Australian manufacturing

Earlier in my career I worked with many “best in class” lean manufacturers and I was struck by how many of their employees could remember, even years later, where it all started. They openly shared their story, and often I would meet the team that had been the catalyst for their on-going lean deployment. Years … Continue reading Deciding where to start in the Industry 4.0 journey →

Manufacturers’ Monthly speaks with Baird Technology and Backplane Systems Technology about the challenges involved in the business of robotics during COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for many businesses during the past six months. During this time, some manufacturers are riding out the storm by taking the opportunity to develop innovation. Baird Technology … Continue reading Germicidal robot manufacturing →

An innovative small business helping soldiers in the battlefield control electrical devices on their weapons and body has been awarded a $3.4 million contract with Defence. Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, announced the new contract, funded through the Defence Innovation Hub, with Canberra-based Kord Defence. “The Morrison Government is continuing to invest in Australian … Continue reading Canberra small business wins Defence innovation contract →

Five new members have been added to a reinvigorated and newly named Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA) as part of the federal government’s plan to grow Australian manufacturing and create jobs. DuluxGroup CEO Patrick Houlihan and Woodside Energy’s Lauren Stafford have both been appointed to the board for three years. Fintech and consumer rights … Continue reading New industry appointments to lead modern manufacturing strategy →

Naval Group has launched its first Local Manufacturing Package Expression of Interest (EOI) to Australian industry for the manufacturing of specialised submarine equipment – part of a package expected to be worth almost $900 million. In the first of many local packages to be offered throughout the 50-year program, these specialised pieces of equipment include … Continue reading Naval Group announces EOIs for $900m local manufacturing package →

Nexport, the largest supplier of electric buses in Australia, has responded to the NSW state government’s decision to electrify its 8,000 fleet of buses, by sourcing a state-based production plant to develop a 7-star rated zero-emissions production facility for electric vehicles – buses, trucks, logistics vans and cars. As part of an industry-led initiative, TrueGreen purchased … Continue reading TrueGreen and Nexport to advance CleanTech manufacturing →

Australian battery innovator Gelion Technologies has delivered a roll-out of its solar-powered benches at the University of Sydney, taking its battery technology to the pre-market stage. The Endure batteries that power the off-grid smart benches will be the first commercial installation for the company, which was spun-out from the University of Sydney by founder and … Continue reading University technology spin-off delivers smart solar benches →

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, will open the conference with a virtual keynote address on Tuesday, 20 October at 11am, to outline the government’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy announced as part of the 2020-21 Budget. The strategy will see the government invest $1.5 billion in initiatives and projects that help Australian manufacturers to scale … Continue reading Minister Andrews to open Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Forum →

Novel solutions for biofilm infections are the focus of a collaborative research agreement between the University of Sydney, Whiteley Corporation and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC) which started in 2018. UNSW Sydney joined the project in 2020, significantly increasing the academic manpower available to the project. Over four years, more than $5 million … Continue reading Manufacturing research partnership to tackle harmful biofilms →

An $18.34 million package has been unveiled by the Western Australian state government to help build a pipeline of skilled workers for manufacturing. The funding will support upcoming defence projects to WA and enhance the state’s capacity to secure future defence work, which is expected to be valued up to $75 billion nationally over the … Continue reading WA government announces $18m to develop skilled workers for manufacturing →

The latest industry research report from the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) has revealed that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 65 per cent of Australians regarded manufacturing as important or very important. Yet, key challenges are holding back the industry from growth opportunities. Titled “10 ways to succeed in Australian manufacturing”, AMGC’s report … Continue reading AMGC outlines 10 ways for Australian manufacturers to succeed →

Whenever there are calls for governments to divert our fragmented industry policy efforts and to concentrate their attention on “what we are really good at”, alarm bells should ring. It is true that governments have important roles to play in fostering the development of Australian industries. It is also true that our industry policies are … Continue reading Growing manufacturing: what role for industry policy? →

The federal government has invested another $25.7 million to grow Australian business capability in the space sector supply chain. The funding will create jobs and help Australian companies take part in NASA’s inspirational mission to travel to the Moon and Mars. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews said the Supply Chain Capability Improvement … Continue reading Launching Australian businesses into space supply chain →

An Australian-first testing facility will enable local manufacturers of surgical face masks to fast-track the supply for frontline health workers. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the new CSIRO facility in Melbourne will boost Australia’s sovereign capability to produce essential medical supplies more efficiently and at a lower cost. “The COVID-19 pandemic … Continue reading New CSIRO face mask testing facility opens in Melbourne →

Naval Group Australia has awarded a contract worth nearly $1 million to Australian-based data centre operator YourDC Pty in a further boost to the local economy. Within their flagship facility based in Adelaide, YourDC will construct and deliver to Naval Group Australia a secure, dedicated, data centre space that will house sensitive computer systems. Naval … Continue reading Australian business wins Naval Group data centre contract →

The federal government has taken firm action against General Motors by stopping $1 million in taxpayer funds after the company announced it will retire the Holden brand in Australia. GM Holden, which received financial support through the Automotive Transformation Scheme (ATS), had been deregistered under an order by Industry Minister Karen Andrews. Minister Andrews said … Continue reading Holden loses $1m in taxpayer funds after shutting Australian business →

COVID-19 has forced many manufacturers to review their operations, with agile businesses reacting quickly to this new trading environment. Once the COVID hurdle is behind us, we will see a different manufacturing sector and I think the industry will be better for it as adversity drives change, says Cuong Vo, vice president of RS Components … Continue reading Pandemic manufacturing industry changes →

By Ryan Pollett, National Leader, Manufacturing & Wholesale Partner, Audit & Assurance, BDO There’s no doubt that the past few months posed challenges for Australia’s manufacturing sector. As the economic, health and social effects of COVID-19 disrupted the operations and supply chains, it also highlighted manufacturers’ ingenuity and ability to innovate and collaborate to overcome … Continue reading The top 7 learnings from COVID-19 for manufacturers →

Australian recycling giant Visy has entered into an agreement to acquire the Australian and New Zealand glass manufacturing business of Owens Illinois (O-I). The deal, worth almost $1 billion, is one of the biggest manufacturing acquisitions by an Australian-owned business in Australian business history. Visy would employ 7200 people in manufacturing jobs post acquisition. Visy … Continue reading Visy acquires glass manufacturer Owens Illinois →

Australian researchers and industry partners will collaborate to design and manufacture the world’s most precise, compact and cost-effective gyroscope, in a new $8.7 million project.   The new project led by navigation system manufacturer Advanced Navigation, with research partners RMIT University, The Australian National University (ANU) and commercial partner Corridor Insights, will cut the cost … Continue reading Australian collaboration to deliver world-leading gyroscope technology →