Ben Mitchell joins Weld Australia to bolster SA manufacturing

Weld Australia has opened a new local office in South Australia to support the welding and manufacturing industries and appointed Ben Mitchell as Executive General Manager of Strategic Partnerships.

Data reported by Weld stated that manufacturing is South Australia’s largest sector, contributing approximately 17 per cent of the state’s total output by revenue, 20 per cent of exports, and 7 per cent of employment.

According to Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, “South Australia’s manufacturing sector is vital to the state’s economy and future growth. South Australia’s renewable energy share has surged from 1% in 2007 to 74% in 2023.”

He continued, “South Australia is also home to Australia’s richest copper resource, with global demand for copper set to surge for use in sustainable technology such as electric vehicles and wind turbines.”

“In addition, South Australia will be central to delivering some of the largest and most complex defense projects ever undertaken in Australia, including building Australian conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.”

Moreover , Crittenden stated that establishing a local presence will enable Weld Australia to better serve its members and advocate for the local welding and manufacturing industries, creating thousands of new jobs in hydrogen, critical minerals, and manufacturing.

He emphasised that with Ben Mitchell’s leadership, Weld Australia is confident in supporting South Australia’s growth and innovation through essential skills initiatives.

Ben Mitchell brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, strategy, leadership, management, innovation, and business acumen.

His diverse experience spans various commercial sectors including welding, agriculture, automotive, aerospace, and construction.

This extensive background, combined with his ability to merge a commercial mindset with a people-first approach, has enabled Ben to play pivotal roles in numerous organisational transformation projects.

Mitchell previously held several key roles at K-TIG, including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, where he was responsible for the company’s global marketing strategy and spearheaded initiatives to build the brand and generate sales opportunities.

Additionally, Ben spent 15 years at Nitto Denko, progressing to the role of Director of Strategic Planning and Marketing.

In this capacity, he was integral to creating and overseeing strategic direction, governance, and policy, driving the business into new fields with regional and global impact.

Ben holds several professional qualifications, including an MBA from the University of South Australia.

Commenting on his new role, Mitchell said, “I am thrilled to join Weld Australia and lead our efforts in South Australia. This state is at the forefront of a transformative period in manufacturing, renewables, and defence.

“Weld Australia will work with government, industry, unions, and education and training providers to ensure that South Australia has enough skilled people to deliver these vital renewables and defense projects. We will progress our industry-leading skills programs, focused on encouraging high school students and women to pursue a career in welding, upskilling prisoners, training First Nations people, and modernising how TAFEs teach welding,” he commented.