China

CSIRO has launched its “FloWorks” Centre for Industrial Flow Chemistry today in Clayton, Victoria. The aim of FloWorks is to provide cutting-edge research into flow chemistry capability, making it more accessible to the chemical manufacturing industry. Senior research scientist with CSIRO’s manufacturing sector and Director of the new centre, Dr Christian Hornung, said flow chemistry … Continue reading CSIRO set to improve chemical manufacturing →

In a bid to re-strategise its business plans for growth in 2017, German bearing maker Schaeffler has announced that it looks to shave off 500 jobs at its industrial division in Germany and other European countries. The company has cited the move was due to slow delivery chains and overly centralised sales operations and mentioned … Continue reading Schaeffler cuts jobs but Asia Pac remains unaffected →

Australia’s 457 visa system is back in the news again. If you believe Labor, the 457 visa is a rort allowing foreign workers to steal Australian jobs. The government, on the other hand, defends it as a way for Australia to meet skills gaps in the economy. Misunderstanding the problem is leading to wrong solutions … Continue reading The real issues with the 457 visa aren’t being addressed →

Geelong, Victoria’s second city, has emerged as an area of great expertise for advanced materials – particularly carbon fibre composites – in recent years. Brent Balinski spoke to Quickstep’s Carl De Koning about the company’s New Technology division, headquartered at Waurn Ponds.

According to a recent article in Forbes, America’s manufacturers are getting very worried. As you read this, a number of influential US manufacturers and their associated industry representatives are urging President-elect Donald Trump to back off from his most threatening trade rhetoric. They want him to pursue a more nuanced approach to trade with China … Continue reading OPINION: So how will the manufacturing sector respond to President Trump? →

Ford’s closure of its Geelong manufacturing plant last month is part of a broader story about Australia’s manufacturing sector. But one side of this story has so far been overlooked: the role of Australia’s lax attitude to vehicle emissions. Globally, car manufacturers are taking climate action seriously by significantly improving fuel economy, in turn reducing … Continue reading Australia’s car industry ignored the elephant in the room: carbon emissions →

Speaking at a press conference to launch its Global Status of CCS: 2016 Report at the twenty second conference of the parties (COP 22) in Marrakech yesterday, Global CCS Institute Chief Executive, Brad Page, said the scale of the challenge to deliver the ‘well below’ 2°C climate goal should not be underestimated. “The current level … Continue reading Carbon capture industry must expand says global body →

2016 will go down as a watershed year for all the wrong reasons: Britain’s EU exit faces strong opposition; Syria remains plunged in civil war; and in the wake of the US election politics in the two major Anglosphere democracies are now deeply polarised.

Donald Trump’s victory promises a further departure from the traditional Asia-Pacific order created during the Cold War years. This was when the US provided military and economic dominance through a system of defence alliances with the major trading partners in the region, including Australia.

Packaging giant Amcor is acquiring Hebei Qite Packing Co, a flexible packaging products maker based in the Northern China province of Hebei, for $US28 million ($36 million).

The former distributor of brand Great Wall has admitted that the vehicles’ history in Australia did significant damage to the local perception of Chinese-made cars.

Most of us use products made in China every day and are aware of its growing economic power as a factory to the world. But China intends to become a developed nation by mid-century and integral to this ambition is its intense focus on innovation.

Moving manufacturing operations back home is in full swing in the US and UK, and is starting to happen here, as Alan Johnson reports.

Not too long ago, when Western CEOs pondered China’s fast-growing market and billion-plus potential customers, their eyes would fill with dollar signs. But these days, thoughts of China are more likely to elicit serious soul-searching, as some of the companies that eagerly dove into China have withdrawn.

There are rumours that Apple is working with Sydney company Sonder Design to develop a special “E-Ink” keyboard for release with the 2018 MacBook.

Swinburne University of Technology, Shandong University Weihai (SDUW), Weihai Economic and Technological Development Zone (WZ) and the Australian Education and Management Group (AEMG) have announced an advanced manufacturing centre, to launch early next year.

Despite last-minute efforts by the Obama administration, the US Congress’ ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is in serious danger.

LaserBond has secured a contract to provide technology services for a Chinese minerals processing equipment manufacturer.

The founder of South Australian manufacturer Hegs has said a growing number of contracts is expected to double the company’s headcount.

Chinese steel output will continue to increase modestly, BHP Billiton is predicting, contrary to some analysts’ predictions.