getting to market and getting a quality product out into that market on a daily basis, it is fundamental for us to be Australian-made.”

Another Australian Made licensee, Volvo Group Australia (which produces Volvo and Mack Trucks), explained that manufacturing its trucks in Australia gave them a competitive advantage in the market. 

“Australia is the ultimate testing ground for trucks. Heavier loads, longer distances and extreme temperatures. We are an Australian company, and we build Australian trucks for Australian conditions,” Mr Martin Merrick, President & CEO Volvo Group Australia, said. 

“What really makes us unique is our local base, with our local engineering, purchasing and manufacturing. People are sometimes surprised to hear that we manufacture Volvo and Mack trucks here in Australia. We also use the local supply chain and have approximately 90 local suppliers. 

Manufacturing our trucks here in Australia really does give us an advantage. We have the skills and resources here at our local base and speaking to our local customers, they are incredibly proud to buy Australian Made”.

Volvo Group Australia employee manufacturing Australian Made truck

Roy Morgan’s latest research revealed 90% of Australians aged 14+ say they are more likely to buy products made in Australia, with Mr Lazzaro explaining more and more Australians are taking an interest in where their products are made.

“Aussie products are made to some of the highest standards in the world. They are trusted, they are made in a clean, green environment, and they are known for their safety and quality.  Country of origin is increasingly playing an important part in purchasing decisions,” Mr Lazzaro said.

Supporting Australian Made manufacturers encourages and assists Aussie businesses to innovate and build on their success, as well as providing pathways to new markets. The result is a healthy manufacturing sector, job creation and a strong economy.”

The first series is available to watch at www.australianmade.com.au/ausmakers.