manufacturing

Manufacturing is vital to economic prosperity, creating value in a way few other industries can. That value extends beyond the goods made for domestic consumption or export. It includes the innovation that flows from research and development and, crucially, employment. Estimates suggest that for every manufacturing job, up to five more are created in complementary industries, which shows how much manufacturing contributes to wealth creation and national living standards.

Australian manufacturers face significant challenges competing globally and locally in mass-produced, high-volume goods. Increasingly, their competitive advantage lies in quality over quantity, with a focus on niche, smart, low-volume and high-value manufacturing that is highly regarded and in demand around the world. They are adaptable, agile, clean and clever, and they’ve proven it time and again, whatever the market or supply chain throws at them.

Businesses like these need legal advice that moves as quickly as they do.

At Macpherson Kelley, we know manufacturing. Founded in 1905 in the manufacturing heartland of Dandenong, we understand what matters most to manufacturers and how we can help them succeed. We advise on the issues they deal with every day, from supply and distribution agreements, IP protection and international trade to employment, workplace safety, finance and disputes. Our lawyers are active members of industry groups dedicated to supporting and advancing the sector. Our straight-talking, commercial approach takes the hassle out of legal matters so that manufacturers can get on with what they do best: making things and creating value.

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services

We advise manufacturing clients across all areas of expertise, in particular:

  • Acquisition and disposal of businesses
  • Competition and consumer law compliance
  • Contract manufacturing agreements
  • Customer and supplier agreements and disputes
  • Debt collection and documentation
  • Enterprise agreements and employment disputes
  • Executive contracts and termination
  • Intellectual property protection and enforcement
  • Product recalls
  • Property leasing, purchase and disposal
  • Terms and conditions of supply and purchase
  • Warranty conditions and disputes
  • Union right of entry

what our clients say

“If you are looking for a firm who really understands business, in particular the needs of manufacturers and subsidiaries, a firm who can provide practical, timely and efficient service tailored to your needs, and someone who really wants to partner with your business, then Macpherson Kelley are the best around.” Carl Bizon Former President and Managing Director Trimas Corporation
“With a great knowledge of the law but more importantly how to apply it in a business sense. They [Macpherson Kelley] have a wide range of services and their style and industry knowledge of manufacturers is an asset. We have used them on acquisitions, employment issues, trademarks, training on a wide range of issues and a host of contractual matters.” Gerry Ryan Chairman Jayco Corporation

recent experience

  • 20 years of support

    From disputes with suppliers to company acquisitions, negotiating contracts to employment matters, Macpherson Kelley has been on hand to advise a leading Australian waste disposal company on its legal issues. For more than 20 years the company has called on our expertise in a wide range of commercial areas to help them grow. Our client, which builds large scale waste disposal systems and employs around 100 people, has won numerous industry awards and is an Australian manufacturing success story. The company appreciates our no nonsense approach to providing practical and commercial advice on what they can and cannot do in the business.

  • mixing business and philanthropy

    Hilton Manufacturing is a Victoria-based, family-owned sheet metal manufacturer. They make everything from mufflers to fuel tanks to trailers. They’re also inventors, creating a new traffic signaling system that’s taking Victorian roads by storm. A long-standing Macpherson Kelley client, they’ve called upon us to advise them on all their legal needs – from intellectual property to advising on the hiring of a new CEO, from structuring the business to succession planning when it was time to pass the business to the next generation. The family is also deeply involved in philanthropic causes that support their local community. Macpherson Kelley has been proud to be able to support the family’s charity work as well as their business.

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