Print and packaging industry is Australia's largest manufacturing employer

The print and packaging industry is Australia's largest manufacturing employer, according to Printing Industries Association of Australia (PIAA) CEO Andrew Macaulay.

Addressing last week's FPLMA Label and Packaging conference in Melbourne, Andrew Macaulay explained that, with the demise of the Australian automobile industry, its print and packaging sector is today the country's largest manufacturing employer

Addressing last week's FPLMA Label and Packaging conference in Melbourne, Macaulay explained that, with the demise of the Australian automobile industry, its print and packaging sector is today the country's largest manufacturing employer.

‘The companies that employ this workforce range from significant corporations to SMEs and provide stable careers, making them a significant contributor to Australian society,’ he stated, pointing to their significant investments in new technology and innovation.

Macaulay added at this time when the industry most needs a single coherent voice, the combination of sectoral convergence driven by technology change, and new entrants to the industry no longer barred by a need for trade skills, has created a market that no longer sees industry association membership as a requirement of participation.

‘Our challenge and opportunity, is to give clarity to the market and lever the “peak body” imprimatur for industry and our test will be how we communicate, engage and deliver. It is evident that our members see advocacy as the compelling reason for them to fund our industry association.’

In a recent conversation with Labels & Labeling, Macaulay identified several opportunities and mentioned exploratory discussions with FPLMA.

Henry Mendelson

  • Oceania correspondent