Australian Made

Couplemate Trailer Parts commenced its Australian Made program in 2017.

We recognised a need to maintain consistent supply lines. However, we have recently observed strong demand across the market for Australian-made caravan and trailer parts.

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

As a result of this demand for Australian-made products, we have seen an increase in local job opportunities, resulting in higher wages and more PAYG tax.

Ultimately, GST collections increase from domestic spending occurring within Australia. Since the beginning of 2020, Couplemate has hired additional staff to meet the increased demand.

Purchases of caravan and trailer parts are a significant spending force, as imported products do not easily deceive 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 became aware of a particular caravan manufacturer with an 18-month lead time from order placement.

At Couplemate, we strive to maintain the shortest possible production lead time. 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 ushered in a new era of uncertainty, where companies and customers are adapting to a new normal. At Couplemate, we have looked closely at retooling and testing.

Reinvesting in equipment and testing products is an expensive endeavour for small businesses.

The Australian Government is the largest beneficiary of increased jobs through PAYU, GST, Company and associated taxes.

Retooling locally creates opportunities for job creation among toolmakers and testing centres, while increasing sales of Australian-made products.

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