S.A. Gov pushes Whyalla steelworks to administration, aims to take control
The South Australian government is pushing through legislation to move the Whyalla Steelworks into administration, allowing the state to take control of the facility.
James Hardie sees income plummet on weak demand
Global fibre cement maker James Hardie has seen net incomes drop 15% in the third quarter, blaming volatile North American conditions for the fall.
Li-S Energy reports breakthrough in drone battery technology
Brisbane-based Li-S Energy announced an leap forward in its battery pouch technology development, powering a number of drone test flights. The company successfully integrated these cells into battery packs that were tested in drone flights, with its first uncrewed aerial vehicle test in November achieving a 30-minute flight time on partial discharge, showing its capability…
Griffith team develops breakthrough silicon carbide transistor
Researchers at Griffith University have developed device that can cut ‘parasitic losses’ on semiconductors that drained energy and limited performance.
Making the dirt go further
When Ayrton Sue first stepped into a beach buggy manufacturing facility in Malaga as a teenager, sweeping floors and helping out on weekends, he couldn’t have known he was laying the foundation for a revolutionary approach to Australian manufacturing. Today, as the founder of Element Engineering, he’s challenging the notion that high-end manufacturing belongs overseas.…
Vaxxas completes enrolment for needle-free vaccine patch trial
Brisbane biotechnology company Vaxxas has completed enrolment for testing a needle-free vaccine patch against avian influenza.
Do investment tax breaks work? A new study finds the evidence is ‘mixed at best’
In an election year, further promises of tax breaks for businesses are likely. But are they a good idea, and at what cost do these promises come?
Zelira wins Gov tax refund for cannabinoid research
Biopharma company Zelira Therapeutics has been awarded a $1.2 million cash refund under the Government’s R&D Tax Incentive Scheme, for use on its cannabis-based medical research into autism.
Australia lagging behind New Zealand on cutting industrial energy costs
Australia has a lot to learn on industrial heat pump adoption from New Zealand, and can benefit from the capacity developed there, writes Amandine Denis-Ryan. Last year research from IEEFA revealed that electrification could slash energy use in industrial processes, using heat pump technology that is commercially available today. However, adoption remains slow in Australia, with…
Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed
JV not to be for FBR Robotic technology company FBR told shareholders that the “period for the option granted to CRH Ventures” to enter a joint venture in the US passed on February 16. FBR said it “did not receive formal notice of exercise of the option” from CRH and therefore FBR is no longer…