The 60 guests present at the launch were treated to the knowledge of business owners Chris Clyne (Clynes Foods), Jim Penman (Jims Mowing) and Keith Bartlett (Bartlett Blinds) who spoke on a wide range of topics including setting up a business, managing a growing business, customer service, trials and tribulations and keeping up with changing technology.

Northern Grampians Shire Council Manager Business and Tourism Development, Angelique Lush, said the group is just what the shire needs.

``It's great to see the people involved in this group showing such initiative,'' Ms Lush said.

``The presentations at this forum were hugely informative and interesting. The GRMIG will be an asset to manufacturing and industry businesses, existing, potential and new, right across the region.

``Manufacturing is one of the growth sectors within the Northern Grampians Shire.

``While the national trend in manufacturing is downwards, this region is growing, thanks partly to specialisation in mining machinery, food production and manufacturing for service industries.

``The manufacturing sector is therefore a focus for support from council. We are also focusing on economic development within the shire at present so this group ticks all the boxes for us.''

GRMIG aims to provide learning and networking opportunities for their members while also growing business opportunities and developing local capabilities.

The group plans to visit the Clyne Foods factory and production plant in Warracknabeal early next year as a follow up to the launch.

The Grampians Region Manufacturing Industry Group was formed earlier this year by representatives from the manufacturing and industrial sector in the Grampians region.

The group hopes to work together to address the challenges facing the sector and to capitalise on opportunities for improved business outcomes and growth.

Its aim is to support and grow a sustainable manufacturing and industrial sector in the Grampians region through learning opportunities for group members, networking functions, problem solving and education.