Central Coast Industry Connect is creating a new future for regional manufacturing through training programs, facilities and network opportunities.
Not a single food and beverage business is immune to manufacturing problems or challenges. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) face a mixed bag of pain points from regulations operational costs, and access to a modern facility, while larger manufacturers find themselves running dry in the talent pool due to poor infrastructure or training.
Addressing these challenges is Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC), a driving force behind one of New South Wales’ manufacturing regions. The not-for-profit organisation aims to promote collaboration and capability building through a $17.14 million project – the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub (the Hub).
Funded by the Australian Commonwealth Government and supported by the University of Newcastle, Central Coast Council, and Regional Development Australia Central Coast, CCIC aims to drive innovation, build skills, and grow the region. The facility is designed to support both established manufacturers and SMEs through pilot and training spaces, positioning the Central Coast as a premier destination for food manufacturing.
Manufacturing Advancement Centre
Construction for the Hub was announced in April 2025 and is expected to be operational by March 2026. The team has already opened expressions of interest for tenancy and is rolling out industry-led training programs. With more than 40 years of experience in the food industry, including roles such as operations director at Sara Lee Baking Co, executive officer Frank Sammut mentioned a focus on food manufacturing.
“Manufacturing output in the Central Coast is $4.7 billion,” he said. “Within that output, food manufacturing sits at $2 billion and it is a big part of our focus.”
Aiming to unlock the $2 billion Central Coast food and beverage manufacturing potential, CCIC acts as a hub connecting local businesses, educational institutions, and government to strengthen the region’s industrial base. Designed for flexibility, the Hub features production spaces, pilot lines, and testing areas where businesses can refine their processes and test new products before commercial launch. The Hub is also home to research partnerships focused on sustainability, packaging innovation, and process improvement.
For small food producers, access to shared facilities reduces the high cost of capital investment. It also creates a collaborative environment where producers can share ideas, equipment, and expertise. For larger businesses, it offers opportunities to trial new technologies and form partnerships with smaller suppliers.
At the heart of the Hub will be the Manufacturing Advancement Centre, delivering pragmatic approaches to business improvement for both food and non-food manufacturers. It will provide tailored mentoring and guidance from industry experts with a focus on helping businesses navigate compliance, sustainability, and market access.
“The Manufacturing Advancement Centre will be the delivery arm of the leadership programs that sit within the innovation hub, and we aim to be a centre of excellence in the area,” said Sammut.
The Centre’s offerings include technical and product development support, management and shop floor training programs, and access to a network of specialised service providers. Additionally, services will meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. By locating the Hub in the heart of the Central Coast, CCIC has created a platform for growth that benefits both local and national producers.
Pilot facility, training and workforce development
Of the 2,000 square metre Hub, the pilot facility takes about 400 square metres, with the rest divided into eight factory bays ranging between 136 and 200 square metres. Sammut said the purpose-built and production-ready pilot facility is designed for scalable manufacturing. The food-grade spaces and shared infrastructure lower overall costs for SMEs, reducing manufacturing barriers.
“We’re across brewing, extrusion, baking, hot sauce cooking, and have packaging equipment for canning and flow wrapping,” he said.
The Hub also includes technologies such as 3D food printing, x-ray, and foreign matter detection, and is looking to incorporate robotics and automation. The equipment and technology will be available in the pilot area for training, which further supports prototyping.
For the food sector, challenges surrounding speed and efficiency are often caused by a lack of skills training and workforce infrastructure. Manufacturing growth depends on attracting and retaining skilled workers. In response, the Hub offers modern training facilities to support practical skills and workforce development. It builds on the 2024 CCIC Interim Skills Hub model that prepares a talent pipeline to support business capability.
Industry-led training programs focusing on manufacturing leadership, product innovation, and machine operation will be open to a range of participants, from students and industry professionals to small business owners. With the activities delivered by CCIC and partners, Sammut said that training is not only valuable for skills – it extends to pre-employment.
The programs will support broader inclusion and training opportunities for women, Aboriginal people, and unemployed individuals who are ready to be part of the region’s manufacturing future. They will also increase collaborations with schools and training organisations to ensure that future generations see manufacturing as a viable career path.
Growth rooted in collaboration
For regional economic growth, CCIC emphasises the importance of community. The Hub is designed as a gathering place for manufacturers, researchers, educators, students, and service providers. By encouraging collaboration, CCIC aims to bridge the gap between different industry experts, fostering a sense of community. As businesses begin to share resources, overcome challenges, and celebrate successes together, it has the potential to attract new enterprises and investment to the Central Coast.
Local manufacturers and SMEs can find benefits beyond networking opportunities – from technical support in engineering and R&D. For larger businesses, it means access to training programs for new pilot technologies, strengthening talent pipelines, and contributing to sustainable regional growth.
When collaboration comes into the picture, mutual benefits can build industry links. By embedding the wider network at the Hub, opportunities and positive economic impacts will be created, boosting the capability of the region’s food and beverage sector.
For more than 12 years, CCIC’s focus has remained clear – to support a manufacturing sector that is innovative, collaborative, and resilient. From food and beverage producers to advanced manufacturers, the organisation is helping create a thriving ecosystem.
“There are so many opportunities that the food sector can learn from other manufacturing sectors,” said Sammut.
Looking ahead, the organisation aims to build on its existing foundation by expanding its facilities and programs. The next stage is to continue bringing the industry together through tourism with its Food Makers Trail and the planned warehouse and distribution centre.
With all the elements in place to support the region’s food and beverage manufacturing ecosystem, Sammut’s goal is to ensure that the Central Coast is recognised as a key contributor to Australia’s manufacturing resurgence, elevating SMEs and larger manufacturers alike through proper guidance and collaboration.
“Longer term, we want to make the Central Coast a destination for food and beverage manufacturing,” he said.
With Hub construction due for completion in January 2026 and doors opening in March 2026, businesses interested in tenancies are encouraged to submit their EOIs now to secure one of the limited spaces. EOI details are available here.