Council sponsors Lights on Penrith Manufacturing event

Business and industry experts filled the Drink West Brewery at Manufactor – Penrith's newest industrial hub - for the Lights on Penrith – ‘Made Here’ event at the end of last month.

Hosted by Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce with Penrith City Council one of the major sponsors, the event was a chance to discuss challenges and identify opportunities to ensure the long-term growth and success of Penrith’s manufacturing industry.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen addressed the group and reiterated that Penrith remains a focal point for manufacturing and presents fantastic opportunities for businesses and industry stakeholders. Manufactor is a prime example, with the former Crane Enfield Metal Site having undergone a 100-million-dollar redevelopment to house local manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

“Today, Penrith remains a focal point for manufacturing. With over 820 manufacturing businesses employing over 6,750 local people - it's the fifth largest employment sector in our City,” Cr Hitchen said.

“This includes industries that enable manufacturing, such as freight, logistics and warehousing. It’s also our most productive industry, generating almost $7 billion dollars for the Penrith economy.”

The event included several influential speakers, including Tom Nance - Manager Strategy and Delivery, Western Sydney University, Warwick Scherf – Director Export and Export Programs, Investment NSW, and Ben Kitcher – Executive Director of Research Skill and Tech Advanced Manufacturing, Western Parkland City Authority.

Panel discussions offered attendees the opportunity to ask questions of fellow business owners, and common themes identified for all speakers and panellists were:

• How Penrith is set to directly benefit from the Western Sydney Airport and the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport rail line
• The importance of creating local jobs for current and future generations
• Ways businesses can access resources and support to grow their work
• Strategies for addressing recruitment and retention issues facing local business owners and employers

Council remains committed to working with local business owners and industry stakeholders to achieve new levels of success.