Rail Manufacturing CRC’s Official Launch

In an event marking the establishment of the new Rail Manufacturing CRC, our official launch was held in July 2015 at the Bombardier Transportation site in Dandenong, Victoria, a flagship location of Australia’s robust rail manufacturing industry.

The Rail Manufacturing CRC’s goal to assist the rail manufacturing supply chain to develop new technologies and products to increase productivity in the coming decades was welcomed by distinguished guests, stakeholders and supporters of Australia’s rail manufacturing industry sector.

The Centre was pleased to have the Hon Karen Andrews MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Federal Minister for Industry and Science attend and give the keynote address. Ms Andrews spoke about the role of CRCs in facilitating industry sector relationships, both nationally and internationally, and in providing platforms for wider collaborations that integrate and strengthen the supply chain.

The importance of rail manufacturing to the economy of Victoria – and the Greater Dandenong region in particular – was highlighted by the Victorian Minister for Industry, Ms Lily D’Ambrosio and the Managing Director of Bombardier Transportation, Mr René Lalande, who kindly hosted the event.

In his welcoming address, Chair of Rail Manufacturing CRC, Mr Paul Johnson spoke about the challenges of globalisation, innovation and productivity for this sector and outlined how in meeting these challenges, the Rail Manufacturing CRC will work to foster greater links between industry, research and public policy initiatives.

The Centre’s CEO, Dr Stuart Thomson outlined the key future innovation opportunities for the rail manufacturing sector from the CRC’s priority programs and noted the capacity of the Rail Manufacturing CRC to collaborate and innovate to take advantage of these opportunities.

The importance of the Centre’s R&D programs was further emphasised by Dr Keith McLean, CSIRO Director of Manufacturing Flagship, who underlined the importance of innovation to the ongoing sustainability of the Australian manufacturing sector.

The Rail Manufacturing CRC brings together considerable industry experience and public sector research strength as evidenced by the early participation of leading rail manufacturers, niche SMEs and research institutions.

With a number of exciting projects already underway, the Centre hopes that the next five years will deliver exciting developments in the rail sector to enhance efficiency and build this important manufacturing industry.