Manufacturing is an economic powerhouse for a region that abounds in natural resources including critical minerals.

Globally significant alumina refining, mineral sands processing and the world’s largest hard-rock lithium resource place the region at the centre of Australia’s critical minerals and energy transition supply chains.

Strategic industrial areas at Kemerton, Waterloo and Shotts, together with Bunbury Port, support downstream processing, engineering and value-adding across minerals, construction materials and timber products, reinforced by a strong Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector.

Growing renewable energy capacity, digital infrastructure and industrial clustering are positioning the region for higher-value production, supported by government investment in industry transition and plans for an Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub (AMTECH).

With serviced industrial land, port infrastructure and direct access to export markets, the South West provides a globally competitive platform for advanced manufacturing and value-added industrial production.

Manufacturing Fast Facts

• Manufacturing contributes $9,811 million to the South West's total output (22.4%).
• Almost half of manufacturing output is generated by metal and metal product manufacturing ($4,596m), with food and beverage manufacturing contributing a further $2,448m.
• The sector employs 7,160 people, accounting for 8.9% of total jobs in the South West.

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