NOMINATIONS are now open for the ninth annual Manufacturers’ Monthly Endeavour Awards program, which recognises companies and individuals for their contributions to the Australian manufacturing industry.

Holden managing director and President of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Mike Devereux, says the carbon tax is a ‘heavy and unfair cost’ for local automotive players, and policy consistency is needed to secure the sector’s future.

Toyota Australia’s locally-built, seventh-generation Camry is now available in auto showrooms around Australia, with the new model expected to become ‘Australia’s best-selling mid-size car’.

After 33 years at the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) and eight years at the helm as chief executive, Heather Ridout will move on from the post in April 2012.

Koppers Holdings will close its carbon black manufacturing facility in New South Wales due to “deteriorating operating conditions”, with 65 workers expected to lose their jobs.