In this special episode, produced in partnership with CeMAT Australia 2025 and the Industrial Transformation Conference, we welcome back automation and digital transformation expert John Broadbent for a clear-eyed look at the current state of Australian manufacturing.

We unpack why so many businesses are still stuck at Industry 3.0, what’s holding them back, and what it really takes to start building smarter, more connected operations. John shares lessons from decades in the field, along with success stories from companies that have embraced automation and seen real results.

We also dive into leadership, data readiness, continuous improvement, and why the conversation needs to shift from shiny tech to long-term strategy. If you're serious about manufacturing transformation, this episode is full of practical insight.

🎙️ Catch John and MTA at CeMAT Australia 2025 in Sydney this July.

In this episode we chat with Nelson Bruton from Interchanges in the US to explore the modernization of sales channels in the manufacturing industry.

We discuss the benefits of digital transformation, specificallyfocusing on the integration of live chat for customer interaction. The conversation highlights the growing importance of combining human touch with digital tools for effective customer engagement and lead generation.

Nelson presents practical advice on implementing live chat and its significant impact on boosting conversion rates compared to automated chatbots. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of quick response times and the hybrid model of human and AI interaction to meet customer preferences and enhance the overall sales process.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-bruton/

Part 2 of our AMW 2025 series dives into the digital backbone of manufacturing - from product design and simulation to warehouse intelligence and additive manufacturing.

This episode highlights how Australian manufacturers are embracing software, data, and next-gen production tools to stay competitive.

Hear from:

• Matt Schimmelbusch from Emona on the full spectrum of 3D printing—from entry-level FDM to industrial metal and carbon fiber solutions

• Bob Bentley from Core Additive on cost-effective pellet-based 3D printing and the evolution of production-ready additive use

• Mark from Central Innovation on cloud PDM, DriveWorks, and Max Link integration for design-to-ERP connectivity

• Bruce Pollock from Aspect PT on bridging ERP and the shop floor with real-time MES and OEE insights

• Gernot Keckeis from CAD-IT Australia on the Tulip no-code platform enabling frontline operations and digital work instructions

• Keanan Granland from Monash Innovation Labs on student-driven industrial R&D and Australia’s first university-based train tech team

• Sebastien Bouthillette from 3DLogistiX on a 3D warehouse management system with a digital twin UI for smarter pick, pack, and ship

• Amit, Sean & Lenny from Hexagon on end-to-end quality control, reverse engineering, and global digital twin innovation

Explore how digitisation is reshaping everything from prototyping and planning to production and performance - and why Australia’s manufacturing future is smart, connected, and ready to scale.