Manufacturing precinct to help build the factories of the future

A world-class innovation precinct that will underpin the future of Australian manufacturing is being developed by Monash University and the CSIRO.

Monash and CSIRO signed a strategic relationship agreement last week to develop the Australian Manufacturing and Materials Innovation Precinct at Clayton in Victoria.

The Clayton Precinct will focus on advanced materials and clean manufacturing technologies, drawing on CSIRO’s and Monash’s strengths to support an innovative and sustainable future for Australian manufacturing. It is hoped the precinct will enhance the manufacturing sector’s competitiveness through translational research and liaison with industry.

“Both Monash and CSIRO have recognised the importance of developing expertise in areas such as materials science and engineering that are vital to developing innovative solutions in manufacturing,” said Monash Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ed Byrne. “These strengths can only be enhanced by working together.

“I am excited by what will be achieved when the best minds in these fields are brought together and provided with world-class infrastructure in the Clayton Precinct.”

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Megan Clark said the relationship is built on a shared vision and will create the global standing and scale of research and development needed to help Australian industry compete globally. “It will help build the factories of the future,” Clark said.

Monash and CSIRO have previously collaborated to develop the Australian Synchrotron and the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication.