More than 120 local business leaders have been inspired by one of the world’s leading authorities on productivity and innovation in manufacturing.

Professor Goran Roos was the guest speaker at Bankstown City Council’s recent Manufacturing the Future forum.

“Local manufacturers need to add additional services to their operations in order to succeed,” Professor Roos said.

“If manufacturers want to succeed moving forward, they need to have something that makes them unique and customer’s want.

“It’s critical companies also look to add services to their traditional manufacturing operations as a way of adding value from their customers’ perspective.

“Local manufacturers can do this by strengthening their capacity to use things like nanotechnology, advanced materials, photonics, industrial biotechnology and advanced manufacturing technologies.”

Professor Roos also told the audience that ‘hidden champions’ or smaller based businesses were key to the future of Australian manufacturing.

“Hidden champions are typically family owned businesses which keep a low public profile with leaders strongly identified in the firm; are product focussed; and have a strong bond with their employees.”

Organised by Council’s Bankstown Business Advisory Services (BBAS), the forum was attended by representatives of small, medium and large local manufacturing organisations.

The BBAS is planning to hold similar forums throughout the year for various industries as part of its aim at identifying and addressing the business challenges and opportunities facing the city.

The Manufacturing the Future forum received high praise from attendees including Chris Elasi, Senior Regional Coordination Officer from the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.

“It was a very informative event and I was really impressed with Professor Goran Roos and his presentation as well as the other speakers,” said Mr Elasi.

“It’s a great initiative of Bankstown City Council and its value is demonstrated by the large and impressive turn out.”