Innovation, Onshoring, and Growth: How a Regional Manufacturer Went Global
Problem
A regional advanced manufacturing business in Newcastle, NSW was scaling quickly but needed targeted support to capitalise on its innovation, secure its supply chain, and expand exports.
Key challenges included:
- Lack of clarity in financial benchmarking and growth strategy.
- Exposure to global supply chain issues, especially post-COVID.
- Need to modernise IT infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity.
- Ambition to expand into the USA and other global markets.
- Desire to unify the team under a shared culture amid rapid growth
Solution
The company engaged in a multi-stream support program that included:
- A tailored roadmap plan to map out strategic and operational improvements.
- Detailed Business Evaluation to benchmark performance and define growth goals.
- Access via introduction to specialist advisory services in export planning, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and digital strategy.
- Leadership workshops to create a unified company culture.
- Ongoing coaching and connections to digital partners.
- Support to apply for funding and establish onshoring partnerships, reducing overseas dependency.
- Access to Innovation Programs to embed new R&D and engineering capacity via a graduate placement
Outcomes
- 26% increase in revenue in the financial year.
- Expanded export markets, including USA, Asia, and Africa.
- Added 5 FTE roles and hired 3 new product managers.
- EBIT margin improved by 5% from the previous year.
- Strengthened digital readiness through IT and cyber assessments.
- Onshored $1.3M worth of critical component manufacturing to a local NSW supplier.
- Introduced internal manufacturing hubs for workforce agility and skill diversity.
- Invested $1.5M in capital equipment (e.g., CNC mills, stress chambers).
Return on Investment
- Revenue Growth: 26% YoY
- EBIT Margin: +5%
- Cash Flow: Significantly improved
- Job Creation: +5 FTE
- Onshoring Savings: Mitigated delays and risk via local sourcing despite higher costs
- Investment Secured: $70k+ across matched Growth and Innovation grants
If your regional manufacturing business is ready to scale, explore export markets, or strengthen your innovation strategy, Stoke Consulting can help.
Contact us to learn how we tailor growth strategies to build capability and deliver results – no matter your size or sector.