Australia’s premier advanced precision manufacturing and machine tool exhibition, Austech is now open for 2012 bookings.

Companies are invited to secure their stand for next year’s show, which will once again line up with National Manufacturing Week (NMW) at the Sydney Showground from 8 to 11 May 2012, to gain exposure and recognition within the industry.

Austech is the leading trade show for machine tool sector, displaying an unequalled width and depth of products and services throughout all production areas in Australia, from machine tools to precision tools, automation components to customised systems and additive manufacturing techniques.

While the machine tool industry remains cautious when it comes to capacity upsizing –not least in view of the resurgent uncertainty generated by current financing problems in Europe and the U.S. – for the year’s second half and the current financial year, Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) CEO and exhibition Director Shane Infanti expects machine tool demand to increase and to be further boosted by Austech 2012.

Despite the expected rise in demand to follow from the 2012 show, Infanti believes that continued government support for this sector could drive further incentives for investment in new technology.

“Encouraging investment in new technology is essential if Australia is to keep pace with international competition,” Infanti said.

“We need a major incentive program developed, and quickly. We have reached a critical time and we need to implement some measures now.

“Austech plays its part in showcasing the latest technology and provides a stimulus for investment. A government program around accelerated depreciation or another incentive to invest in capital could provide the final key.”

While Australia continues to be globally competitive in the design and manufacturing of products, Infanti said the country is slowly falling below par in our investment in technology.

“The GFC, interest rates, access to finance, order uncertainty and the carbon tax have all played a role in creating an environment where confidence and willingness to invest is being eroded,” he said.

“The government has an important role to play in reversing this trend, and AMTIL also runs several initiatives and projects aiming to improve the performance and output of Australia’s advanced manufacturing industry by helping companies to fully integrate new technology or processes into the entirety of their business operations.”