Manufacturing forms an important part of the regional economy with large scale industries such as Moore Engineering Pty. Ltd., Bow Hill Engineering Pty. Ltd., The Newell Group Pty. Ltd., Horward Bagshaw Ltd., and CPS Pipes Pty. Ltd., which operate in metal and composites fabrication serving regional agricultural and export markets around Australia and overseas.  Niche market manufacturers such as Cutting Edge Engineering Pty. Ltd. adapt the latest technology and C.N.C. machinery for specialised markets in regional Australia and overseas.  The requirements of the irrigation sector have resulted in innovative development in irrigation products and systems. Demands of the tourist industry have brought significant expansion in houseboat construction enterprises such as Houseboat Concepts Pty., Ltd. Cooke Plains Gypsum is a long standing mining enterprise in the Coorong region.  The Australian Zircon Mine at Mindarie has introduced a new opportunity for manufacturers and the Karoonda service sector. Diadamite has potential in Southern Mallee with coal deposits around Sedan and Moorlands a potential resource for the future. Cooperative business relationships assist tendering for projects outside the region.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Opportunities are emerging for expansion of the irrigation industry to assist water conservation and water re-use projects.
• Australian Zircon Mine at Mindarie provides opportunities for regional manufacturers, employment and service support in regional towns.
• Opportunities increase for manufacturers to contract individually or collaboratively for the defence industry and growth areas at Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam and the Mindarie, Kanmantoo and Strathalbyn mining triangle.
• Alternative energies present exciting opportunities for investment in new technologies and expansion of the manufacturing sector.