This year has been one no one could’ve predicted, from devastating fires and floods to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, but the industry has banded together, providing much needed equipment to support the bushfire relief effort, and adapting and responding quickly to the immediate issues posed by operating and constructing during a pandemic including social distancing, overseas supply issues, and border restrictions.
While the situation in Australia seems to be positive, with Victoria on track to open up soon, not everything will go back to the way it was, and 2021 still remains uncertain. Those in the pump industry will need to understand which of the temporary disruptions they have experienced are likely to persist, taking into account the lessons learned by COVID-19 and how those could change operating models.
However, the industry can rest assured that it will remain critical with industries such as water and wastewater, food and beverage, irrigation, manufacturing, mining, power generation, oil and gas, and chemicals and pharmaceuticals operating even under the toughest of restrictions, and equipment upgrades, servicing, and new installations crucial to them continuing to be able to provide essential services.
A wealth of opportunities
While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant downturn in the Australian economy, plunging the country into its first recession in nearly 30 years, work and opportunities will not be slowing down for the pump industry with infrastructure investment to play a critical role in boosting the economy and helping with recovery efforts.
The federal, state and territory governments are jointly investing more than $1.5 billion dollars to expedite shovel-ready projects across all sectors, including water and wastewater, construction, irrigation, power generation, and oil and gas.
States and territories are already taking the lead and a number of projects are already underway, with opportunities for contractors and equipment suppliers to get involved.
Remaining connected
Previously, events have been a key way of connecting to clients, potential customers and the wider industry. However, this has not been possible in 2020, with events being cancelled due to COVID-19.
With the unpredictability of restrictions on movement and social distancing guidelines over the coming 12 months keeping the fate of events uncertain, the industry has had to adapt in order to remain connected even though in-person meetings have been heavily restricted.
While print advertising still remains a strong medium to connect with others, there has been a major shift in focus to digital communication to reach potential customers as people continue working remotely and spend more time scouring the internet for equipment and information on how to keep their operations running.
Now more than ever, marketing is key for companies to keep relevant and front of mind of customers, and to reach others they may not otherwise be able to at this time. Companies that leverage the opportunity of digital marketing options such as webinars and white papers, will find themselves in a prime position to get ahead of the pack.
