NIES catalogue of industry assistance programs released

14/7/94

Western Australian industry is being encouraged to reduce manufacturing waste and adopt new production technology.

Services to help companies in these two areas are among a range of industry assistance programs announced today by Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan.

The programs are contained in the latest National Industry Extension Service (NIES) catalogue released by the Department of Commerce and Trade.

The department administers the joint Commonwealth-funded NIES better business program in WA.

"For the first time, we are offering through NIES an environmental management service," Mr Cowan said.

"Companies can benefit from savings in raw materials, better waste management and more environmentally-sensitive packaging."

NIES will assist with part of the cost of using expert consultants to provide initial assessments for eligible firms and then help develop environmental management plans.

Mr Cowan said the other new service would help firms evaluate their planned investments in advanced manufacturing technology.

"Many WA manufacturers have little access to knowledge of leading-edge technologies and therefore find it hard to make strategic equipment purchases," he said.

"Two local companies, Farmer Furniture and Centurion Industries, are involved in a trial of the new NIES program which helps them make better evaluations.

"It is giving them better understanding of the technical, operational and financial aspects of investing in new technology for enhancing production."

The new NIES catalogue details 17 services available to WA manufacturing and service companies with a growing emphasis on the small business sector.

More than two-thirds of the 1,300 NIES users in WA have fewer than 50 employees.

"You do not have to be a big firm to use NIES services," Mr Cowan said.

"What you need is a commitment to becoming internationally competitive."

The Department of Commerce and Trade works to support WA industry and exports in a range of ways, including opening doors for potential overseas investors; enhancing the activities of manufacturing or service enterprises; and promoting regional development.

Information about NIES is available from the Department of Commerce and Trade on 481 2525 or toll free 008 198 105 as well as any of the State's network of Business Enterprise Centres and the Small Business Development Corporation.

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595