New design layout for Genex’s Kidston project to deliver increased generation capacity Genex Power Limited, the developer of the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, has provided an update on the progress of the feasibility study for the construction of a pumped storage hydroelectric power plant at the disused Kidston Gold Mine in North Queensland. Image credit: arena.gov.au The company said the feasibility work was is advanced stages, with project consultants Entura and HydroChina currently working on finalising the detailed design for the scheme. According to Genex, the new design process has produced an innovative option that could increase the plant’s storage and peaking generation capacity of the project to a maximum of 450 MW over a 5-6 hour period, beating earlier expectations. “The design layout of the Project has evolved substantially since the pre-feasibility study concept was initially identified. The optimal design identified provides for a “Turkey’s Nest” shallow dam design for the upper reservoir to be adopted to maximise the potential of the Project,” the company said in statement to the ASX. “The “Turkey’s Nest” deign incorporates a number of strategic advantages, with the new configuration removing a number of the previous constraints inherent in the initial concept and, most significantly, enables a significant increase in the installed capacity of the Project.” Genex Power’s project aims to transform the old Kidston gold mine into a large-scale hydroelectric power plant that will deliver power into Queensland’s electricity network during peak demand periods. The proposed plant will take advantage of the Kidston mine’s unique characteristics and the existing infrastructure at the site, using the former mining pits as upper and lower water storage reservoirs. The project is supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which provided $4 million in funding for the feasibility work that will allow the company to examine the technical and commercial viability of the project. Australian Manufacturing

Volvo Cars to launch autonomous driving trial in UK Volvo Cars will begin an ambitious autonomous driving (AD) trial next year in the UK to accelerate the introduction of a technology that promise to substantially reduce car accidents and traffic congestion. Image credit: http://ift.tt/1dh34iR The Swedish car maker, which launched similar test program in Australia last year, said the new trial will differentiate itself from other AD programmes by using real families driving AD cars on public roads. Volvo president and chief executive Håkan Samuelsson said the test programme – dubbed “Drive Me London” – was part of the company’s commitment to developing autonomous driving system that would result in zero casualties in a new Volvo by 2020. He said company will source its data from these every day users and use it to develop AD cars that are suitable for real world driving conditions, rather than the more unrealistic conditions found on test tracks. “Autonomous driving represents a leap forward in car safety. The sooner AD cars are on the roads, the sooner lives will start being saved,” Mr Samuelsson said. According to the press release by Volvo, Drive Me London will begin in early 2017 with a limited number of semi-autonomous driving cars and expand in 2018 to include up to 100 AD cars. The technical data analysis and any professional test drivers needed as part of the trial will be provided by Thatcham Research. The company’s chief executive, Mr Peter Shaw, pointed out that an independent research conducted by NHTSA has found that AD holds the potential to massively reduce the number of car accidents by eliminating driver errors which account for approximately 90% of all accidents. “Vehicle manufacturers are predicting that highly autonomous vehicles, capable of allowing the driver to drop ‘out of the loop’ for certain sections of their journey, will be available from around 2021. Without doubt, crash frequency will also dramatically reduce,” Mr Shaw said. “We’ve already seen this with the adoption of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) on many new cars. Research in the US by NHTSA predicts that by 2035, as a result of autonomous and connected cars, crashes will be reduced by 80%. Additionally, if a crash unfortunately can’t be avoided, then the impact speed will also drop as a result of the system’s performance – reducing the severity of the crash.” Australian Manufacturing

Stratasys teams up with Jacobs Institute to advance application of 3D printing in healthcare Stratasys has teamed up with New York-based Jacobs Institute (JI) to create a new Centre of Excellence (COE) that will help advance the use of 3D printing for a variety of medical applications. Hillary Clinton examining vascular model produced on a Stratasys Objet500 Connex3 3D Printer with Dr Adnan H. Siddiqui, Chief Medical Officer, The Jacobs InstituteImage credit: www.businesswire.com The Centre will leverage Stratasys’ 3D printing technology to develop and test new medical devices using 3D printed prototypes and models, and enhance clinical education and training activities for a variety of audiences. Bill Maggio, CEO of the Jacobs Institute said the COE will also serve as “a referral centre” for hospitals and medical research organisations that are considering implementing 3D printing labs. “By partnering with Stratasys, the Jacobs Institute is bringing the leader in 3D printing to Buffalo to work closely with the JI and its partners, Kaleida Health and the University at Buffalo, to accelerate the development of new medical technologies,” Mr Maggio said. “Working together, the respective institutions will leverage their strengths to make an impact far greater than they could make individually.” Scott Rader, General Manager, Medical Solutions, Stratasys, said the company is supporting the COE by providing advanced 3D printing solutions featuring a combination of vibrant colours and diverse material properties including different levels of opacity and rigidity. He said Stratasys will collaborate with the Jacobs Institute on technical and clinical case studies that include 3D printed applications, and also provide financial support for vital research projects. “This announcement with the Jacobs Institute is an important milestone, marking the first time we are formally partnering with a medical organisation to explore the exciting opportunities of 3D printing and healthcare,” Mr Rader added. “Stratasys brings decades of experience to the Jacobs Institute, a leader in 3D printed models, to push the boundaries of how these models can be used to train the next generation of physicians, and test new devices.” Australian Manufacturing

Siemens PLM Software and Local Motors strike partnership deal centered around Solid Edge and crowdsourcing design approach Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, has announced a new partnership with next-gen American car company Local Motors, which employs the use of a novel vehicle design process called co-creation. Image: http://ift.tt/1k7FqJC This unique approach to vehicle design involves the adoption of the popular crowdsourcing concept, which absorbs the creative design inputs of an open design community – in this case a community of 13,000 – including the inputs of eventual customers of the vehicle. The first effort of this collaborative process resulted in the Rally Fighter, the world’s first open source production vehicle. According to the press release by Siemens, as part of the agreement, Local Motors has adopted the company’s Solid Edge® software as the computer-aided design (CAD) tool for its recently launched Open Electric Vehicle project and is recommending the software to its entire product design community. “We need to work with companies and individuals who can understand and appreciate our one-of-a-kind business model, and we need a powerful CAD tool with the ease of use, flexibility and adaptability to unleash the full creativity and innovative thinking of our diverse design community,” said Jay Rogers, president, CEO and Co-Founder, Local Motors. “We looked at several different options and unanimously determined that Siemens PLM Software and their Solid Edge application were an excellent fit. Solid Edge is easy to learn and use and its unique synchronous technology feature enables our design community to more intuitively realise design intent and more seamlessly share 3D geometry data with other CAD software.” He said that one of the first results of its partnership with Siemens PLM Software will be seen with the Local Motors’ Open Electric Vehicle project, created to design a reusable open source chassis that can be included in electric vehicle creation. Siemens PLM Software will provide design and development tools to support this effort, including its 3D CAD Software Solid Edge with synchronous technology, an exclusive capability that combines the speed and flexibility of direct modeling with the precise control of dimension driven design. Local Motors’ next project is the development of “Local Forge”, a co-creative platform for transportation design, to be made available to automotive companies including manufacturers of aftermarket parts and accessories. “We are excited to establish this partnership with an innovative and forward thinking organisation like Local Motors, and proud that they have selected Solid Edge for their Open Electric Vehicle project, and as a recommended CAD tool for their extended product design community,” said Karsten Newbury, senior vice president and general manager of Solid Edge and Velocity Series, Siemens PLM Software. “Its power to address the demanding design configurations, tight time schedules and quality standards inherent in the Local Motors approach will serve to validate and further stimulate the growing market momentum of Solid Edge with synchronous technology.” Australian Manufacturing

Amcor introduces new metal-free, transparent packaging solution Australian-based multinational packaging company Amcor has introduced AmLite Ultra, a new metal-free, transparent packaging that complements the company’s existing line of AmLite packaging solutions. Image credit: www.amcor.com Transparent packaging responds to several consumer packaging trends,” said Marco Hilty, vice president of strategy, marketing and R&D at Amcor Flexibles EMEA. “There is a move toward more minimalist packaging designs, while at the same time providing consumers more information to verify that products are fresh and healthy. Metal-free packaging also links to the desire for more sustainable packaging solutions.” Andrea Della Torre, director R&D at Amcor Flexibles, said the new AmLite Ultra barrier underwent rigorous testing programme before going to market. He said the company performed Gelbo-Flex testing on AmLite Ultra and worked with the Consulting & Testing Service Group of MOCON Inc., to evaluate barrier levels after flexing. “Gelbo-Flex testing is a way to evaluate material resistance to mechanical stress, which happens during printing, converting, filling, distribution and handling. This stress can break down barrier by the time the pack reaches consumers. What the tests revealed was very exciting,” Mr Della Torre explained. He said that in order to compare AmLite Ultra’s barrier to the highest standard, both AmLite Ultra and a standard Alu-foil laminate were tested to 100 Gelbo-Flex cycles, to see how the materials would perform under extreme conditions. “What we observed is that while the Alu-foil laminate started with a slightly higher barrier, as we flexed and stressed the material, the AmLite Ultra oxygen barrier withstood the stress better,” Mr Della Torre pointed out. “According to the MOCON Inc. test certificates, the AmLite Ultra oxygen barrier eventually outperformed aluminium by 30% at 100 Gelbo-Flex cycles. This means brand owners now have the option to choose metal-free packaging, even for highly sensitive products.” According to Amcor, the new AmLite Ultra version can be used for a range of ambient dry food products, as well as medical and personal care products. “It also offers excellent sealing properties and a strong seal to create a variety of pack formats, including bags, stand up pouches and spouted pouches, flow packs, sachets, and more,” the company said in a statement. Australian Manufacturing

Local steel industry to benefit from subs contract The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) has welcomed the award of the Future Submarine contract to French company DCNS, saying the move will open new opportunities for the local steel industry. Image credit: http://ift.tt/yftkXjby koko-tewan ASI Chief Executive Tony Dixon said the $50 billion project had the potential to take advantage of existing local industry capabilities build up over many years from local ship builds and heavy engineering projects. “Australia’s two steelmakers have supplied world-class quality steels into many current and previous naval projects as well as pressure vessels for a range of industrial applications,” he said. “It is also encouraging that the Government has indicated it is already liaising with Australian company, Bisalloy which manufactures a range of high-tensile steels for shipbuilding and other defence applications supplying local and international markets.” Mr Dixon said it made common sense to extend the value of investment in new defence capability to “shore up” the inherent industrial strength of the country. “Maintaining a degree of heavy and advanced industrial capability with the ability to supply whenever there are disruption to international trade could prove to be just as important as securing our shores to the long-term defence of this nation,” he said. “The Australian steel industry stands ready to collaborate closely with the Government to ensure the best possible outcome for this landmark project for the country’s future naval defence needs. This work will help ensure that our members’ recent investments in advanced plant and machinery as well as the sector’s strong skills base built up over many years are embraced.” Australian Manufacturing

Murray Goulburn to undergo management changes as Managing Director and CFO step down Murray Goulburn (MG) has announced that Mr Gary Helou will step down from his role as Managing Director after both parties agreed that the stewardship of the company going forward will be “best served” under new leadership. Image credit: www.mgc.com.au The company said that Mr Helou, who will also cease to be a director of MG Responsible Entity Limited – will remain with the company for a short period to assist with the transition to an interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) while a search for a successor is undertaken. MG Chairman Philip Tracy said the company’s Executive General Manager Business Operations, Mr David Mallinson, has been appointed interim CEO of MG and MG Responsible Entity Limited. “We are very fortunate to have within the ranks of our leadership team an executive with the breadth and depth of experience that David brings to MG. David has a track record delivering growth and operational turnaround programs and proven management experience across multiple geographies,” he said. “Prior to today, David has also been leading MG’s Business Operations which encompasses the breadth of MG’s supply chain, from farm to market and employs 1,700 of MG’s 2,400 people, so he is well placed to assume the interim CEO position.” Regarding Mr Helou, Mr Tracy said he will go down in history as “a visionary leader” who delivered a strategy that has transformed the industry. “Gary has made a significant contribution to MG and has been a powerful driving force behind our transition to become a globally recognised, ASX-listed food business. We thank Gary for his passion, drive and leadership during what has been an important transformation period for MG,” he added. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Mallinson said: “MG is a great business with a strong growth future. I firmly believe MG’s value add strategy is the right direction for the company and I look forward to working with the MG team to execute the strategy, with discipline and rigour in the weeks and months ahead.” MG also announced that the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Brad Hingle has resigned from his position following Mr Helou’s decision to step down as the Managing Director but will remain in the business to assist with the finalisation of the FY16 annual results. Australian Manufacturing

Boost for regional manufacturing as Orica and Thales team up Melbourne: Orica (ASX: ORI) and Thales Australia, a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets, have signed a 10-year contract for Thales to produce five million explosive boosters each year, in a deal that is good news for regional manufacturing. Image: Orica’s Pentes G400 booster (supplied) Boosters are small explosive devices that help detonate larger charges, and are used extensively across Australia’s mining and construction industries. The new contract with Thales will replace imported products with Australian ones, and strengthens Orica’s leading position in this market. The order will increase manufacturing activity at the Benalla (Victoria) and Mulwala (New South Wales) facilities operated by Thales, including the establishment of a new multi-million dollar production line for the boosters, designed and built in Victoria. The boosters themselves are an advanced new product designed by Orica. Orica CEO, Alberto Calderon, said: “The agreement with Thales will make Orica even more competitive in Australia, with better quality booster products. It will enhance security of supply for our customers, and be more efficient for Orica. Solidifying a deal with Thales, with its reputation and leadership in technology and innovation, is an excellent strategic fit for Orica. In addition, sustaining jobs in regional Australia as a result of this agreement is a very positive flow-on benefit for the broader community.” Thales Australia CEO, Chris Jenkins, said: “At a time of ongoing economic uncertainty, this is a great result for manufacturing in regional Victoria and New South Wales. “Not only are we increasing employment and production levels at the sites, we’re also giving a leading Australian company committed to technology and innovation the reassurance of a high quality supply chain based in this country. Credit to Orica for investing in local skills and local manufacturing. “We would also like to thank the Department of Defence for their strong support of this initiative.” The new contract sustains around 100 jobs. Approximately 200 people currently work at Benalla, and 400 at Mulwala. Key Australian component suppliers will also benefit from increased annual orders from Thales as a result of the deal. Distributed by AAP Medianet. Australian Manufacturing

Ansell wins HealthTrust contract for O.R. turnover packs Ansell, the global leader in protection solutions, has announced the award of a HealthTrust contract for SANDEL® STAT-PAC™ O.R. Turnover Packs. Image credit: Ansell Facebook page The company said that as of May 1, 2016, its turnover packs will be available to more than 1,400 acute care facility members served by HealthTrust, a healthcare group purchasing and total cost management solutions company. “Ansell is committed to providing clinically relevant solutions and working with HealthTrust members to realise potential cost savings and improvements in quality, productivity, and patient safety,” said Anthony López, President and General Manager, Medical Global Business Unit at Ansell. “The various components of STAT-PAC turnover packs can be customised to meet the needs of any healthcare facility and department including the operating room, interventional radiology, catheterisation lab, labour and delivery, cystoscopy, and endoscopy.” The SANDEL STAT-PAC product line includes a range of standard and custom O.R. turnover packs that aim to enhance efficiency, help improve turnover time, and reduce the risk of cross-contamination in the operating room. “Packs contain a variety of components including disposable, impervious STAT-BLOC™ linens with Ansell’s patent-pending AMT Antimicrobial Technology designed to prevent bacterial colonisation and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections,” the company said in a press release. “Additionally, STAT-BLOC table sheets provide a super-absorbent layer for maximum fluid control as well as a quilted layer for rapid fluid absorption and to help maintain patient skin integrity.” Other components available as part of STAT-PAC turnover packs include STAT-STRAP disposable patient positioning straps, STAT-BAG heavy-duty waste bags, STAT-SORB blood solidifier, and a comprehensive offering of mops including the super-absorbent, disposable STAT-MOP. Australian Manufacturing

South Australia wins historic submarine contract Australia’s next generation of submarines will be built at the Adelaide shipyard, Prime Minister Turnbull announced on Monday. Image credit: www.asc.com.au The announcement follows the Defence White Paper confirmation that the $35 billion Future Frigate program will occur in South Australia and last week’s decision to commence the build program of Offshore Patrol Vessels in Adelaide in 2018. Mr Turnbull also revealed that DCNS of France has been selected as the preferred international partner for the design of the 12 Future Submarines, following the comprehensive Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP) involving DCNS, TKMS of Germany and the Government of Japan. South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill welcomed Mr Turnbull’s announcement, saying it was a “major win” for the State. “Today’s announcement is a compete victory for our campaign to have the 12 submarines built in Adelaide. I want to thank all South Australians for standing with us in our campaign,” Mr Weatherill said. “We fought to defend SA workers when their skills and capabilities were under attack. We fought for 12 submarines when it looked like we were getting 8 – and we won. We fought for a local build when it looked like we were getting an overseas build – and we won.” Mr Stuart Wiley, the interim CEO of South Australian submarine builder and maintainer ASC, said the decision to build the 12 future submarines in Australia was recognition of the company’s highly skilled workforce and their recent productivity improvements. He described the project as “a true national endeavour” which would involve thousands of suppliers across the country and generate thousands of direct jobs. “ASC has more than 2,600 men and women currently working on submarines and warships; it’s the largest and most capable naval shipbuilding workforce in Australia and the quality of their work is world class,” Mr Wiley said. “ASC is committed to working collaboratively with DCNS from the earliest stages and sharing our unique understanding of Australian submarine requirements and conditions to ensure we build on Australia’s sovereign submarine capability to meet future needs.” The Future Submarine project is the largest and most complex defence acquisition Australia has ever undertaken. This $50 billion investment will directly sustain around 1,100 Australian jobs and a further 1,700 Australian jobs through the supply chain. Australian Manufacturing

CSIRO establishes climate research centre in Hobart The CSIRO has announced the establishment of a national climate research centre in Hobart, Tasmania, which will focus on climate modelling and projections for Australia, drawing on both the national and international research expertise. Image credit: www.csiro.au “Our Strategy 2020 is focused on collaboration, global connection, excellent science and innovation – all four of these pillars are at work in this Centre,” said CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall. “As I indicated at the start of CSIRO’s current broader change process, it is critical that we retain the capability that underpins our national climate research effort. The announcement today is a culmination of the ongoing consultation and feedback we’ve had from our staff and stakeholders, and this new Centre is a reflection of the strong collaboration and support right across our system and the global community.” The new Climate Science Centre will operate as part of the CSIRO’s Oceans and Atmosphere, with a guaranteed research capability for 10 years, and will focus on CSIRO’s climate change measurement and modelling researchers and resources. Dr Marshall said collaboration and partnership will be at the heart of this decadal commitment for Australia. He said that in recognition of this, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science has agreed that an independent National Climate Science Advisory Committee will be established. The Committee will have representation from CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology and other experts from Australia and overseas, and will report at Ministerial level to inform the future direction of Australia’s climate science capability and research priorities. “The Centre, with support from the Advisory Committee, will allow scientists across the nation to provide a decadal commitment to climate research in the nation’s interest,” Dr Marshall said, adding that the foundation of the Centre will be 40 full time CSIRO scientists. He said the CSIRO is also planning to deepen its existing partnership with the UK Meteorology Office by offering its unique Southern Hemisphere modelling capability and measurements to the UK’s global model. According to him, the collaboration will help build a model that is even more relevant for Australia and other Southern Hemisphere nations. “All of CSIRO’s critical measurement infrastructure, such as the ice and air libraries, ARGO float program and Cape Grim, will be guaranteed in the same manner as the other national facilities such as the RV Investigator, which is also centred in Hobart,” he said. “CSIRO thanks Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel AO, and its colleagues at the Bureau of Meteorology for their support in shaping this important national agenda.” Australian Manufacturing

Murray Goulburn set to divest from food testing business DTS Murray Goulburn (MG), Australia’s largest dairy foods company, has agreed to sell its 25.26% stake in food testing business, Dairy Technical Services Limited (DTS), to a Consortium comprising Bureau Veritas Group and AsureQuality Limited. Image credit: www.mgc.com.au DTS was founded in Melbourne in 1954 to provide independent, analytical services to the food industry. The company has four major shareholders, including MG, The Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Group, The Fonterra Group and AsureQuality. Once the acquisition is completed, DTS will be operated by the Consortium which will provide best-in-class testing capabilities to Australian food manufacturers, including MG. MG said the sale was expected to be completed by the end of May 2016. “The divestment of MG’s interest in DTS is expected to result in a one-off profit before tax on sale of $18 million in the financial year ending 30 June 2016,” the company said in a statement to the ASX. “The full impact of the sale was factored into MG’s forecast Available Weighted Average Southern Milk Region Farmgate Milk Price advised as part of its first half year results release on 29 February 2016, given discussions regarding the DTS divestment were well advanced at that stage. Going forward, the earnings impact of the divestment is immaterial.” Murray Goulburn manufactures a full range of dairy and nutritional products such as cheese, milk powder, butter and fat, drinking milk and liquid milk products, nutritionals and value-added products, such as infant formula. The company supplies the grocery, foodservice and ingredients channels domestically and around the world, particularly in Asia, with its flagship Devondale, Liddells and Murray Goulburn Ingredients brands. Australian Manufacturing

BAE Systems wins A$29m contract to deliver Archerfish undersea mine neutralisers to the US Navy The US Department of Defence (DoD) has awarded international defence, aerospace and security company BAE Systems a £15.5 million (A$29 million) contract to manufacture and deliver Archerfish mine neutralisers. Image credit: www.baesystems.com Archerfish is a remotely-controlled underwater vehicle equipped with an explosive warhead to destroy sea mines. Manufactured at BAE Systems’ Broad Oak facility in Portsmouth, UK, the Archerfish neutraliser has formed an integral part of the US Navy’s Airborne Mine Neutralisation System (AMNS) programme since 2007. In addition to Archerfish mine neutralisers, the contract also includes the supply of fibre-optic spools which provide a communications link between the vehicle and the launch platform – an MH-60S helicopter deployed from the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships. Les Gregory, Product & Training Services Director at BAE Systems, said deliveries to the US Navy will begin in September 2017. “We are delighted to provide the Department of Defence with Archerfish neutralisers, and to continue supporting the US Navy’s work in clearing sea mines,” Mr Gregory said. “This important contract demonstrates BAE Systems’ ability to deliver equipment that provides greater security and resilience to modern threats around the world, and we look forward to meeting the US Navy’s demand for a first-class underwater defence capability for many years to come.” The contract also includes further options which, if exercised by the DoD, could bring the total value to over £39 million (A$73 million). Australian Manufacturing

Shell unveils ultra lightweight, energy efficient concept car with 3D printed parts Shell has unveiled a concept car which, if it were ever to go into production, could deliver material reduction in energy use in the road transport sector. Image credit: http://ift.tt/1SvjyVQ The concept car was designed around Gordon Murray Design’s patented iStream platform and represents a radical rethink of the way in which cars are designed, developed and produced, combining cutting-edge lightweight technology – the car weighs just 550kg – with carefully chosen materials which have a low energy and CO2 footprint. The car features a number of 3D printed components and uses recycled carbon fibre for its body that can be assembled for a quarter of the price of a conventional steel car. Built through a process of “co-engineering” – whereby vehicle body, engine design and lubricants are all created together – the three seater car has proved to deliver a 34% reduction in primary energy use over its entire lifecycle when compared to a typical city car available in the UK. Shell said independent testing and a rigorous life-cycle study showed that its concept car would use around half the energy required to build and run than a typical small family car available in the UK and 69% less than a typical sports utility vehicle available in the UK. “The Shell Concept Car is a total rethink of the Gordon Murray Design T.25 city car produced in 2010 for which Shell produced a prototype oil to improve the vehicle’s energy efficiency. The new car is the result of a co-engineering collaboration between world leading vehicle, engine and lubricant designers, with each of the three elements of the vehicle tailored to work optimally with each other,” the company said in a press release. “It takes a holistic view on energy reduction focusing on design material selection; reduced energy demand via aggressive downsizing, and streamlining while enhancing the efficiency of energy delivery through innovative engine design and lubricant formulation to minimise the impact in terms of overall energy lifecycle use.” According to the company, the car’s gasoline consumption was measured using a “range of vehicle testing protocols” covering both steady state ad urban driving styles. “Sample test results include a steady state consumption of 107 miles per gallon [2.64Litres per 100km] [38km/Litres] [89.1 miles per gallon US] at 70kmph/45mph and an improvement of 4.67g CO2/km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) from the use of bespoke lubricants, equivalent to a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to standard lubricants available in the UK,” reads the press release. Mark Gainsborough, Executive Vice-President of Shell’s global lubricants businesses which backed the project, described Shell’s concept cat as a “significant automobile engineering milestone”. “I’m very proud of what Shell’s scientists and their partners at Geo Technology and Gordon Murray Design have achieved. Insights gained from this project could be transformational in terms of how we address energy use in the road transport sector. Energy use and climate change are major issues for society,” he said. “This project shows that if we use the best of today’s technology, including cutting edge lubricants science, we could potentially have a major impact on energy use and reduce CO2 emissions. The improvement in economy derived from the collaborative design of engine and lubricant is impressive and highlights the enormous benefits achieved from close relationships between design partners. It also shows the powerful role that lubricants can potentially play in helping achieve CO2 reduction targets.” Australian Manufacturing

GE Power opens advanced manufacturing facility in Greenville to accelerate development of cutting edge technologies GE has officially opened its state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Works (AMW) in Greenville, South Carolina, which the company believes will shorten time between research and development, reduce manufacturing costs and create high-tech manufacturing jobs. Image: http://twitter.com/generalelectric GE said the new 125,000-square-foot facility at its Greenville manufacturing campus will deploy best-in-class technologies to accelerate improvements in every aspect of the manufacturing process including design, engineering, product development, production, supply chain, distribution and service. The company has invested $73 million in the facility and will invest further $327 million across the GE Power Greenville campus over the next several years to drive innovation and accelerate development of cutting edge technologies that deliver more value for customers around the world. “GE is leading the transformation of manufacturing in the power industry, and this facility will ignite the digital industrial revolution for our company and the industry,” said GE Power President and CEO Steve Bolze at the grand opening of the new facility. “The opening of the AMW is a pivotal moment for us. We’re building a skilled workforce and culture that’s devoted to delivering breakthrough innovations that deliver better, faster outcomes for our customers and unlock new productivity and growth.” The AMW is GE Power’s first advanced manufacturing facility, and is expected to revolutionise the way GE Power designs, creates and improves products by serving as an incubator for the development of advanced manufacturing processes and rapid prototyping of new parts for GE’s energy businesses—Power, Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas and Energy Connections. GE’s involvement in Greenville began more than 40 years ago with a 340,000-square-foot site. The addition of the AMW has seen the site grow close to 1.7 million square feet of factories, offices and laboratories focused on manufacturing advanced products for customers worldwide. The company employees more than 3,200 workers in Greenville and has invested more than $500 million in the last five years to boost critical manufacturing activities housed on the campus. Australian Manufacturing

Carnegie commences wave tank testing at the University of Plymouth’s COAST facility Australian wave energy technology developer Carnegie is undertaking a comprehensive wave tank testing programme of its CETO 6 technology design at the University of Plymouth’s unique Coastal, Ocean and Sediment (COAST) facility. CETO 6 model undergoing testing at the University of Plymouth’s COAST labImage credit: Carnegie’s ASX release The CETO system differs from other wave energy devices as it fully submerged under water where it is safe from large storms and invisible from the shore, converting wave energy into zero-emission electricity and desalinated water. The testing programme evaluated the CETO 6 technology across a range of sea states, building on Carnegie’s internal modelling as well as previous wave tank testing and the successful in-ocean operation of the CETO 5 system in the now completed Perth Wave Energy Project. CWE UK CEO Tim Sawyer, who visited the COAST facility when testing commenced last week, revealed that over 340 separate tests will be carried out over the course of the programme. “These tests are aimed at evaluating and informing the design of our CETO 6 technology,” Mr Sawyer added. Apart from measuring the performance of CETO 6 across a range of operational and extreme sea states, the testing programme will be looking to optimise Carnegie’s preferred Power Take Off (PTO) system operation and control and validate the company’s in-house modelling suite. Additionally, the programme is expected to provide detailed and validated load case for CETO system design. Mr Sawyer said wave tank testing allowed Carnegie to quickly and cost effectively understand how the CETO device will interact with waves and other physical processes. “What this does is optimise system design and performance ahead of larger scale testing in open water environments,” he explained. Australian Manufacturing

AMWU welcomes OPV home build announcement, demands reassurances over subs deal The AMWU has welcomed the Government’s decision to build Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) locally, but maintained that only a guaranteed involvement in the build of Australia’s new submarine fleet would prevent Australian shipyards from making further cuts to their workforce. Image credit: www.amwu.org.au AMWU Assistant National Secretary Glenn Thompson said the build of 12 Offshore Patrol vessels will partially cover the production gap at ASC in Adelaide between finishing the air warfare destroyers in 2018 and starting the future frigate project from 2020. “Of course, we are happy that the Federal Government has been persuaded to accept our view that the OPVs need to be built in an Australian shipyard, to provide a continuous build, though the decision is far too late for too many workers,” he said. “The announcement is bitter sweet for our 1800 shipbuilders who have lost their jobs across Australia since the Coalition came to power in 2013.” However, he also pointed out that the OPV build in Adelaide would still not generate sufficient work at ASC to prevent many more redundancies among the 1400 workers presently finishing the destroyers. “What they need, what the country needs, is an unconditional guarantee by both sides of politics that the $50 billion build of 12 future submarines will be done totally in Australia and we are yet to hear that from the Turnbull Government,” he said. “There are 800 jobs on the line in Adelaide alone and if Malcolm Turnbull wants to give confidence to skilled workers and the defence industry right across Australia, he must take the option of an overseas or hybrid build right off the table, right now.” ASC shipbuilding delegate Glen Dallimore said the Government’s announcement was met with “cautious optimism” by workers. “It’s a pre-election promise, we’ve had them before from politicians and there’s no signatures and no contracts as yet,” he said. “We know that we have to keep up the pressure, the momentum, because things can go pear-shaped so easily and we’ve only got this far because of the union’s pressure. The valley of death is an ongoing reality here – we have redundancies every quarter on the AWD’s but the Offshore Patrol Vessels would keep the yard going, if that comes off.” ASC delegate on submarines, Andy Daniels, said a maintenance gap in 2018 on the Collins-class subs would likely result in redundancies unless there was a definitive decision on the 12 future subs. “We need an announcement that the subs will be built in South Australia, without any qualifications – that would make the big difference,” he said. Australian Manufacturing

New anti-dumping measures will protect Australian steel industry against unfair competition, Minister says The introduction of two Anti-Dumping Commission recommendations to improve dumping duties on imported Chinese-made steel will provide local manufacturers with an opportunity to compete on a level playing field, said Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Christopher Pyne. Image credit: http://ift.tt/yftkXj by Suat Eman According to the commission’s findings, Chinese steel reinforcing bar is being dumped at margins from 11.7% to 30% and Chinese rod in coil is being dumped at margins from 37.4% to 53.1%, which causes material injury to Australia’s steel industry. Mr Pyne said duties applying to rod in coil from China will range from 37% to 53% of the export price depending on the exporter, while reinforcing bar from China will be subjected to a fixed duty ranging from 11.7% to 30% depending on the exporter, as well as an additional duty should the export price fall below a specified floor price. He said the implementation of these anti-dumping decisions ensured that Australian steel manufacturer Arrium can compete on a level playing field with foreign exporters from countries such as China, South Korea and Taiwan. “Australia takes pride in the quality and reliability of locally-produced steel products, so it’s only reasonable that our manufacturers compete in a fair market,” Mr Pyne added. “The Australian Government is working to sustain the local steel industry, while acting within World Trade Organisation rules.” Assistant Minister Andrews told the OECD Steel Symposium in Brussels last week that Australia’s anti-dumping reforms were tailored to ensure that the country’s steel industry is not “disadvantaged by the unfair practices of foreign companies”. “There are currently some 44 anti-dumping measures in place on 12 steel products from 14 countries and we will be closely monitoring the effect of our reforms and developments in other countries to determine whether further changes are warranted,” she said. “The Commissioner has found that, during the investigation period, the dumping of these imports caused material injury to the Australian industry manufacturing steel reinforcing bar and rod in coil. Australian Manufacturing

Fashion Revolution Week & Australian Made promote world-class Australian labels Fashion Revolution has showcased Australian Made producers again this year, with Australian clothing and accessory manufacturers taking consumers behind the scenes of their supply chains to have a peek at the people and processes involved in sustainable Australian manufacturing. Image credit: http://ift.tt/1eX4FcM Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, said this year’s “revolution”, which closed yesterday, used social media to spread the important message about supporting locally made, ethical fashion, encouraging consumers to turn their clothes inside out and ask the question “who made my clothes?” According to him, the initiative provided a “valuable platform” for Australian producers who upheld some of the highest manufacturing standards in the world, supporting local jobs and local industry in the process. “The Australian Made Campaign is proud to support Fashion Revolution Week and this country’s exceptional makers and manufacturers,” Mr Harrison said. Merino Country, a manufacturer of Australian Made merino products, has been working with Australian farmers and fabric processors for 23 years. Company founder Kerrie Richards said all garment production is done in-house in a factory in Brisbane. She said initiatives like Fashion Revolution Week presented consumers with a great opportunity to see the people and processes behind their favourite brands. “We made a conscious decision to manufacture in Australia as it enables us to have better control over the quality of our product and respond quickly to our customers’ needs. Many of our customers actively look for the Australian Made logo, so they can have confidence in the quality of their clothes and know that the people making them are being paid correctly and have good working conditions,” Ms Richards added. “Between 80 and 100 people contribute in different ways throughout the supply chain to produce just one of our wool t-shirts. We are proud to support Australian jobs and industry, and contribute to our community and economy.” Australian Manufacturing

New report examines commercial feasibility of large scale grid-connected energy storage A new report providing comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges for utility-scale storage is now available for use as guidance for future projects the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced on Wednesday. Image credit: http://arena.gov.au/ena The $1029578 report which examines the commercial feasibility of large scale grid-connected energy storage was conducted by AGL and project partners ElectraNet and WorleyParsons with $445846 support from ARENA through the Energy Storage for Commercial Renewable Integration (ESCRI) project. ARENA said the project explored commercial frameworks that can be used to operate utility-scale storage within the National Electricity Market (NEM). A detailed business case was modelled around a 10 MW / 20 MWh lithium-ion battery connected at the Dalrymple substation on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. South Australia has the highest proportion of renewable energy generation in Australia making it an ideal location for the investigation the Agency said. The storage technology examined is not currently commercial. The analysis also found there are several potential revenue streams for utility-scale storage. Revenue is site specific and some revenue streams are traded off against others making it difficult to capture the full value of each stream. To view the full report go to http://ift.tt/245fHGe. Australian Manufacturing

Infatril inks $30m electric bus technology agreement New Zealand-based Infatril has inked a US$30 million deal with California-based Wrightspeed Inc. for the supply of its unique award-winning electric powertrain technology the Route 500 which the infrastructure investment company intends to deploy on its public transport business through NZ Bus. Image credit: www.wrightspeed.com Wrightspeed which was founded by Teslas co-founder Ian Wright manufactures range-extended electric vehicle powertrains which are already in use successfully in the USA in waste management and delivery vehicles. Mr Wright said the companys Route 500 range-extended powertrain is capable of powering vehicles weighing up to 36000 pounds in grades as steep as 40% and maintains an efficient drive with an estimated 11.1 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent. New Zealands commercial fleets have been challenged by some of the most rigorous road conditions he said. Our technology offers an ideal and economically attractive match for those conditions and a proven solution to support New Zealands transition to clean transportation. Infatril executive and NZ Bus Chairman Kevin Baker said both companies were delighted to join forces with Wrightspeed to bring innovation through electric powertrain technology in New Zealand. An electric public transport fleet would enable New Zealand to transition to a clean energy public transport system and play a significant role in decarbonisation and reducing noise pollution in New Zealand cities he said. NZ Bus CEO Zane Fulljames said with nearly 82% of New Zealands electricity from renewable energy sources transition to electric-powered public transport alongside private vehicles will result in a substantial reduction of the countrys carbon footprint. We have explored all the options on the market for future-proofing our fleet. Wrightspeeds powertrains outperformed the competition on nearly every metric and will provide us with the fuel source flexibility and economically compelling technology to achieve that Mr Fulljames said. In the near term the technology will enable us to repower our trolley buses to enable them to be used anywhere in New Zealand. Upon successful repowering of the trolley the next stage of the journey to commence would be the retrofitting of the Wrightspeed powertrains to other vehicle types in the fleet. Under the agreement NZ Bus will receive its first powertrains by mid-2016 and begin the process of fitting and testing immediately with a view to having a first electric-powered bus on the road by the last quarter of this year. As a major transported operator we have the scale for investment of the kind this deal with Wrightspeed represents. Mr Fulljames added. We are committed to continuing to lead the industry and contribute to reducing New Zealands carbon footprint through innovation. Australian Manufacturing

Airbus launches additive layer manufacturing initiative to accelerate technical and industrial capability Airbus is making significant investments in revolutionary additive layer manufacturing technologies demonstrating its commitment to create new and better ways to fly. Image credit: www.airbus.com At the helm of Airbus additive layer manufacturing initiative is Mr Jerome Rascol who said the companys innovative efforts are centred on creating a grouping of experts and competencies from the aircraft manufacturers engineering manufacturing and procurement operations. He said with this knowledge base the company is well-positioned to define a vision strategy and roadmap for applying 3D printing technology. This approach will accelerate the companys technical and industrial competencies and bring together research and technology activities directly with programmes Mr Rascolsaid. I can see Airbus manufacturing a bionic aircraft based on 3D printing in the future so were taking a pragmatic step-by-step approach. 3D-printed parts are already applied in Airbus commercial jetliner product line from the widebody A350 XWB to its single-aisle A320neo and the cornerstone A300/A310 Family. Approximately 2700 plastic parts have been 3D printed for the A350 XWB programme with Airbus also working with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to qualify titanium components produced with 3D printing technology. Airbus said this innovative technology has been used to produce pylon components for the A320neo developmental aircraft in support of the flight test campaign and for out-of-production spare parts on the A300/A310 Family of jetliners. Mr Rascol said the adoption of the additive layer manufacturing initiative will see the company take its capabilities even further. He said the initiative was focused ondeveloping methods tools and training for 3D printing and supporting the wider application of additive manufacturing technologies in Airbus supply chain. There are surely applications and paradigm changes we have not thought of yet Mr Mr Rascol added. We are thinking every day about ways to 3D print tomorrows technology for airframes cabins and systems. Australian Manufacturing

$40 million development represents the single largest investment by the Bosch Group in Australia since 1954 The global supplier of technologies and services inaugurated its new headquarters and technical centre at its 120000 square meter Clayton campus in Victoria last night. The $40 million development has been marked asthe single largest investment by the Bosch Group in Australia since the company established its wholly owned subsidiary in 1954. Opening of the new building at the Bosch Clayton Campus in Melbourne. Wednesday 20th April 2016. The Victorian Minister for Industry and Minister for Energy and Resources the Hon Lily DAmbrosio MP inaugurated the newly redeveloped facilities. Boschs commitment to this project represents a great vote of confidence in the underlying strength of Victorias economic fundamentals said Minister DAmbrosio. It is a special day for us said Gavin Smith Bosch President with responsibility for the region Oceania. The new facility is evidence of Boschs long-term commitment to diversified activities in this region including sales and distribution high tech engineering advanced manufacturing and further investment into exciting new fields. The company announced an additional $6.2 million will be invested into manufacturing for the global automotive sector which will support approximately 200 engineers predominately working on projects for international automotive customers..The Clayton facility will increase Diodes production capacity to support growth with international customers. The Federal Government has contributed AUD $1 million from the Automotive Diversification Programme (ADP). The Hon Lily DAmbrosio MP Minister for Industry at the opening of the new building at the Bosch Clayton Campus in Melbourne. Wednesday 20th April 2016. Australia is an important location for the Bosch Group. We have seen a positive development of our business in 2015 and we are confident of the markets long-term prospects said Peter Tyroller member of the board of management of the Bosch Group responsible for Asia Pacific. The new facility which incorporates offices workshops testing facilities training rooms and employee amenities is aimed toreflect the diversified nature of Bosch business in Oceania. The new facility is evidence of Boschs long-term commitment to diversified activities in this region including sales and distribution high tech engineering advanced manufacturing and further investment into exciting new fieldssaid Minister DAmbrosio. Australian Manufacturing

AVL pens MoU with C-Tech Innovation to develop electrolyte plant in Australia Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with C-Tech Innovation Limited a UK- based company which develops technologies for electrochemical preparation of vanadium electrolyte as well as many other chemical and electrochemical technologies. Image credit: wustralianvanadium.com.au Under the terms of the agreement the two parties will collaborate on the development of vanadium electrolyte production capability in Australia through both stand-alone and mine-attached facilities. C-Tech Innovation deliver innovative products and processes for electrochemical and advanced thermal applications. This includes unique electrochemical processes for use in energy and environmental applications such as metal recovery water treatment chemical synthesis fuel cells and batteries. AVL said it was drawn to collaborate with C-The Innovation because of their work with flow batteries and in particular their product solutions for the electrochemical production of vanadium electrolyte which aligned with AVLs integrated vanadium strategy for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRB). C-Tech Innovation has developed a proprietary electrochemical process of vanadium electrolyte suitable for use in vanadium redox flow batteries. Approximately 20% to 30% of the total cost of a VRB battery is due to the vanadium electrolyte which can be used to store electrical energy from grid or renewable generation sources. This stored energy is then able to be used later when the battery is discharged for example when demand is higher than supply from renewable sources or to export back to the grid to maintain grid stability AVL said in an ASX release. VRBs are unique energy storage devices particularly suited to commercial on-grid and off-grid applications due to their scalability long asset lives with deep and high cycling capability. Their low risk operation makes them particularly suitable for commercial operations where safety is of paramount importance. According to AVL its 100% owned subsidiary VSUN is also included in the MoU with all three parties to collaborate to develop electrolyte production capabilities in Australia New Zealand and South East Asia. AVL said that key objective of the agreement include: The contract supply and installation of a pilot-scale electrolyte mixing plant in Perth Australia which will allow testing of various vanadium sources with the aim of producing vanadium electrolyte of a suitable standard for use in commercial Vanadium Flow Battery units; Design and supply of key components of a full-scale production electrolyte plant; Collaboration with other AVL consultants on design and specialiation of a mine-attached electrolyte purification and production facility as part of AVL Gabanintha feasibility study; AVL to act as an exclusive agent for C-Tech vanadium electrolyte cell technology in Australia New Zealand and South East Asia. C-Tech MD Ged Malow said the collaboration with AVL presented the company with huge opportunity to tap into the expanding Australasian renewable market. AVLs plans to vertically integrate vanadium mining with electrolyte production and flow battery commercialisation is an important step in creating a low cost and sustainable infrastructure for VRB energy storage he said. Our involvement in this partnership is hugely exciting for us from both a technological and a commercial standpoint. AVL CEO Vincent Alga described the MoU as an important step forward for Australian Vanadium. C-Tech has developed important technology to support the anticipated rapid uptake of commercial vanadium flow batteries across the world as energy storage becomes a key part of renewable energy penetration. Raw materials such as vanadium require processing in order to prepare them for battery use. This relationship with C-Tech leveraging its existing technologies and exciting new ideas provides AVL further opportunities to grow as it builds up its vanadium integration strategy he said. Details of the test plant contract can now commence with finalisation and shipping to follow as soon as possible. Australian Manufacturing

Gentrack to provide billing and customer management solution for leading renewable energy retail utility in UK Auckland-based Gentrack a specialist in software for utilities and airports has signed a contract with UK-based renewable energy retail utility Good Energy to implement its Gentrack Velocity Billing and CRM software. Image credit: www.gentrack.com Gentrack CEO Ian Black described the contract as a significant milestone for the business in the UK energy sector. The UK energy sector is rapidly evolving with retailers like Good Energy a provider of 100% renewable energy challenging the Big 6 energy providers Mr Black said. This contract to deliver our proven billing and customer management solution supports our continued investment in the UK as a core growth market for Gentrack. In addition to the contract with Good Energy Gentrack also announced the re-signing of the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) for an upgrade of it Gentrack Velocity Billing and CRM software. Gentrack said the project continues a 17 years partnership with FEA Fijis incumbent supplier of electricity services to over 200000 households and businesses. Gentrack employs over 200 people in offices in New Zealand Australia and the UK and services utility and airport sits across four continents. The company is comprised of two leading software products Gentrack Velocity and Airport 20/20 the former being a specialist billing and CRM product designed for energy utilities and water companies in competitive and regulated utilities markets and the latter a comprehensive Airport Operational System engineered to optimise an airports operations through intelligent collaboration streamlining airport information flows and transforming the passenger experience. Australian Manufacturing

Auroras subscale X-Plane Aircraft with 3D-printed parts successfully flown Advanced aerospace vehicles developer Aurora Flight Sciences has announced that a subscale vehicle demonstrator (SVD) of its LightingStrike Vertical Take-off and Landing Experimental Plane (VTOL x-plane) for the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was successfully flown at a US military facility. Image credit: www.aurora.aero Aurora Chief Technical Officer Tom Clancy said the flight of the subscale aircraft met an important DARPA risk reduction requirement focusing on validation of the aerodynamic design and flight control system. The successful subscale flight was an important and exciting step forward for Aurora and our customer Mr Clancy said. Our designs distributed electric propulsion system involves breaking new ground with a flight control system requiring a complex set of control effectors. This first flight is an important initial confirmation that both the flight control and aerodynamic design are aligning with our design predictions. Aurora said that the subscale aircraft weighs 325 pounds and is a 20% scale flight model of the full scale demonstrator that the company will built for DARPA in the next two years. The wing and canard of the subscale vehicle utilise a hybrid structure of carbon fibre and 3D printed FDM plastics to achieve highly complex structural and aerodynamic surfaces with minimal weight the company said in a statement to the ASX. The unmanned aircraft take-off hover and landing was controlled by Aurora personnel located in a nearby ground control station with oversight and coordination by US government officials including DARPA personnel. On March 3 2016 DARPA awarded the Phase II contract for the VTOL X-Plane contract to Aurora followinga multi-year Phase I design competition. The program aims to develop a vertical take-off and landing demonstrator aircraft that will achieve a top sustained flight speed of 300kt 400 kt with 60-75% increase in hover efficiency over existing VTOL aircraft. Auroras design is for the first aircraft in aviation history to demonstrate distributed hybrid-electric propulsion using an innovative synchronous electric-drive system. Having successfully completed the subscale demonstrator flight Auroras LightingStrike team will focus over the next year on further validation of flight control system and configuration of the full scale VTOL X-Plane demonstrator. Australian Manufacturing

Latest CSIRO invention sees leading German brewery produce worlds first gluten-free beer People with coeliac disease around the world could soon be able to kick back with a cold glass of beer thanks to work by Australian scientists. Image credit: www.csiro.au CSIRO scientists with support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) have bred theKebarigrain a new barley variety with ultra-low levels of hordeins the type of gluten found in barley. German beer brewing companyRadeberger has usedthe Kebaribarley to develop the worlds first commercially produced full flavoured barley-based gluten-free beer Pionier which CSIRO scientists see as the first of many products that can provide greater variety of foods and beverages for people struggling with coeliac disease and for those who avoid gluten in their diet. While the Kebarigrain cannot be called gluten-free in Australia under the current Food Standards Code it contains gluten levels well below 20 parts per million the level recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for classification as gluten free allowing products made withKebaribarley to be classified as such in many countries around the world including Germany. CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Dr Crispin Howitt said that by using conventional breeding the CSIRO scientists were able to reduce the gluten levels to 10000 times less than regular barley which more than meets the WHOs recommendation for calling a grain gluten-free. Its really exciting seeing the first product made with the malted version of ourKebarigrain we hope its the first of many products Dr Howitt said. Were also working on a hulless version ofKebariwhich is preferable for use in a range of foods like breakfast cereals soup even pasta and flatbreads which will be the first part of the next generation of gluten free products helping people with coeliac disease to increase fibre promote bowel health and enhance nutrition in their diet. According to the press release by CSIRO the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and The Royal Melbourne Hospital were involved in the early stages of the ultra-low gluten barley project. Australian Manufacturing

Chevron inks Wheatstone gas agreement with Alinta Energy Oil and gas giant Chevron has signed a domestic gas sales agreement with Alinta Energy for the supply of natural gas from its Wheatstone Project near Onslow Western Australia. Chevron Australia Managing Director Roy Krzywosinski with Alinta Energys CEO Jeff Dimery Image credit: http://ift.tt/1Ql9axB The agreement will see Chevron supply Alinta Energy with 20 Petajoules per year of its equity domestic gas for seven years starting in 2020. Chevron Australia managing director Roy Krzywosinski said Wheatstone had the potential to become WAs leading domestic gas supplier in the years to come. We are committed to being a safe competitive and reliable supplier of domestic gas for Western Australias future energy needs and pleased to strengthen our longstanding relationship with Alinta Energy he said. At full capacity the Wheatstone Project has the capacity to produce 200 terajoules per day (TJ/d) of domestic gas for the Western Australian market. This agreement is an important step in Chevrons rapidly expanding domestic gas business in Western Australia and the establishment of our leading domestic gas portfolio across the Wheatstone Gorgon and North West Shelf Projects. The Wheatstone Project is a joint venture between Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (64.14%) Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) (13.4%) Woodside Petroleum Limited (13%) and Kyushu Electric Power Company (1.46%) together with PE Wheatstone Pty Ltd part owned by TEPCO (8%). The project is under construction near Onslow Western Australia and will consist of two LNG trains with a combined capacity of 8.9 MTPA and a 200 TJ/d domestic gas plant with gas to be delivered from Onslow via pipeline to an inlet point on the Dampier Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline. Chevron currently supplies 10% of the WA gas market through its participation in the North West Shelf Project. Australian Manufacturing

Toyota pledges to raise the bar for sales and servicing standards even higher Toyota Australia is looking to take sales and service standards to the next level after a record-breaking two thirds of its entire dealer network were awarded the maximum five-star customer service rating in the past year. Image credit: www.toyota.com According to the company the results were determined by independent surveys of owners whom the car maker refers to as guests about the level of satisfaction with their experience at Toyota dealerships during 2015. The company has now pledged to gain an even deeper understanding of each guest and the reasons that determined their opinion rather than simply relying whether a dealers performance is deemed to be satisfactory. Toyota Australias executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the new approach essentially asks customers whether they intend to recommend Toyota to their friends. We are committed to ensuring the experience Toyota gives you is so good its worth talking about Mr Cramb said. We dont just want satisfied guests we want to deliver an experience that lives up to our Oh what a feeling! brand promise every time we meet. Mr Cramb said it was imperative that guest experience be well understood closely monitored and continually improved on. The goalposts keep shifting so it is vital we really listen to our guests to ensure we have the information that enables us to be much more effective in improving the overall ownership experience for each guest he added. It is also good for our business because we can create a sustainable competitive advantage by ensuring our operations exceed guest expectations. Mr Cramb said the 2015 five-star guest experience dealers deserved their praise for cementing the companys position as a leader in the automotive industry. He said 69% of the companys 209 participating dealerships received the maximum rating for both sales and service which represents a significant improvement on the 2014 results (42%). According to him the company already has a range of initiatives in place to improve the interaction with guests revamping its dealer standards to include specific advances such as the appointment of a guest experience manager in each dealership. If we want to stay ahead of the market and meet the changing needs of our guests we also have to get the basics right by remaining at the forefront of the industry so we can offer the best vehicles available in Australia he concluded. Australian Manufacturing

Turnbull Governments announcement for Australias multi-billion defence programs produces mixed reactions South Australian Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher has reacted on yesterdays announcement of the build locations for the Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) program saying the states high-tech manufacturers are well positioned to capitalise on the $3 billion defence project. Image credit: www.baesystems.com According to the announcement by Prime Minister Turnbull construction of the 12 OPVs will begin in Adelaide in 2018 before moving to Western Australia in 2020 when construction of the Royal Australian Navys future frigates begins. Commenting on the announcement Mr Maher said SAs manufacturers including electronic hardware and software manufacturers and steel fabricators will have the opportunity to become suppliers to this important defence program. The OPV program is expected to create more than 400 direct jobs and will ensure a continuous ship build in South Australia the Minister said. The State Government along with unions representing shipyard workers and industries through the Defence Teaming Centre have conducted a long campaign to ensure the OPV program and other major defence programs are based in South Australia. He said opportunities for local high-tech manufacturers through the OPV program could include navigation systems propulsion systems integrated bridge and control systems communication systems automated firefighting and damage control systems and helicopter flight systems. With South Australias economy transitioning from old-style heavy engineering to high-tech high-value manufacturing the OPV program presents an excellent opportunity for local companies to become suppliers the Minister added. The program will also enhance our reputation as Australias centre of naval shipbuilding expertise. We now need a recommitment from the Federal Government that Australias future submarine fleet will be built in Adelaide. However the Governments decision to award the $594 million construction contract for 21 steel-hulled patrol boats to Western Australia sparked a fierce reaction from Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt who branded the announcement as anotherTurnbull Government failure. Queensland isnt just the logical geographic and strategic choice the Cairns Consortium has the skills and workforce to deliver this project and establish Cairns as a defence hub for Northern Australia Mr Pitt said. Instead because of a ludicrous decision in Canberra well now see Pacific Patrol Boats being constructed in the Indian Ocean only to sail halfway back around the country to serve in the Pacific. He said the decision meant that Malcolm Turnbull has turned his back on Cairns and turned his back on Queensland. The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement contract should have been awarded to Cairns and Im shocked that the Turnbull Government is spruiking its decision to award Western Australia the build component at the expense of Cairns jobs and regional development in North Queensland Mr Pitt added. We need to know if the proposed maintenance contract will materialise for Queensland?And is this $400 million really going to deliver jobs?Or are we being asked to smile while Canberra does nothing but promise to deliver a second prize for Cairns? Australian Manufacturing

Amcor acquires the largest flexible packaging business in South America Amcor has reached an agreement to acquire Alusa, the largest flexible packaging business in South America, for US$435 million. Image credit: Amcor website Alusa – which includes Alusa (Chile), Peruplast (Peru), Aluflex (Argentina) and Flexa (Colombia) – is owned by Techpack S.A and Nexus Private Equity and generates approximately US$375 million from the supply of flexible packaging for food, personal care and pet food applications. The company has four plants – in Argentina, Peru, Colombia and Chile – and a broad range of capabilities, including film extrusion, flexographic and gravure printing and lamination. “With the creation of new Flexibles Americas Business Group in July 2015, these was an expectation this business could accelerate growth in both North and South America. It is pleasing that over a relatively short period of time, our flexible packaging sales in the region will almost double to nearly US$1 billion with the acquisition of Alusa, and the recently completed acquisition of Deluxe Packages in the USA,” Amcor CEO and Managing Director, Ron Delia said. “Alusa comes with a strong management team and provides a unique platform in an important growth region. A large number of Amcor’s multinational customers operate in South America, and this acquisition significantly improves our ability to support their needs and to grow with them in these markets. Along with our leadership positions in Europe and Asia, Amcor’s customer value proposition will substantially improve with a strong presence in South America. A truly global product offering differentiates Amcor in the flexible packaging marketplace, positioning us as a partner of choice for customers.” The transaction – subject to approval by Techpack shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities – is expected to close in the coming months. Australian Manufacturing

12 Offshore Patrol Vessels will to be built in Adelaide, Prime Minister Turnbull says The Turnbull Government has announced the build locations for 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels and up to 21 Pacific Patrol Boats, in addition to nine Future Frigates previously announced. Image credit: www.baesystems.com According to the press release by the Department of Defence Ministers, major warships will be built in Adelaide and minor vessels in Henderson, Western Australia. “These announcements provide for two shipyards to implement the Government’s commitment to a continuous build of naval surface ships in Australia,” reads the press release. “These three projects will ensure Australia retains a sovereign capability to build and sustain its naval vessels. Together they represent close to $40 billion worth of investment in Australia’s future naval capabilities and our naval shipbuilding industry. They will directly secure more than 2,500 jobs for decades to come. They will also generate thousands of additional jobs with suppliers.” Prime Minister Turnbull said construction of the Offshore Patrol Vessels will begin in Adelaide from 2018, following the completion of the Air Warfare Destroyers and transfer to Western Australia when the Future Frigate construction begins in Adelaide in 2020. He said three designers have been shortlisted for the Offshore Patrol Vessels, including Damen of the Netherlands, and Germany’s Fassmer and Lurssen. “This program is estimated to be worth more than $3 billion and will create over 400 direct jobs, Mr Turnbull added. He said three designers – BAE Systems with the Type 26 Frigate; Fincantieri with the FREMM Frigate, and Navantia with a redesigned F100 – have been short-listed for the construction of the Future Frigates, which will also be built in Adelaide, incorporating the Australian-developed CEA Phased-Array Radar. “This program is estimated to be worth more than $35 billion, and will directly create over 2000 jobs,” the Prime Minister said. Mr Turnbull said Austal Ships Pty Ltd has been selected as the preferred tenderer to construct and maintain up to twenty-one replacement steel-hulled Pacific Patrol Boats in Henderson, Western Australia. “Subject to negotiations, this program is estimated to be worth more than $500 million and will directly create over 130 jobs,” Mr Turnbull said. Australian Manufacturing

Austal selected as preferred tenderer for PPBR project Austal Limited has been awarded preferred tenderer status by the Commonwealth of Australia for the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPBR) Project, which involves the construction of up to 21 steel-hulled patrol vessels and through life sustainment over 30 years. Image credit: australia.austal.com Austal said its share of the PPBR program will include the construction of the vessels and short to medium term maintenance components of the project, adding that it will now work with the Government to complete documentation and finalise the contract over the coming weeks. The company’s CEO David Singleton said the construction of the Pacific Patrol Boats will commence at its shipyard in Henderson, WA, with through-life support to be performed at Austal’s existing facility in Cairns, Queensland. “I am delighted that we have been selected as preferred tenderer, adding to our long history of constructing patrol boats at our shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. Austal has delivered Australia’s entire border patrol capability – comprising 30 vessels delivered over the past 17 years – and we look forward to extending this by constructing and servicing vessels that will be used by many of our neighbours in the South Pacific,” Mr Singleton said. “Construction of the Pacific Patrol Boats also extends Austal’s shipbuilding capability into steel-hulled vessels, which will be important for the future construction of Offshore Patrol Vessels. This project will add to our existing work at our Henderson shipyard, where two High Speed Support Vessels are being constructed for the Royal Navy of Oman this year as well as two additional Cape Class Patrol Boats.” Australian Manufacturing

Rio Tinto announces extension of historic Channar mining joint venture Mining giant Rio Tinto announced that it has extended the historic Channar Mining Joint Venture agreement with Sinosteel Corporation. Image credit: www.riotinto.com Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Andrew Harding and Sinosteel Corporation president signed the Channar agreement in a ceremony in Beijing, officially extending the long-established relationship between both companies until the end of the decade. Rio Tinto said that the Channar JV extension, along with a separate agreement for the supply of iron ore from the Pilbara, will enable sales of approximately 70 million tonnes of iron ore to Sinosteel over the next five years. “This extension will see 30 million tonnes of iron ore supplied into the joint venture, with Sinosteel making a one-off payment of US$45 million to Rio Tinto and providing additional production royalties linked to the iron ore price,” the company said in a statement to the ASX. The separate agreement between the two companies will see Rio Tinto sell up to 40 million tonnes of iron ore to Sinosteel between 2016 and 2021. “In the 50 years that we have been exporting iron ore from the Pilbara, the Chinese joint venture stands as one of the most important deals not only for our business, but for Australia’s economic ties with China. Now in its 30th year, it is one of the longest running and most successful partnerships between the nations,” Mr Harding said. “We place immense value on our long-term customer relationships and today’s agreements clearly demonstrate Rio Tinto and Sinosteel remain committed to our mutually beneficial partnership.” Sinosteel President Liu Andong was equally delighted with the agreement. “The Channar Mining Joint Venture was the first large-scale mining initiative between our two countries and is a cornerstone of Chinese and Australian trade. The extension of the joint venture marks another milestone in trade cooperation, especially in the current economic climate,” he said. “The relationship between Sinosteel and Rio Tinto has demonstrated the ability of our companies and both nations to sustain long-term joint commercial activities for the benefit of all concerned.” The Channar joint venture (Rio Tinto 60%, Sinosteel 40%) owns the Channar mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The mine is managed by Rio Tinto and the joint venture agreement provides Sinosteel with take-off rights for a volume of Pilbara Blend (into which Channar ore feeds) equivalent to Channar production. Australian Manufacturing

Devondale officially launches NatraStart in China Australian dairy foods company, Devondale Murray Goulburn (MG) has introduced the new Devondale NatraStart in a product launch event held at the Hotel Kunlun in Beijing, China. Image credit: www.mgc.com.au The launch – which was attended by approximately 150 guests, including nutrition experts and commentators – coincided with this year’s “Australia Week in China” event during which many Chinese and Australian business and government leaders gathered to discuss opportunities for the future. MG’s Executive General Manager of Dairy Foods, Mr Albert Moncau, was in Beijing to mark the occasion and said the company was very proud to launch MG’s newest product in China. “Today’s launch of Devondale NatraStart for the China market is an exciting milestone for MG. Our product is Australian made and is specially formulated to assist in meeting children’s nutritional needs,” he said. Mr Moncau pointed out that Devondale products use farm fresh Australian milk to meet the country’s strict food quality and safety regulations. “Thanks to our unique vertically integrated supply chain, our products are controlled by our company from the farmgate in Australia right through to the shelf in China,” he added. The company also participated at a China-Australia CEO Roundtable, demonstrating its commitment to China in the future. “The trust offered to us by Chinese consumers is something we take very seriously. China is a critically important market for Devondale products and it’s a very exciting time for us because in addition to the Devondale NatraStart product we’re introducing today, we are always looking for opportunities to develop new products that meet the unique needs of Chinese consumers,” Mr Moncau said. “We believe that our new Devondale NatraStart will be enjoyed by Chinese customers and consumers, who appreciate Australia’s natural purity and our company’s unwavering commitment to product safety and quality,” he concluded. According to the company’s press release, the Devondale NatraStart product is now available in China. Australian Manufacturing

Carnegie teams up with UWA for world’s first wave energy research project Carnegie Wave Energy and the University of Western Australia (UWA) will soon start investigating the optimal number, size, arrangement and location of wave energy converters in an effort to minimise the cost of installation and infrastructure and maximise power output. The UWA’s Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems Centrifuge facility Image credit: Carnegie ASX release The project will focus on 4 key areas, including: Producing new design guidelines and tools for how to optimally place wave energy arrays along coastlines. Producing guidelines and tools to identify and design optimal secondary mooring line systems. Developing a probabilistic foundation design method for wave energy converters. Adopting an integrated approach using the three aforementioned points to optimise wave energy array location and arrangement optimising power output, while minimising foundation costs. Carnegie Chief Technology Officer Jonathan Fievez said the company was delighted to work alongside UWA in what he described as “a world first study”. “The research will focus of the interactions between wave energy, convertor location, array configuration, bathymetry and geotechnical characteristics to reduce costs,” he said, adding that the project was supported by $994,000 in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). “The outcomes of this study will then be applied to the development of our CETO 6 technology.” Mr Fievez noted that while wave energy offered substantial advantages over other renewables, the cost of production remained relatively high. “One effect of this study will be to optimise foundation placement and use with the aim of reducing the overall cost of foundations for CETO projects,” he added. Carnegie is also collaborating with UWA’s Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems on a separate Australian Research Council (ARC) linkage project which aims to develop more efficient anchoring systems. The wave energy technology developer said both projects leveraged UWA’s world class capability for developing and providing innovative anchoring solutions for offshore applications. “Partnering with UWA is part of Carnegie’s strategic approach to work with specialist research intuitions and industry partners to develop innovations designed to be incorporated into the CETO 6 technology which have the potential to decrease costs and/or improve unit performance,” the company stated. “Such research areas include foundations, advanced control systems and the power take of system.” Australian Manufacturing

AMWU welcomes federal Labor Opposition’s new steel policy The AMWU has welcomed the federal Labor opposition’s new steel policy which includes imposing Australian standards on all steel used in federally-funded projects in a move to encourage local content. Image credit: www.amwu.org. The policy proposes tightening Australia’s anti-dumping regime, halving the threshold for Australian Industry Participation Projects plans from $500 million to $250 million, as well as creating a new steel supply advocate and doubling the funding for the Australian Industry Participation Authority. National Secretary Paul Bastian described Mr Shorten’s six-point plan to regulate and subsidise Australia’s metals industries as a “step in the right direction”, but urged both the Coalition Government and the Labor Opposition to do more to ensure the future of the steel industry. “We welcome Bill Shorten’s policy on stronger anti-dumping provisions and more stringent quality standards and these are important policies to ensure the future of our industry” Mr Bastian said. “We are also pleased that the Opposition has reduced the threshold for Australian Industry Participation plans from projects valued at $500m to $250m. However, we are disappointed that Labor has not backed mandated local content on government projects. This is a missed opportunity to turn government spending on nation-building infrastructure into secure jobs in the steel industry.” The AMWU is advocating for a mandated 90% of high quality Australian steel to be used in government infrastructure projects instead of importing cheaper foreign steel of dubious quality. Mr Bastian said the potential for use of local steel has already been seen in the Victorian Labor Government’s procurement policy, which has stipulated that 100 per cent local steel be used in the project to fix 50 dangerous rail crossings. “We need Labor and the Coalition to focus on promoting the use of Australian steel in government infrastructure projects as a matter of urgency,” Mr Bastian concluded. Australian Manufacturing

Coal heavyweight Peabody files for bankruptcy US coal giant Peabody Energy has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in an effort to strengthen liquidity and reduce debt amid an unprecedented industry downturn. Image credit: http://ift.tt/14n3Mr1 The nation’s largest coal company said all mines and offices will continue to operate for the duration of the process and confirmed that no Australian entities are included in the filings. Peabody President and CEO Glenn Kellow said the decision to file for bankruptcy was “difficult” but outlined “the right path forward” for the company. “We begin today to build a highly successful global leader for tomorrow,” Mr Kellow added. “Through today’s action, we will seek an in-court solution to Peabody’s substantial debt burden amid a historically challenged industry backdrop. This process enables us to strengthen liquidity and reduce debt, build upon the significant operational achievements we’ve made in recent years and lay the foundation for long-term stability and success in the future.” He said the company has secured $800 million in debtor-in-possession financing facilities, which were arranged by Citigroup and include participation of a number of the company’s secured lenders and unsecured noteholders. “The facilities include a $500 million term loan, a $200 million bonding accommodation facility and a cash collateralised $100 million letter of credit facility, and are subject to court approval as well as limitations as set out in the company’s filings,” he said in a statement. “In addition to the company’s existing cash position, Peabody believes that it has sufficient liquidity to operate its business worldwide post-petition and to continue the flow of goods and services to its customers in the ordinary course.” The coal industry has suffered profoundly in recent years, primarily due to a dramatic drop in the price of metallurgical coal, weakness in the Chinese economy, overproduction of domestic shale gas and ongoing regulatory challenges. However, analysts are confident that both the US and global coal demand will stabilise, with US gas prices projected to recover from recent lows. Mr Kellow said thermal coal was expected to continue to fuel hundreds of existing coal generating plants globally, and to be an essential source of global electricity generation and steel making for many decades to come. “A company like Peabody with safe, efficient operations will be well positioned to serve coal demand that will continue in the United States and around the world,” said Kellow. “We are a leading producer and reserve holder in our core regions of the Powder River Basin, Illinois Basin and Australia. Peabody has a new management team, outstanding workforce, unmatched asset base and strong underlying operational performance that represent a key driver in the company’s future success.” Peabody also announced that it has terminated the planned sale of the company’s New Mexico and Colorado assets after the buyer was “unable to complete the transaction.” Australian Manufacturing

New purpose-built artificial reef to be built off Mandurah Western Australian Fisheries Minister Joe Francis has announced the creation of the first purpose-built artificial reef in the growing Peel region, which is expected to benefit recreational fishers and local businesses. Image credit: http://ift.tt/1GYpYWW WA will now have three artificial reefs – off Mandurah, Bunbury and Dunsborough – each funded from the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF) which draws on revenue collected from recreational licence fees. “Following the success of the two artificial reefs built off Bunbury and Dunsborough in 2013, the State Government has committed $1.1 million towards a third reef off Mandurah to improve recreational fishing opportunities. It will be created using 30 modules, each weighing 10 tonnes, which are designed to increase biodiversity while providing great fishing. The artificial reef will be located nine kilometres offshore, due west of Halls Head, in 25 metres of water,” Mr Francis said. “Many West Australians already flock to Mandurah each year to fish for prized blue swimmer crabs and this initiative will provide another reason to visit, as well as bringing flow-on benefits to local businesses. Fish such as pink snapper, samson and skippy are expected to be attracted to the reef once algae, seaweed and coral start growing on it.” He said the location for the reef was determined after extensive consultation with groups including Recfishwest and the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council, adding that local companies have been supported in the project, with the reef modules built by the Australind-based MJB Industries and specialist marine engineering company Subcon contracted to deploy the reef. “Every dollar of recreational licence fee money is reinvested into recreational fishing, be it through artificial reefs, restocking projects, management, compliance or research,” the Minister said. Australian Manufacturing

Escondida opens third concentrator plant Minera Escondida, the subsidiary of BHP Billiton, has officially opened its third copper concentrate plant at a ceremony carried out on site. Image credit: BHP Billiton/YouTube (Screenshot) The US$4.2 billion Organic Growth Project One facility will add 152 ktpd to the capacity of Escondida’s two existing concentrators, providing the operation with unmatched copper processing capacity of 422 ktpd. “The plant that we inaugurated today follows a project that required 60 million labour hours and involved 9,200 people during its peak construction period. This project has been a huge challenge but was completed with an excellent safety record”, said the President of Minera Escondida, Hilmar Rode. The commissioning of Organic Growth Project One, coupled with the completion of the second desalination plant that the company is building at Puerto Coloso, gives Escondida the potential to operate with three concentrators in the medium term. The company believes that this added capacity will offset the natural ore grade decline and will contribute to the recovery of production in the medium term. The president of BHP Billiton Minerals Americas, Daniel Malchuk, noted that Escondida has increased its processing capacity by more than ten times and its copper production by almost four times during its 25 years of operation,. “We have just completed the Organic Growth Project One concentrator plant and we continue to invest in the Kelar gas-fired power plant and the Puerto Coloso desalination plant. We continue to work hard and look towards the future with optimism”, he indicated. Last year, Minera Escondida’s copper production was 1,152,510 metric tons, which were comprised by 826,220 tons of copper contained in concentrate and 326,290 tons of copper cathodes. The company’s average production capacity is expected to be approximately 1.2 million metric tons per annum for a decade from Financial Year 2016, with minimal further capital required. Australian Manufacturing

Santos appoints new directors Leading independent oil and gas producer Santos has announced the appointment of Peter Hearl and Guy Cowan to the company’s board as independent non-executive directors following the retirements of Ken Dean and Jane Hemstritch. Image credit: santos.com The company’s Chairman, Peter Coates, said the appointments were part of the Santos Board’s ongoing renewal process. He said the was looking forward to welcoming Mr Hearl and Mr Cowan to the Santos Board, and thanked Mr Dean and Ms Hemstritch for their significant contribution to the company. “On behalf of the Board and shareholders, I would like to thank Ken and Jane for their many years of outstanding service on the Santos Board and Committees, including as Chairs of the Audit and Risk committee,” Mr Coates said. Mr Hearl is a director of Telstra Corporation Limited, where he is a member of the Nominations Committee and the Remuneration Committee. In addition, he is a director of Treasury Wine Estates Limited, where he is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. Mr Hearl has an extensive experience in operating and development roles, including an 18-year stint in the oil and gas industry with Exxon where he started his career with Esso Australia. Following his departure from Esso in 1990, Mr Hearl joined the food and beverage industry, where he held senior roles with PepsiCo and Yum! Brands, including Yum’s Chief Operating and Development Officer from 2006 to 2008 and President and Chief Concept Officer of Yum’s Pizza Hut division from 2002 to 2006. Mr Cowan is a director of UGL Limited, where he chairs the Health, Safety and Environment Committee and is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. He is also Chairman of Queensland Sugar Limited, and a former Shell-appointed Alternate Director of Woodside Petroleum Limited (1992-1995). Mr Cowan has over 30 years’ experience in international commercial and finance roles, including 25 years in the oil and gas industry with Shell. He held the position of Chief Financial Officer and Director, Shell Oil US, from 2003 to 2005, and Chief Financial Officer and Commercial Director, Shell Nigeria, Dorm 2000 to 2003. Mr Cowan was also Chief Financial Officer of Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited from 2005 to 2009. Australian Manufacturing

ASC targets Future Submarine Project participation with new appointment Australia’s leading submarine company ASC has announced the appointment of Martin Edwards to the new position of General Manager Future Submarines, effective immediately. Image credit: asc.com.au Mr Edward, who has almost 25 years of combined experience with ASC across the Collins Class and Air Warfare Destroyer build programs, will take on his new role at a time of exciting change for the Future Submarine Project as the Government considers which design partner to select from the Competitive Evaluation Process. ASC Interim CEO Stuart Whiley said Mr Edwards would strengthen the company’s strategic focus as the Future Submarine Project entered its next stage. “I warmly welcome Martin to his new role. With both executive and engineering experience across ASC’s submarine and ship platforms, Martin is well-placed to guide ASC through the next stage of the future submarine project,” Mr Whiley said. Mr Edwards said that ASC had the capability and the capacity to make a significant contribution to the Future Submarine Project whilst still fulfilling the sustainment needs of the Collins Class submarines. “ASC’s 30-year experience, unmatched facilities and expertise in building and maintaining Australia’s submarines, gives us a unique capability for the benefit of the nation,” he said. “ASC has over 300 degree-qualified engineers, including most of Australia’s highest qualified submarine platform engineers, and has forged links to hundreds of local Australian industry suppliers as part of its submarine maintenance operations. ASC is ready, willing and able to make a vital contribution to the Future Submarine project from the earliest stages.” Australian Manufacturing

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin: WA ready to take active role in naval defence program Defence Minister Marise Payne has met with the Western Australian Defence Industry Council at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA to discuss the opportunities for local industry in the delivery of the plans outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper. Image credit: defence.gov.au The Minister met with a number of large and small Defence industry businesses, as well as with WA’s Commerce Minister Michael Mischin, to discuss how they can work with Defence and the Federal Government to deliver the innovative solutions the Australian Defence Force requires. “This is but one of many conversations I will have with the defence sector around the country to ensure industry knows what Defence requires, and Defence knows what industry can deliver,’’ Minister Payne said. “Western Australian industry is already fulfilling an important role in supporting the security of Australia and around $2.4 billion will be invested in upgrading Defence facilities in WA over the next decade.’’ Mr Mischin told the Defence Minister that WA companies had the infrastructure, expertise and track record to support the Australian Government’s $89 billion naval shipbuilding and maintenance programs.” “The Government has a strong interest in the future and sustainability of the Australian naval industry and is actively promoting WA’s capability to build and maintain the naval vessels outlined in the Defence White Paper,” he said. “Both the private and public sectors have invested heavily to build capability in these areas and, as a result, we have a local industry which is internationally competitive and innovative. They have honed their skills working on major extractive resource projects including Gorgon, Wheatstone and Prelude, and should be playing a role in these defence projects. Western Australian companies bidding for work associated with the multibillion-dollar package have my full support and I will continue to promote their capabilities to key decision makers.” He said the State and Australian governments had invested more than $400 million in infrastructure at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) to support current and future naval shipbuilding projects. “This State has well-established common use infrastructure and experienced private sector contractors who deliver excellent results,” he said. “We understand the importance of the future defence programs and welcome the opportunity to showcase how we can provide support.” Australian Manufacturing

BAE Systems to build Assault Amphibious Vehicles for Japan BAE Systems has been contracted by the Japanese Ministry of Defence to manufacture new Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) that will assist with the ongoing development of an amphibious capability within the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force. Image credit: www.baesystems.com Dean Medland, vice president of programs at BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicles business said the contract will see BAE Systems provide 30 new AAV7A1 Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (RAM/RS) vehicles, plus supply tools and test equipment to support maintenance. In addition, the company will provide training aids for the vehicles to the Japanese military. “We’re proud to support the Japanese military’s recapitalisation by providing this enhanced amphibious capability,” Mr Medland said. “As the original equipment manufacturer of the AAV fleet, we have a strong history of supporting this platform.” The AAV7A1 RAM/RS variant is fitted with a more powerful engine and drive train, as well as an upgraded suspension system compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the variant provides improved mobility, command, control, and repair capabilities while transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore. According to the defence contractor, work on the contract will commence at its York facility in Pennsylvania in August this year. “Production is expected to begin in August with vehicle deliveries beginning one year later,” the company said in a statement. “Final delivery to Japan is expected to take place by the end of 2017.” Australian Manufacturing

Australian pilot plant that turns CO2 into potential green construction materials commences operation Mineral Carbonation International (MCi) commenced operation of its carbon conversion reactor at the University of Newcastle (UoN) last month, paving the way towards establishing the basis for a large scale solution for utilising CO2 in building materials such as cement bricks. The MCi Mineral Carbonation Research Pilot PlantImage credit: www.orica.com The CO2 mineral carbonation research pilot plant – which is situated at the UoN’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) facility – is transforming captured CO2 emissions into forms of carbonates and silicates for use in green construction materials such as cements and plasterboard. Orica Acting Group Executive, Strategic Marketing and Technology, Jez Smith said the commissioning of the new research pilot plant comes after nine years of extensive R&D undertaken by the joint venture partners University of Newcastle, GreenMag Group and Orica. “This achievement brings us another step closer to closing the carbon loop and is a result of years of collaborative research between the University of Newcastle, GreenMag and Orica,” Mr Smith said. He said the establishment of the carbon reactor plant will accelerate the development of novel methods for permanently and safely disposing carbon from emissions of fossil fuel electricity generators and other industrial processes. “Mineral carbonation technology has the potential to help Orica and customers address issues associated with CO2 intensive operations, produce materials for use in the construction sector and open up new markets for the materials used to sequester the carbon dioxide,” he added. MCi CEO, Marcus St. John Dawe said the project is being conducted by a leading multi-disciplinary team of more than 25 researchers, chemical and industrial engineers led by Dr Geoff Brent and Dr Mark Rayson from Orica, Professor Eric Kennedy, Professor Michael Stockenhuber and Dr Jan-Dirk Prigge from the University of Newcastle. “The mineral carbonation technology mimics and accelerates the Earth’s own carbon sink mechanism by combining CO2 with low grade minerals to make inert carbonates and silica, which are similar to common chalks and sand,” he said. University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin Hall described the research pilot plant as an “excellent example” of research and industry working together to solve global challenges. “This project highlights the scale of innovation being led out of the Hunter through NIER and points to emerging industries and future jobs markets that may arise as a result of these innovative technologies.” The A$10 million project operates with joint funding from the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments, with support from Orica and the R&D Tax Incentive. Australian Manufacturing

Anteo Diagnostics files two new patents in the Energy sector Australian biotechnology company Anteo Diagnostics has filed two new patents related to the energy sector on top of the patent filed approximately a year ago. Image credit: anteodx.com Dr Joe Maeji, Chief Scientific Officer of the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Anteo Technologies, said these three patent filings expand Anteo’s existing Intellectual Property base in the energy sector to batteries, super capacitors and other non Life Science applications. “Early last year, we successfully concluded a body work into coatings for new anode and cathode materials for lithium ion batteries as part of our long-term diversification strategy. This culminated in the filing of a patent application in 20 April, 2015 directed at new methods that significantly increase battery capacity, enable faster charging as well as improve cycle life Anteo’s scientific team focused on strengthening the Company’s patent position and not only will our first application progress to PCT stage before April 2016, but also two additional patents were filed on 29 March, 2016,” Mr Maeji said. “Based on our own investigations, those of our contracted IP searchers and an International Search Report regarding our first patent application, we are very confident that we have established a unique patent position in energy storage and conversion systems. Together, these three patents form the basis of a strong IP strategy in these important industrial applications and are an important milestone that allows the Company to progress commercialisation activity more confidently.” Dr Maeji noted that the company continues to strengthen its capabilities to for coatings or glues for all sorts of materials relevant to many different industries. He said that in order to increase throughput in testing, the company now has button battery fabrication capabilities and has initiated scale up studies consistent with industrial needs. “From the company’s inception, our core business has been in coatings and glues. We have taken a considered approach to exploration of non-Life Science opportunities and we continue to track progress according to our development plans,” he concluded. Australian Manufacturing

Unprecedented surge in preorders for Model 3 leaves Tesla with key dilemma Tesla Motors will need to consider ramping up its manufacturing capacity after receiving an unprecedented demand for its new Model 3 electric car within a week of its launch at the beginning of April. Image credit: www.teslamotors.com The innovative carmaker said it has received over 350,000 preorders for its first mass-market vehicle, a number that surpassed all expectation and raised questions about the company’s capacity to answer the unexpected surge in demand. “A week ago, we started taking reservations for Model 3, and the excitement has been incredible. We’ve now received more than 325,000 reservations, which corresponds to about $14 billion in implied future sales, making this the single biggest one-week launch of any product ever,” the company said in a statement. “This interest has spread completely organically. Unlike other major product launches, we have not advertised or paid for any endorsements. Instead, this has been a true grassroots effort driven by the passion of the Tesla team that’s worked so hard to get to this point and our current and future customers who believe so strongly in what we are trying to achieve.” Designed to achieve 5-tar safety rating, Tesla’s Model 3 can travel 215 miles with a single charge. The all-electric vehicle is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under 6 seconds, with a capacity to comfortably seat 5 adults. Australian Manufacturing

Caterpillar Transition Taskforce creates 95 advanced manufacturing jobs in Tasmania An innovative truck manufacturer and a leading tripe producer are just two of a number of Tasmanian companies that received funding under the second round of the Advanced Manufacturing Transition Fund, which was established to support former Caterpillar workers. Image credit: www.caterpillar.com The Fund was established by the Caterpillar Transition Taskforce following the company’s decision to relocate its hard rock vehicle operations from Bernie to Thailand – a move that resulted in the loss of more than 200 jobs. In announcing the successful round two fund recipients last Friday, Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the second round of funding from the Advanced Manufacturing Transition Fund will help create 95 manufacturing jobs. “The Caterpillar Transition Taskforce has assisted in the creation of a further 95 new manufacturing jobs following the second round of funding from the Advanced Manufacturing Transition Fund” Mr Rockliff said. “The Government took decisive action to establish the Transition Taskforce following Caterpillar’s decision to relocate to Thailand, to support the workers, their families, the industry and region. The Taskforce established the Advance Manufacturing Transition Fund to fast-track job creating projects and to secure a strong future for the sector. The fund is part of $3 million allocated for the recommendations of the Taskforce.” The Deputy Premier noted that the first round of applications – announced in December last year – resulted in the creation of 61 new jobs across five businesses that shared in $1.05 million Government funding, and leveraged a further $1.44 million private investment. “Today, I am pleased to announce that as a result of the second round of funding 95 new jobs will be created across seven Tasmanian businesses, leveraging a further $8.25 million in private investment,” he said. “Collectively, through the two rounds of offers, the fund has resulted $11 million in co-investment and at least 156 new jobs.” Mr Rockliff said the second round will result in $765,000 from the Transition Fund going to businesses and new products, cementing the state’s reputation for innovation in advanced manufacturing. “Importantly, it includes securing the establishment of a new enterprise, Loadpro Manufacturing, in Tasmania, which otherwise would have been located offshore in Indonesia or in Queensland,” the Deputy Premier added. The list of successful Round Two fund recipients includes: Loadpro Manufacturing Pty LTD – $259,000 · Tasmanian Quality Meats – $140,000 Botanical Resources Australia Manufacturing Services – $25,000 · Definium Technologies – $40,875 Tas Fencing Group – $80,000 Bridestowe Estate – $70,280 Status Technologies – $150,000 Australian Manufacturing

Laing O’Rourke’s fully redeployable hybrid power plant successfully trialled The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced that Laing O’Rourke’s moveable solar-diesel power plant with advanced control systems has been successfully piloted. Image credit: arena.gov.au ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the innovative technology– which will be commercialised through the newly formed SunSHIFT Pty Ltd – could pave the way for new products and companies to enter the Australian market. He said the agency provided $410,000 support for the feasibility and design work and a further $450,000 for this latest $1.8 million demonstration project. “ARENA initially provided funding for a feasibility study and then a pilot project, and Laing O’Rourke has now established clean energy company SunSHIFT to commercialise its moveable solar-diesel hybrid power plant. Scalability, quick set up and easy pack down presents an ideal solution for many off-grid applications where temporary power is required such as construction projects, mine sites and disaster relief. It also allows solar panels to be re-used several times for greater value,” Mr Frischknecht said. “The system performed as expected during the six month trial period and pack-up was impressively carried out by four people in just four days. This successful demonstration project has given Laing O’Rourke the confidence to commit to further developing its technology and is a crucial step in proving the technical and commercial viability of moveable, modular renewable energy concepts more broadly.” SunSHIFT General Manager and Laing O’Rourke Clean Tech Leader Dr Will Rayward-Smith thanked ARENA the funding, adding that that careful selection of partners greatly contributed to the success of the project. “ARENA’s grant funding support has been crucial to the project’s success so far. ABB’s robust microgrid solutions combined with SunPower’s high-performance solar panels enabled the system to perform fault-free for the trial period,” Dr Rayward-Smith said. “SunSHIFT provides the financial and carbon benefits of solar with the speed of deployment, flexibility and modularity of a conventional diesel or gas generator. This is music to the ears of off-grid electricity consumers. Further, due to the flexibility and mobility of the technology, we can provide systems on offtake agreements as short as five years with rollover or buy-out options or through upfront purchase with buy-back options.” He said the market reacted “very positively” to the project. “We are fielding enquiries for multi-megawatt SunSHIFT systems from domestic mining sites and remote communities, and overseas from emerging economies,” Mr Rayward-Smith added. “It is exciting to be providing solar in a format that meets the needs of the off-grid market. We are giving solar a residual value profile, avoiding stranded asset risk and decoupling asset life from end-user life.” Laing O’Rourke is a global construction company dedicated to engineering excellence. The company has been present in Australia for more than 50 years, delivering building construction, railway services, materials handling, marine and civil infrastructure and a range of support services to clients in the oil and gas, resources, transport, defence, health, commercial and industrial sectors. Australian Manufacturing

KDL commences mining at Lerala Diamond Mine Mining and exploration company Kimberly Diamonds (KDL) announced that open pit mining operations have commenced at its Lerala Diamond Mine in Botswana. Image credit: kdl.com.au The company said it expects first production and recovery of diamonds to occur in April 2016, provided re-commissioning of the processing plant proceeds as originally planned. The mining contract had been awarded to Basil Read Mining Botswana, which mobilised staff and equipment on site during February and March and commenced operations at the beginning of April. “Mining then commenced early in April from the K3 kimberlite pipe and operations will continue to develop a buffer stockpile of fresh kimberlite ore,” the company said in a statement to the ASX. “Mining will then ramp up in line with the current production schedule to provide a consistent feed to the processing plant once processing commences.” Kimberly Diamonds also provided an update on the Lerala Process Plant. The company said that plant construction activities continue to progress well despite recent delays caused by higher than usual rainfall at site. “It is expected that plant construction will be completed in mid-April, with re-commissioning then expected later in April,” the company said. “The Board of KDL thanks our contractors and staff at the Lerala Diamond Mine for working tirelessly towards the re-opening of Lerala, and looks forward to an exciting month in April 2016.” Australian Manufacturing

BFC acquires South Australian water company AQUAEssence Beston Global Food Company (BFC) has agreed to acquire 51% of South Australian water business, AQUAEssence, in a move designed to add to the company’s product range in the health and nutrition division. Image credit: http://ift.tt/25HcWNc The company’s Chairman, Dr Roger Sexton, said that AQUAEssence had a number of “unique quality” and supply attributes which made it a perfect fit with BFC’s strategy to take healthy food and beverage products to the world’s growing communities, primarily in Asia. Sourced from the pure underground aquifers of Mount Gambier, AQUAEssence water is a naturally high alkaline spring water that has a natural pH of 7.9, far more then most spring waters in Australia, which have a pH of 6.0 or less. Mr Sexton pointed out that alkaline water is regarded by a number of health experts as having powerful antioxidant properties, providing superior hydration and nutrition at cellular level compared to acidic water. He said consumers of bottled water have in the past assumed that “water is water”, but they were increasingly becoming more discerning about the quality of the water they drink. “Bottled waters can differ significantly in their chemical composition,” Mr Sexton said. He noted that the chemical composition of AQUAEssence water was “very similar” to ”San Pellegrino”and “Evian” water, which are two of the largest selling bottled waters in the world. AQUAEssence Director Tony Gasparini said he was very pleased to have formed a strategic partnership with BFC via the sale of 51% of the business for $875,000. “The product has been accepted in Australia and the company now wants to expand into the Asian market,” he said. “With BFC’s extensive knowledge of the Asian market it will assist greatly in promoting and growing the AQUAEssence product range in this market.” AQUAEssence owns the rights to over 140 million litres of water per annum. Currently, the company only utilises around 1% of this resource each year. Australian Manufacturing

Queensland manufacturers make first delivery on Australian Defence Force contracts Rocklea-based Haulmark Trailers and Logan’s Holmwood Highgate have started delivery on their job-generating Australian Defence Force contracts at the Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera. Image credit: www.defence.gov.au The two Queensland companies, along with Wacol-based Penske, have been contracted to manufacture 1700 truck trailers and 250 fuel and water modules to go on the back of the Army’s new trucks, which are being produced by Germany-based Rheinmetall. The German company was selected to supply more than 2500 medium and heavy military trucks to the Australian Army, the first of which was delivered on Thursday at an official handover ceremony at Enoggera on Brisbane’s northside. State Development Minister and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said projects like these brought high-value jobs in engineering, electronics and systems integration in Queensland. “These contracts are expected to support the current combined workforce of about 150 and will create about 115 new jobs,” he said. “This demonstrates Queensland companies are more than capable of meeting the Australian Defence Force needs on land, in the air and on the sea. Queensland continues to be on the front-line of supporting industry and defence.” According to the Minister, the trucks, trailers and fuel and water modules will be progressively delivered during 2016 through to 2020 and will be supplied to army bases around the country. He said his department’s defence industries unit continued to work hard to ensure Queensland manufacturing companies were equipped to bid for defence contracts. “The State Government will soon release 10 year action plans to guide further industry development in defence, aerospace and advanced manufacturing,” Dr Lynham concluded. Australian Manufacturing

CSIRO introduces electric cars to its fleet to reduce carbon footprint The CSIRO has introduced the first two of 10 petrol-free, electric cars, and two additional electric bikes to its national fleet, making another great leap towards achieving the goal of reducing its carbon footprint. Image credit: www.csiro.au CSIRO General Manager, Building and Infrastructure Services, Mark Wallis said the 100% electric vehicles have been delivered to staff at CSIRO’s Discovery Centre at Black Mountain, Canberra. “We are rolling out these new electric cars across seven of our sites to enable petrol-free motoring within CSIRO’s pool of fleet vehicles,” Mr Wallis said. “With the addition of solar PV panels at our sites, we aim to generate more than enough renewable energy to charge and run the cars, making them emission free. This is certainly a greener alternative when you consider that the manufacturers say: ‘parts of the interior and bodywork are made from recycled water bottles, plastic bags, old car parts and home appliances’.” He said CSIRO locations in Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, Townsville and Newcastle were the next facilities that will take delivery of the new electric cars in the near future. “The cars and electric bikes are the latest in a raft of initiatives to lower emissions, reduce waste and improve the sustainability of operations across CSIRO,” Mr Wallis said. “As our scientists continue to lead the way in many aspects of alternative energy, emissions and waste reduction, and water and energy efficiency technology – we also want to be an organisation that puts those same things into action across our sites and operations. The money saved or earned can be reinvested into national science priorities. The money saved or earned can be reinvested into national science priorities.” He said the addition of the new electric cars to its fleet builds on CSIRO’s other recent sustainability initiatives and benefits, which include: The introduction of 36 electric/petrol hybrid cars to the CSIRO Fleet in 2015 to replace petrol-only vehicles A 2300 tonne carbon dioxide equivalent (tC02e) emissions reduction and $176,000 estimated cost saving from a nationwide campaign to close laboratory fume hoods during ‘downtime’. A 162 tC02e emissions reduction and $32,000 saving each year from 120kW photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar panels generating 214 Megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity each year at the joint venture Pawsey (supercomputer) Centre in Perth, Western Australia A 134 tC02e emissions reduction and $26,000 saving each year from 100kW PV rooftop solar generating 176 MWh of electricity each year at the Australian Resources Research Centre in Perth, WA. The PV systems complement approximately 260 kW PV, 5 kW of wind generation and 120 kW cogeneration capacity at the Newcastle site 900 tC02e emissions reduction and $114,400 saving from lighting upgrades in stairways, exits, balconies and building re-commissioning projects in selected laboratories “Together with electric cars and these sustainability measures, where it makes good sense, we are reducing our environmental footprint by consolidating our operations at key sites, as we have just done at Black Mountain, Canberra,” Mr Wallis concluded. Australian Manufacturing

Government vows to assist Arrium workers Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne has expressed his disappointment at last week’s announcement that Arrium has been placed into voluntary administration despite the Government’s efforts to help the company avoid such an outcome. Image credit: www.arrium.com The Government has implemented a number of policy reforms to help Australia’s steel industry, and Arrium in particular, to better absorb the costs of regulatory burden in the face of substantial challenges primarily caused by the significant oversupply of steel. Last month, the Prime Minister announced a project to upgrade 600 kilometres of rail line between Adelaide and Tarcoola to substantially boost demand for steel production from Whyalla. The Government has also sanctioned the repeal of the carbon tax, agreed to examine the opportunities and challenges of government procurement policies, made changes to the anti-dumping reforms and removed more than $4.5 billion in red and green tape since September 2013. “The Government’s November 2015 anti-dumping reforms, which address many of the concerns raised by Australian industry, have significantly strengthened Australia’s anti-dumping system,” the Minister said. “The Anti-Dumping Commission is also currently undertaking an analysis of Asian steel and aluminium markets to identify trends in dumping and consider ways to improve the efficiency of investigations and possible additional measures.” However, Mr Pyne acknowledged that Arrium’s ongoing issues cannot be addressed with further regulatory interventions and stated that the Government’s efforts will be directed toward helping affected workers. “This is a difficult time for the workers and families affected, particularly in Whyalla. While we are advised by the Administrator’s that it remains business as usual, the Federal Government stands ready to assist the workers of Whyalla,” the Minister said. “The Government, through jobactive, already has a range of support services available for workers who have recently lost their jobs from Arrium. Any additional assistance would build on these existing employment services.” Australian Manufacturing

Alcoa inks bauxite supply contracts worth over $350m Global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing and the world’s largest bauxite miner Alcoa has inked a number of bauxite supply contracts valued at more than $350 million over the next two years. Image credit: Alcoa Twitter pageAlcoa In an ASX Announcement, the company said that Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) will supply bauxite to customers in China, Europe and Brazil. “With our quality resources and deep technical expertise, we are well positioned to deliver a stable supply of bauxite to customers across the global alumina industry,” said Garret Dixon, president of Alcoa Mining. “Our strategy is to profitably grow our third-party bauxite sales and these contracts demonstrate that we are well on track.” Alcoa operates four of the seven active bauxite mines it owns all over the world. As the largest bauxite miner in the world, the company produced 5.3 million bone dry metric tons of bauxite last year. The AWAC group of companies is owned 60 percent by Alcoa and 40 percent by Alumina Limited of Australia. Australian Manufacturing

Quickstep enters South Korean automotive market with new KIST deal Advanced manufacturing company Quickstep Holdings has inked a new sales contract with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), a well?respected, multi?disciplinary government research institute located in Seoul, South Korea. Image credit: http://ift.tt/23fRkJ5 KIST is one of the key player in the development of South Korea’s growing carbon fibre composite materials industry. Under the terms of the deal, Quickstep will develop and supply composite manufacturing equipment, including its patented Resin Spray Transfer (RST) and Qure (Out?of?Autoclave) curing machine technologies, which KIST will use to develop prototype, demonstrator and niche?volume composite parts. The Quickstep manufacturing system will be optimised for niche? to medium?volume automotive industry production. Quickstep’s Qure and RST technology will enable KIST to produce Class? A surface quality parts at an overall lower cost. Delivery is set to be completed by the end of this year. “This contract opens up the South Korean automotive market for Quickstep’s process technology. Our patented technologies will enable medium?volume production of carbon fibre composite automotive parts, providing throughput of more than 10,000 parts per year. KIST is very well positioned within the automotive industry in South Korea, a sector that has made it a priority to develop lightweight carbon fibre solutions for future vehicles,” said David Marino, Managing Director of Quickstep in an ASX release. “This will be the first system of this kind in South Korea and we are very pleased with our decision to work with Quickstep to design and manufacture it for us,” stated Dr. Jun?Kyung Kim, Jeonbuk Branch Composite Material Technology Institute Director General of KIST. “The system will offer the complete capabilities that we need to continue and expand our research in the field of composite materials science, with our goal to become the world’s leading researcher in this area.” Australian Manufacturing

South Australian steel maker Arrium has entered voluntary administration Struggling steel producer Arrium has announced that it has entered voluntary administration. Image credit: www.arrium.comarrium The decision comes just a day after the company announced that it had asked employees to take a temporary 10% pay reduction and wage freeze in support of its efforts to survive the current challenging environment. As the appointed administrators, Grant Thornton will take control of the company’s everyday operations immediately. “The Group will continue to trade on a “business as usual” basis whilst the Administrators undertake a comprehensive and thorough review to identify the steps that can and should be taken to stabilise the Australian steel and mining businesses, with a review to restructure,” Arrium said in an ASX Announcement. “As previously announced, Arrium has been in discussions with its lenders (banks and noteholders) following the lenders’ rejection of the recapitalisation plan for Arrium involving GSO Capital Partners LP (on behalf of funds managed by it and its affiliates) that was announced on 22 February 2016. These discussions have now ceased. After considering the available alternatives, in the current circumstances it has become clear to the board of Arrium that it has, unfortunately, been left with no option other than to place the Relevant Companies into voluntary administration in order to protect the interests of stakeholders.” Arrium employs approximately 5,000 staff nationally, including 900 staff in Victoria, in Laverton North, Scoresby, Lyndhurst, Port Melbourne and Geelong. Treasurer Tim Pallas and Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio have called on the Turnbull Government to take immediate action to support the company and thousands of Australians it employs. “The Andrews Labor Government is working hard to support local jobs and local industry, and we call on the Turnbull Government to do the same. The Federal Government cannot sit idly by and do nothing as it did with the automotive industry,” said Treasurer Pallas. “We’ve spoken to the company, administrator, union and the Australian Steel Institute to offer our support and will keep working with them to support these jobs and the steel industry more broadly. The Turnbull Government needs to follow Victoria’s lead and take immediate action with strong industry policies to support local jobs,” said Ms D’Ambrosio. According to the company, imminent job losses are unlikely. Australian Manufacturing

It’s a no go – Pfizer and Allergan will not merge Last November, global biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer and Botox maker Allergan announced an all-stock $160 billion merger that would have resulted in the creation of the world’s largest pharmaceutical company. Image credit: www.pfizer.com The deal was supposed to close in the second half of 2016, after which the US drug maker would have moved its headquarters to Ireland in a bid to cut corporate costs and increase profitability and shareholder returns. On Wednesday, Pfizer issued a press release announcing that the merger agreement between Pfizer and Allergan plc has been terminated by mutual agreement. According to the company, the decision came as a result of the “actions announced by the US Department of Treasury on April 4, 2016, which the companies concluded qualified as an “Adverse Tax Law Change” under the merger agreement.” “Pfizer approached this transaction from a position of strength and viewed the potential combination as an accelerator of existing strategies,” stated Ian Read, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer. “We remain focused on continuing to enhance the value of our innovative and established businesses. Our most recent product launches, including Prevnar 13 in Adults, Ibrance, Eliquis and Xeljanz, have been well-received in the market, and we believe our late stage pipeline has several attractive commercial opportunities with high potential across several therapeutic areas. We also maintain the financial strength and flexibility to pursue attractive business development and other shareholder friendly capital allocation opportunities.” The company will pay Allergan $150 million for reimbursement of expenses associated with the transaction. “We plan to make a decision about whether to pursue a potential separation of our innovative and established businesses by no later than the end of 2016, consistent with our original timeframe for the decision prior to the announcement of the potential Allergan transaction,” continued Read. “As always, we remain committed to enhancing shareholder value.” Australian Manufacturing

New space mining device adds to asteroid mining boom

As the mining space race gathers pace, new technology is being launched to grow the fledgling industry.

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Gorgon LNG in need of repairs after one shipment

The newly productive Gorgon LNG plant is facing a two month shutdown due to technical problems, mere weeks after Chevron’s first and only shipment of gas from Barrow Island.

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Australian miners embroiled in Panama Papers scandal

Australian miners that own assets in North Korea have become embroiled in the Panama Papers scandal, which have brought to light possible collusion in breaking UN sanctions.

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Urine drug testing given all-clear at Goonyella

New drug testing arrangements at the Goonyella Riverside Mine will continue as planned following a Supreme Court decision in favour of operator BMA.

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Ausdrill sues Senex

Ausdrill subsidiary Energy Drilling Australia has sued Senex Energy for an alleged breach of contract.

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Arrium enters voluntary administration

Steel and iron ore business Arrium announced this morning that it has appointed Grant Thornton as administrators.

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WA School of Mining students shot in botched drug deal

Two Curtin University students were shot in a botched drug deal last night in New Orleans, after competing in the 38th International Collegiate Mining Games in Montana.

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Glencore sells 40 per cent stake in agricultural units

Glencore has announced an agreement to sell $2.5 billion of its Agricultural Products to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Canada's largest pension fund.

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Iron ore stays above US$50

The iron ore price has maintained headway, staying above the half century mark.

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Isaac Plains produces first coal

Stanmore Coal announces first coal has been processed at its Isaac Plains mine.

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Clough wins Woodside contract

Clough has been awarded an engineering services contract for Woodside.

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Arrium employees agree on temporary pay reductions Struggling steel producer Arrium announced that it has “achieved support” from the majority of employees for a temporary pay reductions. Image credit: www.arrium.com The business had asked employees to take a temporary 10% pay reduction and wage freeze in support of the its efforts to survive the current challenging environment. Arrium Mining Executive General Manager, Matt Reed, thanked employees for recognising the importance of the action which is being implemented for all staff salaried employees. “I recognise that this would not have been an easy decision, so the business values and appreciates the personal sacrifice that each of these employees has agreed to make,” he said. In the meantime, Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas and Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio have called on the Turnbull Government to step up and secure the future of the steel producer. Mr Pallas urged the federal government to sit down with the states and the company “as soon as possible” to support the thousands of jobs that are at risk. “We urge the federal government to act immediately and get behind the local steel industry,” Mr Pallas said. “There are thousands of jobs at stake here and we cannot let the federal government sit idly by as it did with the automotive industry.” Ms D’Ambrosio reiterated her stance for introducing a more effective “buy Australian” policy to expand local industry and support local jobs, which the COAG Industry Council is investigating at Victoria’s request. “We call on the federal government to adopt the local content proposal that we have put forward, which will support local industry and local jobs,” Minister D’Ambrosio stated. Arrium employs approximately 5,000 staff nationally, including 900 staff in Victoria, in Laverton North, Scoresby, Lyndhurst, Port Melbourne and Geelong. Australian Manufacturing

Talga expands its pilot processing facility in Germany Advanced materials company Talga Resources has announced the commissioning of its Phase 2 pilot scale test facility in Germany, which represents an improvement on its Phase 1 equipment and involves processing shaped raw graphite ore from Talga’s Swedish deposits in slabs up to 50kg in weight each. Phase 2 exfoliation cell platform and cell just prior to commissioningImage credit: Telga ASX release The Perth-based company said additional modified cells have been installed to increase total capacity of the facility to 365kg ore feed at a time. Talga managing director Mark Thompson said the Phase 2 expansion was an important operational milestone as the company continues to scale up and optimise its processing technology in order to provide higher volume and tailored sample materials for specific industry based testing. “Commencement of Phase 2 commissioning is an exciting milestone for Talga, marking a transition from setting the foundations and achieving a better understanding of the fundamentals that impact graphene manufacturing – at a sale well beyond that possible in a laboratory,” he said. After the successful process scale up of its pilot test-work facility in Germany, the company plans to construct its full-sale commercial production facility near its Swedish deposit. “Prior to anticipated full scale mining in Sweden, Talga aims to develop graphene and graphite product specifications hand in hand with industry, and identify applications that improve the performance of existing materials using current manufacturing techniques,” the company said in a statement to the ASX. “The Company intends to work with industries that can benefit through the availability of large volumes of high-quality, cost effective graphene and graphite and then work with a small number of partners to develop high volume production that meet their product needs.” The company has also announced an agreement with a USA based Li-ion battery developer under which Talga will provide graphite for performance testing in its emerging Li-ion battery technology. Sample materials will be manufactured at Talga’s pilot test-work facility in Germany, with testing expected to commence in the June 2016 quarter. Australian Manufacturing

3D Systems expands MJP line of 3D printers with the introduction of ProJet® MJP 2500 Series 3D Systems has announced the commercial availability of the ProJet® MJP 2500 Series, the latest addition to the company’s MultiJet Printing (MJP) line of 3D printers. Image credit: www.3dsystems.com The ProJet MJP 2500 Series was designed from the ground up to deliver a productive, in-office 3D printing solution that improves and accelerates today’s engineering workflow, offering simple, clean operation, and easy post-processing. The affordable-yet-powerful 2500 Series provides the highest feature fidelity in its class, enabling design professionals to create precision models, prototypes and injection-molded-quality parts, without leaving the workplace. According to 3D Systems, the 2500 Series utilises the company’s revolutionary new MJP EasyClean System, offering hands-off, chemical-free finishing without the need for waterlines or any special disposal considerations. “In conjunction with 3D Systems’ exclusive non-toxic melt away wax supports, the EasyClean System delivers simple post-processing with no damage to delicate feature details, thus reducing the time and waste associated with reprinting broken parts,” the company said in a press release. Haleigh Doremus, Rapid Prototyping Manager, Nike, a 3D Systems beta tester, said this allows developers to confidently test ideas faster and more frequently, shortening design cycles, lowering development costs and achieving better end products. “We have been extremely impressed with the results from the ProJet MJP 2500. It complements our current technologies and processes and allows us to print complex geometries that were previously impossible on other printers in this class,” Mr Doremus said. “The consistency of parts and hands-off post-processing it provides gives us time to accomplish more in a day, adding even more value to our team.” The ProJet MJP 2500 Series features two models – the MJP 2500 and the MJP 2500 Plus – each compatible with robust and versatile VisiJet® M2 materials in durable white and black plastic. According to the company, the ProJet MJP 2500 Plus offers additional material capability with rigid clear plastic as well as flexible elastomeric black and elastomeric natural, each newly developed for printing rubber-like parts that provide pliability, strength and full elastic recovery. The 2500 Series is capable of printing 790 DPI in z, or over half a billion droplets of material for every cubic inch printed, which makes it ideal for functional prototyping, rapid tooling and design communication. The series also includes 3D Systems’ 3DSPRINT™ software, which allows for quick printability checks, file repair, build time and material estimation, optimal part positioning and print queue management, all from one integrated platform. “The ProJet MJP 2500 brings easy-to-use, professional quality additive manufacturing capabilities into any workspace, at an exceptional price point,” said Mark Wright, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, 3D Systems. “We are thrilled to offer this powerful new product to help a broadening range of customers iterate faster and innovate better.” The ProJet MJP 2500 is being showcased at the 2016 Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) at 3D Systems’ display in Midway Suite III of St Louis Union Station (3-7 April). Australian Manufacturing

Latest fire protection systems set for May release

Victaulic will launch the new Installation Ready FireLock Fittings, a range of fire protection system fittings, in May. The fittings will require fewer fasteners which creates more efficiency in the workplace.

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Perth-made drill riser innovation boosts deep water oil industry

Australian Marine and Offshore Group has released the Longitudinal Groove Suppression (LGS) drill riser buoyancy system to improve drilling in the deep water oil industry.

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New program combines indigenous culture and science

A new BHP funded summer school program has combined science with indigenous culture to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to seek jobs in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

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Port Hedland sets record monthly shipping tonnage

Monthly iron ore shipments from Port Hedland have hit record numbers, which hit 39.53 million tonnes in March.

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Rio Tinto goes to trial over Forge collapse

Rio Tinto has gone to trial over $185 million in claimed losses as a result of the collapse of engineering company Forge Group in 2014.

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Hybrid coal technology proposal could double power output

Coal-fired energy producers may gain access to a way to boost efficiency and halve their carbon emissions, thanks to a new hybrid coal gasification system developed by US scientists.

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PYBAR enters co-marketing agreement in Africa

PYBAR has signed an agreement with Capital Drilling for the co-marketing of underground hard rock mining services in Africa.

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Rockwell Automation and OSIsoft supply BHP Billiton with enterprise solution

Rockwell Automation and OSIsoft will install an enterprise historian at BHP iron ore operations to provide greater visibility into production data.

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Deswik launches new survey functionality for underground mining

Deswik new software features a new survey functionality for underground surveyors in mining environments.

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Miner suing for millions over brain damage incident

A miner who received brain damage in a traffic accident after his shift is suing his employers for $2.5 million.

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Rockwell Automation appoints Nigel Williams as new country manager for New Zealand Rockwell Automation has announced the appointment of former company employee Nigel Williams to the position of country manager for New Zealand. Image credit: Rockwell Automation’s Twitter account (https://twitter.com/ROKAutomationNZ) Mr Williams, who has held various sales and sales management roles with the company between 1992 and 2004, will be based in Auckland and will be responsible for all Rockwell Automation sales activities in New Zealand. He will be tasked with providing leadership in the development and execution of strategy for New Zealand in order to achieve the company’s sales target. Following his initial departure from Rockwell Automation, Mr Williams was working at Siemens for 10 years, predominantly in the food and beverage sector. He has also worked in channel management roles and the building technology area of the business. “It’s great to be back working with Rockwell Automation again. The company has made a longstanding commitment to the New Zealand market in terms of service and support and longevity. I’m proud of that commitment and excited by their clear vision to help customers be more productive and optimise their enterprise,” he said. Mr Williams will work closely with the Rockwell Automation distributor, NHP Electrical Engineering in the execution of the company’s sales strategy, and will also play an active role in the coaching and development of the sales team to meet their individual goals. “I’m looking forward to working with our dedicated and talented team and enhancing the relationship with our distributor, NHP Electrical Engineering. Through this relationship, we are well placed to meet our customers’ automation requirements,” he added. David Hegarty, regional director of Rockwell Automation South Pacific congratulated Mr Williams on his new appointment. “It’s a real pleasure to announce Nigel as our New Zealand country manager. He is ideally placed to lead and grow our business in New Zealand over the coming years,” Mr Hegarty concluded. Australian Manufacturing

BAE Systems wins contract to refurbish CV90 vehicles for Swedish army BAE Systems has been contracted by the Swedish government to refurbish 262 Combat Vehicles 90 (CV90) for the Swedish Army. Image credit: www.baesystems.com The company’s work will be directed towards increasing the vehicles’ lifespan in support of Army capabilities and will include refurbishing the chassis and upgrading the vehicle’s survivability and turrets, as well as enhancing combat system performance. “This is a very important program for BAE Systems and the Swedish Army,” said Lena Gillström, managing director of BAE Systems Weapons Systems in Karlskoga, which builds the turrets. “With this refurbishment and the introduction of the new Battlefield Management System, these vehicles will take a step into the era of digitized defence to strengthen the Army’s capability to meet future threats.” According to the press release by BAE Systems, work starts immediately with deliveries beginning in 2018 and running through 2020. “For the Swedish Army, CV90 has proven its value and capability over the years,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, president of BAE Systems Hägglunds AB in Örnsköldsvik. “CV90 is already in service in seven countries and now, with this refurbishment program, we’ll further extend the CV90’s contribution to Sweden’s defence.” CV90 is a family of Swedish tracked combat vehicles designed by FMV, BAE Systems Hägglunds, and BAE Systems Weapons Systems. The Swedish Army has a fleet of 509 CV90s. The vehicle is also in service in Norway, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Australian Manufacturing

US Navy to fund construction of one additional Littoral Combat Ship Global defence contractor Austal has announced that the US Navy has funded the construction of one additional Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). Austal’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard with the new state-of-the-art Modular Manufacturing FacilityImage: Austal Austal CEO Andrew Bellamy said LCS 26 will be the eleventh Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship built by the company as prime contractor. He said funding for LCS 26 has been confirmed by the US Navy as not to exceed the congressional cost cap of US$564 million increasing Austal’s order book to approximately A$3 billion. “It is pleasing to see the Navy’s ongoing confidence in Austal’s ability to produce these high quality vessels,” Mr Bellamy said. “We are working hard to increase production efficiencies and reduce costs as the program matures and look forward to constructing the newly funded ship, which secures work at our US shipyard through to CY2021.” Austal is currently building seven LCSs at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, under a 10 vessel, US$3.5 billion contract the US Navy awarded to Austal in 2010. “With the US Navy also exercising its option to fund LCS 26, the total Independence-variant LCS constructed by Austal will be 13 ships; 2 as subcontractor (LCS 2 and LCS 4) and 11 as the prime contractor (LCS 6 onwards). Three LCS have been delivered,” the company said in a press release. “Meanwhile, Austal is also progressing well under its $1.6 billion contract to construct ten 103-metre Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels for the US Navy. Six EPF have been delivered, with the remaining vessels under construction at Austal’s US shipyard. Austal is also procuring long-lead materials for EPF 11 under an additional contract with the US Navy.” Australian Manufacturing

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing teams up with Somos® to fast-track stereolithography material development Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, an indirect subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd and one of the largest providers of 3D printing and conventional manufacturing services in North America, has further cemented its position as a market leader in SL technology through its partnership with DSM’s Somos, the preferred materials for building SL parts. Image credit: mms.businesswire.com The partnership doubles Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s SL production capacity, enabling the company to deliver large projects more rapidly, and accelerates material development. Stratasys Direct Manufacturing said it will apply 25 years of experience in SL from legacy companies Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies, collaborating with the Somos® development team to beta test new Somos® materials before they hit the market. Melissa Lutz, Business Director Somos® said the agreement gives the market access to the industry’s most extensive Somos® materials offering, enabling a nearly limitless number of prototype applications. “Together with Stratasys Direct Manufacturing we’ll accelerate Stereolithography material development like never before,” Ms Lutz said. “Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s customers have already used Somos® materials in some exciting and potentially life-saving applications, like customised and intricate heart models that improve the safety and efficacy of surgical procedures, so we’re eager to see what incredible SL parts users develop next.” Chuck Alexander, Director of Product Management for Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, said the agreement provides customers more choice and greater control over which materials to use for their SL projects. “We made this move to meet customers’ strong demand for Somos® materials that the rapid prototyping services industry wasn’t fulfilling,” Mr Alexander said. “We’re excited to build on Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s legacy of Stereolithography excellence by giving customers materials that have the power to enable more life-changing innovations.” Somos® materials available now at Stratasys Direct Manufacturing include: Somos® NeXt: Provides the accuracy of SL with the look, feel and performance of a thermoplastic. Ideal for large prototypes. Somos® ProtoGen 18420: Highly accurate and is humidity and temperature resistant. Somos® WaterClear Ultra 10122: A colourless material suited for lenses and electronic covers. Somos® WaterShed XC 11122. Produces highly detailed parts with great clarity and water-resistance. Australian Manufacturing

Largest ever blue diamond set to sell for a record breaking $US45m

The largest vivid blue diamond ever put up for auction will go on sale at Christie’s fine art and jewellery auction house in Geneva Switzerland.

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What to do when machines take our jobs? Give everyone free money for doing nothing

As automation becomes more prevalent, what happens to those unprepared for the change in industry?

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Downer and FMG end Christmas Creek contract

Downer’s contract at Fortescue Metals‘ Christmas Creek mine will not be renewed as the miner moves to a an owner-operator model.

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Workers walk off site after not being paid

Workers have walked off the former Anglo American’s Callide coal mine after allegedly failing to be paid for work done.

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Anglo American sells off majority stake in Foxleigh

Anglo American has made major moves to exit its Australian assets with the sale of a majority stake in the Foxleigh coal mine.

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RMIT researchers edge closer to developing self-cleaning textiles RMIT researchers have developed an affordable way to grow special nanostructures which can degrade organic matter when exposed to light directly onto textiles, paving the way towards nano-enhanced textiles that can spontaneously clean themselves of stains and grime simply by being put under a light bulb or worn out in the sun. Image: http://ift.tt/25HcY7J Team leader Dr Rajesh Ramanathan said the process had a variety of applications for catalysis-based industries such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and natural products, and could be easily scaled up to industrial levels. “The advantage of textiles is they already have a 3D structure so they are great at absorbing light, which in turn speeds up the process of degrading organic matter,” he said. “There’s more work to do to before we can start throwing out our washing machines, but this advance lays a strong foundation for the future development of fully self-cleaning textiles.” The researchers from the Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility and NanoBiotechnology Research Lab at RMIT worked with copper and silver-based nanostructures – known for their ability to absorb visible light – which when exposed to light, receive an energy boost that creates “hot electrons”. According to the researchers, these “hot electrons” release a burst of energy that enables the nanostructures to degrade organic matter. The biggest challenge facing researchers was to build these nanostructures on an industrial scale and permanently attach them to textiles. To overcome this issue, the research team grew the nanostructures directly onto the textiles by dipping them into a few solutions, resulting in the development of stable nanostructures within 30 minutes. Mr Ramanathan said that when exposed to light, it took less than six minutes for some of the nano-enhanced textiles to spontaneously clean themselves. “Our next step will be to test our nano-enhanced textiles with organic compounds that could be more relevant to consumers, to see how quickly they can handle common stains like tomato sauce or wine,” he said. The research has been published on the cover of the high-impact journal Advanced Materials Interfaces, and has received widespread online coverage, currently ranking Number 1 for social impact among all the articles ever published by the journal. Australian Manufacturing

BFC pens manufacturing and distribution agreement for China Beston Global Food Company (BFC) has inked an agreement with China’s Hondo Agricultural Company for the production, marketing and distribution of its range of allergen free, ready-to-eat meat meals in China. Image credit: http://ift.tt/25HcWNc BFC Chairman, Dr Roger Sexton, described the Manufacturing and Distribution Agreement with Hondo as an “important stepping stone” for BFC in establishing a robust presence in the Chinese consumer markets. “Notwithstanding the ChAFTA Free Trade Agreement, Australia is not permitted, under Chinese import regulations, to export processed meat products to China,” he said. “We have been working with Hondo for some time, together with Chinese and Australian authorities, to find a way of taking our “no numbers” (i.e. no preservatives, no colourings, no additives) range of meat products in the BFC portfolio to consumers in China who are increasingly looking for healthy, nutritious, high protein foods for their families.” Mr Sean Ebert, the CEO of BFC, said the ready-to-eat meals will be sold to the retail and food service sector in China under the “Yarra Valley Wholesale Meat” brand owned by BFC investee company, Scorpio Foods. He said the agreement with Hondo would enable Scorpio to export frozen boned out meat to China for transformation into ready-to-eat mat meals in Hondo’s existing facilities in Henan province. According to him, Scorpio will provide the recipes for the meals under a proposed license to Hondo. “The proprietary sauces and other key natural ingredients in the meals will be supplied by Scorpio to Hondo for manufacturing of the final products under technical and QA supervision by Scorpio,” Mr Ebert said. The terms of the proposed Licensing Agreement will see Scorpio earn a royalty on its intellectual property in addition to earning revenues on its sale of raw materials and fees for services rendered. BFC said it will provide Chinese consumers with product provenance and anti-counterfeiting verification of the products with its patent pending OZIRIS and Brandlok technologies. According to the ASX release by BFC, Hondo will market and distribute the products through its existing distribution network and established customer base. The Chinese company is targeting to manufacture and distribute 15,000 tonnes of Scorpio’s “Yarra Valley” products in the first full year of operations and 20,000 tonnes on the second year. The Hondo Agricultural Company is one of the largest meat processors in China and was one of the first companies in China to import live cattle from Australia. Hondo’s parent company, Chongqing Agricultural Products Co. Ltd is a leading agribusiness company in China and has ownership structure based around farm cooperatives in South Western China. Australian Manufacturing

Siemens to provide multi-million software grant to Australia if Germany lands subs contract Global technology giant Siemens has flagged intent for multi-million dollar in-kind advanced software to support Australia if Germany is selected to build Australia’s next fleet of submarines. Siemens press picture Speaking at an event held last week at Tonsley, visiting global President and CEO of Siemens PLM Software, Chuck Grindstaff, highlighted how the establishment of a Digital Shipyard in Adelaide could help the state transform into a hub for high-tech manufacturing and innovative ideas. “Australia is faced with a unique opportunity through its defence investments to help local industry rapidly transform and prepare to participate in advanced manufacturing and Industrie 4.0.,” Mr Grindstaff said. “Should Germany be selected to build Australia’s next fleet of submarines, I could see a multi-million dollar in-kind Siemens PLM software grant to help re-tool Australia’s next generation of workers. It’s no longer about who has the strongest back, but who best uses their brain and receives the best training in areas like mechanics, mechatronics, computers, software, design and engineering.” He said a combination of Germany’s Industrie 4.0 vision, the access to advanced manufacturing technologies, and Australia’s Innovation Agenda would help retool Adelaide and Australia for the digital age of manufacturing. “Put simply, I could see a rebirth of shipbuilding in Australia with flow on effects to all industry and the potential to seed Australia’s manufacturing Renaissance – similar to what we’re seeing in Virginia.” The comments from Mr Grindstaff support German company thyssenkrupp Marine Systems’ recent commitment of building a Shipbuilding Centre of Excellence (SCOE) in Adelaide. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Australia chairman John White, said such an approach would “greatly reduce risk” for the Royal Australian Navy. “The Shipbuilding Centre of Excellence in Australia would benefit all defence programs and ensure common software platforms to strengthen Australia’s approach. It would help connect the Royal Australian Navy to academic institutions and industry so we embed a continuous and sustainable hi-tech shipbuilding industry. SEA 1000 has the scale to change the way ships are built in Australia; it provides a generational chance to advance the manufacturing industry,” he said. “An advanced (digital) integrated product development and support environment (IPDSE) would avoid the pitfalls of the past where data has been difficult to manage and major programs have often relied on 2D paper diagrams. With modern technology everything can be designed and tested collaboratively in a digital world before going anywhere near a prototype. This eliminates geographical boarders. It reduces cost and waste.” Australian Manufacturing

Mining's deadliest minerals [infographic]

Mining is a dangerous job, but it becomes that much harder when what you mine can be a hazard to your health.

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Dragonfly threatened by Wollongong Coal expansion

The Russell Vale Colliery, already closed down due to financial concerns, may soon face a permanent end to expansion plans due to a rare, giant dragonfly.

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RCR to exit coal mining

RCR has announced its plan to exit coal services, amid its other businesses, cutting close to 300 in the process.

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Carmichael coal approved, construction to start in 2017

The Queensland Government has approved mining leases for the Carmichael coal mine, marking one of the largest approvals of its kind in the state’s history.

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3D tissue engineering could render dental implants obsolete Griffith University researchers are experimenting with 3D bioprinting to develop a solution that will allow them to regrow missing teeth and bone using a patient’s own cells. Professor Saso IvanovskiImage credit: app.secure.griffith.edu.au Conducted by periodontist Professor Saso Ivanovski from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland, the three-year study aims to produce new, totally ‘bespoke,’ tissue engineered bone and gum that can be implanted into a patient’s jawbone. “The groundbreaking approach begins with a scan of the affected jaw, prior to the design of a replacement part using computer-assisted design,” Mr Ivanovski said, adding that the study was being financed through a National Health and Medical Research Council Grant of $650,000 “A specialised bioprinter, which is set at the correct physiological temperature (in order to avoid destroying cells and proteins) is then able to successfully fabricate the gum structures that have been lost to disease – bone, ligament and tooth cementum – in one single process. The cells, the extracellular matrix and other components that make up the bone and gum tissue are all included in the construct and can be manufactured to exactly fit the missing bone and gum for a particular individual.” According to Mr Ivanovski, the new approach could permanently replace the use of dental implants which are used to replace missing teeth in patients who have lost a lot of jawbone due to disease or trauma. “However, in many cases there is not enough bone for dental implant placement, and bone grafts are usually taken from another part of the body, usually their jaw, but occasionally it has to be obtained from their hip or skull. These procedures are often associated with significant pain, nerve damage and postoperative swelling, as well as extended time off work for the patient. In addition, this bone is limited in quantity,” he explained. “By using this sophisticated tissue engineering approach, we can instigate a much less invasive method of bone replacement. A big benefit for the patient is that the risks of complications using this method will be significantly lower because bone doesn’t need to be removed from elsewhere in the body. We also won’t have the problem of limited supply that we have when using the patient’s own bone.” Professor Ivanovski said the new technology was currently in pre-clinical trials, with trials in humans to begin within the next one to two years. Australian Manufacturing

Siemens Australia wins $63m contract to install DCS at AGL Macquarie’s Bayswater power station AGL Energy has approved a $63 million project to install a Distributed Control System (DCS) at AGL Macquarie’s Bayswater power station in the NSW Hunter Valley. Image: http://ift.tt/1k7FqJC The company has chosen Siemens Australia to deliver and maintain the DCS and a simulator training facility. The installation will include Siemens’ DCS SPPA-T3000 control system and SPPA S3000 simulator. AGL Macquarie General Manager, Mr Ian Brooksbank, described the investment as a “boost for the Hunter economy”. “The new DCS will enhance safety, improve power station reliability and enable the plant to operate more efficiently,” Mr Brooksbank said. “It will transform how we operate the plant and perform as a business. Our employees will be using world-leading technology to operate one of Australia’s largest and most important power stations.” David Pryke, Executive General Manager for Siemens Australia’s Power and Gas Division said installation of the DCS is expected to start in September 2017 during a major maintenance outage on Bayswater Unit 1, and continue on successive planned unit outages until late 2019. “Cost and resource-efficiency are key concerns for most plant operators. With AGL, we are aiming to deliver benchmark technologies at the Bayswater power station that not only helps plant operators, but also the local and state economies,” Mr Pryke added. The Bayswater power station was commissioned in 1985-86 and consists of four generating units with a total capacity of 2,640 MW. The facility produces approximately 15,000 GWh of electricity per annum, which is enough to power two million average Australian homes. Australian Manufacturing

ARENA welcomes MSF’s commercial partnership with Origin Energy The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has congratulated Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) – the developers of the Moree Solar Farm (MSF) – on reaching a “landmark” agreement with Origin Energy for the sale of 100% of the electricity and large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) generated by MSF for the next 15 years. Image credit: arena.gov.au Commenting on the agreement, ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the partnership brings to fruition the project’s commercial potential, made possible by FRV taking the project risk with support provided by ARENA and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). He noted that FRV reached financial close on MSF in July 2014 by being willing to sell electricity and LGCs in the spot market, instead of obtaining a power purchase agreement first. “In doing so FRV has pioneered an alternate PPA pathway for project developers in the development and construction phase of large-scale solar PV projects. This could encourage other renewable developers to consider taking on market risk, and therefore result in more large-scale renewables being developed,” Mr Frischknecht added. The roles of ARENA and CEFC are uniquely distinct but complementary. The two agencies have been working together on a funding round for large-scale solar projects, with ARENA making $100 million available in grants and the CEFC $250 million in loans for eligible projects. “ARENA’s large-scale solar funding round was made possible through the experience we gained in supporting MSF and other large-scale solar projects such as those located in Nyngan and Broken Hill,” Mr Frischknecht said. “The commercial success of these first-of-a-kind projects for Australia provided ARENA with confidence that the $100M funding round could result in large-scale solar reaching commercial viability in Australia in the next five years.” ARENA has shortlisted 22 large-scale solar project proposals – with a total project value of $1.68 billion – to proceed to the full application stage of the competitive round. The projects are seeking approximately $332 million in grant funding and have a total capacity of 766 megawatts (MW). Australian Manufacturing

Australian PMI: Manufacturing records strong expansion in March The Australian manufacturing sector has recorded in March its strongest level of expansion since April 2004, with the Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) rising by 4.6 points to 58.1 Image credit: http://ift.tt/yftkXjby renjith krishnan According to Ai Group’s report, the Australian PMI expanded for a ninth straight month in March, which is the longest period of expansion since 2006. The seven activity sub-indexes all improved in March with production (largely unchanged at 60.0 points) and new orders (up 9.3 points to 61.7) now expanding strongly. Five of the eight manufacturing sub-sectors expanded, led by the largest sub-sector of food, beverages & tobacco (up 9.3 points to a record 71.0). Numbers reveal that wood & paper products also expanded strongly (up 8.0 points to 65.1) while the large machinery & equipment sub-sector entered into expansionary territory for the first time since January 2012 (up 1.6 points to 50.9). The large metal products sub-sector continued its 6-year slump (down 2.3 points to 41.8), mainly due to reduced demand, increasing input costs and an uncertain economic outlook. The input prices sub-index remained largely unchanged at 63.7 in March while wages expansion slowed further (down 2.6 points to 53.8), reflecting reduced demand for labour in manufacturing. The manufacturing selling prices sub-index dropped marginally by 0.5 points to 47.8 Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said the surge in the Australian PMI® in March was instigated by growth in manufacturing production, sales, employment, exports and new orders. “Significantly, the important machinery and equipment subsector, which has been buffeted by the step-down in mining investment and the fading auto assembly sector, moved out of contraction in March for the first time in more than four years,” Mr Willox said. “The strong manufacturing performance and its expansionary run since the middle of 2015 are in large part due to the boost provided by the lower Australian dollar. With momentum positive and new orders growing strongly, the positive trend appears to have some way to run. That said, the sharp lift in the value of the Australian dollar over the past two and a half months (by 10 per cent against the US dollar and by over 7 per cent against the TWI) will test some manufacturers and, if maintained, can be expected to slow the pace of recovery over the months ahead.” Australian Manufacturing