In episode S4-3 of the Coast and Commerce podcast, our host Ben Amos interviews Dave Biggar, CTO of Zone Manufacturing, discussing his journey from boat building to the RV industry, the establishment of Zone RV, and the challenges faced in manufacturing. They explore the importance of innovation, the advantages of being based on the Sunshine Coast, and the future vision for Zone Manufacturing, which includes exciting projects in aerospace and rail. Dave emphasises the significance of understanding staff capacities, looking sideways for business opportunities, and the role of digital transformation in business growth.

Takeaways

• Dave Biggar's journey began with boat building and evolved into RV manufacturing.
• Zone RV was established to innovate within the caravan industry using composite materials.
• The transition from custom boat building to mass production in RVs presented significant challenges.
• Understanding team capacity is crucial for sustainable growth in business.
• Innovation doesn't always mean creating something new; it can involve improving existing processes.
• The Sunshine Coast offers a unique environment for business growth and innovation.
• Zone Manufacturing aims to diversify and scale across multiple industries.
• Digital transformation is key to enhancing operational efficiency and product development.
• Collaboration and building a strong team are essential for overcoming manufacturing challenges.
• Exciting projects in aerospace and rail are on the horizon for Zone Manufacturing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment

00:56 Dave Biggar's Journey to Zone Manufacturing

04:49 Transition from Boat Building to RV Manufacturing

09:58 Establishing Zone RV and Early Challenges

11:49 Current State of Zone RV

13:46 Expansion into Zone Manufacturing

18:49 Innovation and Digital Transformation

23:51 The Sunshine Coast Advantage

27:09 Future Vision for Zone Manufacturing

29:57 Advice for Entrepreneurs

35:05 Exciting Projects on the Horizon

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-3