The NSW Government’s Western Sydney Information Technology Cluster has reached a milestone of 350 members.

Speaking during a visit to Machinery Automation and Robotics in Silverwater as part of Small Business September 2009, NSW Small Business Minister Steve Whan said the Western Sydney IT Cluster's hi-tech member firms have an estimated collective industry value of more than $700 million, employ about 2,500 people and are a major export force in the region.

“Machinery Automation and Robotics, a longstanding member of the Western Sydney Information Technology Cluster, was the 2008 Telstra Australian Business of the Year” Mr Whan said.

“The on-going business successes of the members more than justifies NSW Government support for clusters, as a successful mechanism of industry development.

Machinery Automation and Robotics founder Clyde Campbell said his company started with one person, a tool box and a dream.

“We have a vision to deliver manufacturing solutions that incorporate advanced robotics for production critical industries,” Mr Campbell said.

“The company now employ a team of 47, servicing clients across the globe from its offices in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland,” he said.

Mr Whan said the 350th cluster member, Advent 7, moved to Parramatta from Lane Cove because in-house research proved Western Sydney is an economic powerhouse.

“Advent 7 is a forensic information technology company, which provides protective services against cybercrime.

“This company   has a turnover of nearly $2 million and employs 11 people, is presently negotiating for national and international contracts which, if successful, should double its employment,” he said.

Advent7 chief executive officer Neville Rossiter said the company’s multilingual speakers provide valuable support for clients.

“Our team has performed a wide range of forensic information collection and analysis for government, major banks and other financial institutions, as well as commerce and utilities,” Mr Rossiter said.

Western Sydney Information Technology Cluster Highlights:

• Membership continues to increase at a net rate of about 30 firms per annum
• Cluster firms added more than 150 new regional jobs for Western Sydney in the last five years
• Almost 25 per cent of members report interaction with other members in day-to-day business
• Almost three quarters of member companies report business growth in the last five years and
• More than half the membership export, with an estimated value of $400 million in export sales.