Manufacturers highlight potential for NENW innovation and growth
A panel of innovative, research-driven manufacturers shared their stories and highlighted the great potential for innovation and growth in the New England North West, at the first Back Stories of Innovation event for 2023, ‘Advancing Manufacturing in New England’.
“In 2022, UNE SMART Region Incubator hosted the wonderful Back Stories of Innovation series – a free lunchtime event that invited the community to join us at NOVA to hear from innovative local businesses, within the framework of historical New England innovation,” said UNE SMART Region Incubator’s Regional Connector in Armidale, Cherene Spendelove.
“The series provided a good reminder to look back at the long history of innovation in our region when considering where we are now and what might be ahead - a prompt to keep perpsective!”
At the end of 2022, a photographic exhibition, ‘Faces of Back Stories’ celebrated the series and the featured New England businesses.
“The popularity of the 2022 series, and the realisation that there are still so many stories to tell, encouraged us to launch Back Stories of Innovation, 2023,” Ms Spendelove said.
“And manufacturing, with its long history of innovation and huge potential across our region, was the perfect first topic for the year!”
John Atchison, Armidale and District Historical Society, provided the historical backstory and an overview of advanced manufacturing in our region. He introduced two businesses and their research collaborators:
Peter Cull , ICT International - surprised the audience by describing ICT’s scope and reach, manufacturing locally and distributing around the world. ICT is a ‘science-led innovation company’, that designs and develops instrument solutions focused on plant water use, plant water potential, and soil moisture management.
Anita Kauffmann & Sarah Burrows, Red 8 Produce - shared their founder journey, and told the Red 8 Produce story - including a powerful ‘why’. They are currently manufacturing a mobile abattoir that will deliver a new way of processing meat on-farm which is ‘better for animals, producers, consumers and the planet’.
Each of these innovative manufacturers told their stories, and answered the questions:
What is the innovation and research angle on your business?
Why are you doing this in New England, why now?
What’s your prediction for the future of your business / New England?
“It was exciting to hear from these local manufacturers. They are at different stages of their journey, but have each utilised research to innovate, and are making impact now while providing glimpse of great things ahead!” said Ms Spendelove.
“We are grateful that they shared their time and their stories - a timely insight as we prepare for this week’s visit by NSW Modern Manufacturing Commissioner Lisa Emerson who will outline opportunities for manufacturing in the New England North West.”
This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and delivered in association with Armidale Regional Council
