Weld Australia is proud to announce a strategic partnership with two of the world's leading welding technology organisations—EWI (formerly the Edison Welding Institute) and the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Group. This collaboration will provide Australian manufacturers with direct access to cutting-edge automation solutions, world-class research and development (R&D), and advanced training programs.
With Industry 4.0 technologies transforming global manufacturing, this partnership positions Australia at the forefront of innovation, helping local businesses boost productivity, enhance safety, address labour shortages, and reduce costs.
According to Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, this initiative is critical to ensuring the long-term viability of the nation's manufacturing sector.
"Australian manufacturing is at a pivotal moment. We need to embrace advanced technologies to stay competitive, particularly in high-growth industries like renewable energy and Defence. By partnering with EWI and CWB, we're ensuring that Australian manufacturers have access to the best automation solutions, training programs, and R&D expertise in the world."
"EWI is excited to be partnering with Weld Australia to further drive innovation and advanced technologies throughout Australia's vital manufacturing industries," said Henry Cialone, President and CEO of EWI. "Together with our affiliate partner CWB, we will also provide essential training to ensure workers have the skills and know-how to support Australia's industries in the future."
This partnership will drive innovation across key industries, including renewable energy and Defence. EWI's advanced technologies have already proven successful in improving efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness in renewables. EWI's automated welding systems enhance the precision and efficiency of wind turbine construction, reducing production time by 30%. Their tele-welding technology allows remote operation of welding systems, enabling real-time oversight and adjustments from anywhere in the world. This innovation is critical for addressing labour shortages and supporting large-scale projects in remote or hazardous environments, such as offshore energy.
In Defence, EWI's automated welding solutions streamline production for naval ships, enhancing quality and reducing costs—essential for Australia's shipbuilding initiatives. Similarly, EWI's advanced welding technologies for high-strength materials improve durability and compliance with military standards.
Crittenden emphasised that while automation is key to increasing efficiency and global competitiveness, it must be matched with a highly skilled workforce.
"Beyond technology, this partnership is also focused on upskilling the workforce. CWB and EWI will deliver training programs to help businesses integrate automation successfully, addressing labour shortages while future-proofing the industry. The training will cover essential areas such as cobot programming, welding system integration, and automation safety protocols, equipping workers with the skills needed to adapt to emerging technologies," said Crittenden.
According to Douglas Luciani, President and CEO of CWB, this partnership with Weld Australia will be a valuable endeavour for all three organisations. "CWB has had a long history of positive engagement with Weld Australia, and we are pleased to be formalizing this strategic partnership with them. CWB is committed to delivering high-quality education, training, certification, and other services, to the global welding community. We are proud working with our affiliate partner, EWI, with their expertise in emerging technologies and innovation, to develop groundbreaking training programs that will fit the particular needs of Australia's welding and manufacturing industries."
Crittenden added, "Technology alone won't solve the challenges facing Australian manufacturing. We need a workforce capable of operating and optimising these advanced systems. Through this partnership, we're ensuring that Australian welders and manufacturers have access to world-class training that will prepare them for the future."
This collaboration represents more than just technological advancement—it is a significant step toward securing Australia's manufacturing future. By combining EWI and CWB's global expertise with Weld Australia's deep industry knowledge, this partnership will help drive long-term growth, create jobs, and enhance Australia's position as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
"This isn't just about keeping pace with the rest of the world," said Crittenden. "It's about leading it."
About us:
ABOUT WELD AUSTRALIA
Weld Australia represents the welding profession in Australia. Its members are made up of individual welding professionals and companies of all sizes. Weld Australia members are involved almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation's economy. The primary goal of Weld Australia is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future. Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW).
