Couplemate Trailer Parts commenced its Australian-made program in 2017.

We recognised a need to maintain consistent supply lines. But recently, we have noted strong demand for Australian-made caravan and trailer parts.

The facts are simple: Australian-made goods create employment in Australia.

Due to this demand for Australian-made products, we have seen more local job opportunities, which have created higher wages and PAYG taxes. Ultimately, GST collections increase from domestic spending within Australia. Since the beginning of 2020, Couplemate has employed extra staff due to increased demand.

Purchases of caravan and trailer parts are a powerful spending force where imported products do not quickly fool manufacturers. Furthermore, consumers demand rugged, tested and proven products.

Long Term Consequences

In the 1970s, the Australian Government recommended the level-playing field trade method. This level playing field resulted in the exportation of Australian jobs overseas.

Australian manufacturing investment slowly stalled until our machinery became redundant, antiquated, and eventually scrapped. This trend has been reversing in recent times.

Demand for Aussie Products Creates Two Outcomes:

• A requirement for increased investment in local procurement by suppliers.
• Longer production lead times if the same workforce is maintained.

Recently, we heard of one particular caravan manufacturer with an 18-month lead time from the placement of orders.

At Couplemate, we endeavour to maintain the shortest production lead time possible. Thus, accepting longer lead times due to our import replacement scheme was not an option.

Our solution was to employ more workers to shorten lead times, create more local job opportunities, and support products made within Australia. In other words, re-employing those jobs lost to overseas manufacturers.

Opportunity For Government Support

COVID-19 has created an era of unknowns, and companies and customers are learning to adjust to a new normal. At Couplemate, we have examined retooling and testing closely. Reinvesting in equipment and testing products is expensive for small businesses.

The Australian Government is the largest beneficiary of increased jobs through PAYU, GST, Company and associated taxes. Retooling locally creates an opportunity for job creation for toolmakers and testing centres while increasing Australian-made product sales.

Finally, government support to retool the industry and accelerate the ‘Buy Australian’ campaign could substantially increase government fund debt levels due to increased tax collections.