Australia is making again. But this time it’s not about competing on cheap inputs or scale alone — it’s about advanced manufacturing: the smart integration of digital tools, automation, and specialised skills that deliver higher-value products and services.

BenchOn launched new capability categories focused on Advanced Manufacturing, making it easier for contractors, defence primes and project managers to discover local suppliers with the specialised skills needed for local projects.

In Advanced Manfacturing? Follow the instructions below to update your profile so that you can be matched with upcoming work. Or if you are new to BenchOn or if you are Queendland based, SupplyQld portal supported by Manyfacturing Skills Queensland.

This update opens the door to more matching opportunities for suppliers with expertise in:

• Additive & Hybrid Manufacturing (i.e. 3D Printing)
• Automation & Robotics
• Smart Materials & Composites
• High-Precision Engineering
• Clean and Sustainable Manufacturing

Why does this matter? These advanced capabilities are in growing demand across multiple industries. Project managers are under pressure to source locally, and the right suppliers can now stand out – if their BenchOn profiles are up to date.

Demand Signals Across Australia’s Industries

Manufacturing is growing again.

According to the ABS, manufacturing industry value added (IVA) reached $134.8 billion in 2023–24, up 1.6% year on year, with employment rising to 902,000 people. Construction, a major pull-through for manufactured components, grew 8.6% in the same period. These are not marginal gains; they’re signs that Australian industry is investing in new capacity and capability.

High Profile National programs fuelling opportunity

• National Reconstruction Fund: $15 billion for seven priority areas, spanning renewables, medical science, transport, value-added resources, agriculture, and defence capability. All require advanced processes and skilled suppliers.
• Solar Sunshot: $1 billion federal program; Companies such as Adelaide’s Tindo Solar are scaling from 20MW to 180MW per year, adding around 50 jobs.
• Battery Breakthrough: $523.2 million in incentives to grow domestic cell and pack manufacturing.
• Hydrogen Headstart: The Australian Government initially announced $2 billion for the Hydrogen Headstart program in the 2023‑24 Budget. A further $2 billion was added in the 2024‑25 Budget—bringing the total to $4 billion.
• AUKUS submarines: up to 8,500 direct industrial jobs at peak, driving demand for welding, machining, composites and through-life sustainment.
• Medtech investment: ISO 13485-ready facilities are essential as the NRF backs medical science manufacturing.

The workforce reality

Jobs and Skills Australia reports ongoing shortages in Certificate III/IV trade roles, the same skills underpinning advanced manufacturing. Demand isn’t the problem. Capability and workforce pipelines are.

It’s not only the Federal and State governments sending signals – industry bodies are recording demand on the ground.

• AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited): Australian Manufacturing Week 2025 drew 16,105 attendees, more than 400 exhibitors, and filled 12,000m² of exhibition space. Growth was strongest in additive manufacturing, robotics, automation, and advanced materials — technologies used across defence, construction, medtech, food and energy. This surge in participation is a clear indicator that demand is broad-based, not sector-specific.
• MSQ (Manufacturing Skills Queensland): With $16.5 million in government support, MSQ has launched Supply Queensland, an AI-powered portal (powered by BenchOn) that connects Queensland manufacturers with projects and government buyers. It gives the government visibility into capability gaps and helps SMEs position themselves for major work. MSQ also delivers cadetships, Women-in-Trades mentoring, ESG credentials, and workforce programs to address bottlenecks. Register for Supply Queensland today.

Together, AMTIL and MSQ confirm what the data shows: demand for advanced manufacturing is accelerating, and the real challenge is building visibility and capability across the supply base.

What’s New in BenchOn Portals

The new capabilities make it easier for small businesses in Advanced Manaufacturing to be discovered — and for buyers to find exactly what they need:

• Added Capability: Additive manufacturing, Automation & Robotics, Smart Materials & Composites, High-Precision Engineering and Clean and Sustainable Manufacturing.
• Cross-portal routing: Defence, energy, construction, medtech, aerospace, food and resources buyers all see the same supplier profile – no duplication, just wider reach.
• Real-time reporting: New Reporting 2.0 opens industry insights to businesses of any size. Read more: Rethink Market Intelligence: Reporting 2.0 Launched

Already on BenchOn? Update your profile today.

Log in to your Company Profile. Go to the top right corner and click next to your Company name to see a new menu. Select Company Profile. On page 2, add any of the new Advanced Manufacturing capabilities that apply to your business.

If you have lost your password, select Forgot your password?. Your password will be reset automatically.

By updating your profile, you’ll:

• Be matched to more relevant defence project opportunities
• Show up in more searches from procurement teams and primes
• Position your business as a ready supplier in high-growth sectors

New to the platform?

Joining BenchOn is free for suppliers, and it’s one of the most effective ways to connect with real, project-ready opportunities in the defence supply chain. Create your account today.