The bustling global supply chain was a central focus for Australian warehousing, intralogistics, and transport industries at the CeMAT Australia 2024 event, held in Melbourne. The event showcased discussions on technology-driven challenges and opportunities aimed at minimising domestic disruptions.

Thousands of industry delegates attended the conference, gaining insights into advancements in analytics, supply chain management, cyber resilience, artificial intelligence, robotic picking, and staff upskilling for an automated future. The gathering provided a platform for industry professionals to explore these technologies and their potential impacts.

Another critical focus was on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Industry leaders deliberated on strategies to cut carbon footprints and enhance their environmental performance through meticulous measurement and reporting of operational emissions. This demonstrates a growing industry commitment to sustainable practices which are imperative for maintaining competitiveness.

Recognition was given to Andrew Galea from Krost Furniture in Victoria, who was named the 2024 Australian Forklift Champion. The event also saw hundreds of exhibitors, with over 150 participants covering an expansive 4000 square metre exhibition area, marking it the largest CeMAT event to date.

Mike Nissen, Commercial Director at Hannover Fairs Australia, the organiser of CeMAT Australia, commented on the significance of the event’s growth. “Starting out as a bi-annual event, the need to bring these industries together for important reflection, discussions and planning has seen it evolve into an annual necessity, particularly with such rapid advances in technology within the sector,” Nissen stated.

He further elaborated on upcoming developments for the 2025 event, which will feature a new partnership. “This show was the largest and most successful yet, and we look forward to continuing that growth in 2025 with our recently announced partnership with the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA). The partnership will provide new opportunities for the show and ensure all the leading thinkers and innovators are in attendance,” Nissen said.

CeMAT 2025 will include the debut of the Processing & Packaging Pavilion powered by APPMA, set to be a co-located feature within the Industrial Transformation Australia event, also a Hannover Messe initiative. This pavilion will present pioneering manufacturers, distributors, and importers of packaging and processing machinery crucial to various sectors including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and chemicals.

With the introduction of this pavilion, CeMAT aims to span the entire supply chain, creating enhanced opportunities for industry stakeholders to connect, innovate, and bolster the Australian economy.

The Australian manufacturing, warehousing, intralogistics, and transport industries are invited to attend CeMAT Australia 2025, scheduled to take place at The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park from Tuesday 22 July to Thursday 24 July 2025. The organisers have opened exhibition bookings and are anticipating high interest for next year’s event.