Australia and AI adoption: how are we comparing?
Brent Balinski spoke to the Australian head of professional services company Genpact about the company’s recent report on artificial intelligence adoption and challenges.
Thales unveils plans for Lithgow factory expansion
Global defence group Thales has unveiled plans for a major development of the company’s factory at Lithgow in New South Wales into a modern defence manufacturing precinct. The factory, which began life a century ago as the Lithgow small arms works, will be developed to be capable in digital technologies, including 3D printing, advanced optical…
Fuchs to acquire Australian engine oil maker Nulon
Germany’s Fuchs Group has announced that it will acquire Nulon Products Australia, and intends to keep both local production and all 65 roles at the Australian maker of automotive lubricants..
Four pillars of a high performing workplace
In this viewpoint, Forum member Danny Samson identifies the four factors to achieve high performing workplaces. One of the key differences between successful and less successful organisations is their workplace culture. At one extreme is the high performance work culture, where most people are giving high levels of ‘discretionary work effort’, which, other things being…
IoT monitoring of wind turbines gets closer
Final trials of listening devices that monitor the health of wind turbines and use satellite communication to transmit data will take place in the coming months ahead of a commercial launch mid year. Adelaide-based startup Ping was awarded an $A170,000 Australian Government Accelerating Commercialisation grant last week to help trial, upscale, connect and launch its…
Angela Doyle, WA State Director, AMGC
Our latest Meet a Member conversation is with Angela Doyle, WA State Director at AMGC. She tells us about raising awareness of advanced manufacturing in her state.
BlueScope workers concede to company over pay
Analysis by Peter Roberts If ever there was a demonstration that times have changed in industrial disputes in manufacturing it is clear from this week’s decision by BlueScope steel workers to accept its latest pay deal. Workers at the Port Kembla steel works agreed in 2015 to a three year pay freeze, and cuts in…
Orica chief calls for LNG export cap
Alberto Calderon, CEO of explosives group, Orica has called for a cap on gas exports to ensure the survival of gas-intensive manufacturing in Australia. Calderon said there was a simple solution to chronic gas shortages and lack of supply to domestic customers, and urged Canberra to take action. “The government needs to ensure that the…
Maggie Beer sells out for $25 million
Premium food brands producer, Longtable Group (ASX: LON) has completed its takeover of 100 per cent of Maggie Beer Products from the South Australian cook and food entrepreneur, Maggie Beer for a total consideration of $25 million. The company, which bought an initial 48 per cent of the business for $15 million in 2016, said…
Commonwealth and Naval Group sign Submarine Design Contract
The federal government has signed the Submarine Design Contract with France’s Naval Group for the Attack Class submarines, following the recent signing of the project’s Strategic Partnering Agreement.