Cochlear’s China plant takes shape

Hearing implant manufacturer Cochlear is pressing ahead with construction of its first Chinese manufacturing plant in Chengdu in Sichuan province (pictured). The $90 million investment was announced in 2017 ‘to facilitate local market growth and provide additional manufacturing support for products in China and emerging markets’, according to the company. It is believed the plant…

Challenges in 3D printing adoption – Shams Rahman and Kamrul Ahsan

By Professor Shams Rahman and Dr Kamrul Ahsan The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented damage to the global economy, with the federal government naming advanced manufacturing as one of six sectors of strategic importance for future growth. This sector accounts for approximately half of Australia’s $100 billion plus annual manufacturing output, with the Australian industry…

Orbital grows in transformative year

Unmanned aircraft engine manufacturer Orbital achieved earnings before interest and tax of $2.6 million on revenue up in what was a transformative year for the company to $33.8 million. The Perth company was named primary engine supplier to Boeing subsidiary Insitu during the year and brought its second Insitu engine model into production. A third…

Quickstep’s strong year of growth

Composites manufacturer Quickstep Holdings grew sales, margins and profits in the 2020 financial year as all key production contracts in defence and aerospace achieved growth. The Bankstown, Sydney-based company booked earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $4.6 million on sales up 12 per cent for the year to $82.3 million. Sales margins rose 25…