en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has launched a feasibility study to build Australia's first Clothing Smart Factory, aiming to assess the viability of a technology-driven manufacturing facility in supporting local garment production.
The study will develop a blueprint for a next-generation garment manufacturing facility capable of supporting research and development, product testing, and small-batch production at commercially viable costs. The project is supported by Epson Australia and Investment NSW through its "Innovation Sponsorship Program," and aligns with the NSW Government's "Fashion Industry Strategy."
The research consortium, comprising RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology, and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), brings together expertise in advanced manufacturing, textile technology, and workforce development. The proposed smart factory will investigate a Cut, Make and Trim (CMT) facility equipped with digital pattern making, digital textile printing, CNC cutting, automated production line equipment, and advanced finishing technologies. The study covers market demand, technical requirements, labor and skills needs, financial models, and opportunities for joint government and industry investment.
Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, stated that the state government sees this as an opportunity to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and is proud to support keeping fashion and textile manufacturing in New South Wales. AFC General Manager Sam Delgos noted that the study will explore new pathways to rebuild Australia's garment manufacturing capacity, bringing together industry, government, and leading universities to explore advanced on-demand production models. Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia and New Zealand, emphasized that digital textile printing technology can reduce waste and water usage, enabling local on-demand production.
Representatives from the participating universities will leverage their respective expertise in design, manufacturing technology, and workforce planning for the assessment. Professor Alice Payne, Dean of RMIT's School of Fashion and Textiles, stated that the university aims to help Australian brands develop sustainable and scalable models; Professor Blair Kuys, Executive Dean at Swinburne, noted that the research will support advanced and AI-driven fashion manufacturing opportunities; Professor James Bennett, Dean at UTS, said the university will contribute expertise through workforce analysis.
This initiative is part of the AFC's broader efforts to strengthen Australia's fashion ecosystem, working in tandem with initiatives in export development, workforce capability, and the National Manufacturing Strategy. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, followed by an industry launch event hosted by the AFC.
