The October 2018 edition of the Foreign Affairs magazine provides an optimistic view of Australia's future as we become increasing integrated into the globalised economy and supply chains. We are no longer an isolated island economy of sand, beaches and deserts - although living in Melbourne, I'm not sure that picture truly represents Australia anyway. On a GDP per capita basis we rank 5th in the world and international trade is our engine room for growth. More than ever we need to be Global in our thinking as an international trading nation and our businesses need to be integrated within Global Supply Chains. APV typifies this thinking with 50% of our revenue derived from exports and most of our customers are multinationals, so we have to think Globally in everything we do, but at the same time respect our traditional strengths and local capabilities.

APV is given a brief feature and is recognized as an Australian SME that has transformed itself to become internationally recognized and integrated within overseas supply chains - This is great recognition for us and demonstrates we are punching above our weight. It is somewhat surprising to me, how Foreign Affairs found us, but clearly it means our Brand has a strong presence and reputation (Noting my quote "you may not have heard about who APV is....").

Managing Director

Today at APV we consulted with our staff to keep everyone informed of the latest impacts of the Covid19 health and economic shocks.

The business is fighting hard to ensure that we protect the health and well-being of our employees, and to keep them employed through this crisis. To this end APV has called on Gov't to keep Australian Manufacturing operations open on the pre-requisite that appropriate Health risk mitigation measures are in place to protect their workforce. In effect our business is already in a Lock Down to keep CoronaVirus out of the workplace and to ensure our staff are safer coming to work than going to the shops. Our workforce wants to come to work and this is certainly a superior outcome for their overall health and well-being. Here, within the APV community we can ensure that all employees are supported.

In consultation with our employees we are implementing new flexible workforce models. These are significant workplace changes and our staff are supporting this and embracing measures that will allow us to maintain employment levels, ensure people get paid and that APV pushes through this crisis. This will ensue that we in turn meet the needs of our customers and that we stay open for business.

APV has a significant amount of work on ranging from new product development testing, testing of child-seats that keep our children safe, through to production of seat-belts for essential services transport equipment. We make a major contribution to road safety outcomes and our business is about keeping you safe. Therefore APV and our staff are absolutely committed to remaining open and supporting our customers and staff during the period of this crisis.

Stay safe and well during these difficult times.

Harry Hickling

GoAuto, the premier source of automotive industry research and news today ran the story: