The case for local manufacturing has never been stronger. While some SMEs do, of course, benefit from regular contracts outside of their own back yard, for many the income from local trade is what keeps them afloat.

This holds as true for B2B as it does for B2C. In fact, for small and medium sized businesses, choosing local manufacturing options, while perhaps a little more expensive in the short term, brings about many advantages.

The case for staying local

The Australian manufacturing industry is experiencing its biggest shake-up in decades. After years of languishing in the doldrums, the government has finally put in place many financial incentives and grants to allow SMEs to innovate and expand.

The needs of Aussie organisations are somewhat unique. This is in part due to the geographical location, but  also because of the proximity and ease of cheap imports from nations, such as China.

Local manufacturing can rarely, if ever, compete on price with commodities from outside the country. However, cost alone shouldn’t be the driving factor.

Choosing a local manufacturer for your needs comes with multiple advantages:

• Better understanding between manufacturer and customer: This is crucial to ensure that the product is as you expect. Being local and able to meet up in person and throughout any process is hugely valuable – something that can’t be done if your items are being produced thousands of miles away
• No shipping or customs barriers: Local companies can usually turnaround orders in a far more timely manner than those that are shipped in from another country/continent
• The personal touch: Face to face conversations lead to better communication. It also enables easy tracking of orders or chasing up should any issues arise
• The strict adherence to national and international standards: When it comes to health and safety, it’s essential that standards are upheld. Local manufacturing options mean this is easy to check up on. The same can’t be said for processes carried out miles away from home
• Made in Australia: Using local manufacturers creates a positive sales and marketing  element, showing that you support keeping things local
• Provides local jobs: Supporting SMEs within your community enables manufacturers to thrive, therefore creating employment opportunities for those who live in the area
• A healthier environmental footprint: Products don’t have to travel far, so reducing the carbon footprint
• Less chance of damage in transit: Less travel time dramatically reduces the chances of items being damaged along the way
• Ensuring the future of local industry: If everyone continues to seek manufacturing options outside of Australia then eventually the industry will crumble
• More flexibility: Local manufacturing allows for a far higher degree of flexibility and collaboration. This is especially important for niche products

Local manufacturing options offer so many advantages. Cost should only be one factor that drives a purchasing decision – there are many more pressing issues that must be taken into consideration. In the majority of cases, the long term benefits of local manufacturing will far outweigh those of the initially cheaper cost of imports.

When it comes to precision machine components, WA businesses are fortunate to have a leading supplier on their doorstep. SixDe is the supplier of choice for those who demand the ultimate in customised service.

Offering the ultimate in-house production service, their industry expertise provides the accuracy and technical support your company needs to ensure reliability of service.

https://www.sixde.com.au/