Event Recap: Manufacturing, Sourcing & Supply Chain Site Visits
On Wednesday 25th October, AustCham Shanghai’s Manufacturing, Sourcing & Supply-Chain industry committee went on a road-trip to Suzhou. The event saw 20 representatives from AustCham Shanghai member companies, including Rio Tinto, Glencore, Specialty Fashion Group and Austrade, brave a chartered bus from Shanghai to the outer reaches and wilderness of Suzhou’s Industrial Park. Some members used the time to discuss the state of the industry, while others used the opportunity to catch up on sleep.
Despite enduring several kilometres of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway owing to a very minor fender-bender, the forum eventually made it to Outotec, where they were given a presentation on the type of leading technology used in minerals and metals processing and industrial water treatment. After donning the appropriate safety equipment, the forum toured Outotec’s facilities and were able to view components being prepared for metals and mining industry projects. No injuries occurred and all participants made it out alive.
At B&R Enclosures, Australia’s largest manufacturer and designer of electrical enclosure solutions, Ken Bridges, Managing Director, presented on B&R’s history and setting up in China. Afterwards, they discussed methods for incentivising and retaining skilled workers before concluding the site visit with a detailed tour of the factory. The forum convened at The Camel Sports Bar where members recharged with a beer and burger special, enabling them to enjoy a presentation on sustainable sourcing practices courtesy of Dragon Sourcing before heading back to Shanghai.
