TCI New Zealand embraces automation to maintain competitive edge New Zealand’s geographic isolation and high labour costs compel manufacturers to embrace innovation and automation in their production processes to compete with international players. Image provided Faced with these challenges, Auckland-based injection moulding company TCI New Zealand (TCI) turned to Universal Robots to provide an automated solution that would offer a more cost-effective means of producing its customer’s products. TCI deployed two of Universal Robots’ industrial robotic arms, the UR3 and UR5 to perform labelling and assembly tasks for the company’s EasiYo Yoghurt Maker line, as well as its storage bins, thus relieving employees of repetitive assembly processes and ensuring smooth production flow. “Previously we were paying two employees to work in 12 hour shifts to ensure around-the- clock production of our EasiYo Yoghurt Maker,” said Quintin Fowler, Manager Director at TCI. “If one employee didn’t turn up for work it meant the entire production line would be halted. This wasn’t really financially sustainable for us so we were looking for an automated solution that would guarantee quality assurance and help us to reduce costs.” The UR3, which is a compact table-top robot capable of handling payloads up to three kilograms, was the first machine to be deployed by TCI, with the costs of the robot recouped six months after it was first purchased. This robot has a reach radius of up to 500mm and features 360-degree rotation on all wrist joints and infinite rotation on the end joint. The rapid return on investment on UR3 encouraged TCI to purchase the UR5, which helps manufacturers automate repetitive and dangerous tasks with payloads up to five kilograms and a reach radius of up to 850mm. The UR5 is suitable for collaborative processes such as picking, placing and testing, with the payback period expected to be less than one year. “We paid off the UR3 within 6 months, which means we can reinvest in further product development and innovation. We also saved around 75 percent on yearly product assembly labour costs for the UR3 and UR5,” said Mr Fowler. “The UR3 and UR5 are very flexible robots. They are very easy to reprogram, which is why we use the UR5 to help assemble all of our storage bins. The robot can be reset to perform different jobs depending on the size of the bin.” On top of delivering swift return on investment and massive cost-reduction, Universal Robots’ small and lightweight robotic arms also increased productivity and worker safety. The robots’ force limit safety feature automatically stops the robot from operating when its movement is obstructed. “One thing I loved about Universal Robots was that we didn’t have to worry about guarding,” Mr Fowler added. “Whereas a lot of the other robots in the market guarding was an issue because you’d have to use safety barriers for all the machines which just complicates the situation.” TCI, which is one of the largest privately owned plastic injection moulding companies in New Zealand, manufactures a vast array of products, including building products, components used in instrumentation, navigation, rescue and communications, as well as a range of retail products, including homewares, garden products and outdoor furniture for companies across New Zealand and the rest of the world. Australian Manufacturing

PACIA: Victorian onshore gas bans terrible for manufacturing and investment Victoria’s decision to enforce permanent ban on fracking and coal seam gas exploration was labelled as a “major blow” to manufacturing and investment by the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA). Image credit: http://ift.tt/2crA8Ns Commenting on the decision, PACIA CEO Samantha Read said on Tuesday that the ban will inflict a devastating blow on Victoria’s economy. “We are extremely frustrated by today’s announcement,” Ms Read said. “This will drive away Australian companies and multinationals that are making decisions, both now and in the future, on where to invest their capital, build infrastructure and create new skilled employment.” Mr Read called on the state government to elaborate on its explanation that it was using best available evidence to make this decision, as it is contradicted by data presented in the Deloitte Access Economics Gas Market Transformations Report. “In this Report, it is estimated that the Victorian economy would be hit with a $24 billion loss in manufacturing output and 1,500 jobs lost between 2014 and 2021 as a result of gas supply tightness and price increases,” she said. According to her, the ban will slug manufacturing, households and the broader economy with further unnecessary burden and cost increases. “And importantly, the State’s various industries and sectors do not operate in isolation. There is a complex interplay between gas supply, manufacturing and agriculture,” Ms Read added. “For example, Victoria’s agricultural industry relies on inputs from the chemistry industry which are integral to the entire food value chain, from soil preparation and irrigation, to food processing, packaging, transportation and distribution. Many of these inputs are created using gas as a feedstock.” She said the moratoria will place “ongoing upward price pressure” on these inputs, making all Victorian manufacturing sectors, including agriculture, less competitive. “Today’s decision is particularly disappointing coming just a week after the COAG Energy Council meeting, where it was noted that a case by case approach is needed to bring on more supply,” Ms Read continued, adding that secure and affordable gas supply is fundamental to Victoria’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness. “This is based on final reports and recommendations made by both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Energy Market Commission. The meeting also noted that moratoria were part of the gas supply problem. Victoria is now the only jurisdiction not to have adopted the COAG Energy Council recommendations.” Australian Manufacturing

Toyota to continue as AFL’s premier sponsor until 2019 Toyota has announced a 3-year extension to its sponsorship agreement with the Australian Football League which will see the car maker rack up a total of 16 consecutive years as the AFL’s premier partner. Image credit: www.toyota.com The sponsorship extension, which ranks among the biggest sponsorship deals in Australian sport, was jointly announced by Toyota president Dave Buttner and AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan at the official launch of the 2016 Toyota AFL Finals Series. Mr Buttner said the new arrangement, from 2017-19, would allow for continued development of the game from local clubs to the elite national competition. “Toyota and its dealers throughout Australia are proud to be part of the AFL family and to extend our commitment to growing this great game and supporting footy wherever it is played,” Mr Buttner said. “This is a valued partnership because both Toyota and the AFL are driven to succeed through inspiration, passion and dedication,” he said. AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said AFL‘s decision to extend its sponsorship agreement with Toyota was an “easy one for the league”. “Toyota is a highly successful values-driven organisation that is determined to be the best and has been a fantastic partner for the AFL in our efforts to grow our game,” Mr McLachlan added. “Dave is a football person who understands our sport intimately and the strong relationship between our organisations flows directly down from him, where his word and his company’s words stand for something and are always followed through by strong action. Our partnership has been great for Australian football and for Toyota and we hope to work together long into the future.” Mr Buttner said the Good for Footy program formed a vital part of Toyota’s ongoing sponsorship, focusing on the community clubs that are the breeding ground of future champions. According to him, the program has raised more than $3 million for grassroots football. “This year, the Toyota Good for Footy raffle raised a record $574,305 to support local clubs with better facilities and equipment – and we are planning to break the record next year,” he added. Apart from being AFL’s premier partner, Toyota also supports Friday’s E. J. Whitten Legends Game and the Toyota Legendary Moments series that features memorable moments involving some of the game’s greatest players. In addition to these sponsorship deals, the company recently announced that it has extended its long-standing sponsorship of the Adelaide Crows until at least the end of the 2019 AFL season, making it one of the most enduring sponsorships in Australian sport. Toyota, which enlists prominent current and past players as ambassadors, including Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge and 2014 Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, also supports Cricket Australia and the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams. Australian Manufacturing

Resolute Mining to pay dividends in gold Resolute Mining Limited has announced a dividend of 1.7c per share following the adoption of an innovative gold sales-linked dividend policy which allows shareholders to receive dividend payments in gold. L to R – John Welborn and Richard Hayes – Resolute Dividend Payment in Perth Mint GoldImage provided The new dividend policy, forged in partnership The Perth Mint, provides Resolute shareholders who hold 5,000 or more company shares with the opportunity to elect to be paid in gold via a personal account held with The Perth Mint. Commenting on the adoption of this unique dividend policy, Resolute’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr John Welborn said this account will allow shareholders to securely store and accumulate Resolute gold dividends, buy and sell gold and other precious metals, and convert gold balances into a range of bars and coins subject to the terms and conditions of The Perth Mint Depository Online program. “The 2016 financial year has been transformational for Resolute with the generation of a record profit of A$213 million, a stunning turnaround in the strength of the Company’s balance sheet, and the completion of a number of key studies designed to ensure long term profitable gold production,” he said. “Resolute’s new gold sales-linked dividend policy rewards our shareholders by providing a sustainable income stream that allows direct participation in our ongoing production success. Having generated sales of more than 7 million ounces of gold from over 25 years of continuous production, and with over 14 million ounces of gold in Reserves and Resources at our existing projects, Resolute shareholders will now be rewarded with a dividend based on a fixed proportion of future revenue from our gold production.” The Perth Mint operates the only government guaranteed investment and storage program in the world and has been offering private precious metal storage options for investors since 1999. Perth Mint CEO, Mr Richard Hayes said this service now includes an innovative and modern platform which allows investors to hold and trade precious metals online. “The Perth Mint ardently supports Resolute’s bold and unique initiative to be the first gold miner we have worked with to pay its shareholders their dividends in gold. Innovation is a key driver in our business and we are delighted to partner with one of our most successful long term clients to provide them with these facilities,” he concluded. Australian Manufacturing

Evergen launches smart home energy management system Renewable energy start-up Evergen has taken advantage of CSIRO’s battery technology research to deliver Australia’s first intelligent home energy management system. Image credit: www.evergen.com.au The system, which is remotely managed by Evergen and regularly analysed and updated by CSIRO, combines the intelligent energy management developed by CSIRO with solar panels and batteries to continuously analyse and optimise home energy use. It looks at the local weather and power consumption patterns of each household to make smart decisions that reduce energy costs, such as switching from solar to stored power and vice versa, depending on the circumstances. CSIRO Energy Director Dr Peter Mayfield said he was pleased to see this CSIRO-developed technology available in Australian homes. “CSIRO has been at the forefront of solar and battery technology research for many years, and we are committed to the development of intelligent systems and tools which change the way we use energy,” Dr Mayfield added. “We know that consumers are viewing their household electricity differently and taking more control; intelligent systems allow them to do this with ease.” Evergen Chairman Stephen Dunne described the system as” the gateway to energy-smart homes of the future”. “We’re excited to be taking the science of CSIRO and building it in to an energy system that will benefit families all over Australia,” he said. According to the press release by CSIRO, the Evergen system is now available to Australians in an early release program, with a second-stage release program in January 2017. Australian Manufacturing

World’s largest 3D printed object to help make the wings of Boeing’s 777X airliner Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Boeing have developed a 3D printed trim-and-drill tool which won the title of largest solid 3D printed item by Guinness World Record. Image credit: www.ornl.gov Composed of carbon fibre and ABS thermoplastic composite materials, ORNL’s lower cost trim took just 30 hours to print and is now set to be evaluated in building the Boeing 777X passenger jet. According to the Laboratory, the 748kg tool is 5.3 metres long, 1.6 metres wide and 0.46 metres tall, which makes it comparable in length to a large sport utility vehicle. To be certified as a new record, the tool had to be in one solid piece of 0.3cubic metres, which was confirmed by a Guinness World Records judge at an award ceremony held at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL, where the item was 3D printed on the Big Area Additive Manufacturing machine. “The recognition by Guinness World Records draws attention to the advances we’re making in large-scale additive manufacturing composites research,” said Vlastimil Kunc, leader of ORNL’s polymer materials development team. “Using 3D printing, we could design the tool with less material and without compromising its function.” Once ORNL finalises verification testing, Boeing will use the 3d printed trim-and-drill tool in its new production facility in St Louis to secure the jet’s composite wing skin for drilling and machining before assembly. Leo Christodoulou, Boeing’s director of structures and materials said the company will provide information back to ORNL on the tool’s performance over the course of the project. “The existing, more expensive metallic tooling option we currently use comes from a supplier and typically takes three months to manufacture using conventional techniques,” Mr Christodoulou added. “Additively manufactured tools, such as the 777X wing trim tool, will save energy, time, labor and production cost and are part of our overall strategy to apply 3D printing technology in key production areas.” The project is supported by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy – Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), which supports applied research, development and demonstration of new materials and processes for energy efficiency in manufacturing as well as platform technologies for the manufacturing of clean energy products. Additionally, AMO also provides support for ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, a public-private partnership to engage industry with national labs. Australian Manufacturing

SA’s defence industry must earn its share of future defence contracts, Minister says South Australia’s defence industry and small business sector must “get organised and strategic” to land lucrative contracts on future defence contracts, according to Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith. Image credit: www.asc.com.au Speaking ahead of the DefenceSA’s South Australian Industry Engagement Forum – which was held yesterday at Mawson Lakes – the Minister said the next 20-30 months will define how local industry can benefit from the next two to three decades. “Now is not the time to rest on our laurels. There is a significant body of work on the near, medium and far horizons for our state’s industries,” he said. “The Government is doing everything possible to maximise South Australian industry involvement in the programs. Our role is to support companies who are already in South Australia and encourage others to invest here.” Mr Hamilton-Smith said the next couple of years will signal the start of a massive shipbuilding undertaking in the country, which SA companies must capitalise on. Construction of the $3 billion Offshore Patrol Vessels – which will lead to 400-plus direct and 400 indirect jobs – starts at Techport in 2018, while the $30 billion Future Frigate program – expected to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs – is due to commence in Adelaide in 2020. The $50 billion Future Submarines project will commence in 2022. According to estimates, it will create 2900 direct jobs in South Australia, 1700 of which at ASC, 100 at DCNS office, 600 in supply chain and 500 jobs in combat system integration. “There’s every reason to be excited about these projects and plenty of opportunity to get involved in the supply chain. But the opportunities won’t just fall into the laps of firms; they’re going to have to compete for it. If we sit back and wait, we’ll miss out,” the Minister added. “I’m pushing the Commonwealth to ensure a continuous flow of defence work and have already issued a list of five key actions.” Australian Manufacturing

Victoria slaps permanent ban on fracking The Andrews Labor Government has imposed a permanent ban on the exploration and development of all onshore unconventional gas in Victoria, including hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and coal seam gas. Image credit: http://ift.tt/1oBNQfi Premier Andrews said the Government’s decision addressed Victorian farmers’ concerns about the environmental and health risks associated with fracking. He said the 2015 Parliamentary Inquiry into Onshore Unconventional Gas in Victoria, which largely received submissions opposed to onshore unconventional gas, showed that the risks involved “outweigh any potential benefits” to Victoria. “Our farmers produce some of the world’s cleanest and freshest food. We won’t put that at risk with fracking,” Mr Andrews said. “Victorians have made it clear that they don’t support fracking and that the health and environmental risks involved outweigh any potential benefits.” Minister for Resources Wade Noonan said activities such as gas storage, carbon storage research, accessing offshore resources and exploration and development for offshore gas will remain exempt as they are not covered by the current moratorium. He said the current moratorium on unconventional onshore gas exploration and development will stay in place until the legislation is passed by Parliament. “There has been a great deal of community concern and anxiety about onshore unconventional gas – this decision gets the balance right,“ the Minister added. “We have carefully considered the Parliamentary Inquiry’s key findings and recommendations, consulted widely and made our decision on the best available evidence.” The permanent legislative ban will be introduced to Parliament later this year. Australian Manufacturing

Industry Beans wins LIFT grant to create jobs for retrenched automotive workers Melbourne-based coffee manufacturer Industry Beans has received a $225,000 state government grant to boost its exports and create 20 new jobs for retrenched automotive workers. Image credit: industrybeans.com The company will use the funding to fit-out its 760sqm facility in Brunswick and purchase new production equipment to expand into large scale manufacturing. The funding – awarded under the $33 million Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) – will also support the establishment of a revolutionary e-commerce platform, allowing users to access and trade high quality coffee from around the globe. Commenting on the grant award, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan said the new jobs will provide opportunities to transition retrenched automotive workers, as part of the Labor Government’s $46.5 million Towards Future Industries: Victoria’s Automotive Transition Plan. “The Andrews Labor Government is doing all we can to support the businesses, workers and communities affected by the closure of car manufacturing in Victoria,” the Minister added. “We know Melbourne’s north will be one of the communities hardest hit, this funding will help bring in new investment and new jobs for former auto workers in the area.” Australian Manufacturing

Quickstep delivers positive results in 2016 on the back of strong aerospace manufacturing performance Leading composite manufacturer Quickstep has announced a $50.1 million revenue for the financial year ended 30 June, an increase of 27% from the $39.5 million in the previous corresponding year. Image credit: http://ift.tt/23mddD6 The company’s Aerospace Manufacturing activities accounted for a 200% increase in earnings before interest, tax, research and development and significant items, which now stands at $4.0 million from $1.3 million in the prior year. “Quickstep’s Aerospace Manufacturing business performed profitably with sales of $49.2 million compared to $33.7 million in the prior period, an increase of 46% over the prior year,” said Quickstep CEO and Managing Director, Mr David Marino. Capital expenditure increased to $3.4 million to facilitate increased production of JSF components at Bankstown and to initiate automotive production at Waurn Ponds, while R&D expenditure rose to $3.5 from $2.1 million in the prior year due to the company’s focus on product development for aerospace and automotive clients. Quickstep has long-term agreements to manufacture components for the F-35 Lightning II JSF Program and to supply composite wing flaps for Lockheed Martin’s C-130J “Super Hercules” aircraft. The company is the sole supplier to Northrop Grumman for 21 JSF components including doors, panels, skins and other composite parts, and also the supplier of JSF vertical tail components for BAE Systems and Marand. In June 2016, Quickstep delivered the first of 700 vertical tail sets to be supplied over the next 14 years. “Delivery of the first sets of vertical tail components in the second half was a significant milestone that increases manufacturing throughput, and volume is anticipated to grow substantially in the next three years,” Mr Marino said. “C-130J manufacturing progressed well, fulfilling demand for additional spares, and we are in discussions to extend the program beyond 2019. We continue to pursue further aerospace manufacturing contracts with existing and new customers.” The group also made significant strides toward commercialising its technologies in FY16, including partnering with Ford Motor Company to deliver a global-first solution for under-bonnet composite air ducts. Additionally, quickstep began production of bonnet, side skirts and mud guards for Thales Australia’s Hawkei light protected vehicle, and also secured a sales contract with the Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), the country’s technology incubator for its growing carbon fibre composite materials industry. The company also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DCNS in June 2016, after the French shipbuilder was selected as the preferred international partner for the design of twelve submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. Mr Marino said the MoU signalled the company’s entry into the marine defence industry and participation in supply chain contracts for the SEA 1000 Future Submarine Program. David Marino commented: “We are encouraged by new contracts and are working on a number of collaborative projects which are expected to lead to further international sales. Our material science, process and engineering solutions have greatly improved production speed and component surface quality,” he added. “Carbon fibre is increasingly becoming a raw material of choice for aerospace and automotive companies with environmental regulation driving change as companies prioritise lighter vehicles that consume less fuel. Light, strong carbon fibre is helping to increase environmental efficiency, and the price of raw carbon fibre is decreasing.” Australian Manufacturing

Fonterra sells Wagga Wagga business to Blue River Group Fonterra Australia has agreed to sell its Wagga Wagga business to Blue River Group after the two parties successfully negotiated the signing of a Sale Agreement. Image credit: fonterra.com According to the co-operative, the sale includes the Wagga Wagga manufacturing site and the award winning Riverina Fresh brand. Fonterra Australia Managing Director René Dedoncker said the move will not jeopardise the jobs security of Wagga Wagga employees. “Divesting the Wagga Wagga business follows the divestment of non-core assets, including our yoghurt and dairy desserts business, our Bega shares and our stake in Dairy Technical Services, and allows us to focus and put all our energy into our core businesses of Ingredients, Consumer and Foodservice,” Mr Dedoncker added. In the last 12 months, the company commissioned a multi-million beverages plant in Cobden – creating over 50 local jobs – and commenced construction of a new state-of-the-art cheese plant in Stanhope which is on track for completion mid-2017. Additionally, it secured new long-term customers for its nutritionals plant in Darnum – including Bellamy’s Organics – and entered into a joint venture agreement with Beingmate. “We’re investing in programs and innovations to support our market-leading cheese and spread brands – Western Star, Perfect Italiano, Mainland and Bega – we’re building on the early success of our newly launched Anchor brand in Australia, and we’re maintaining the excellent performance of our Foodservice business,” Mr Dedoncker said. “All these initiatives have laid the foundation for a strong sustainable business that is profitable for the long-term and well-positioned to pay our farmers the best possible milk price in a competitive global market.” The Wagga Wagga sale is expected to be finalised during October 2016. Australian Manufacturing

Stratasys showcases cutting edge 3D printing technology for aerospace and automotive manufacturing Stratasys announced that it is previewing demonstrations of next generation manufacturing technologies at IMTS 2016 as part of its SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT™ vision for manufacturing. The Stratasys Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator for producing large tools and production partsImage credit: investors.stratasys.com SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT builds on the company’s industrial FDM® 3D printing expertise, helping customers to overcome the challenge of rapidly producing bigger, stronger, higher quality parts ranging in size from an automobile armrest to an entire aircraft interior panel. The Stratasys Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator – to be displayed at the company’s IMTS booth on 12-17 September – is designed to address the requirements of aerospace, automotive and other industries for large lightweight, thermoplastic parts with repeatable mechanical properties. According to the company, the Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator features a revolutionary approach to FDM extrusion that increases throughput and repeatability. “The system turns the traditional 3D printer concept on its side to realize an “infinite-build” approach which prints on a vertical plane for practically unlimited part size in the build direction,” Statasys said in a press release. Aerospace giant Boeing, which is currently using an Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator to explore the production of low volume, lightweight parts, played an influential role in defining the requirements and specifications for the demonstrator. “Additive manufacturing represents a great opportunity for Boeing and our customers, so we made a strategic decision more than a decade ago to work closely with Stratasys on this technology. We are always looking for ways to reduce the cost and weight of aircraft structures, or reduce the time it takes to prototype and test new tools and products so we can provide them to customers in a more affordable and rapid manner,” said Darryl Davis, President, Boeing Phantom Works. “The Stratasys Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator enables products to be made at a much larger and potentially unlimited length, offering us a breakthrough tool to add to our robust additive manufacturing processes.” Ford is also exploring innovative automotive manufacturing applications for this demonstrator, and the two companies will work together to test and develop new applications for automotive-grade 3D printed materials that were not previously possible due to limited size. “3D printing holds the promise of changing automotive design and manufacturing because it opens up new ways to innovate and create efficiencies in production,” said Mike Whitens, director, Vehicle Enterprise Sciences, Ford Research & Advanced Engineering. “Our vision at Ford is to make high-speed, high-quality printing of automotive-grade parts a reality. We are excited about the future opportunities that the scalable and versatile Infinite-Build concept can unlock, and look forward to collaborating with Stratasys to help achieve our goals.” Stratasys has also been working closely with Siemens to advance their shared vision of making 3D printing a viable and indispensable component of production manufacturing. The collaboration has led to the development of the Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator integrating Statasys’ core additive manufacturing technologies with industrial motion control hardware and design-to-3D printing software capabilities provided by Siemens. “Siemens is pleased to support Stratasys in their innovative additive manufacturing initiatives, of which the Stratasys Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator is one of the most promising,” said Arun Jain, VP, Motion Control, Digital Factory US, Siemens. “By working closely with Stratasys on motion control and CNC automation, Siemens is helping to create a flexible, multi-function manufacturing workflow that puts 3D printing firmly in the factory. We look forward to continuing to work with Stratasys to build manufacturing solutions that transform industries,” In addition to showcasing the Infinite-Build and Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrators at IMTS 2016, Stratasys will also present examples of 3D printing applications used by its customers around the globe for tooling and manufacturing processes, including 3D printed Jigs & Fixtures, Composite Tooling, Mold Tooling and Production Parts. Australian Manufacturing

ACCC to launch in-depth investigation into Australia’s dairy industry The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will launch a comprehensive inquiry into the national dairy industry to investigate the sharing of risk along the supply chain, supply agreements and contracts, competition, bargaining and trading practices. Image credit: ACCC Twitter page The inquiry will be led by ACCC’s Agriculture Unit, which was established through an $11.4 million commitment by the Coalition Government in the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said the inquiry will empower the ACCC to demand and obtain information from companies, and take legal action if required. “Our dairy farmers deserve fair returns at the farm gate, as well as transparency in milk price arrangements and supply contracts, which is why I can announce the ACCC will undertake a detailed inquiry into our national dairy industry,” Minister Joyce said. “An in-depth and independent inquiry is a thorough and fair way to uncover inefficiencies and inequities that our farmers face – and identify a way forward. I encourage everyone in the dairy industry to contribute to the inquiry—there will be confidentiality arrangements in place to ensure the ACCC gets the information it needs while protecting commercial interests.” The investigation, to commence in November, will result in the release of an issues paper which will see ACCC engage with stakeholders through public and private hearings, and written submissions to deliver a final report to government in the second half of 2017. Minister Joyce, who attended a dairy symposium in Melbourne on Friday, said the meeting gathered key stakeholders together to facilitate industry-led options to address challenges facing the Australian dairy industry and discuss ways to improve the industry’s prospects going forward. “The symposium was an opportunity to facilitate an industry-led discussion to better manage risk along the dairy supply chain, including managing the effects of world dairy prices. We covered a number of topics including the outlook for the Australian dairy industry and options for improving milk price transparency, strengthening bargaining and restoring industry confidence,” he said. “The Coalition Government will continue to work with dairy farmers and processors to strengthen the industry, including our election commitment of up to $2 million to establish a commodity milk price index—the ACCC’s findings from this inquiry will be a vital source of information when looking at options for the index.” Australian Manufacturing

Alstom wins US$2bn contracts from Amtark US government-owned passenger train service Amtark has contracted Alstom to design and build 28 new high-speed trains which will run on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Boston and Washington D.C. Image credit: www.alstom.com Amtark has also awarded Alstom with a contract to provide long-term technical support and supply spare components and parts for the maintenance of the new trainsets. The order is for Avelia Liberty, the latest development of Alstom’s high-speed train range Avelia, which will be able to carry up to 33% more passengers than the current Acela trains and will travel at speeds up to 300 km/h. Amtrak President & CEO Joe Boardman said the new trainsets will increase passenger capacity, provide more frequent service, minimize journey times and improve operating costs and energy efficiency. “Amtrak is taking the necessary actions to keep our customers, the Northeast region and the American economy moving forward,” Mr Boardman said. “These trainsets and the modernization and improvement of infrastructure will provide our customers with the mobility and experience of the future.” According to Alstom, the trainset configuration includes an innovative compact power car and nine passenger cars, with the possibility to add three more cars. Each concentrated power car is equipped with Alstom’s pioneering Crash Energy Management (CEM) system. The train is also equipped with the company’s Tiltronix anticipative tilting technology, which allows the train to manoeuvre curves safely and more comfortably at high speeds. Jérôme Wallut, Senior Vice President, Alstom North-America said the best part of the Avelia Liberty for Amtrak will be manufactured in the United States. He said the new trainsets will be manufactured at Alstom’s site in Hornell, and maintained in the depots of Amtrak in Boston, New York and Washington DC with additional support from Alstom’s sites in New York, Delaware and Illinois. “Alstom’s high speed trains, which we have branded Avelia, are the most advanced, reliable and safest trains in the world,’ Mr Wallut said. “Avelia Liberty will not only provide premium passenger experience but will also provide greater energy efficiency and lower lifecycle costs. This award is an illustration of the success of Alstom’s strategy of customer proximity. We would like to thank Amtrak for its vote of confidence and remain fully dedicated to making this project a success”. The two contracts, valued at US $2 billion, will result in the creation of more than 1,000 jobs, including 750 in New York with 400 of those at Alstom facilities. Australian Manufacturing

Developing protective coating to fight off superbugs CSIRO is working on an innovative solution to reduce the number of deaths caused by drug resistant infections resulting from medical device use. Image credit: blog.csiro.au Led by Dr Berklay Ozcelik – a Postdoctoral Fellow in CSIRO’s Manufacturing business unit – the research seeks to reduce the emergence of “superbugs” and to minimise antibiotic use by preventing bacterial infections associated with medical devices from occurring in the first place. Dr Ozcelik, who was named the 2016 winner of the “Fresh Science” program for developing a special film that may help repair damaged corneas and reduce the need for donors, said he’s developed a polymer based coating for implantable medical devices that combines multiple defence mechanisms to prevent bacteria from colonising the surface and forming into a biofilm antibiotics can’t penetrate. “Modern medical science uses implantable devices including catheters, endotracheal tubes, and device drivelines,” he said. “They help in the treatment and recovery of patients and save countless lives but as they enter the body, their surfaces can also serve as a platform for bacteria to grow and infect the patient. Our novel polymer coating provides multiple layers of defence to stop this. Tests have shown it reduces bacterial colonisation on surfaces by more than 99 per cent.” Comprising biocompatible polymers and synthetic peptides, Dr Ozcelik’s polymer coating stops bacterial cells but doesn’t harm human cells or blood. Moreover, his coating method doesn’t involve several complex steps, an oxygen free environment or toxic solvents to bond, which is not the case with other coating methods currently available. “It’s a one step process using commercially available precursors”, Dr Ozcelik added. “It’s as simple as spraying or otherwise applying the coating on medical equipment, then letting it dry. That’s it. You shouldn’t have to reapply the coating at all.” Australian Manufacturing

$250,000 to fund advancements in carbon fibre and composite manufacturing in Geelong The Advanced Fibre Cluster Geelong has been allocated $250,000 through the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to develop an internationally-recognised advanced manufacturing hub and accelerate the growth of the carbon fibre industry in Geelong. Image credit: www.industry.gov.au “This will support joint projects by businesses and researchers on carbon fibre, advanced fibre and composite manufacturing,” said Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Greg Hunt. “These projects will raise the region’s technology leadership resulting in new products and processes making the region more globally competitive.” The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre is part of the Government’s $250 million Industry Growth Centres Initiative, an industry-led approach to supporting and encouraging innovation, productivity and competitiveness in key industry sectors. Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson MP, said the $14 million Centre was an “incredibly important initiative” for Geelong. “The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre sends a very strong signal to our nation that Geelong and Corangamite are at the forefront of advanced manufacturing. This just shows how much the Turnbull Government is investing in the jobs of the future and, of course, in advanced manufacturing,” Ms Henderson said. “The investment today will strengthen Geelong’s well-established leadership amongst Australian manufacturers and researchers, and reflects the types of investments and strategies that will be recommended by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre’s Sector Competitiveness Plan.” The Advanced Fibre Cluster, which is supported by the Geelong Manufacturing Council, comprises a number of innovative companies and organisations such as carbon fibre wheel manufacturer Carbon Revolution, CSIRO, Austeng and Quickstep. Geelong is also home of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre’s National Carbon Fibre Manufacturing Collaboration Hub, which was created with Deakin University and CSIRO Fibres of the Future Laboratory. Australian Manufacturing

World’s first modular ammonium nitrate plant opens in Western Australia The Yara Pilbara Nitrates technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) manufacturing plant was officially opened on Tuesday, heralding the next generation of downstream processing in the resource rich Pilbara region of Western Australia. Image credit: www.orica.com Developed in joint venture by Yara International ASA and Orica Limited, the plant will have an annual capacity to produce 330,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which is the main component of explosives used in the mining, quarrying and construction industries. The Yara and Orica joint venture facility, which is fully integrated with the neighbouring Yara Pilbara Fertilisers ammonia plant, was officially opened by WA Premier Colin Barnett at a ceremony that marked the completion of the plant’s construction phase. Yara International President and CEO Svein Tore Holsether described the achievement as “exciting development” in the company’s growth strategy in Australia. “Yara’s decision to go further downstream into AN production in the Pilbara reflects the long term value we see for our business in Australia and also the proximity of both Yara Pilbara operations to important Asia Pacific markets,” Mr Holsether said. “We are using Western Australian gas to first create a highly valued product, ammonia, and then undertake further processing to deliver a crucial material for the mining and civil works sector,” Mr Holsether said. Orica CEO Alberto Calderon said the plant’s strategic location in one of the world’s great mining regions would deliver multiple benefits to the JV partners. “Ideally situated in the Pilbara, the plant will deliver a local source of ammonium nitrate, improve Orica’s overall responsiveness to customers’ needs, and deliver increased security of supply for our customers across the region,” Mr Calderon added. “Ammonium nitrate from the plant will underpin predicted growth across the Pilbara mining sector. As such, this is a strategic, long term investment for Orica.” Under the JV agreement between the two parties, Yara will operate the plant and Orica will manage sales and distribution of the product. The Yara Pilbara Nitrates plant is the first in the world to be built using modularised construction. It will have 70 operational employees and all will live with their families in the nearby community of Karratha. The plant, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2016, utilises the latest technology and design to minimise its environmental footprint, resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Australian Manufacturing

SA government urges Commonwealth to stop eroding state’s naval skill base The South Australian state government has called on the Commonwealth to act swiftly and deliver on its promise for new jobs and investment from naval warship construction. Image credit: www.asc.com.au It comes after naval defence company ASC announced on Wednesday that it be forced to reduce the number of workers on the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project by about 175 by the end of October. The move would climb ASC’s job losses to more than 600 in the past 18 months, with the company’s chief executive Mark Lamarre stating that a further 1100 of the remaining 2230 permanent employees are expected to be laid off by 2018. “The ASC yesterday provided 175 reasons why the Commonwealth needs to move faster to get the results it has promised,” Defence Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith said on Thursday. “175 ship building jobs have been lost this week, with a further 1100 jobs at risk by the end of 2018. There is no time to waste.” He said the South Australian Government has urged the Federal Coalition to take urgent action on the 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels, including a build timetable, commitment to the amount of Australia supply chain opportunities and immediate commencement of infrastructure upgrades. According to him, the state government also called on the Commonwealth to advance the timetable for the nine Future Frigates program, which is $35 billion investment that is expected to create 2000 jobs. It also demanded that the Federal Coalition deliver on its promise that at least 90% of the work on the submarine project will occur in Australia and to consult with ASC stakeholders upon the company’s future ownership structures and preferred arrangements of the ownership of infrastructure at Osborne. “Much has been promised and so far there are few signs of delivery. Australians are right to be concerned at the lack of progress on the OPV project,” the Minister said. “There has been no confirmation of when and how the Commonwealth Government intend to progress the Frigate and Submarine projects.” He said communication from both Minister for Defence Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne had been poor, adding that there was “uncertainty” as to who is the senior minister. “The South Australian Government has already taken action on Master Plan options for Techport and its associated shipbuilding infrastructure. In October we are taking a large delegation of defence industry companies to the global naval shipbuilding showcase Euronaval in Paris where we have established a significant exhibition presence. Little has been forthcoming from Canberra,” Mr Hamilton Smith added. “As each day goes by, the job losses and erosion of the skill base increases. Australian businesses and workers and their families want the Federal Government to maintain the highest priority in bringing the OPV project forward to protect the efficiency and integrity of the industry.” Australian Manufacturing

Retail Food Group set to acquire Hudson Pacific Global multi-brand retail food franchisor Retail Food Group (RFG) has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire Australian food service and manufacturing business Hudson Pacific Corporation for $88 million. Image credit: www.rfg.com.au Hudson Pacific is a leading Victorian independent foodservice business that also comprises Dairy Country – Australia’s largest independent cheese value-adding enterprise – and Bakery Fresh, a Victorian based manufacturer of chilled/frozen value-added bread products. With a combined 70+ years experience in foodservice, procurement, warehouse, distribution and manufacturing, Hudson brings to the table $139 million in revenue from its food and beverage distribution business that services over 2000 retail outlets and restaurants. RFG Managing Director Andre Nell said the acquisition of Hudson – subject to confirmatory due diligence & usual conditions – marked the company’s formal transformation into a full service food and beverage company. He said the move will provide the Group with access to new markets and meaningful vertical integration opportunity. “The acquisition provides RFG immediate expertise and scale in food service, dairy processing and bakery manufacture, offering benefits for both franchisees and wholesale customers through an enhanced procurement, manufacturing and distribution offering,” Mr Nell added. In parallel with the Hudson acquisition, RFG also announced its full year accounts to 30 June 2016, achieving record underlying Net Profit After Tax of $66.4m – a 20.5% increase on the previous period – and the product of record FY16 EBITDA of $110.2m, an increase of 24% on FY15. Australian Manufacturing

CIMIC’s Thiess and Sedgman awarded $105m in contract extensions CIMIC Group’s mineral processing company, Sedgman, has won a three-year contract extension by Red Mountain Joint Venture (RMJV) to continue operations at the its coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) in the Bowen Basin, Queensland. Image credit: CIMIC Group Twitter page The $75 million contract will see Sedgman , which has worked for RMJV since 2007, operate at the plant until June 2019 with an option to extend for an additional two years after the initial period. In a separate agreement announced on Thursday, CIMIC’s mining services provider Thiess has expanded its mining services contract at the Lake Vermont Coal Mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. The company, which has operated the mine since 2008, will also design and build an additional processing module at the CHPP, generating revenue of $30 million. According to the press release by CIMIC, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the module will be undertaken by Sedgman, while Thiess will continue to operate and maintain the facility for the balance of the current contract term, as announced on 11 December 2015. “Thiess and Sedgman’s continual focus on delivering industry leading results is evident in their ongoing performance for these long term clients,” said CIMIC Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marcelino Fernández Verdes. “The Lake Vermont expansion demonstrates the value of the CIMIC Group’s capability, drawing together the best of Thiess and Sedgman’s expertise to deliver value for our clients.” Sedgman Acting Managing Director Michael Carretta said the contract extension builds on the fruitful JV partnership between the two companies which was established more than 10 years ago. “For more than a decade, Thiess and Sedgman have worked together to provide innovative solutions for our clients, which we are pleased to continue,” Mr Carretta said. Thiess Managing Director Michael Wright said the combined know-how of Thiess and Sedgman will deliver great value for the Jellinbah Group. “The Lake Vermont expansion combines the expertise of both Thiess and Sedgman to deliver a solution that will improve resource recovery and generate greater value from the mine for our client Jellinbah Group,” Mr Wright added. Australian Manufacturing

Conergy to begin construction of landmark solar project near Lukeland Conergy will next week begin construction of a world-leading project in far north Queensland that will combine big battery storage and big solar to supply solar power after sundown and during peak usage times. Lakeland solar and storage projectImage credit: arena.gov.au Stretching over a 50-hectare site near the town of Lakeland, the $42.5 million project is the Southern Hemisphere’s first integrated solar, storage and fringe-of-grid project of this size and scale. It consists of a 13MWp/10.8MWac solar power PV ground-mounted array (featuring 41,440 solar panels), with a 1.4MW/5.3MWh Conergy ‘CHESS’ storage solution that combined will create a consistent power supply, even during times of cloud cover. “It will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of over 3,000 homes day and night, and will connect to Ergon Energy’s existing substation – one of the most remote National Electricity Market (NEM) connected substations in Australia,” the company said in a media statement. ARENA has provided $17.4 million in funding support, whereas Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (Nord/LB) has approved a 15-year non-recourse financing facility for the project. Conergy Managing Director David McCallum said civil and mechanical works on the project are expected to be completed by April next year. “Utility-scale solar and storage, combined with effective management software, is the Holy Grail of the global renewable energy industry, and with this project we are well within reach of it,” he said. “This is an exciting opportunity to combine the latest developments in solar technology with utility-scale battery storage to feed consistent, quality power into the existing electricity grid.” Conergy has also formed a knowledge sharing steering committee – which was joined by BHP Billiton, Ergon Energy and Origin Energy – to communicate the lessons and experiences gained through the development of the project and to accelerate similar developments across Australia. “Along with our knowledge-share partners, we’ll be closely testing and demonstrating how the integrated technology performs, with the view that this model could be used more widely in the future,” Mr McCallum added. “We want to demonstrate how this technology can provide an effective and consistent supply to the grid or operate in islanding mode, particularly in fringe-of-grid locations, paving the way for this integrated model to be used more widely around the world.” ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the project will greatly aid ARENA’s efforts to deploy more large-scale solar PV plants across the country. “Figuring out how solar PV and battery storage technologies best work together at a large scale will be crucial for helping more renewables enter our grids,” Mr Frischknecht added. “We know that battery storage will play a critical role in our future energy systems. The benefit of adding batteries to solar farms is simple; they store energy from the sun for use at peak times and overnight. They can also smooth solar energy output on cloudy days.” Australian Manufacturing

ŠKODA gears up for Industry 4.0 ŠKODA is increasingly focusing on the introduction of innovative future technologies in operations as the Czech car maker prepares for the forth industrial revolution. Image credit: www.volkswagenag.com The company has adopted the ProGlove industrial glove to facilitate and improve the work of its Logistics division, which employs over 3,000 members of staff who plan and ensure successful delivery of worldwide brand logistics. “Nowadays, logistics is an important economic and competitive factor which contributes considerably to a car manufacturer’s success,” said Ji?í Cee, Head of ŠKODA Brand Logistics. “At ŠKODA, we therefore continuously test cutting-edge technology in order to improve the day-to-day work of our employees. The intelligent ProGlove helps our team to work more quickly, more efficiently and with virtually no errors.” The ProGlove is an electronic glove fitted with a scanner designed to improve work in logistics. Mr Cee said the glove was subjected to an endurance test which convinced ŠKODA Logistics to sanction its use going forward. “ProGlove proved itself to be the ideal solution for series production and has been used in our logistics ever since,” he said. Designed to make day-to-day work easier and quicker for the wearer, the smart glove shows whether the right part is being used and whether production steps are being correctly followed. Much like conventional scanners, it can also capture data – but in one simple action and without any additional device – allowing goods to be registered quickly and easily. “In addition, workflow becomes more ergonomic for the user: data collection or material testing are incorporated into natural hand movements,” the company said in a press release. “Using the intelligent glove, codes can be read both vertically and horizontally. The code is then confirmed using the activation button on the index finger. The code is confirmed either by a sound or a vibration therefore preventing an incorrect code from being scanned.” Australian Manufacturing

MG reports rise in first half profits despite challenging conditions Murray Goulburn (MG) has enjoyed a positive first half of 2016 despite feeling the effects of low global commodity prices and the oversupply of milk largely caused by European overproduction. Image credit: www.mgc.com.au The co-operative recorded a 61.2% increase in net profit in the first half although its revenue dropped by 3% to $2.8 billion compared to last year’s result. “FY16 has been a challenging year for our co-operative,” said MG’s interim Chief Executive Officer, David Mallinson. “We faced an environment comprised of very challenging settings, including sustained low commodity prices, a volatile Australian dollar, changes in Chinese regulations, and difficult seasonal conditions across many of our key regions.” The company’s Dairy Foods business delivered positive results in the year, with the Devondale brand posting annual sales of $580 million (up 45 percent from FY15). “MG’s Dairy Foods business continued to deliver consistent growth in very challenging conditions, in particular the performance of the Devondale brand which continues to grow and now has annual sales of $580 million,” Mr Mallinson added. The Ingredients business, which is highly exposed to commodity prices, was severely impacted by the very low commodity price environment in the first half of 2016 and suffered a 26% reduction in sales. However, Mr Mallinson said that MG’s Nutritionals segment provided some offset to the performance of Ingredients, with revenue growing 50 % in the year, driven by strong demand from B2B customers for Australian sourced nutritional products. “Our Ingredients business continued to be heavily impacted by global commodity prices, which were offset to a degree by excellent growth by our Nutritionals business,” Mr Mallinson pointed out. He said the successful year for MG was also reflected in the company’s balance sheet, and in particular, its net debt position. “Net debt at closing was $480 million, with gearing at 29.0 percent. We have made early progress in sustainably reducing working capital, removing $51 million predominantly from receivables in FY16 with a target to remove a further $100 million to $110 million from working capital in FY17,” Mr Mallinson concluded. “Our capital projects will be tailored, particularly our planned dairy beverages investment, to ensure capital is deployed only if appropriate returns are achievable. MG’s net debt of $480 million is a prudent level for the current environment, whilst giving MG the balance sheet strength to progress important investment for the future.” Australian Manufacturing

Rio Tinto celebrates 50-year anniversary of first iron ore shipment Rio Tinto is celebrating the 50th anniversary since its first contracted shipment of iron ore departed for the Yawata Iron and Steel Company in Japan. Image credit: www.riotinto.com. Photographer: Christian Sprogoe Photography Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said when the MV Houn Maru departed Dampier 50 years ago nobody could have predicted that Pilbara iron ore would underpin Australia’s economic growth. “The Pilbara’s vast iron ore deposits, and the people who developed them, have helped build modern Australia and some of the world’s leading economies,” Mr Salisbury said. “Over the past 50 years Rio Tinto has invested more than $37 billion to grow our Pilbara operations. We now employ 12,000 people who operate our network of mines, rail and ports, and sell our iron ore to customers all around the world.” He said the relationships formed with local Pilbara communities, community and government partners, Traditional Owners, and business partners and customers have been vital to the company’s success over the years. “Rio Tinto is proud to be part of Western Australia’s transformation where new communities have been created, world-leading technology developed and international relationships forged,” Mr Salisbury concluded. Australian Manufacturing

GreenSync wins grant funding to progress innovative Community Grids Mornington Peninsula project Energy technology company GreenSync has been awarded funding as part of the Government’s $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund which was established to support Victorian-based projects that increase the uptake of renewable energy generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation in new energy technologies. Image credit: www.greensync.com.au The company will receive $554,886 to support its digital control platform, which co-ordinates and optimises renewables connected to the grid. Headquartered in Melborune, GreenSync is a home-grown company pioneering solutions to network challenges like integrating more renewable energy into the grid. The organisation recently opened an office in Singapore and is set to double in size in the next 12 months. Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Ms Lily D’Ambrosio said the funding will support GreenSync’s Community Grids Mornington Peninsula project, which will deliver a solution to reducing peaks in energy demand and network constraints in the region. She said the project will help participants to manage their energy use whilst offsetting the need to build costly new infrastructure to accommodate exceptionally high demand for electricity on just a few days of the year. “GreenSync exemplifies the New Energy Jobs Program – a technology business founded in Melbourne, creating new energy jobs in Victoria and exporting its technology internationally,” the Minister said. “This is an innovative project which will demonstrate how we can both avoid costly infrastructure and facilitate the connection of more renewable energy to the grid.” GreenSync said it will use the funding to install two battery systems at community centres such as schools and surf lifesaving clubs where existing solar PV will enable implementation of a solar and storage solution. The company will also use the funds to pilot up to 250 Demand Response Enabled Device (DRED) control units in households across the Peninsula in the next 18 months. “Through DRED control, air conditioners can have their power optimised or their use sequenced, without reducing comfort, to lower peak demand when the grid is under stress,” GreenSync said in a press release. “The project will demonstrate this innovative technology, and assess the best approaches for a wider roll out across the community from 2018.” The grant awarded to GreenSync is one of 24 grants which will be announced in the coming months, with GreenSync obtaining funding under the Technology category. “The Labor Government received a strong response to the $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund with applicants providing innovative ideas for projects that support a clean energy future and help position Victoria as a leader in new energy technologies,” Minister D’Ambrosio concluded. Australian Manufacturing

3D Systems aid international effort to rehabilitate abused toucan 3D Systems announced that its digital manufacturing solutions played a critical role in the rehabilitation of a Costa Rican toucan that lost a large portion of its upper beak as a result of a senseless attack. 3D scanning and 3D design software were integral to restoring Grecia’s anatomy and autonomyImage credit: www.3dsystems.com The attack not only prevented Grecia from feeding and fending for itself, but it also sparked a nation-wide animal welfare campaign that quickly spread around the globe. To help with Grecia’s rehabilitation, 3D Systems teamed up with its partner and reseller Grupo SG to devise a custom prosthetic using the company’s end-to-end digital manufacturing solutions. The company also worked alongside a group of Costa Rican product designers, dentists and nanotechnology experts, as well as with ZOOAVE Rescue Centre in Costa Rica – where Grecia was taken – to pair the best prosthetic design with the best available materials and technology. “In addition to fitting Grecia’s residual anatomy, the beak needed to be strong, biocompatible and have a smooth surface finish that would not promote contamination or encourage bacteria growth,” 3D Systems said in a statement. “These structural and material demands led the team to choose Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) with DuraForm® ProX PA plastic on the 3D Systems ProX® SLS 500.” Grupo SG took 3D scans of Grecia’s damaged anatomy as well as of a reference beak from a healthy toucan and sent them to 3D Systems to reverse-engineer an attachable prosthetic beak with custom mechanical components for comfortable wear. 3D Systems said it used Geomagic Wrap® software to transform the 3D scan data into feature-based CAD models. It said the models were then imported into Geomagic® Freeform® for organic 3D modelling to combine, add and remove the elements required. According to the company, final inspection was performed using Geomagic® Control™ before the file was printed, finished and fitted. “The flexibility of our end-to-end digital manufacturing workflow is critical in these kinds of applications that venture into uncharted territory,” said Chuck Hull, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, 3D Systems. “We are delighted our technology could play such an impactful and beneficial role to help this cause.” We are happy to report that thanks to his 3D printed prosthetic beak Grecia is now able to take care of himself without any assistance. Australian Manufacturing

Australia’s caravan and camping industry creates “trifecta of growth” for the country Australia’s caravan and motorhome manufacturing industry has grown consistently in recent years, culminating in its highest production levels in 37 years. Image credit: Caravan Industry Association of Australia YouTube channel The caravan and motorhome manufacturers are increasing production to meet continued consumer demand, which is reflected in the substantial growth in caravan registrations reported in ABS’ latest report. ABS said there are now 554,540 caravans registered in Australia, which represents a 4.9% increase in new registrations compared to the previous year’s result. According to the report, campervans registrations have also registered a significant growth of 4.3% on prior year’s figures. Commenting on the report, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia said the country’s caravan and camping industry – the fastest growing commercially–operated accommodation sector – created a trifecta of growth the whole nation can benefit from. “The manufacturers are producing increasing numbers of recreational vehicles, consumers are purchasing and registering recreational vehicles in greater numbers, and caravan and camping tourists are out there enjoying the great Australian holiday more than ever before,” the Association said in a media statement. “The current conditions are the perfect storm, creating far-reaching opportunities for the entire country. It isn’t just the caravanning and camping industry that wins here, it’s the local communities who benefit from jobs created and the vast range of businesses that service the visitor economy. And of course, the tourists who continue to enjoy the unique Australian experiences that the caravanning and camping lifestyle delivers.” It said the backdrop to all the positive growth is low fuel prices and historically low interest rates, encouraging discretionary expenditure from domestic consumers. “This is further supported by the declining value of the dollar contributing to more Australians holidaying at home, creating the robust era in caravanning and camping with the potential to introduce new consumers to the experience as well as reconnecting with existing markets who may have holidayed internationally in the past,” reads the statement. Australian Manufacturing

Three SA-based solar companies win state government tender South Australia’s Cool or Cosy, Suntrix and Zen Energy have won state government contracts to supply and install up to 400 solar photovoltaic systems on public housing properties. Image credit: http://ift.tt/yftkXj by dan The three companies are to install up to 200 solar PV systems on public housing in the Adelaide City Council area, and a further 200 solar PV systems on new public housing being built in metropolitan and regional areas. The $2 million project, which is funded through the $65 million public housing package announced in the 2015-16 State Budget, forms part of the State Government’s commitment to a sustainable low carbon future and the Carbon Neutral Adelaide initiative. Acting Housing and Urban Development Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith described the project as a “win-win” for the Housing Trust tenants living in these properties and the three solar companies that won the tender. “Installing solar panels will be an important step in reducing living costs for some of South Australia’s most vulnerable citizens while contributing towards making the Adelaide the world’s first carbon neutral city,” the Minister said. “As well as providing substantial savings on electricity bills for public housing tenants, these contracts will also support about 75 local jobs within the local solar industry.” Australian Manufacturing

WA Government cuts solar industry red tape The Government of Western Australia has announced that it intends to enforce new regulatory measures that are intended to boost the uptake of rooftop solar panels in the state. Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.NetBy: njaj According to the official announcement by WA Minister for Energy, the Hon Mike Nahan BEc MS PhD MLA, this will also contribute to making the technology more accessible to more customers. “West Australians are embracing solar energy in unprecedented numbers and the State Government wants to ensure everyone has access to this exciting technology,” Dr Nahan said. The new measures will alleviate the work of solar power purchase agreement (PPA) providers in WA by enabling them to apply directly to the Public Utilities Office (PUO) for exemptions from the requirement to hold a retail licence in order to sell electricity to consumers. “By creating the exemption, we have broken down barriers, cut red tape and reduced the regulatory costs for solar PPA providers to offer electricity services to customers. This will help the emerging market to develop and increase the choices that customers have to access these innovative and renewable sources of electricity at an affordable price,” Dr Nahan said. “The Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme will also be available to eligible customers who export electricity back into the grid. Retail licence exemptions, which can now be submitted to the PUO, will also include important consumer protection conditions to ensure consumers are aware of their rights and obligations under the solar PPA before entering into a contract.” Australian Manufacturing

Evolve Group named among Australian Financial Reviews top 50 most innovative companies Design and manufacturing firm Evolve Group announced that it has been named in the Australian Financial Reviews Top 50 Most Innovative Companies. Image credit: Evolve Group Facebook page The company, which bagged the coveted 2016 Good Design Award of the Year in June, also won the prestigious Best Product Innovation award for the design, manufacture and optimisation of the Flow Hive, an inventive beehive system invented by Cedar and Stuart Anderson. Managing Director and founder Ty Hermans said the win was a testament to the company’s dedication to hard work and innovation. “It is a great feeling to be featured on the Top 50 Most Innovative Companies list and is a reflection of the hard work we put into making sure we are delivering true innovation for our clients,” Mr Hermans said. “Our team lives and breathes innovation and this mind set is what’s helped us to continue to grow and deliver unique products to market.” Mr Hermans said the success of Flow Hive was a consequence of the company’s core value of embracing and promoting a culture of innovation in the workplace. “Australia has such a rich history of innovation, and we are fortunate enough to at the coal face working with great Australian companies to bring some of the most cutting-edge ideas and products to life,” he added. “We work closely with our clients right from the initial concepting through to the design process and manufacturing, and final stage of successfully launching to market.” In keeping with their reputation of keen disruptors, the company has also utilised innovative tactics to launch products through crowdfunding campaigns to build consumer excitement for new products. As a result of adopting such a hands-on approach with their clients, Evolve has an impressive track record of successfully launching all of the products they have partnered on to market. Australian Manufacturing

Aulong Shipbuilding wins first ferry contract Austal announced that its recently established joint venture with Guandong Jianglong Shipbuilding has won its first ferry contract. Image credit: www.austal.com Aulong Shipbuilding, which was set up less than two months ago, has won a A$10 million contract to design and build a 42 metre high speed aluminium ferry for Chinese mainland operator, Blue Sea Jet. Austal said the ferry is based on a proven company design developed in Australia and will carry up to 288 passengers on the Zhuhai – Hong Kong route, at speeds in excess of 36 knots. “To win our first vessel to be built in China within weeks of setting up the joint venture is a great testament to Austal and our joint venture partner, Jianglong Shipbuilding,” said Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton, adding that construction of the vessel is anticipated to commence in October 2016, with delivery scheduled for October 2017. “This is another export win for an Australian designed vessel in a competitive market and clearly validates both the joint venture and the decision to build in China.” He said the company has appointed an Australian General Manager to oversee the delivery of this and all subsequent contracts and to ensure that Austal’s quality and customer satisfaction is maintained in the joint venture. “Austal has previously delivered 52 vessels to 20 customers in China, Hong Kong and Macau from our Henderson, Western Australia shipyard,” Mr Singleton added. “Now, with an in-country solution utilising Australian design and technology and a proven local shipbuilder, we can cost effectively pursue more opportunities and expand our market share in mainland China.” Austal holds 40% stake in Aulong Shipbuilding while Jianglong Shipbuilding owns the remaining with 60%. Australian Manufacturing

BlueScope records strong profit growth in June half BlueScope has recorded a $353.8 million net profit after tax in the June half, which represents a $217.5 million increase on last year’s result. Image credit: BlueScope Steel Managing Director and CEO Paul O’Malley said the underlying net profit climbed to $293.1 million in the year, driven by a strong second half contribution of $174.1 million. He said second half underlying EBIT was $340.4 million, 160% higher than the comparable period in FY2015. Mr O’Malley attributed the strong profit growth to a combination of sales growth, the benefit of the North Star acquisition and the massive cost cutting at its Port Kembla Steelworks, where 500 jobs were axed and unions agreed to a three-year pay freeze. “Across our global portfolio our people achieved these outstanding results while also continuing our safety journey to zero harm,” Mr O’Malley said. “Our direct interventions in reducing costs have significantly lifted performance of our steelmaking operations in Australia and New Zealand despite continuing global overcapacity and production which drove regional commodity steel spreads in the six months to 3 June to their lowest levels since BlueScope listed in 2002.” He said the company will pursue further productivity improvements going forward. “We need to deliver returns necessary to support a decision in 10 to 15 years to reline the blast furnace at Port Kembla. What we have achieved in the last year is essential to being the competitive and profitable producer needed to support this future investment opportunity. All stakeholders have a role to play in securing our steelmaking future,” Mr O’Malley added. According to BlueScope’s financial result for this half, net debt at 30 June was $778.0 million, reduced by $595.4 million from December 2015 through strong operating cash flow. The company also announced that the Board has approved payment of a fully franked full year dividend of 3.0 cents per share, in line with its FY2015 final dividend. Australian Manufacturing

AMWU: Giving one of the nation’s largest train-building contracts to South Korea an act of betrayal The AMWU launched a scathing attack on the Baird Government following its decision to build NSW’s $2.3 billion inter-city train fleet overseas. Image credit: www.amwu.org. The contract was awarded to RailConnect – a joint venture between the Hyundai Rotem Company, Mitsubishi Electric Australia and UGL Rail – which will built 65 eight-car double deck EMUs that will run between Sydney and Newcastle, the Central Coast, South Coast and the Blue Mountains. NSW Secretary Tim Ayres said the “disastrous decision” has exported over 1000 skilled jobs and decimated NSW rail manufacturing for the sake of “minimal dollar saving of just 25 per cent”. “This decision is a betrayal – Premier Baird is running this state like a merchant banker. This is money that should have been invested in Australian workers and Australian communities,” Mr Ayres said. “We will be seeking critical talks with the government to prevent the collapse of the rail manufacturing industry. Mike Baird does not understand what these jobs mean to regional communities. Decision after decision shows that he is out of touch with the lives of the people of this state.” UGL Broadmeadow delegate Phil Walters pointed out that youth unemployment in the Hunter region was the among state’s highest. He said both Downer EDI and UGL in the Hunter were well capable of building trains, adding that the Government had squandered a great opportunity to create hundreds of new jobs including apprenticeships. “It’s disgraceful to invest over $2 billion in someone else’s economy, it’s foolish. And it’s despicable to have no regard for the giving the young people of this region a future, let alone blue collar workers,” Mr Walters added. Australian Manufacturing

New STEM Business Fellowship program announced The Turnbull Government has announced the new STEM Business Fellowship program which provides grants of up to $105,000 per annum to help small and medium businesses undertake two to three year projects with early career researchers from Australian research organisations. Image credit: www.csiro.au In announcing the program on Friday, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Greg Hunt said it has the capacity to deliver up to $24 million of research projects over the next four years with co-investment from participating research organisations and matching cash contributions from small and medium businesses. “Research and development can be expensive for small business to access, so this initiative and others offered through SME Connect make it easier and more viable,” the Minister said. “The STEM Business Fellowship program is being managed by SME Connect, which has already helped more than 180 Australian SMEs create jobs, expand their products, services and customer base, and access international markets.” Successful STEM examples include Textor’s collaboration with CSIRO for the development of a novel moisture-trapping fabric that is highly absorbent and comfortable. The new material is used by global company Kimberly-Clark in the millions of nappies produced around the world, including in Australia, the US and Russia. Another STEM success story is CSIRO’s collaboration with Victorian biotech company Anatomics and St Vincent’s Hospital for the development and production of a 3D titanium rib and heel implants. The heel implant was produced using a CSIRO 3D printer and implanted by surgeons at St Vincent’s Hospital in a patient with cancer of the bone who was facing amputation of the leg. “CSIRO has a great track record of linking small and medium businesses with the right researchers and facilities to help them innovate, but this revitalisation will ensure it can offer the best service possible to its clients,” Mr Hunt added. “SME Connect not only links small and medium businesses to CSIRO researchers but also universities and other research organisations. The SME Connect team is looking for small and medium businesses to partner with research organisations on innovation projects.” Australian Manufacturing

Santos posts A$1.4m first-half loss Australian energy company Santos has recorded a US$1,104 million (A$1.4 million) first half net loss caused by the massive impairment charge on its LNG export facility in Queensland and the lower oil prices. Image credit: Santos GLNG Facebook page Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said excluding impairments and other one-off items, the company recorded an underlying net loss of US$5 million after tax for the first half. “When I joined the company in February, I said the first priority was to assess the company’s assets and deliver the appropriate organisational structure to ensure that Santos is sustainable in a low oil price environment,” Mr Gallagher said. “Our goal is to be free cash flow breakeven at between US$35 to US$40 per barrel on a portfolio basis. We have made good progress in the first half towards this goal and are forecasting a free cash flow breakeven oil price of US$43.50 per barrel for 2016, down from US$47 per barrel.” According to him, the establishment of the new operating model will lift productivity and drive long-term value for shareholders in a low oil price environment. “Our asset-focused model is supported by strong technical capabilities in exploration, development, production and commercial. The appointment of the new Executive team (Excom) was a key step in establishing the new operating model,” Mr Gallagher added. “Our progress is also evidenced by record production and significant cost reductions achieved in the first half: unit upstream production costs were down by 15% to US$8.80/boe and capital expenditure down by 58% to US$283 million.” He said despite the visible progress towards achieving financial stability, there was still a lot of work to be done. “Our near-term focus is clear: embed the new operating model, drive down costs and apply available cash flow to reduce debt,” Mr Gallagher pointed out. “I am confident we are taking the right steps to ensure Santos becomes a strong and sustainable business,” Mr Gallagher said. Australian Manufacturing

Caterpillar to shed 155 jobs as it continues business restructuring Caterpillar will be focusing on exploring strategic alternatives for certain mining products as part of the company’s plan to optimise its manufacturing footprint. Image credit: www.caterpillar.com The company said it will focus on products with the greatest growth potential and seek strategic alternatives for its room and pillar products, which serve a segment of underground soft rock mining customers. Denise Johnson, group president with responsibility for Resource Industries also pointed out that that Caterpillar is not excluding possible divestitures. “These moves, which align with Caterpillar’s ongoing restructuring, will allow us to focus resources on those areas of the business that provide the highest, sustainable growth and best long-term returns,” Ms Johnson said. She said the company will stop taking new orders while the business is under strategic review. “Caterpillar remains committed to an extensive mining product portfolio. We firmly believe mining is an attractive long-term industry, and we continue to invest in a broad range of products, both surface and underground. We are targeting our investments within the mining product portfolio to concentrate on those areas with the highest profitability potential,” Ms Johnson added. “At the same time, we continue to manage through the longest down-cycle in our history. We know these ongoing restructuring actions are not easy on our workforce; I’m grateful for our team’s ongoing dedication.” The company will also be taking actions to reduce the workforce in Houston, Pennsylvania, where the room and pillar products are manufactured. Ms Johnson said Caterpillar intends to sell the room and pillar products, but did not rule out the possible closure of the Houston facility. “Total workforce reductions of up to 155 positions associated with the room and pillar business are expected, with some occurring immediately. These actions will more closely align employment levels with current end-market demand,” she added. “In Denison, Texas, where track drills are produced, approximately 40 positions will be eliminated as a result of the track drill exit and other facility restructuring.” Caterpillar also announced that it will repurpose its mining facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, into to a rail facility beginning later this year, with operations to transfer to Progress Rail, a wholly owned Caterpillar subsidiary. “As a result, the company will relocate the manufacturing of some components used in large mining trucks from its facility in Winston-Salem to its existing facility in Decatur, Illinois,” the company said in a press release. Australian Manufacturing

Lithium Australia to commence Sileach pilot plant trials within weeks Lithium Australia (LIT) has provided an update on the progress relating to its Sileach™ pilot plant for the extraction of lithium from silicate minerals and production of battery grade lithium carbonate. Image credit: lithium-au.com The company said that preparations for the pilot plant, which will provide data for a study on a full-scale Sileach demonstration plant (to be built in Western Australia), are well advanced. “Installation of all major equipment has been completed with successful ‘cold’ commissioning of the plant completed his week. Hot commissioning is now in the process of being completed and pilot plant trials are expected to start in the next few weeks,” the company told the ASX. “The intention is to operate the pilot plant at the throughput of 4-5 kg/h dry solids and process in excess of 600 kg of lithium concentrate feed.” Lithium Australia is a dedicated developer of disruptive lithium extraction technologies. The company, which recently won a $195,632 WA Government grant to advance the development of its lithium processing technology, has strategic alliances with a number of companies, potentially providing access to a diversified lithium mineral inventory. Australian Manufacturing

ABB’s YuMi wins high recognition at the inaugural Golden Finger awards Leading global technology company ABB announced that its YuMi® robot solution – the world’s first truly collaborative robot – was recognised with a prestigious Golden Finger award as one of the best industrial robots of 2016 at the China International Robot Show (CIROS) in Shanghai. Image credit: ABB Organized by the China Machinery Industry Federation and the China Robot Industry Alliance, CIROS is one of the three largest robot technology events in the world. This was the inaugural edition of the Golden Finger awards, which were jointly setup with CIROS and China’s Machinery & Electronics Business newspaper. The awards were established as part of the beginning of the country’s 13th Five Year Plan and Made in China 2025 Strategy which aims to transform China into a global manufacturing leader. “Robots will play a key role in improving productivity and shifting the country’s manufacturing focus from being ‘big’ to being ‘strong.’,” ABB said in a press release. “One out of every four robots sold today is sold in China, which is the world’s leading robotics growth market.” ABB’s YuMi robot solution was specifically designed to offer production agility and flexibility by unlocking innovative new collaborative manufacturing solutions where people and robots safely work together on shared tasks. “There is an exceptional passion for innovation here in China. ABB is working closely with its customers to help transform their manufacturing and find new ways of unlocking the flexible, efficient ‘factory of the future,’ today. Collaborative automation will certainly play a large part in this journey,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division. “It’s a great honour for ABB to receive this recognition here in China and among distinguished peers at of the world’s most important robot technology events.” Earlier this year, ABB’s YuMi robot solution was recognised for outstanding achievements in commercialising innovative robot technology with the prestigious Invention and Entrepreneurship Award (IERA) during the Automatica trade fair in Munich, Germany. Australian Manufacturing

UGL as part of RailConnect Consortium to build NSW’s new inter-city train fleet UGL Limited announced that its unincorporated joint venture with Hyundai Rotem and Mitsubishi Electric Australia, RailConnect NSW, has won a $2.3 billion contract to build an inter-city train fleet for New South Wales. Image credit: http://ift.tt/2b26RbS The new intercity fleet is a NSW Government project to replace trains carrying customers from Sydney to the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast. According to UGL, the fleet of high capacity double deck trains will offer long distance customers a “more enjoyable travelling experience” by providing them with advanced communications technology, more comfortable seating and enhanced commuter amenities. UGL said its part of the contract will generate revenue of around $570 million, primarily from maintenance and asset management services including the initial maintenance facility installation works. “We are pleased to be a member of this world class consortium selected by Transport for NSW to deliver and maintain the next generation of passenger trains for the Sydney region,” said UGL CEO, Mr Ross Taylor. JV partners Hyundai Rotem and Mitsubishi Electric Australia will be responsible for delivery of the fleet from design through to final commissioning, with UGL to provide local support through the design and testing phases of the project. “The New Intercity Fleet adds another significant long term maintenance contract to the order book of our Rail business and reflects UGL’s position as an industry-leading provider of rail maintenance services to the Australian market,” Mr Taylor concluded. The first trains will be delivered by 2019, with the rest of the fleet to be shipped progressively through to 2022. Australian Manufacturing

Dematic makes first shipment of its new AGV range Leading material handling and logistics automation company Dematic announced that it has made its first delivery of the company’s new range of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) from its factory in Belrose, NSW. Image provided The delivery was for a major Australian beverage company, which ordered four-metre double pallet handlers and six-metre double pallet handlers, all with fork spreading capabilities. Dematic’s new AGVs provide multiple benefits to customers, allowing for handling of double pallets of product which will be transported safely and accurately around the clock by driverless AGVs. These benefits include reduced labour costs and on-going damage to equipment and stock, as well as improved supply chain reliability and traceability. For businesses which run multiple shifts, the return on investment is rapid. “We began manufacturing Dematic’s new AGV range in our Sydney facility in June this year,” said Tommy Eklof, Director of AGVs at Dematic. “We are very excited to have shipped our first AGVs from Dematic’s Belrose facility.” Dematic’s comprehensive range of AGVs includes forklifts, unit load, very narrow aisle (VNA) and specialty vehicles to reliably move materials, stock and finished goods through DCs and production environments in a timely, safe and cost-effective manner. In March 2016, the company acquired NDC Automation, a leading provider of AGVs and software in Australia and New Zealand, adding further to its comprehensive range of integrated logistics and supply chain automation solutions. NDC has been the leading manufacturer and supplier of AGVs in Australia for over 25 years. Australian Manufacturing

Ford to field fully autonomous vehicle for ride sharing by 2021 Ford has unveiled plans to develop and introduce a high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle by 2021. Image credit: media.ford.com The move is part of the Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in autonomous vehicles, connectivity, mobility, the customer experience, and data and analytics by 2021. “The next decade will be defined by automation of the automobile, and we see autonomous vehicles as having as significant an impact on society as Ford’s moving assembly line did 100 years ago,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO. “We’re dedicated to putting on the road an autonomous vehicle that can improve safety and solve social and environmental challenges for millions of people – not just those who can afford luxury vehicles.” To realise its goal of fielding a fully autonomous vehicle on the road, the car maker has announced investments and collaborations with four startups that will enhance its strong research in advanced algorithms, 3D mapping, LiDAR, and radar and camera sensors. Ford has invested in Velodyne – the Silicon Valley-based leader in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors – with a goal to quickly mass-produce a more affordable automotive LiDAR sensor. The company has also acquired SAIPS, the Israel-based computer vision and machine learning company, to further strengthen its expertise in artificial intelligence and enhance computer vision. SAIPS is a developer of algorithmic solutions in image and video processing, deep learning, signal processing and classification. Ford believes that this expertise will help its autonomous vehicles learn and adapt to the surroundings of their environment. In addition, the company has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Nirenberg Neuroscience, a machine vision business that cracked the neural code the eye uses to transmit visual information to the brain. This discovery has led to the development of a powerful machine vision platform for performing navigation, object recognition, facial recognition and other functions, with many potential applications. For example, company founder Dr Nirenberg is already using the platform to develop a device for restoring sight to patients with degenerative diseases of the retina. According to Ford, the partnership with Nirenberg Neuroscience will help bring humanlike intelligence to the machine learning modules of its autonomous vehicle virtual driver system. The car maker has also invested in Civil Maps to further develop high-resolution 3D mapping capabilities. This California-based startup has pioneered an innovative 3D mapping technique that is scalable and more efficient than existing processes, providing Ford with another way to develop high-resolution 3D maps of autonomous vehicle environments. Ford also is expanding its Silicon Valley operations, doubling its Silicon Valley team and more than doubling its Palo Alto campus. “Our presence in Silicon Valley has been integral to accelerating our learning and deliverables driving Ford Smart Mobility,” said Ken Washington, Ford vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering. “Our goal was to become a member of the community. Today, we are actively working with more than 40 startups, and have developed a strong collaboration with many incubators, allowing us to accelerate development of technologies and services.” Australian Manufacturing

New biofuels pilot plant in Gladstone receives government approval Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has approved the construction of a new biofuels plant near Gladostone. Northern Oil RefineryImage credit: www.sor.com.au The new pilot plant, which will be built at Northern Oil Refinery in Yarwin, will turn waste such as tyre rubber into renewable oil for biofuels, opening up a whole new industry for Queensland. Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the new plant will see Queensland become the home of a new, 21st century clean industry for Australia. “Biofuels promises to be a revolutionary game changer for the environment, for transport fuels, and for regional Queensland economies,” the Minister said. “This is the first facility in Queensland to recycle waste lubricating oil for re-use. In fact, this was a business destined for NSW but the Palaszczuk Government was able to attract the investment, and the jobs it brings, to Queensland.” He said the environmental approval will allow Northern Oil to receive and treat a broader range of waste materials and convert them into renewable oil which can then be treated to become suitable for use across a range of sectors. “The company is now ready to expand its operations to include wastes such as bagasse from sugar cane milling, green waste from regional cities, woody weeds like prickly acacia and tyres from the mining sector, heavy transport and passenger vehicles,” the Minister added. Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the plant would generate hundreds of new jobs in Central Queensland. “The $16 million biofuels pilot plant is scheduled to open later this year and is the next step towards a $150 million, commercial-scale biofuel plant. The renewable oil it produces can be converted into quality fuels that can be marketed across a variety of industries and sectors that are looking to reduce their carbon footprints,” Mr Butcher said. “In 2014-2015 4.76 million tonnes of waste went into landfill. In contrast, Northern Oil Refineries is proving that there are more innovative alternatives which not only reduce waste but can lead to a whole new economic sector. It’s also a clear indication that by working together in partnership industry and Government can achieve better waste management options and better environmental outcomes.” Australian Manufacturing

Optomec’s groundbreaking Aerosol Jet Technology enables 3D printing complex electronics at micron scale Optomec, a privately-held, rapidly growing supplier of additive manufacturing systems, has recently announced new 3D printing technology that has significant potential to reduce the cost and size of next-generation products used in the electronics and bio-medical industries. Image credit: Optomec Facebook page This groundbreaking solution, called Aerosol Jet Technology, can enable 3D polymer and composite structures to be printed at the micron scale with embedded electronics. According to the company, the new technology combines its proven Aerosol Jet solution for fine feature printing with a proprietary in-situ curing capability for rapid on-the-fly solidification to enable the highest resolution features available. “This breakthrough in 3D printing technology extends additive manufacturing to the creation of micron scale, free-form polymer structures and smart devices,” said Mike O’Reilly, Optomec Director Aerosol Jet Product Management, adding that early adopter customers have already developed innovative applications for smart devices and micro-fluidic applications. “We continue to place emphasis on innovation such as Aerosol Jet 3D micro-structure printing to address our customer’s next generation product development challenges.” The process allows for free-form 3D structures to be printed at the micron-scale, without the need for support structures, from materials including photopolymers and certain composites. Optomec said the resulting structures can be metallised with conformal 3D conductive traces and printed functional components, such as antennas and sensors, to create fully functional 3D components all in one manufacturing machine. “Aerosol Jet 3D micro-structure printing is capable of ultra-high resolutions with lateral features sizes down to 10 microns, and lateral and vertical build resolutions from 1 micron to 100 nanometres respectively,” the company said in a press release. “Aspect ratios of more than 100:1 have been achieved. Additionally, such 3D micro-structures can be printed onto existing components and products, such as semiconductor chips, medical devices or industrial parts.” Australian Manufacturing

Universal Robina Corporation set to acquire Australia’s second largest salty snacks maker Philippines food company Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has agreed to acquire Snack Brands Australia for $600 million. Image credit: snackbrands.com.au URC, which has a significant and growing presence in ASEAN markets, said it intends to enable Snack Brands to continue as an independent operation, with management and manufacturing jobs to remain intact. Snack Brands Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Musgrave, described the URC acquisition as a “growth oriented transaction” which will have positive implications for the business and its workforce. “What this achieves for the business is to take Australian manufactured product, with its distinct food security advantage, into Asian markets with the benefit of an established distribution force,” Mr Musgrave stated. “It means there are no intended job losses but instead a stronger growth path with a new partner and the prospects of adding new URC product categories from New Zealand to our local markets. It is also expected to be a positive for many of Snack Brands suppliers such as potato and corn growers.” According to the press release by Snack Brands, the acquisition is subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board. Australian Manufacturing

Australian manufacturers must embrace innovation to compete, says Seeley International Seeley International, Australia’s largest air conditioning manufacturer and market leader in the design and manufacture of ducted and portable heating and cooling products, has used a win for the revolutionary Braemar SuperStealth in the 2016 Australian Business Awards to urge manufacturers to commit to an ongoing program of innovation if they want to remain competitive. Image credit: Seeley International Facebook page The company’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Mr Frank Seeley AM said Australian businesses need to take greater risks and place far greater emphasis on innovation to stay ahead of the pack in today’s harsh market environment. “Australians have had a reputation for thinking outside the square, but that now seems to have faded over time. If we want to see our manufacturing sector survive and flourish then we need to re-grasp our Aussie ingenuity and start setting the pace in what is now a highly competitive global environment,” Mr Seeley said. “We need to remember the basics of what has made our nation great. We need to embrace the notion of being a bush mechanic that has to think outside the square to get lasting results. We need to be less risk adverse and more willing to have a crack at something, and learn more from failure rather than success,” he said. He said the company’s win in the 2016 Australian Business Award for its energy-efficient Braemar SuperStealth cooler demonstrates that achieving the impossible “needs a mindset that embraces challenge and change”. “If I had listened to those who told me that a great idea could never become a reality then I probably would never have started in business. Instead, I have surrounded myself with people who also embrace innovation and are the best in the business – and our Australian Business Awards win reinforces that great things can be achieved when an Australian company is committed to innovation as a base standard,” Mr Seeley said. “In reality, this isn’t just a win for Seeley International. It’s a win for Australian manufacturers. It’s a win for every entrepreneur and innovator who starts the day wanting to make a difference and refusing to accept the status quo.” He said that because Australian companies work in high-cost production environment, they have to “innovate like there is no tomorrow”, use world class technology and have the highest levels of automation in their production processes. “Seeley International is living proof that there can be a bright future for the Australian manufacturing industry – and I challenge Australian businesses to consider whether they could be doing more across these critical areas instead of waiting for better economic conditions,” Mr Seeley added. The prestigious award win for the Braemar SuperStealth comes after its recent victory in the 2016 Good Design Awards, where it was crowned as a Good Design® Selection winner in the Product Design category (Domestic appliances) in recognition of its reduced energy usage, noise and impact on the environment. Australian Manufacturing

Dematic celebrates 50 years of innovation in ANZ Industrial equipment supplier Dematic is celebrating 50 years of innovation in ANZ. Image credit: Dematic Facebook page Founded by Gerry Hatton in 1966, the business constantly expanded and evolved through various transitions: from Colby to Mannesmann to Siemens to Dematic. Throughout the years, many of Australia’s leading retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and 3PLs have worked closely with Dematic, so every day millions of people buy and use products that have been manufactured, stored, picked or distributed by Dematic. The company’s CEO, Glen Borg, said he was excited about the direction Dematic is taking in the region. “Acquiring businesses such as the recent acquisition of NDC Automation, expands the depth of our offering to customers and allows us to design, deliver and deploy global AGV solutions backed by sophisticated, real-time software,” he said. “This combination of Dematic and NDC’s solutions will create real competitive advantage for our customers.” Dematic’s workforce in Australia and New Zealand, Dematic has grown to almost 500 people – the majority of whom are qualified mechanical, electrical, electronics and software engineers and service technicians. This makes the company one of Australia’s leading expert engineering companies. “Dematic is committed to innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries in terms of what can be achieved through new technologies, systems and software, but it is important to state that the real key to its success undoubtedly lies in the great team of people,” Mr Borg added. Dematic is a global business comprised of seven regional competence centres with Australia being the centre for Asia Pacific and software. The Australian arm of Dematic is also responsible for operations throughout ASEAN, with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, and partners in other countries throughout the region. “The structure allows Dematic to leverage economies of scale and global resources, and draw on global expertise, all of which has translated into lower costs and more innovative and greater value solutions for customers,” Mr Borg explained. According to Mr Borg, Dematic will continue to build on its outstanding reputation for excellence in automated materials handling system design, manufacturing, project management, service and support. “We are excited to continue to offer our customers premier technology and software solutions to grow and support their businesses and to achieve outstanding business results,” he said. “The next 50 years look extremely bright!” Australian Manufacturing

Talga delivers first value-added graphene product Industrial minerals company Talga Resources announced that it has produced and delivered its first value-added graphene based product. Image credit: Talga Resources ASX release According to the company, the product – a metal pre-treatment coating – was delivered to a leading global coating company following the filing of a patent application over the Coating composition and production method. “The Coating is the first of a range of targeted value added products that Talga is developing and looking to commercialise,” Talga told the ASX. “The global coatings company assessing the Coating will undertake accelerated application and performance trials over coming months.” The company’s Coating is simultaneously being tested at research institutions in the UK and India, where scientific peer review analysis and publication of the results will be conducted. “Pending the outcome of the industry and academic Coating test work, the Company will, in addition to existing raw material initiatives, pursue commercial opportunities including licensing and royalty arrangements with third parties.” Talga said its patent application over the Coating composition and manufacturing method allows it to enter into formal metal pre-treatment knowledge sharing undertakings and expands the company’s intellectual property. Managing Director Mark Thompson said the company has also moved to globally trademark ‘Talphene’ and ‘Talphite’ as its respective brands for industrial scale graphene and micro-graphite products. According to him, the two products will form the marketing platform for Talga’s products manufactured via its unique production technology. “This milestone is the first step to open up numerous growth opportunities in valuable industrial scale markets for graphene products,” commented Mr Thompson. “We have now demonstrated our capability in producing the first of what will be a range of targeted, value-added products to complement Talga’s raw material manufacturing. This supports our strategy to broaden the range of future revenue options and provides opportunities to pursue licensing and royalties associated with the products themselves, as well as the processes adopted to manufacture the compositions.” Australian Manufacturing

Lithium Australia wins WA Government grant to advance its Sileach™ lithium processing technology Lithium Australia (LIT), the dedicated developer of disruptive lithium extraction technologies, has been awarded a $195,632 WA Government grant to commercialise its Sileach™ lithium processing technology to produce lithium extractions from the lithium bearing silicates. Image credit: lithium-au.com The grant has been awarded under the aegis of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA). The money will be used to fund test work which is currently being undertaken at Murdoch University “on solutions generated from batch testing the Sileach™ process and will extend to solutions then produced form continuous pilot testing.” The company said that if the laboratory and pilot grant testing is successful, it will establish a number of processing hubs with locations targeted around growing lithium resource bases in Australia, North America and Europe. The Sileach™ process is a hydrometallurgical process used for the recovery of lithium from spodumene, currently the primary source of hard-rock lithium production. The Sileach™ process is readily adaptable to other silicate minerals and has been developed to reduce cost of producing lithium chemicals from materials that have traditionally been roasted, with very high energy cost, to recover the lithium. The process has the potential to release the value from stranded lithium silicate deposits and to transform low-grade spodumene occurrences into viable ore. LIT has strategic alliances with a number of companies, potentially providing access to a diversified lithium mineral inventory. The company aspires to create the union between resources and the best available technology and to establish a global lithium processing business. Australian Manufacturing

New Electric Vehicles report: a rapid shift to EVs operating on renewable electricity is realistic and affordable Australia-based, not-for-profit climate change solutions think-tank ‘Beyond Zero Emissions’ has released a new study analysing the transition to 100% electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, powered by 100% renewable energy, over a ten year period. Image credit: bze.org.au/blog According to the study, a shift to 100% electric vehicles would eliminate at least 6% of Australia’s greenhouse emissions and would also result in a reduction of approximately 500-1000 pollution related deaths in the country per year from existing internal combustion engine vehicles. “At present, approximately 6% of Australia’s greenhouse emissions are attributed to the operation of urban passenger vehicles,” reads the study. “Shifting to 100 per cent electric vehicles, operating on renewable electricity, would eliminate these emissions.” The study concludes that rapid shift to electric vehicles operating on 100% renewable electricity is both realistic and affordable, adding that EVs already have the range to cover the majority of urban car trips. “Electric vehicles are significantly cheaper to fuel and maintain. This significantly offsets the current higher purchase price of EVs,” it says in the study. The study goes on to say that costs could be even lower if the country adapts transport behaviours to reduce car ownership. “Policies that make it more convenient for more Australians to use non-car transport modes, such as public transport, walking, cycling and other forms of electric personal mobility (such as bicycles and scooters), combined with increased access to car-share and ride-share schemes, will allow more Australians to avoid the costs of individual car ownership,” the study points out. “This will reduce the costs of a shift to 100% electric vehicles even further, and also make the scale of the task easier as there are less vehicles in the Australian passenger fleet required to transition to EVs.” The analysis also found that a rapid shift to electric buses operating on 100% renewable electricity is also feasible and affordable. “A shift to 100% electric buses for all urban public bus transport in Australia is found to cost only 10% more than business as usual. This amounts to an increase in cost of only $0.72 per capita per week”, reads the anaysis. “If bus and battery technology progresses at the more rapid end of projections, maintenance costs for electric buses are at the lower end of projections, and petrol prices are at the higher end of projections, then this analysis finds that a shift to 100% electric buses in ten years could cost almost 12% less than business as usual. This would mean that a transition to 100% electric buses would be economically attractive.” The Zero Carbon Australia Electric Vehicles Report was officially launched at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus on Friday. Australian Manufacturing

The LiquiForm Group signs up Krones AG as new development partner for groundbreaking LiquiFormTM technology The LiquiForm Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amcor, announced that filling and packaging equipment manufacturer Krones AG has entered into a technology licensing agreement to further develop and commercialise LiquiForm’s breakthrough forming and filling manufacturing technology. Image credit: liquiformgroup.com “With the LiquiFormTM technology, Krones has an opportunity to build on existing bottling technology, intellectual property and know-how to develop unique industrial solutions for improving the total cost of ownership for our customers even further,” said Dr Christian Compera, head of bottling technology at Krones AG. The LiquiForm technology combines container forming and filling processes into a single step. According to the company, it uses liquid product instead of compressed air to form a rigid plastic container, a process which allows for more sustainable and efficient operations as compared to traditional blow and fill technology. “We are pleased to have Krones as a licensee, given its history of technology and innovation leadership in processing, filling and packaging,” said Ashish Saxena, vice president and general manager of The LiquiForm Group. “Adding to the existing efforts of Sidel, Amcor and Yoshino, Krones will aid the technology commercialisation and enable LiquiForm to reach its full potential.” Australian Manufacturing

Downer wins $350m mining contract extension Downer Edi had signed a 4-year contract extension with Karara Mining with a completion date to 31 March 2022. Image credit: www.downergroup.com Downer, which has been providing mining services to Karara since the magnetite operation commenced production in February 2012, said the value of the additional four years work is estimated to be approximately $350 million. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Grant Fenn, said he was “very pleased” to be continuing Downer’s long-standing relationship with Karara. “This extension is an endorsement of Downer’s strong safety and productivity performance and we look forward to bringing further value to Karara’s operations by reducing operating costs, increasing productivity and enhancing safety,” Mr Fenn said. Australian Manufacturing

Volkswagen Group delivers 5.90 million vehicles from January to July The Volkswagen Group has delivered 5.90 million vehicles in the first seven months of the year, which represents a 1.3% increase compared to last year’s corresponding period. Image credit: Volkswagen USA Facebook page According to the car maker, 787,300 of the total number of vehicles sold this year were delivered in July. “Deliveries by the Volkswagen Group in July almost matched the prior-year level and continued the positive trend for the first six months. The Group’s broad brand portfolio is proving to be a great strength,” said Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales. The company delivered 2.52 million vehicles to customers in Europe from January to July, an increase of 2.6% compared with the previous year. The total number of Group brand deliveries in Europe in the month of July was 323,800, down 4.7% to last year’s result. Customers in Western Europe purchased 2.14 million vehicles in the first seven months of the year (+2.0%), while 377,900 (+6.6%) units were delivered in Central and Eastern Europe, with Poland and the Czech Republic reporting significant growth. 81,500 vehicles were delivered to customers in the North America region in July, slightly down (-0.3%) on the previous year. “While there was strong growth momentum in Mexico, the downturn on the US market continued in July (-5.1%),” the company said in a press release. “The macroeconomic situation in the South America region, particularly in Brazil, remained tense. 37,400 vehicles were delivered in the region in July – a decrease of 23.5%.” A total of 2.35 million vehicles were delivered in the Asia-Pacific region from January to July – an increase of 5.9% on the prior-year figure. Volkswagen said the solid growth in the Asia-Pacific region continued in July, with deliveries for that month increased by 11.6% compared with the previous year to 311,400 units. The Chinese market accounted for the vast majority of deliveries in the Asia-Pacific region in July (285,900), which represents a 16% increase compared with last year’s result. Australian Manufacturing

Adidas to open new SPEEDFACTORY in the US Adidas will open a new, state of the art footwear production site in Atlanta next year that will create around 160 new jobs. Image credit: news.adidas.com The 74,000-square-facility, called SPEEDFACTORY, will complement Adidas’ first SPEEDFACTORY in Germany and will allow the company to manufacture products in increasingly high volumes with advanced complexity in colour, materials and sizes. Adidas Group Executive Board Member Eric Liedtke, responsible for Global Brands, said the new factory will greatly accelerate the manufacturing process and bring products closer to US consumers. “For years our industry has been playing by the same rules manufacturing product remotely in Asia. As the creator brand that challenges convention and looks to co-create the future with our consumers, we are obsessed with bringing all steps of the creation process home to America,” Mr Liedtke said. “We’re fuelling design at the ground level of creativity in Brooklyn and reinventing manufacturing with the first Adidas SPEEDFACTORY in Atlanta. This allows us to make product for the consumer, with the consumer, where the consumer lives in real time, unleashing unparalleled creativity and endless opportunities for customisation in America.” Adidas Group Executive Board Member Glenn Bennett, responsible for Global Operations, said the new facility will also allow the brand to source and produce locally, limiting long shipping distances and driving the brand’s commitment to sustainability. “Speed is far more than a business strategy for us. Speed is all around us. It’s what athletes train for, and it’s essential to our consumers who live in a world of immediacy,” Mr Bennett added. “With the first US-based SPEEDFACTORY, we’re combining some of the world’s best technology and manufacturing processes to give our consumers access to constant newness. This is another big step in our ambition to become the world’s first true fast sports brand.” With the added manufacturing capacity, Adidas will be aiming to produce half a million pairs of shoes for running and other categories in the mid-term. Both the US and Germany facilities are operated by Adidas’ strategic partner Oechsler. Australian Manufacturing

ASC upgrades ‘virtual shipyard’ in preparation for work on Australia’s Future Submarine project Australian submarine builder ASC will upgrade its Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA application to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform – a virtual design, functional mock up, collaboration, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and data intelligence package that integrates complex systems and infrastructure and provides end users with accurate and up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Image credit: www.asc.com.au ASC first selected ENOVIA a decade ago to manage all product-related data for its Collins Class Submarine maintenance activity and has since successfully migrated data from diverse obsolete IT applications to the ENOVIA system, increasing efficiency and innovation. The move will see ASC become the first Australian company to upgrade the ‘virtual shipyard’ system. The company will also optimise its Collins Class submarine maintenance, design, engineering and construction services to the Federal Government ahead of the work on Australia’s Future Submarine project. ASC Interim Chief Executive Stuart Whiley said the upgrade will strengthen the company’s major maintenance activity for the Collins fleet. “ASC has significantly improved its Collins Class maintenance in recent years and this decision will consolidate our gains and lay the groundwork for further improvements towards international benchmarks,” Mr Whiley added. The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform is used by a number of industry powerhouses such as Boeing, Airbus, General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works and Germany’s Meyer Werft, one of the world’s leading cruise ship builders. Mr Whiley said that ASC’s upgrade to 3DEXPERIENCE platform complements French submarine designer and builder DCNS’ decision to commit to transitioning to the ENOVIA system. DCNS is the selected design partner for the next fleet of Australian submarines to be built in Adelaide. “We have a close relationship with DCNS and this decision will help to optimise our future work together on the Future Submarines,” Mr Whiley concluded. Australian Manufacturing

SA government injects $7.5m in Future Industries Institute to boost innovation and collaboration The South Australian state government will invest $7.5 million in the University of South Australia’s Future Industries Institute to develop new industries that can create jobs for the future. Image credit: www.unisa.edu.au Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher said the investment was part of the state government support to accelerate South Australia’s transformation into a modern and innovative economy by promoting innovation and collaboration. “Our game-changing State Budget investment is all about ensuring we can build on and leverage the excellent research and development work that has already positioned our state as an international innovation hub,” the Minister said. “The $7.5 million in funding for the Future Industries Institute will help it generate more collaboration between businesses, industries, and researchers that will help drive economic transformation and growth in South Australia. The Institute has some of the most advanced facilities in Australia, with more than 200 highly skilled researchers working on a range of new technologies and processes that will deliver significant benefits for the community.” The state budget allocates some $80 million to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and high-tech industries. According to the Minister, the package also includes $50 million for the SA Venture Capital Fund, $10 million for the SA Early Commercialisation Fund, and $4.65 million for the Adelaide Gig City Project, which will connect SA’s innovation precincts with ultra-high speed internet. The Future Industries Institute at the Mawson Lakes Campus, which was established by the University last year, covers four key strands of research: minerals and resource engineering; energy and advanced manufacturing; environmental science and engineering; and biomaterials engineering and nanomedicine. Australian Manufacturing

Metro Glass set to acquire Australian Glass Group New Zealand’s largest value added glass processor Metro Performance Glass has agreed to acquire 100% of the shares in Australian Glass Group (AGG) for A$43.1 million. Image credit: www.metroglass.co.nz AGG, which is currently owned by interests associated with the Trawalla Group, was founded in 2008 and has glass processing plants in Melbourne and Sydney that supply double glazed glass units, custom laminated and toughened safety glass for residential and commercial projects across Victoria, NSW, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania. It is the third largest glass processor in Victoria and NS, generating annual sales of circa A$45 million and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of circa A$8 million. Metro Glass Chairman Sir John Goulter said the acquisition, subject to customary conditions and adjustments, will be fully debt funded. “This acquisition represents a significant strategic step for our company and we are confident that AGG and the Australian glass processing market more broadly, represent an attractive growth opportunity for Metro Glass long term,” Mr Goulter said. “AGG importantly has a strong management team which will ensure that Metro Glass NZ management can remain highly focused on building the capability and service offering required in NZ to further benefit from the domestic opportunities that lie ahead of us. We have started the financial year well, and continue to benefit from a strong local market.” Australian Manufacturing

Australia offers 28 offshore areas for petroleum exploration The Australian Government has announced the launch of the 2016 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release. Image credit: http://ift.tt/1wqgfG2 The acreage release comprises 28 areas located across five basins in Commonwealth waters offshore of the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands and Western Australia. According to the Government, 25 of the total number of areas are available for work program bidding and three areas for cash bidding. Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Mat Canavan said launching this Acreage Release was a priority for the Australian Government as offshore extraction of gas is considered pivotal to helping Australia become the world’s leading exporter of LNG in coming years. “As Minister for Resources and Northern Australia I am pleased to see continued momentum for exploration in our north and the opportunities for boosting jobs and economic growth this presents,” Mr Canavan said. “All areas in the 2016 acreage release were released for public consultation in February 2016. They are based on industry nominations and present a variety of investment opportunities. Release areas are located in a range of water depths and vary in size and level of existing geological knowledge.” According to the Minister, all areas are supported by pre?competitive geological and geophysical data and analysis, undertaken by Geoscience Australia and information on considerations that may impact upon future petroleum activities in a release area. The acreage is available through the usual combination of work-program rounds and a cash bid auction. Australian Manufacturing

Tesla and SolarCity set to merge Tesla has reached a $2.6 billion agreement to purchase PV manufacturer and installer SolarCity in a move that will create the world’s only vertically integrated sustainable energy company. Image credit: www.teslamotors.com SolarCity said the merger would result in the creation of fully integrated residential, commercial and grid-scale products that improve the way that energy is generated, stored and consumed. “Now is the right time to bring our two companies together: Tesla is getting ready to scale our Powerwall and Powerpack stationary storage products and SolarCity is getting ready to offer next-generation differentiated solar solutions,” the company said in a blog post. “By joining forces, we can operate more efficiently and fully integrate our products, while providing customers with an aesthetically beautiful and simple one-stop solar + storage experience: one installation, one service contract, one phone app.” The merger is also expected to deliver significant cost synergies of $150 million in the first full year after closing and save customers money by lowering hardware costs, reducing installation costs, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing customer acquisition costs. “We will also be able to leverage Tesla’s 190-store retail network and international presence to extend our combined reach,” reads the blog post. Image credit: SolarCity Facebook page Tesla said the deal would provide significant benefits to shareholders, customers and employees alike. “The SolarCity team has built its company into the clear solar industry leader in the residential, commercial and industrial markets, with significant scale and growing customer penetration,” the company said back in June, when the takeover proposal was first made public. “They have made it easy for customers to switch to clean energy while still providing the best customer experience. We’ve seen this all firsthand through our partnership with SolarCity on a variety of use cases, including those where SolarCity uses Tesla battery packs as part of its solar projects. Under the agreement, SolarCity has a 45-day period known as a “go-shop”, which runs through September 14, 2016 and provides the company with an option to solicit alternative proposals during that time. Australian Manufacturing

ANSTO takes ownership of Australia’s brightest research asset The Australian and Victorian governments announced that ownership of the Australian Synchrotron has been officially transferred to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Image credit: www.ansto.gov.aun Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Greg Hunt said the integration follows the $520 million 10-year operational funding package announced late last year under the National Innovation and Science Agenda for ANSTO to operate the facility. “The Australian Synchrotron is a nationally significant piece of science infrastructure that has supported Australian research, industry and innovation for a decade,” Minister Hunt said. “ANSTO has established relationships with users and stakeholders and has a shared history with the Synchrotron of supporting accelerator science to produce outcomes for industry.” The transfer of ownership comes in the lead up to National Science Week which runs from 13 – 21 August with festivals, activities and events across Australia. “As we move towards National Science Week, Australia’s annual celebration of science’s cultural and economic impact, securing the future of the synchrotron ensures that this country continues to benefit from cutting-edge research,” the Minister added. “I’d like to thank the shareholders of the Australian Synchrotron company, including the Victorian Government, who have secured the future of the facility through this transfer to ANSTO.” ANSTO CEO Dr Adi Paterson noted that the Synchrotron will have long-term, secure funding for the first time in its history. “This will allow the scientists, researchers and clients of the Synchrotron to undertake long-term research, which in turn will deliver societal and economic benefits across Australia and the region,” Mr Paterson said. “ANSTO is thrilled to have welcomed the Australian Synchrotron, and to mark the start of a stronger, expanded organisation to support the research community and deliver for Australia well into the future.” Australian Manufacturing

Accessible vehicle solution specialists strengthens ANZ operations Mobility Networks, the international innovator in wheelchair lifts and ramps for buses, coaches, mini-bus and other accessible vehicles, has strengthened its Australian and New Zealand operations with the opening of a new office and service base in Canberra. Image credit: http://ift.tt/1vhQ6HK The company, which was established in 2014, is the leading multi-national specialist in accessible vehicle solutions providing a single source for all the latest innovations in vehicle access solutions from across the world. With the new ANZ legislation stipulating that all coaches and buses be wheelchair accessible, the range of lifts available from Mobility Networks will be able resolve this requirement whilst minimising risk and maximising safety for all. The company also supplies vehicle lifts manufactured by the recently acquired Italian lift specialist Caroil, which has been efficiently restructured to enhance product and service quality to the ANZ market. Mobility Networks can also provide specialist products for the domestic Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) sector in the ANZ region. According to the company, this ‘Flexi’ branded range includes the FlexiWinch, FlexisRamp and the FlexiWAV lowered floor and tailgate ramp conversion kits. “The Mobility Networks’ product portfolio is perfect for the accessible vehicle sector in Australia and New Zealand. Every solution is engineered precisely with quality components so durability and performance can be assured for 20 years and hence meets regional legislation. Parts of Australia especially the outback are extreme, isolated environments where vehicle reliability is absolutely paramount,” said Mobility Networks CEO, Mr Mike Simmonds. “Therefore by fitting Mobility Networks’ access solutions to commercial vehicles, convertors, operators and passengers will have peace of mind. With the acquisition of Caroil, I can reassure existing customers that the multi-national strength of Mobility Networks Group will boost manufacturing prowess, product innovation and service delivery. In terms of domestic private WAV owners, they will also be able to drive vast distances in the knowledge that their onboard Mobility Networks wheelchair access lifts, ramps and other products will deliver unsurpassed reliability.” Australian Manufacturing

Toyota to recall 15,000 vehicles in Australia Toyota Australia will recall close to 15,000 Toyota 86 vehicles manufactured between April 2012 and March 2015 due to a “potential loss of power steering assist”. Image credit: www.toyota.com The company said that the recall impacts right-hand drive vehicles that are equipped with driver’s knee airbags. “Due to an improper wire harness layout, there is a possibility that the electric power steering harness may interfere with the instrumental panel lower cover which contains the driver’s knee airbag on Australian specification vehicles,” the company said in a press release. “If this happens, there could be an electrical contact failure which may result in the loss of power steering assist. A warning light would then illuminate on the dashboard along with a short audible warning whilst manual steering would be maintained.” Toyota said it will replace the power steering electronic control unit and wire harness in all impacted vehicles. The company has received 62 reports from customers in Australia, with no accidents or injuries reported as a result of this condition. The appropriate repairs will be performed free of charge. Australian Manufacturing

New innovation hub in Melbourne to grow Victoria’s food and fibre sector Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan yesterday officially opened a state-of-the-art hub in Melbourne’s north that will aim to boost innovation, productivity and growth of food and fibre businesses across Victoria. Image credit: www.rmit.edu.au The new $15 million RMIT Food Research and Innovation Centre – which will feature a world-class food pilot plant, product development, sensory evaluation, consumer testing, teaching and research laboratories – will focus on teaching and training, giving university students access to the latest technologies and hands-on experience in product development, food safety and industry placements. According to the minister, the Centre will also serve as an incubation facility for small to medium size businesses, enabling them to test new product concepts, develop prototypes and turn their ideas into high value products and services. “As the nation’s largest producer and exporter of food and fibre products, it’s important we support the industry to help grow local businesses and create new jobs for Victoria,” Mr Noonan said. “This world class education centre will give students hands on experience using the latest technology, while helping businesses turn their ideas into reality.” Victoria is Australia’s largest producer and exporter of food and fibre products, with the food and fibre sector representing 4.9 per cent of Gross State Product and accounting for around half of the state’s total goods exports. Australian Manufacturing

BHP Billiton appoints Non-executive director BHP Billiton has announced the appointment of Ken MacKenzie to the company’s Board as an independent Non-executive director, effective as of 22 September 2016. Image credit: bhpbilliton.com Mr MacKenzie has spent 10 years (2005-2015) as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Amcor Limited, a global packaging company with operations in over 40 countries. He is currently a Senior Adviser with McKinsey & Company and also serves on the Advisory Boards of American Securities Capital Partners and Adamantem Capital. BHP Billiton Chairman, Jac Nasser said he was pleased to be bringing someone with Mr MacKenzie’s expertise and talents to the company. He said the appointment reflected the Board’s commitment to a structured and rigorous approach to Board succession and planning, having regard to the skills, experience and attributes required to effectively govern the business. “Ken will be a great addition to the Board of BHP Billiton. He will bring extensive global and executive experience, and a deeply strategic approach. He has a proven track record, having led a successful company in a challenging sector for a decade,” Mr Nasser added. The addition of Mr MacKenzie to the BHP Billiton Board takes the number of Non-executive Directors to 11. Australian Manufacturing

AGL announces appointment of Elisabeth Brinton at the helm of New Energy business AGL Energy, one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies, has announced the appointment of Elisabeth Brinton as Executive General Manager of its New Energy business unit. Image credit: AGL Energy Facebook page Ms Brinton has more than 25 years of experience growing companies and leading innovation, execution and value creation across sectors including energy, technology, consumer food products and agriculture. Prior to joining AGL, Ms Brinton served as a Corporate Strategy Officer for New York Stock Exchange-listed Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), where she was responsible for establishing the strategic direction for regulated electricity and gas utilities and for leading the holding company’s competitive businesses, strategic investments and mergers and acquisitions. Ms Brinton has also worked for SMUD, the highest ranked US Utility by J.D Powers, and ran global marketing for e infrastructure company LoudCloud, including during its initial public offering. AGL’s Managing Director and CEO, Andy Vesey said he was pleased to have secured the services of Ms Brinton to lead the company’s New Energy business. “Elizabeth is well regarded in the field and is a strong leader with a proven track record of successful innovation, execution and value creating across multiple industries,” he said. “Her contribution will add to the depth of talent and skill at the executive level and be an advantage to AGL as both it and the Industry undergo transformation.” AGL’s New Energy segment was created in 2014 to embrace the major changes transforming the energy industry and to create new business models to meet customers’ needs. It currently comprises rooftop solar, commercial energy services, energy storage, electric vehicle services and the digital metering business, ActiveStream. Ms Brinton appointment will be effectuated in mid-September 2016, after which current Executive General Manager, New Energy, will continue in the Executive General Manager Organisational Transformation role. Australian Manufacturing

Synergy supports WA business into renewable energy A Western Australian-owned and operated business Byford Flour Mill is expected to save more than $34,000 a year on energy bills as part of a solar-powered pilot project supplied by the leading energy generator and retailer Synergy. Image Credit: www.synergy.net.au Synergy’s first commercial solar PV system is made up of 1,110 solar panels will allow Byford Flour Mill to offset 10 percent or more of its annual energy consumption. Synergy Chief Executive Officer Jason Waters said the first sale and pilot project to its long term customer marked Synergy’s entry into the solar PV market at a commercial level in preparation of its official product release later this year. “This trial allows us to help local businesses like Byford Flour Mill take control and reduce energy costs as it looks towards more sustainable and energy efficient operations,” Mr Waters said. “We’re seeing new technologies and consumer demand for choice and control are driving changes in the energy industry. Having already successfully launched our solar offer, SolarReturn, to residential customers we’re confident people will also consider Synergy as another option in the commercial space,” he added. “As we start to release more solar and battery products for households and businesses the solar industry will benefit from additional opportunities it represents the future of the sector and is increasingly how traditional utilities are meeting customer demand.” Byford Flour Mill Director Stephen Dunkley said he was pleased to venture into the renewable energy space and would be monitoring the new solar PV performance closely to understand how he could reduce energy costs. “Currently, our major operations occur overnight as a direct result of energy costs so I am continually looking at ways to shift production to normal business hours, which is why I’ve been working with Synergy on a range of energy optimisation initiatives, in a bid to reach this goal in the near future,” Mr Dunkley said. Australian Manufacturing

GE Transportation completes implementation of advanced software solution within Aurizon’s network GE Transportation and Australia’s largest rail freight operator Aurizon have announced the successful implementation of GE Transportation’s Movement Planner into Aurizon Network’s Control Centre. Image credit: www.aurizon.com.au Alex Kummant, Executive Vice President, Aurizon Network said the implementation of this advanced software solution signifies a milestone along Aurizon’s broader APEX solution implementation plan for rail network and supply chain management. He said the solution is expected to improve network velocity, capacity, and on-time performance across Aurizon’s Central Queensland Coal Network which supports more than 85 coal services daily across one of the most complex rail freight networks in the country. “Investment in both information and operations technology is an integral part of Aurizon’s strategy to become a world leading rail-based transport business,” Mr Kummant added. “We’re always trying to improve our network performance, and this digital solution will allow us to optimise the network, improve efficiency, and provide better service for our customers.” GE Transportation’s Movement Planner provides real-time rail traffic planning and optimisation, enabling freight to move more efficiently using existing rail networks. The solution takes into account multiple factors including train schedules, traffic-control systems and train movements relative to each other and then develops an optimised traffic plan for the trains throughout the network. “Aurizon has a clear vision to transform the operational efficiency and effectiveness of its business through the deployment of cutting edge solutions. We are pleased to provide key support to further enable their capabilities,” said Seth Bodnar, Chief Digital Officer of GE Transportation. “Movement Planner will support the efficient flow of rail traffic across approximately 2,700 kilometres of Aurizon’s rail network.” Aurizon and GE Transportation plan to begin the initial implementation of subsequent planning and scheduling solutions early next year. Australian Manufacturing

MG loses $108m Woolworth deal Murray Goulburn (MG) announced that Woolworths has selected a new supplier to manufacture and pack a range of its private label products including cheese, UHT, adult milk powder and cream. Image credit: www.mgc.com.au The co-operative – which retains the contract to supply private label mozzarella shred cheese as well as the contract to supply private label butter – said the revenue loss stemming from Woolworths’ announcement will be approximately $108 million. MG’s interim Chief Executive Officer, David Mallinson said the financial impact on MG in FY17 will be limited given timing of existing contracts completing. He said the company will adjust future manufacturing planning to redirect this capacity to other markets, limiting future revenue and earnings impacts. “MG continues to enjoy a strong ongoing relationship with Woolworths and they remain a valued partner for our co-operative,” Mr Mallinson remarked. “We believe our tender to retain this business was competitive, whilst balancing acceptable returns for our products given the current environment for our farmer/suppliers and investors. I can also re-assure our valued consumers that ranging of MG’s Devondale and Liddells products are not impacted by this decision and continue to be available at Woolworths nationally.” Australian Manufacturing

Engineers Australia and Siemens announce Digitalization Forum to unlock the full potential of digital technologies Engineers Australia and Siemens announced their inaugural Digitalization Forum which will be held in Melbourne on 1st September. Image credit: www.siemens.com/au The cross-industry forum will bring together industry leaders for a timely discussion on the impact of digitalisation on energy, automation, building technology, transportation systems and process industries. Visiting Siemens global Member of Managing Board, Dr. Roland Busch will deliver keynote on core industries transitioning to the new economy and on the full potential of digital technologies for competitive advantages. The forum will also feature panel discussion from select members of ‘The Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce’ which was established to support Australia’s transition to a new economy and connect the nation to the fourth industrial revolution. According to Siemens, the Digitalization Forum will also include technical breakout sessions such as: Scenario 2050: Additive Manufacturing and Digital Services for Energy facilitated by Vladimir Navrotsky, Head of Technology and Innovation at Energy Service, Oil & Gas and Industrial Applications Digitalization, Industrial Software and Automation session facilitated by Thomas Hahn, Siemens’ international expert on Industry 4.0 and German representative from Plattform Industrie 4.0 Commenting on the upcoming forum, Siemens Australia and New Zealand CEO Jeff Connolly said: “Germany is at the forefront of digitalization and helping their industries transition to the fourth industrial revolution – Industry 4.0. With operations in 190 countries, Siemens is ideally placed to share knowledge and insights on how companies and industries are embracing digital technologies to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, increase flexibility and productivity – ultimately becoming more competitive,” Mr Connolly said. “While our portfolio of industries is vast, we are witnessing greater cross-sector collaboration to increase innovation and competitiveness at global levels. The Digitalization Forum is a timely reflection of how Australian companies can embrace ingenuity and intelligent technology to grow their local footprint and access global supply chains.” To register for the event, click here. Australian Manufacturing

Australian PMI®: Manufacturing records 13th consecutive month of expansion Australia’s manufacturing sector has continued its unbroken run of expansion to 13 months in July, which represents the longest phase of expansion for the Australian PMI® since August 2004. Image credit: http://ift.tt/yftkXjby Stuart Miles According to Ai Group’s report, the Australian PMI® increased by 4.6 points to 56.4 in July, well above the 50-point mark that separates contraction from expansion. Six of the seven manufacturing activity sub-indexes delivered positive results in July, with deliveries (up 13.7 points to 62.6), sales (up 6.1 points to 59.8), exports (up 9.0 points to 59.5), new orders (up 4.7 points to 58.8) and employment (emerging from contraction to 56.5 points) all expanding at a strong rate. Six of the eight manufacturing sub-sectors expanded, led by wood & paper products (up 1.9 points to 59.6), printing & recorded media (up 7.0 points to 57.2), petroleum & chemical products (down 4.8 points to 57.3) and non-metallic mineral products (down 1.4 points to 56.9). Food, beverages & tobacco slipped by a single point but remained in expansion (52.7 points). Machinery & equipment went up by 3.5 points to 48.3, while and textiles & clothing dropped by 0.8 points to 48.1 and remained in mild contraction. The input prices sub-index lost some ground and fell 4.8 points to 59.0 in July, suggesting relatively lower but ongoing price pressures. The wages sub-index increased 4.2 points to 59.7, with the selling prices sub-index expanding further in July to 54.7. “Manufacturing activity entered its second year of expansion in July with the Australian PMI® recording gains in manufacturing production, sales, exports and employment during the month. The lower value of the local currency has been a key driver behind these gains,” said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox. “The strong lift in new orders augers well for the sector’s immediate outlook and for a continuation of the role manufacturing is playing in the rebalancing of the broader economy. However, the expansion over the past year has been only a partial recovery from the very serious slump in the years following the global financial crisis. Further substantial gains in manufacturing will require a lift in business investment both within the sector and across the broader economy.” Australian Manufacturing

Australian PCI®: Construction strings together two consecutive months of growth in July The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) reported that the national construction industry expanded for a second consecutive month in July, albeit at a slower rate. Image credit: freedigitalphotos user: jscreationzs According to report, the Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association (HIA) Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) dropped by 1.6 points but remained above the 50-point threshold that separates contraction from expansion at 51.6 points. “The construction sector grew again in July despite drags from the engineering construction and apartment sub-sectors. The overall growth came on the back of further expansion in house building and a modest uplift in commercial construction,” said Ai Group Head of Policy, Peter Burn. “Encouragingly, new orders were higher in July in all sub-sectors other than engineering construction which saw a modest fall. July saw the construction sector continuing its own rebalancing with the emphasis shifting away from mining-related projects to the residential sub-sectors and, more recently, with signs of a growing pipeline of transport infrastructure work.” The Australian PCI® findings for July indicate that new orders (down 0.4 points to 51.7) and employment (down 1.7 points to 52.2) expanded at slower rates in July, while the activity sub-index contracted marginally (down 4.1 points to 49.8) after June’s return to growth. Across the four construction sub-sectors, apartment building returned to negative territory (down 7.2 points to 48.0) after its strong recovery in June, but house building recorded a third month of growth (down 7.2 points to 54.9). Commercial construction slipped by 1.5 points to 51.8 in July, while engineering construction returned to contraction (down 2.1 points to 48.6). Growth in the wages sub-index continued steadily in July (up 3.6 points to 66.7), while the input prices sub-index remained elevated (up 1.8 points to 69.3). The selling prices sub-index remained largely unchanged at 51.2. “The Ai Group-HIA Data for July 2016 are consistent with the process of realignment of new home building activity. Apartment building is falling back from record levels while detached house building is a bit stronger,” said HIA Senior Economist, Shane Garrett. “We expect that the share of new home building accounted for by apartments will decline to more long-term levels over the next few years. The failure of the major banks to pass on Tuesday’s RBA interest rate cut means that any benefits for new home building activity are likely to be limited.” Australian Manufacturing

Fonterra’s Western Star brand wins top honours at prestigious dairy product competition Fonterra’s Western Star has collected its third major industry award for the year, winning a Gold and Silver medal at the 2016 Dairy Industry Association of Australia (DIAA) Queensland Dairy Product Competition. Image credit: www.fonterra.com The latest win comes on the back of recent honours at the 2016 Grand Dairy Awards where Australia’s number one selling spreads brand was voted ‘Best Original Butter’. Fonterra Regional Manager – West, Andrew Nooy dedicated the awards to the company’s employees at its Cobden site and the local dairy farmers. “Western Star has been a family favourite for generations. To maintain that generational reputation comes down to our high-quality standards, on-going innovation and the superior cream from our farmers. Made with only three natural ingredients, it is the simplicity of Western Star’s recipe that makes it a winner,” he added. “We’re seeing tremendous growth across past years our Western Star brand, which has been helped by the advent of cooking shows where more and more Australians are cooking and entertaining at home and want to use quality ingredients. You can’t go wrong with a simple, superior, high-quality product and Western Star is proof of that.” Australian Manufacturing

World’s largest virtual power plant set to strengthen South Australian grid Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has partnered with AGL Energy and Sunverge to install 1,000 centrally controlled batteries in South Australia providing a 5 MW storage capacity. AGL, ARENA and Sunverge are creating the world’s largest virtual power plant (5MW) in South Australia. Image credit: http://twitter.com/aglenergy The world’s largest battery storage ‘virtual power plant’ aims to boost grid stability, reduce power price volatility and supports renewable energy. ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht joined AGL CEO Andy Vesey and South Australian Treasurer and Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis in Adelaide to launch the project. According to Mr Frischknecht, the $20 million project could point to solutions to South Australia’s grid challenges and reduce the risk of power price shocks in the state. “Australia is on the cusp of a battery storage revolution as technology costs continue to fall. ARENA is at the forefront of figuring out how batteries can best support renewable energy to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable power,” Mr Frischknecht said. “AGL plans to operate the batteries as a kind of virtual power plant, installing them alongside solar PV and linking all 1,000 systems with centralised monitoring and management software,” he added. “The result is like adding a 5 MW power station that can quickly deliver enough energy to power 1,000 South Australian homes where and when it’s needed most. This approach can ease local network constraints, displace gas power and complement the Victorian interconnector, especially during times of peak demand.” For phase one of the project, AGL has selected Sunverge batteries and control systems. It has received an ARENA-backed investment boost and its batteries are also being trialled in Queensland by Ergon Energy in another ARENA-supported project. Mr Frischknecht said ARENA expects virtual power plants to play a significant role in the future as more renewable energy is connected to our power networks. “The approach also offers more value to customers, retailers and network companies from both the batteries and solar panels, making renewable energy more competitive,” Mr Frischknecht said. “This project is set to be the largest demonstration of a virtual power plant in the country. South Australia is home to some of the highest levels of solar and wind in the world, making it an ideal proving ground,” he added. “It could also act as a catalyst and provide evidence for regulatory change to enable more Australian virtual power plants. ARENA funding support depends on the negotiation of a funding agreement, which will include comprehensive knowledge sharing outcomes.” AGL Managing Director and CEO Andy Vesey said AGL is pleased to be partnering with ARENA on this innovative project, which we hope can demonstrate future options for our energy generation and supply mix. “The energy landscape is rapidly changing and distributed energy services through projects like this, involving batteries, solar and the grid, can help customers manage their energy bills and provide grid stability,” Mr Vesey said. Australian Manufacturing

A step closer to Greater Geelong Convention Centre The Victorian Government and Deakin University are planning to have a joint vision to develop opportunities and deliver jobs with a new Geelong Action Plan for a convention centre. Image credit: vic.gov.au The announcement was made at Deakin’s Waterfront Campus by Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander and Premier Daniel Andrews, along with Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford. “Geelong is a proud city with a bright future and we’ll help write its next chapter delivering jobs, prosperity and making it an even better place to live,” said Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria. Deakin University’s waterfront car park site will be the focus of a business study for a 1000-seat convention centre, which would encourage tourism and business growth for the Geelong region. “The new convention centre will help renew the CBD, strengthen tourism, and create crucial jobs,” said Christine Couzens, a member of Geelong. The proposal will include a conference venue with the capacity for 1000 people, 3000 square metres of exhibition space, banquet facilities, meeting rooms, a business centre and retail outlets. In developing plans for the convention centre, Labor Government will invest $1 million with the completed business case to be considered as part of the 2017/18 Victorian Budget. “Greater Geelong is a fantastic place to live, work and do business and with this plan, we’ll ensure Geelong continues to go from strength to strength,” said Lisa Neville, member of Bellarine. Previous work suggests a convention centre would deliver an estimated $350 million to the regional economy during construction and $50 million to the region once operational, including 600 jobs during construction and 270 ongoing jobs in the region. The Labor Government’s Geelong Action Plan is a 10-year agenda to renew central Geelong and boost local jobs. According to Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, “The Andrews Labor Government is planning for growth so that Geelong can create new opportunities and become an even more attractive destination for new residents and investment.” Short-term initiatives will be supported with $3 million from Regional Development Victoria and $2.8 million from the Victorian Budget 2016/17, including projects that improve Geelong’s public spaces like the Malop Street Green Spine project. “Whether its upgrading Simonds Stadium or ensuring local kids have the schools to match their potential, we’re working hard each and every day to deliver jobs, skills and better outcomes for the Geelong community,” said John Eren, member of Lara. The Labor Government has invested more than $170 million in projects across Greater Geelong including redeveloping Simonds Stadium and the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, as well as upgrading schools such as Geelong High, Matthew Flinders Secondary and Bellarine Secondary, so students can get the very best education. Australian Manufacturing

Australia’s first large-scale wind and solar farm to provide more reliable renewable energy The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is giving $9.9 million support for New Gullen Range Wind Farm Pty Ltd (NGRWF) to develop and construct the $26 million project. Gullen Range Wind Farm Image credit: gullenrangewindfarm.com The 10-MW solar park is scheduled for completion in July 2017, adjacent to the existing Gullen Range Wind Farm. Australia’s first large-scale solar farm to be co-located with wind turbines will be built near Canberra, in a development that promises more reliable, cheaper renewable energy. ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said solar and wind were complementary sources of renewable energy that produced power at different times of the day and year. “Co-location provides more continuous energy generation, as wind farms tend to generate more energy overnight whilst solar only generates during the day. Gullen Wind Farm generates more power in winter and the new solar farm will generate more in summer,” Mr. Frischknecht said. “Wind farm owners across Australia could benefit from adding solar plants to their existing sites. Developers can save money on grid connection, approvals and site development costs by co-locating wind and solar plants, whilst also reducing environmental impacts.” Mr. Frischknecht also said that according to NGRWF, the potential co-location savings for the Gullen Range Solar Farm could be as high as $6 million, representing a 20 percent drop in total project cost. “There is huge potential to adopt this approach at other wind farms. An ARENA-supported study found there’s an estimated 1000 MW of potential opportunities to add solar PV alongside existing wind farms – enough to power 700,000 homes. We expect this to more than double by 2020 in line with Australia’s renewable energy target.” He said Gullen Range Solar Farm could show co-location is the most inexpensive way to construct large-scale solar and would be a key impetus for encouraging future projects. “ARENA is focussed on bringing down the cost of renewable energy and encouraging more projects to enter the market,” Mr Frischknecht said. “This is the first project of its type in Australia, so the lessons learned will be invaluable. It has the potential to provide a blueprint for future projects and cement industry confidence in the approach.” Australian Manufacturing

Orora and AHG open new purpose built facility in Bundaberg Orora Limited has today announced the official opening of its purpose-built facility at Bundaberg, in partnership with AHG Refrigerated Logistics. Image: Supplied. The opening was marked by the unveiling of a plaque by Orora Managing Director and CEO, Mr Nigel Garrard and AHG CEO of Logistics, Mr Stephen Cleary, at an event attended by V8 Supercar champion, Scott McLaughlin, customers and local dignitaries. Orora revealed that the new 4200 square metre corrugated packaging, cold storage and transport facility will provide significant long-term benefits to the company’s fruit and produce corrugated customer base in Bundaberg. The additional refrigerated transport resources provided by AHG means Orora can provide an end-to-end packaging solution for its customers, bringing their produce from farm to market in pristine condition. “We see this investment, in Queensland’s horticultural rich heartland, as a key strategic asset for Orora that provides our customers with an integrated supply chain solution for their produce,” said Nigel Garrard, Managing Director and CEO. “In addition, the new facility will provide significant job opportunities particularly during peak season. Bundaberg is a diverse and growing region, the food bowl for Northern Australia. The new facility, along with Orora and AHG’s strategic partnership, will enhance the ability to tailor solutions for growers that have specific supply chain requirements,” he added. Australian Manufacturing

Lockheed Martin to establish leading edge R&D centre in Melbourne Global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin will invest an initial $13 million over three years to establish a Science Technology Engineering Leadership and Research Laboratory (STELaR Lab). Raydon Gates, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia New Zealand and Dr. Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin’s Chief Technology Officer announce the establishment of STELaR Lab to undertake R&D to solve the technology challenges of the future, and work in the art of the possible.Image credit: lockheedmartin.com The facility will be situated in the heart of Melbourne’s emerging technology district between University of Melbourne and RMIT, scheduled to open in early 2017. STELaR Lab is the first leading edge multi-disciplinary facility to be established by Lockheed Martin outside of the United States, will constitute Lockheed Martin’s national R&D operations centre for its current research portfolio in Australia, and undertake additional internal R&D programs. The company confirmed the strategic investment in Australia’s future R&D program will create premium jobs for science and technology graduates, with STELaR Lab anticipated to grow to over 20 employees within three years. In an event, Dr. Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin’s Chief Technology Officer, announced Melbourne’s growing international reputation for research was a key factor in the consideration of a location for the Laboratory. “The decision to establish a multi-disciplinary R&D facility in Australia was partly based on Lockheed Martin’s own track record of Research & Development success with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and Australian Universities over the last 20 years,” Mr Jackson said. “Lockheed Martin laboratories operate on the frontline of applied research and development, and have been responsible for many advanced technology breakthroughs. It is our vision that STELaR Lab will add to that unparalleled legacy of technological excellence, and contribute to the advancement of human knowledge.” Raydon Gates AO, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia New Zealand, confirmed the Lab marked a significant step change in Lockheed Martin’s capabilities in Australia, paving the way for deeper collaboration with partners and customers. “Lockheed Martin technologies and best practice capabilities ensure our local partners can meet the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly changing world,” he said. Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews, who was also present at the event, said the new R&D lab will help Victoria captivate and maintain the best minds so we can continue to be the brains behind Australia’s advanced manufacturing, defence technology and innovation. “This investment is a vote of confidence in our workforce and will help promote Victoria’s innovation and design capabilities around the world,” Mr Andrews said. Australian Manufacturing

We are wasting our waste – Media Release We are wasting our waste, particularly our industrial waste, University of Sydney chemical engineering experts advise. Image: http://ift.tt/2aO7PaN Associate Professor Ali Abbas, Director of the Laboratory for Multiscale Systemsat the University’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, said: “We need technology innovations, in particular, new technologies for the sustainable processing of industrial waste or by-products.” The professor who cites ‘fly ash’ – a by-product of coal combustion – as an example of clever recycling and is working with Delta Electricity on solutions to increase the recycling of the by-product said: “We could be recycling fly ash en masse using it as a supplement in concrete mix and its manufacture. “Delta currently recycles 25 percent of the fly ash produced into the cementitious product market. The development of new concrete mix materials creates an opportunity to increase this reuse. “Concrete containing fly ash can be crushed and reused in a range of civil and structural applications. “How many of us now routinely purchase a petrol blend at the pump that contains 10 percent ethanol as a more sustainable and renewable alternative? The concept of using a concrete blend containing 10 percent reused fly ash could become something industry can easily adopt. “Australia’s construction, demolition and power sectors account for more than a third of the country’s waste and we cannot continue to rely on landfill as the primary means of waste disposal,” Professor Abbas said. According to the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, Australia’s waste generation almost doubled in the decade 1997 to 2007. But the waste isn’t coming from Australian households or other municipal sources – it is coming from industry. Professor Dianne Wiley, Head of the University’s School of Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering, said: “The bulk of the waste is coming from the commercial and industrial sectors and from construction and demolition. “What is alarming is the increase in the total waste generated. We need to boost efforts to unlock the value of the underused resources going to landfill, converting them into safe, high-value chemicals and products for use in industry and our homes. “We are already undertaking pioneering research in waste-management and waste-processing technologies. “Our hydrothermal pilot plant at the School of Chemical Engineering is the first of its kind in Australia. The plant has converted various biomass feeds including algae into bio-oils. “The School’s vision is to build research capacity and establish a national waste transformation research hub that will support Australia’s waste industry and make significant contributions to resolving our national waste challenges, ” said Professor Wiley. Media Release by THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Australian Manufacturing

Next-generation Cessna Denali to feature GE’s 3D-printed turboprop engine Textron and GE Aviation have developed the next generation Cessna Denali, a business aircraft powered by 3D printed propeller engine that is powerful and efficient enough to fly from Miami to New York. Textron aviation unveiled the Cessna Denali plane in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Image credit: Textron Aviation Textron Aviation, the world’s largest maker of business propeller planes, announced it would use the new advanced turboprop engine (ATP) for a brand-new plane it has been developing. The plane will have the largest cabin in its class that seats up to eight people. It also features an engine with numerous 3D printed parts by GE, offering more power with less gas consumption in an entry-level price. GE included technology from jet engines that will allow pilots to control the engine and propeller with a single lever. These advancements result in 20 percent less fuel consumption and achieve 10 percent than competing models. According to GE’s Chairman and CEO, Jeff Immelt, the new machine would generate $40 billion in revenue within 25 years. Senior Vice President of Engineering at Textron, Michael Thacker, said that he expected the Cessna Denali’s maiden voyage to take place in 2018. While testing of a new airplane usually takes a year, “the order book is already open”, said Kriya Shortt, Textron Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing. GE’s advanced turboprop engine will have a number of 3D-printed parts. The engine will burn up to 20 percent less fuel and achieve 10 percent more power than other engines in the same class.Image credit: GE Aviation The roots of the new engine go back to 2008, when GE Aviation purchased the small Czech turboprop builder Walter Aircraft Engines. GE focused mainly on making engines for business, commercial and military jets, and helicopters. Over the next seven years, the Czech/American team worked on a new engine design that could produce as much as 1,650 shaft horsepower that could unlock the lucrative space for GE. To develop the new engine, engineers built on Walter and GE turboprop engines, which have completed more than 20 million hours of flight time and served on 30 different types of aircraft. GE calls this cross-pollination of know-how the “GE store,” as they added in the mix, jet engine technologies that have logged more than 1 billion flight-hours, but have never been used inside a turboprop of this size. Among others, the engine also features variable stator vanes, a technology that was originally developed by GE engineer and aviation legend Gerhard Neumann for supersonic jet engines. The design also makes gas turbines used for power generation more efficient and the new engine will also include 3D-printed parts used on jet engines, while the air-cooled turbine blades and integrated propulsion control makes the whole system lessen the pilot’s workload. Brad Mottier, led the new turboprop development, says that packaged together, the new technologies will improve aircraft performance and can extend time between engine overhauls by more than 30 percent. Australian Manufacturing

GM’s Orion Assembly plant ranks eighth largest user of green power American automaker General Motors Orion Assembly plant that builds the Chevrolet Bolt EV, ranks as the eighth largest user of green power generated onsite in the United States among the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership Partners. Over half of the plant is powered by methane captured from decomposing trash in a nearby landfill. Orion Assembly ranks as the eighth largest user of green power in the U.S., according to EPA’s Green Power Partnership. Over half of the plant is powered by methane captured from decomposing trash in a nearby landfill. Image credit: General Motors General Motors is one of 60 multinational companies in the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance, which works to identify barriers to buying clean energy and develop solutions to meet growing demand. Groups like these, along with policy support, help to drive and scale renewable energy at an effort to reduce costs. “Building the Bolt EV in a facility that is 54 percent powered by clean energy further adds to the car’s environmental credentials,” said Alicia Boler-Davis, GM Vice President of global manufacturing. “It’s an example of how we live our global sustainable manufacturing commitment while improving our bottom line.” By using renewable energy, Orion Assembly saves $1 million a year. The plant is also home to a 350-kilowatt solar array that sends energy back to the grid. The company’s goal is to promote the use of 125 megawatts of renewable energy by 2020, and it will exceed that goal later this year. “EPA applauds Orion Assembly for its innovation in generating green power from an onsite landfill gas energy system and for taking a leadership position on the environment,” said James Critchfield, Manager of the Green Power Partnership. According to Letha Tawney, Director of Utility Innovation at World Resources Institute, said General Motors, which was a founding member of the Corporate Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles, has been a vocal advocate for renewable energy sourcing. “The GM team is constantly seeking out innovative approaches to increasing their use of renewable energy around the country,” she added. Orion Assembly is committed to energy efficiency. GM’s painting process at the plant gives the Bolt EV its glossy sheen while at the same time contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. The “three-wet” process allows three layers of paint to be applied to the car followed by a single trip through the oven, saving energy and space previously used by additional equipment. Australian Manufacturing