Investing in Tasmania. All you need to know.

Manufacturing is Tasmania's largest industry and is a growing sector of the economy

The local industry contributes over 15 per cent to the state's economic activity and employs more than 10 per cent of the workforce. 

The bulk of our manufacturing is focused on:

• processed metals and metal products
• food and beverage processing - the largest employer
• metal products - largest sector by income
• wood and paper products.

Manufactured goods are Tasmania’s largest exports and our main markets are north Asian countries.  Key products include:

• underground mining equipment
• boat building and maritime equipment
• fine food and beverages
• pharmaceuticals
• aquaculture equipment
• lightning protection and surge equipment
• wood processing
• automotive components.

Opportunities exist for investment in:

• higher valued-added products in fabrication fit-out, plastics and electronics
• food and beverage manufacturing and downstream processing that leverage off the state's $400 million investment in water development programs to increase farm gate output
• marine soft infrastructure and high-end maritime services such as radar, sonar, communications, navigation, simulation and electronic fuel control systems
  These can leverage off an established network of marine educational services, applied research, commercialisation, sub assembly and commissioning to international companies
  A marine cluster exists in Tasmania that could be developed into a precinct focused on ship construction, repair and refit
• downstream processing or value-adding to Tasmania's rich resource base
• maintenance and service of current and new capital equipment - provides ongoing opportunities for contractors and specialist services within Tasmania
• defence - niche manufacturers or service suppliers
• oil and gas - new opportunities for niche manufacturers or service suppliers.

Tasmania offers

• A low cost manufacturing region
  Low labour, land and accommodation costs, low taxation and competitive energy costs
  
• Stable, skilled workforce
  A workforce with a track record of delivering world-class manufacturing and low levels of labour turnover and industrial disputes
  
• Innovation focused industry
  Global recognition and approximately 80 per cent of companies classified as 'innovation active'
  
• Supply chain manufacturers
  An integrated chain of innovative local suppliers and contractors

Further information

Manufacturing Capability Register
A detailed listing of over 600 manufacturing businesses in Tasmania

Industry Capability Network Tasmania
The Industry Capability Network Tasmania (ICNTAS) provides investors with a free sourcing service to identify Tasmanian manufacturers capable of supplying items that would otherwise be imported

The Exporter’s Guide

The Tasmanian Maritime Network