The Australian Fashion Council And Epson Australia To Develop Smart Factory Blueprint Powered By AI And Digital Technologies
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and Epson Australia have launched an initiative to evaluate the potential for an AI and digitally-powered smart factory to advance Australia's clothing manufacturing capabilities.
The organisations are seeking a qualified research partner to conduct a six-month feasibility study that will create a detailed blueprint for a pilot facility combining digital design and print, automation, and AI technologies to revolutionise local production.
The announcement comes just one week after the AFC unveiled its commitment to developing Australia's first-ever National Manufacturing Strategy for the fashion and textile industry.
This Smart Factory Feasibility Study Will Evaluate How Cutting-Edge Technology Can Form A Key Pillar In Rebuilding Local Manufacturing Capabilities.
A clothing smart factory is an automated production facility that enables on-demand, customisable garment manufacturing with minimal waste and fast turnaround times.
By bringing together digital design and print and advanced manufacturing technologies with AI-powered systems and analytics, smart factories enable quick, flexible production runs that respond rapidly to market trends without the high minimum order quantities that can result in overproduction.
Jaana Quaintance-James, CEO of the Australian Fashion Council, said: "This smart factory initiative addresses multiple challenges facing Australian fashion manufacturing, from supply chain disruptions to skills shortages. Our sector is at a critical tipping point. The feasibility study will validate whether a smart factory pilot program can be commercially viable while delivering broader benefits as part of an integrated advanced manufacturing ecosystem."
Research commissioned by the AFC has estimated that for every $1 million invested in returning production to Australia, approximately $1.2 million in economic returns could be generated through job creation, technology adoption, strengthened local supply chains, and reduced import dependencies.
Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia, said: "Epson is committed to supporting innovation in Australian manufacturing as we believe Epson’s digital textile printing technology can help build a more sustainable world and improve lives. Our partnership with the AFC and this blueprint and initiative will help local brands, big and small, have access to smart manufacturing capabilities that match their scale and ambition.
For smaller brands, it means producing high quality garments locally, on demand. For larger companies it offers a blueprint to implement smart factory practices within their operations.
As a result, we see a future where Australian made sustainable fashion will set the global standard, leading not just in design, but also in ethical, high-tech manufacturing.”
About Australian Fashion Council
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is a not-for-profit and the peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry, representing the sector for over 70 years.
AFC members are Australian founded or majority owned businesses involved in producing fabric, clothing, footwear or accessories, including individuals that contribute creatively and economically to the Australian fashion and textile industry.
The AFC champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry, with the purpose of building a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem for our member community through education, collaboration and innovation.
About Epson Australia
Epson Australia offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the commercial, industrial, consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets, and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market.
Epson is the market leader in Australia and worldwide in sales of projectors for the home, office and education.
Established in 1983 and now in its 41st year of operation, Epson Australia is headquartered in North Sydney and is a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan.
