What is WSFAM?

Western Sydney Future Advanced Manufacturing (WSFAM) is an industry initiative established as a partnership between University of Western Sydney and Western Sydney Business Connection to support a transformation of the industry through increased productivity, growth and sustainability.

Manufacturing in Western Sydney is vital for the regional, state and national economy. However, the industry in Western Sydney and across Australia more broadly has been in decline in recent years due to intense international competition from low cost countries and unfavourable currency rates.

In addition to these challenges, Australia currently has comparatively low levels of innovation and productivity growth, along with higher operating-costs than other similar high-cost manufacturing countries such as the USA, Germany and Switzerland.

In many cases in the USA and Europe, advanced manufacturing businesses and regions have regained their international competitiveness through driving business models and “end to end” value chain strategies that focus heavily on innovation, productivity improvement and stronger marketing practices.

To help rebuild competitiveness in Western Sydney’s manufacturing industry, WSFAM integrates a series of activities including:

• undertaking detailed research to map the future of the industry, 
• delivery of targeted advisory services to support business enhancement 
• establishment of a network group and Knowledge Hub to connect businesses and share information.

The first WSFAM program.

The first program is the WSFAM Business Innovation Program, supported by the Australian Government.

WSBC and UWS encourage all manufacturers to get in touch with us and share their views on the program as well as the WSFAM initiative to enable us to plan future programs for future productivity, growth and sustainability.