Whether it is offering design expertise for ventilators, 3D printing face shields or adjusting production lines to make hand sanitisers, local businesses in about every industry, from fashion to food and beverages, have taken the initiative to shift operations to combat the crisis.

Here are some examples of Australian manufacturers that are stepping up and lending a helping hand.

• Whiteley Corporation is running production at 120% to ensure its infection prevention products reach Australian hospitals
• Detmold Group, a food packaging company in South Australia, is collabrating with the state and federal government to produce 145 million surgical masks for use by medics on the frontline fighting coronavirus
• Me3D has set up a 3D print farm at the University of Wollongong to make protective face shields for medical workers
• Textor Technologies, normally producing materials for nappies, sanitary pads and baby wipes, is working with CSIRO to repurpose its business toward personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Distilleries around the country such as Four Pillars, Archie Rose Distilling Co., and Bundaberg Rum Distillery have shifted their production to make hand sanitiser

If you have the skills, capabilities and capacity to help in Australia’s response to COVID-19, please register your organisation with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) Manufacturer Response Register below.