The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) will host the Manufacture 360° Conference, a first-of-its-kind initiative on May 8 at the AC Hotel in Kingston.

The conference will bring together international experts, government ministers, business leaders and decision-makers, to share practical insights, strategies, and connections to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among manufacturers.

JMEA executive director Kamesha Blake says, “This is a must-attend manufacturing event, especially as the industry is experiencing robust growth. Over the last five years, the manufacturing sector has consistently contributed an estimated J$60–70 billion to the GDP, positioning itself as the largest contributor among all goods-producing industries; however, there remains untapped potential.”

“The conference presents an invaluable opportunity for manufacturers across various sectors in Jamaica to come together, to discuss common challenges, learn from experts, share best practices, and collectively work towards achieving growth and prosperity within the industry,” she continued.

Some of the topics that will be explored include Enhancing Manufacturing Skills through the Apprenticeship Model, Strategic Real Estate Solutions to Drive Growth in the Manufacturing Industry, Revisiting the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Act, Innovative Financing Solutions for Manufacturing Expansion, Navigating the Logistics Landscape, and Fuelling Growth Through Merger and Acquisitions.

Attendees will hear from impressive international speakers including Dr Daniel Tromans, Head of Service Delivery and Responsible Officer at EAL Awards, a division of the Enginuity Group. Enginuity Group is a UK-based organisation focused on driving skills development and promoting workforce efficiency in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Tromans will discuss ‘Enhancing Skills through the Apprenticeship Model’ and will share actionable strategies for maximising the benefits of apprenticeships in manufacturing.

Tromans’ presentation will also pave the way for the launch of the National Manufacturing Sector Skills Council, a joint initiative led by JMEA, HEART/NSTA Trust, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Aligned with the UK’s Apprenticeship Programme, the sector skills council will address skills gaps by developing diverse training programmes designed to meet the specific needs of our manufacturing sectors.

Additionally, Emil Alvarado, Director of B2B Acceptance Central America and Caribbean at Visa, will explore e-commerce trends and opportunities in the region, drawing from his extensive financial services experience. Other featured speakers include Industry Minister Aubyn Hill as well as top local industry players such as Seprod Limited CEO and Managing Director Richard Pandohie; Jamaica Broilers Group Limited Group President and CEO Christopher Levy, Caribbean Producers Jamaica Executive Chairman Mark Hart and Honey Bun Ltd Co-Founder and CEO Michelle Chong among others.

Attendees will also gain insights from counterparts like Spur Tree Spice Jamaica.

Blake says, “The conference is a must-attend event for manufacturers who want to win in manufacturing, especially our MSMEs. The conference offers a forum to interact with and learn from top players in the industry, gaining practical knowledge to drive operational excellence and competitive advantage, as well as network and make invaluable connections.”

She noted that the conference will kick off with a pre-networking event on May 7, providing manufacturers with a platform to establish valuable B2B connections and conclude on May 9 with a plant tour of Carib Cement, offering manufacturers the opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to advanced manufacturing processes.