What are industry missions?
The NSW Industry Policy takes a mission-based approach to solving critical challenges faced by the state.
We’re focusing on advancing the government’s strategic priorities across net zero and energy transition, housing, and local manufacturing.
Through these three connected missions, the NSW Government aims to steer resources to the parts of the economy where actions are most likely to yield the greatest public benefits, foster the cooperation needed to find effective solutions, and coordinate action across different stakeholders.
This page explores local manufacturing and why it's a priority for NSW.
Learn more about the state's priorities
The local manufacturing sector at a glance
Australia’s largest manufacturing state
Skilled employees – more than any other Australian state
NSW’s portion of Australia’s manufacturing output
Why local manufacturing matters in NSW
Local manufacturing is key to building a stronger, more resilient economy. It supports skilled jobs, advanced exports, and low-emissions industries.
NSW leads in advanced materials, clean manufacturing and industrial innovation. From green metals to smart logistics, the state is creating a modern, value-added manufacturing base.
Manufacturing materials
NSW is rich in critical minerals such as copper and rare earths which are essential for low-carbon manufacturing. The state’s strong solar and wind resources also make it ideal for green metal production.
Investment NSW is supporting sustainable extraction, new processing tech, and local manufacturing of materials including:
- low-emissions steel
- recycled aluminium
- engineered copper.
NSW has received approximately $100 million in materials research funding through the Australian Research Council (ARC), and is supported by organisations like the Australia Nuclear and Science Technology Organisation (ANSTO) who provide specialist advice for developing and testing advanced materials.
Advanced manufacturing success story
Hysata is a clean manufacturer in NSW. The company builds advanced electrolysers that use renewable energy to produce green hydrogen.
With support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Hysata opened a large-scale facility in Port Kembla. It also closed Australia’s largest-ever Series B funding round in clean tech, raising $172 million from global investors.
As Australia is a major exporter of raw materials, processing them into green metals locally helps NSW capture more value in the supply chain and boost global competitiveness, while supporting NSW’s shift to low-carbon, clean industrial manufacturing.
Advanced manufacturing technologies
Advanced manufacturing technologies offers the local industry with opportunities to compete globally through the creation of innovative and higher-value products.
This sector includes technologies that enhances manufacturing processes and improves productivity, both of which NSW can support with its deep research and industry strengths in:
- 3D printing
- automation and robotics
- composites and semiconductors.
Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility
The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility helps businesses adopt new technologies and scale capabilities. It is the only centre in Australia dedicated to manufacturing industrialisation, seeking to build investor confidence and attracts global partnerships in niche capabilities like semiconductors.
Australia and NSW research ranks in the top 10% globally and is further supported by NSW’s comparative advantage in patents filed for critical process optimisation technologies.
Transport and logistics
An efficient freight and logistics industry is vital to NSW’s economy and exports. The sector accounts for 8.6% of national GDP and underpins growth across all supply chains.
NSW’s strength is in its connectivity, including:
- major ports at in Newcastle and Port Kembla
- intermodal terminals across metro and regional areas
- major investment in infrastructure projects like the Western Sydney International Airport and Inland Rail
- new reforms in freight policy to streamline movement of goods.
With its global connections and investment in smart infrastructure, NSW is well positioned to lead in tech-enabled logistics.
Case studies
How Investment NSW can help
We offer free support to businesses in manufacturing, tech and logistics, including:
- market intelligence and insights
- advice on NSW Government programs and approval processes
- connections with government and local business contacts
- help developing business cases
- identification of investment locations and potential partners
- coordination of familiarisation visits.
Get support
Looking to invest or expand in NSW’s manufacturing sector?
Contact Investment NSW to discuss your plans and connect with our support team.
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