Making waves at PacRim Stainless 2019
9-10 October 2019, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
With delegates and speakers from around the world and nation, PacRim Stainless 2019 was a huge success, with the event growing 10% in attendance from last year’s conference. ASSDA’s 26th National Conference was one to remember – facilitating education, inspiration and networking over a two-day period.
The 2019 theme was Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity, and the program offered an exceptional line-up of high-profile speakers who focused on strategies to remain motivated and competitive in an ever-evolving market, technological advancements, economic overviews on local and global stainless steel market direction, and case studies from various industries.
We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all speakers who joined our program this year: The Hon. Karen Andrews (Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Federal Member for McPherson), Keith Abraham (Passionate Performance), Jim Lennon (Red Door Research/Macquarie Capital), Peter Munckton (BOQ), Benjamin Young (frank green), Prof. Nick Birbilis (College of Engineering and Computer Science, Australian National University), Dr. Erwan Siewert (Linde AG), Chris Bridges-Taylor and Tim Bridges (B&R Group), Justin Anderson and Tom Moultrie (TFG Group).
A few highlights that resonated with us from the speaker presentations:
- Australian manufacturing has a bright future, but there’s one undeniable reality: The future lies in embracing new technology and in creating value-added products and services. Where we cannot compete in price, we must excel in delivering quality, innovation and superior customer service.
- “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change" - Charles Darwin
- Australia is already a global leader in additive manufacturing (3D printing), with stainless steels having been successfully manufactured using selective laser melting and direct energy deposition. Some of the drivers of additive manufacturing include rapid manufacturing of complex components, local production capability, cost reduction and waste minimisation.
- Over 500 billion single-use cups are manufactured globally every year and approximately 99% end up in landfill. The reusable product category is exploding, about 15% year-on-year growth. Frank green says the market is demanding reusable products made from stainless steel, and Australian owned and made products promote quality. Manufacturing in Australia is an option.
- "The speed of business is the speed of its leaders" - Lee Iacocca
The Australian Industry Stainless Steel Fabricator Awards was presented differently this year and we opened up the Gala Dinner with sparks flying – literally! Not only from our opening act, but from our phenomenal project award submissions. Where nominees were previously selected from projects featured in Australian Stainless Magazine, ASSDA Members were given the opportunity to enter the ASSDA Awards Program with a project submission under the applicable category. We were excited to expand the Fabricator Project of the Year Award to three categories and recognise 15 nominations, with the 2019 award winners listed below:
- Architecture, Building and Construction
- Minnis & Samson for the Cherry, The Star Gold Coast project
- Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical
- A&G Engineering for the Weilong Wines project
- Process Industries
- AWMA Water Control Solutions for the Murray Irrigation PIIOP Round 3 project
Congratulations to all awards winners and nominees – we honoured every nominated Member and their project at the Gala Dinner, celebrating the quality and innovation of local stainless steel design and fabrication.
The Peter Matheson Industry Service Award was also presented during the Gala Dinner, recognising Bill Stoddart of Stoddart in appreciation of his commitment and over 52 years of service to the Australian stainless steel industry. Bill was ASSDA’s first President when it was founded in 1992, and the Association is filled with gratitude for his continued strong support and contribution through himself and his team at Stoddart.
This year, we spent an afternoon at Topgolf – a golf driving range like no other! – that facilitated an excellent social networking and team building activity. The Barry Durrant Memorial Trophy was presented to Matthew Cross (Atlas Steels) with a jaw-dropping score of 224 points.
ASSDA would also like to take this opportunity to say thanks again to its generous sponsors for their support and contribution to the conference, whom without, this event would not be possible: Atlas Steels, Austral Wright Metals, Combilift, Paige Stainless and Viraj Profiles.
Many thanks to all delegates who attended PacRim Stainless 2019. We hope to see you all again next year and encourage you to bring your colleagues and make the most of the opportunity to network and connect at Australia’s only stainless steel conference! Dates for PacRim Stainless 2020 will be announced shortly... watch this space.
