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BC.Game Lucky Spin – Provably Fair Bitcoin Slot Review 

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DragonChain Riches – Top Bitcoin Slot for Jackpot in 2026

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Book of Dead Bitcoin Slot Review–BTC Stil Dominates in 2026

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Best Slot Games Today -Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza 

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Play the Best Online Slots Today – High RTP, Big Jackpots

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Top 10 Online Casino Sites You Can Trust in 2026

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Live Casino Games Online: Real Dealers, Real Money Wins

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BC.Game Casino Australia: No Deposit Bonus Codes

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Bet Casino Like a Pro – Slots & Blackjack Winning Guide

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Casino Players Forum: Online Slots, Poker & Free Spins Today

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Online Casino Brazil: Top Sites, Bonuses & Legal Insights

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Online Casino Sites in 2026–Global Rankings , Expert Reviews

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Baccarat Online Casino – Best Sites to Play for Real Money

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Bitcoin Slot Sites 2026:BTC Slots with High RTP & Free Spins

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Best Bitcoin Slots Today: Trusted BTC Slot Sites & Bonuses

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Top-Rated Bitcoin Slot Sites Online in 2026 – Expert Guide

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Best Online Casinos 2026 for Bitcoin Slots & Free Spins

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Roulette Online Guide:Winning Tips, and Where to Play

Roulette Online Guide:Winning Tips, and Where to Play Roulette online is one of the most iconic and exciting casino games ever created. With its spinning wheel, bouncing ball, and wide variety of betting options, online roulette attracts millions of players worldwide. Thanks to modern online casinos, you can now enjoy roulette from the comfort of…

Blackjack Online:Rules, Strategies, Best Sites Play and Win

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Online Casino Guide: Play Real Money Games Anywhere

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Online Casino Trends: Bonuses,Live Casino Crypto Growth

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Free Spins No Deposit: Best Online Casino Deals Worldwide 

Free Spins No Deposit: Best Online Casino Deals Worldwide Free spins no deposit offers are one of the most popular and searched casino promotions in the world—and for good reason. They allow players to try real online casino games without depositing any money, while still having the chance to win real cash. In this complete…

Top Casino Bonus Offers in the US, UK, and Other Regions 

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US Online Casino Guide: Play Slots & Live Dealer Games

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Best Crypto Casinos for US Players – Bitcoin & Ethereum 

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Ultimate Guide to Online Casinos: Best Games, Bonuses,Tips

Ultimate Guide to Online Casinos: Best Games, Bonuses,Tips Online casinos have revolutionized the way people enjoy gambling. From the comfort of your home, you can now play your favorite casino games, claim exciting bonuses, and explore countless strategies to increase your chances of winning. However, navigating the online casino world can be overwhelming, especially for…

Slot Machines Explained: How to Increase Your Winning

Slot Machines Explained: How to Increase Your Winning Slot machines are among the most popular casino games in the world, both in land-based casinos and online platforms. Their colorful designs, exciting themes, and the possibility of winning life-changing jackpots attract millions of players every day. However, many players spin the reels without fully understanding how…

Slots Online for Real Money: Best Paying Online Casino Slots

Slots Online for Real Money: Best Paying Online Casino Slots Introduction Online slots have become the most popular games in digital casinos, offering both entertainment and the chance to win real money. With thousands of options available, it’s crucial to know which slots online for real money provide the best payouts, highest jackpots, and most…

Live Casino Games Online: Real Dealer Casinos Play Today

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Online Casino 2025 – Best Bonuses & No-Deposit Free Spins

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Online Casino Sites Real Money in 2025 – Exclusive Bonuses 

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Best Online Casino Bonuses: Free Spins & No Deposit Offers

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Online Casino Guide: Top Casino Bonuses, Free Spins

Online Casino Guide: Top Casino Bonuses, Free Spins Online casinos have transformed the gambling industry, giving players access to thousands of games, generous bonuses, and secure real-money gaming from anywhere in the world. With so many options available, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. That’s why this online casino guide breaks down everything you…

Slot Gacor Hari Ini: Today’s Highest RTP Online Casino Slots

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Slot Gacor Hari Ini Strategy – How to Spot Casino Slots

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New Online Casinos 2025 – Latest Sites with Huge Bonuses

New Online Casinos 2025 – Latest Sites with Huge Bonuses The online gambling industry continues to grow rapidly, and new online casinos in 2025 are offering bigger bonuses, faster payouts, and better gaming experiences than ever before. These latest casino sites are designed to attract new players with huge welcome bonuses, free spins, and exclusive…

Best Casino Slots to Play Online for Big Jackpots

Best Casino Slots to Play Online for Big Jackpots Online casino slots are one of the most popular and profitable casino games, offering exciting gameplay, stunning graphics, and the chance to win huge jackpots for real money. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, choosing the best online casino slots can significantly increase…

Live Dealer Casinos: Real-Time Gaming Experience Explained

Live Dealer Casinos: Real Time Gaming Experience Explained Online gambling has evolved rapidly over the past decade, and one of the biggest innovations reshaping the industry is live dealer casinos. Combining the convenience of online gaming with the authenticity of real casinos, live dealer games offer players a truly immersive, real-time gaming experience. In this…

Casino Slot Games Guide: RTP, Bonuses & Winning Secrets

Casino Slot Games Guide: RTP, Bonuses & Winning Secrets Casino slot games are among the most popular and exciting forms of online gambling. With colorful themes, immersive sound effects, and the potential for big wins, slot games attract millions of players worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding how slot machines work—especially…

Best Online Casino Platforms Compared: Features & Bonuses

Best Online Casino Platforms Compared: Features,Bonuses online casino industry is booming in 2025, offering players more options than ever before. With countless platforms available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to play. Choosing the right online casino platform is crucial for enjoying secure gameplay, a wide range of games, generous bonuses, and fast payouts.…

Online Casino Reviews 2025: Trusted Sites, Games & Payouts

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Best Online Casinos in 2025: Safe Play, Bonuses, and Tips

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Top Casino Games Online: Slots, Poker, Blackjack & More

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Blackjack Strategy Guide: How to Play and Win at Online Casinos

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Online Slots Guide: How to Win, RTP Explained & Best Slot Games

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What Is a Crypto Casino? Benefits, Risks, and the Future of Online Gambling

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Crypto Casino Guide 2025: Why Bitcoin Casinos Fast Worldwide

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Crypto casinos: recurring friction points before a first deposit

Crypto casinos have become a more visible segment of online gambling, particularly among players who already hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins. Faster funding rails and multi-asset cashier support are often highlighted as the headline benefits. In practice, the early friction tends to sit in operational details rather than the games themselves. Wallet custody, network selection,…

Crypto Casino Guide 2025: How to Play, Win & Stay Anonymous

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Best Crypto Casino Games: Slots, Live Dealers & Sports Betting

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Crypto Casino Australia: Trusted Bitcoin & Ethereum Online

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Australia’s Leading Crypto Casino | Bitcoin, Ethereum & Slots

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New Online Casinos Australia 2025: Safe Sites, No‑Deposit

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Most Popular Online Pokies in Australia: Starburst, Mega Moolah

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Best Australian Slots: Wolf Gold, Starburst & Book of Dead Review

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Crypto Gambling Forum Trends Today: What Blockchain Bettors

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Best Crypto Gambling Forum Guide: Top Communities for Blockchain Betting

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Online Gambling Safety Guide: Avoiding Scams

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How to Win With Crypto Gambling: BTC & ETH Betting Strategies

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Top Casino Sites Like Bet365 – 2025 Rankings,Bonus Comparison

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Best Online Slot Casino Guide 2025 – New Jackpot Releases

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Bizzo Casino Review 2025 – Bonus and Promotions

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Dragon Slots Casino – Review and Bonus 2025

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That’s it from Brent (and Peter)

Dear reader, This is a very brief update to thank you for your interest in @AuManufacturing, founded by Peter Roberts and myself in 2018. It has been a huge privilege to connect so many people through our community, based on our news coverage, campaigns such as the annual Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers initiative, events,…

Blockchain and Smart Contracts Are Reshaping the Future of Online Casinos in Australia

Australia’s digital gambling sector is entering a new phase of transformation as blockchain technology and smart contract–based systems gain traction among emerging gaming platforms. While still in early adoption, these technologies are rapidly redefining transparency, security, and automation in online casinos — positioning blockchain as a disruptive force within Australia’s tech-driven gambling ecosystem. Smart Contracts…

Walkinshaw Group officially opens new $114 million headquarters in Southeast Melbourne

Automotive engineering company Walkinshaw Group has opened its new $114 million headquarters and expanded manufacturing facility in Dandenong South. The remanufacturing business officially opened the site on Monday. According to the Victorian government, the opening has created 155 new local jobs across production, engineering and administration. The site includes what’s described as Australia’s most advanced automotive…

Winners announced for Victoria & Tasmania Welding Excellence Awards

Weld Australia held its annual Victoria & Tasmania Welding Excellence Awards on Wednesday night, recognising high achievers in the welding and fabrication sector. According to a statement from the industry body on Thursday, the awards celebrate people and projects that set “new benchmarks for quality and capability in manufacturing” and range from automation and safety…

Applications open for WorkSafe grants of up to $300,000

The Victorian government is accepting applications for workplace safety-related grants of up to $300,000, with the funding round focussed on “initiatives to prevent or minimise risks from hazards in manufacturing workplaces.” According to a statement from state WorkSafe minister Ben Carroll on Tuesday, the grants are for projects improving safety, skills and awareness around risks,…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

ASC selects Siemens’ industrial software Collins sub fleet Australia’s submarine company, ASC, has selected Siemens’ software to help it sustain the Collins Class submarine fleet. The Collins Class sustainment program (CCSM) – which will extend into the 2040s – will use Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. Peter Halliday, CEO of…

POSCO joins HILT CRC

South Korean steelmaker POSCO has joined the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT) a development the CRC cited as “an important milestone” in its global collaboration efforts, “particularly in developing low-carbon ironmaking technologies.” According to a statement from HILT on Wednesday, it reflects both the benefits of collaboration with international companies and the…

Protected: How Moxon Industries transformed its operations with M1 ERP

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Manufacturing drives Australian business revenue growth in ABS experimental indicator swansong

The Monthly Business Turnover Indicator (MBTI), an experimental economic indicator developed in 2021 and using monthly Business Activity Statement data, has released its final result, showing that manufacturing enjoyed its “highest growth on record” in the MBTI’s history. According to a statement from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Monday, the September result showed…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Archer, CSIRO collaborate on QML for fraud detection  ASX-listed semiconductor developer Archer Materials has entered into a research services agreement with the data and digital specialist arm of CSIRO, aiming to develop a quantum machine learning (QML) system designed to detect fraud in financial transactions. The project is scheduled to run this month until November 2026,…

Revenues, competition on the rise in $2.1 billion Australian ice cream manufacturing market  

Demand from hospitality outlets and export customers in Asia has helped the ice cream manufacturing sector, currently worth $2.1 billion in revenues, to a compound annual growth rate of 6.1 per cent, according to new market research. According to IBISworld’s Ice Cream Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030), the leaders by market share…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, November 3 – November 7, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Quantum Brilliance opens Melbourne synthetic diamond foundry Australian-German company Quantum Brilliance has opened a new facility at Melbourne’s Notting Hill, where it will make lab-grown diamonds for quantum computing devices. According to a statement on Wednesday from state economic growth…

Integrating advanced technologies into your manufacturing business

Sponsored Modern manufacturers are turning to advanced technologies to accelerate innovation, help them scale and deliver greater productivity whilst becoming more resilient and sustainable. Automation, robotics, faster prototyping, additive manufacturing, IoT sensors, and novel materials all offer new ways of delivering products at lower cost and/or greater quality. However, they also add complexity to your…

Free Heat Battery Estimator tool released

A free online tool has been developed and made available for those wanting to understand the payoff from a “heat battery” to lessen their dependence on gas for process heat. The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP, a not-for-profit coalition of companies and researchers) and Aratherm (a company specialising in industrial clean heat solutions) announced…

Kapture links up with Deakin's REACH, aims to trial fertiliser from diesel exhaust in late-2026

Melbourne start-up Kapture has announced a partnership with Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH), aimed at progressing a device capturing carbon dioxide from combustion engines and converting the gas into fertiliser. According to a statement from Deakin on Wednesday, Kapture’s technology can be retrofitted to collect diesel pollution from generators, widely used…

Doftek to set up in UK automotive tech cluster

Melbourne-headquartered active wheel alignment business Doftek has selected MIRA Tech Park, an automotive R&D hub in the UK, for its European expansion plans. Doftek was established in 2017 and is commercialising its Active Wheel Alignment (AWA) retrofit system, which automatically controls a vehicle’s four wheels while driving to provide maximum contact between each tyre and…

Waste Expo 2025: Driving the circular economy forward

Sponsored This year's Waste Expo Australia saw over 4,000 attendees through the doors over two days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with an overwhelming emphasis on circularity and sustainable resource recovery dominating discussions across both the exhibition and conference programs. Over 150 exhibitors showcased industry-leading waste management and resource recovery solutions, with exceptional…

Tania Archibald to take top job at BlueScope

Tania Archibald, the current head of BlueScope’s Australian Steel Products business, will begin as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the nation’s top steelmaker early next year. According to a statement from BlueScope on Wednesday, Archibald will take over from current CEO and Managing Director Mark Vassella on February 1, 2026.  “I’d like to…

Quantum Brilliance opens Melbourne synthetic diamond foundry

Australian-German company Quantum Brilliance has opened a new facility at Melbourne’s Notting Hill, where it will make lab-grown diamonds for quantum computing devices.  According to a statement on Wednesday from state economic growth minister Danny Pearson, who opened the foundry, the new facility at Co-Labs will see world-leading technology developed to enable portable quantum devices…

Underwater robot maker secures $16m funding for scale up

Australian ocean robot maker Hullbot has raised $16 million in funding to grow and develop its autonomous robotics manufacturing capabilities and establish international service hubs.

WA launches AUKUS defence readiness fund

Western Australia’s government has launched a $2 million fund to help WA businesses break into the US and UK defence supply chains.

Vic gov boosts defence industry with Rolls-Royce partnership

The Victorian government has signed a MoU with Rolls-Royce to strengthen the state’s defence industry skills and supply chain.

Anduril opens new Ghost Shark factory in Sydney

Defence manufacturer Anduril has opened a new factory in Sydney to produce the Ghost Shark, its extra-large underwater autonomous vehicles, for the Royal Australian Navy.

Precision Plastics Australia launches locally-made home decor business

Lane Cove West, Sydney-based 3D print farm operator Precision Plastics Australia has launched DesignLab.au, establishing what it says will link “designers, retailers, and end customers” to develop new home décor products. Precision Plastics founder Dr Craig Morrison said in a statement on Monday that the new venture is based on the simple idea that “world-class…

Australia, Canada sign new critical minerals deal

The Australian and Canadian resources ministers have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Minerals Collaboration, which they say will “promote and strengthen cooperation and trade in critical minerals value chains” between the two countries.  According to a statement from Australian resources minister Madeleine King on Saturday (Australian time), the declaration of intent signed…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, October 27 – October 31, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Tomago Aluminium in consultation with workers as smelter’s future remains in doubt The owners of Australia’s biggest aluminium smelter are in talks with workers at Tomago, with the company “yet to identify a pathway” to commercially sustainable operations beyond 2028. Tomago…

Alpha HPA secures $30 million from QCMBTF

Aluminium chemicals company Alpha HPA has secured $30 million in funding from the Queensland government’s Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund (QCMBTF), which will help progress the company’s Stage Two HPA First Project in Gladstone. In a statement on Thursday, Alpha said that under the agreement, its subsidiaries had entered into Royalty Deeds with Queensland…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Biochip meets performance and clinical requirements, says Archer  Semiconductor developer Archer Materials this week announced successful results from the first stage of its silicon Biochip project, carried out in partnership with IMEC, showing that the silicon devices meet blood potassium accuracy requirements. According to the company, Archer and IMEC achieved a potassium sensing accuracy of ±0.3…

Ethical Clothing Australia ‘setting a gold standard’ in preventing exploitation: Australian Human Rights Institute research

Sponsored New research has found that Ethical Clothing Australia’s accreditation program is a global leader in protecting and upholding the rights of textile, clothing and footwear workers. The report, commissioned by the accreditation body and authored by the Australian Human Rights Institute, examines how Ethical Clothing Australia’s accreditation program aligns with relevant legislation and regulations…

UNSW team's two-for-one result gets the attention of world's biggest solar companies

A UNSW Sydney team has made a breakthrough, showing how to create “two packets of energy” from one particle of light, which could one day see new technology “mass-produced specifically for use with solar panels”. According to a statement from the university on Friday, the “Omega Silicon” team showed how the principle of “singlet fission”…

Bioplastics business Uluu completes $16 million Series A

Perth startup Uluu, which has developed a process to create bioplastics out of fermented seaweed, has announced a $16 million Series A funding round, led by Germany’s Burda Principal Investments. According to a statement on Thursday from the company, the raise will support construction of a demonstration plant and scaling up its technology, which “has…

Metal furniture manufacturing sector predicted to fall 6.4 per cent this year

“[C]onsiderable import competition and shaky downstream demand” have contributed to revenues among metal furniture makers in Australia falling at an annualised 2.2 per cent per year for the five years to 2025-26, according to new industry analysis from IBISworld. According to the company’s new Metal Furniture Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030), the…

First plane lands at Western Sydney International Airport

A Boeing 737 RFS air tanker has become the first plane to land at the new Western Sydney International Airport, touching down on Tuesday morning. According to a statement from federal transport minister Catherine King, the milestone comes as a two-day multiagency emergency exercise begins as part of the ongoing testing ahead of the airport’s…

Tomago Aluminium in consultation with workers as smelter's future remains in doubt

The owners of Australia’s biggest aluminium smelter are in talks with workers at Tomago, with the company “yet to identify a pathway” to commercially sustainable operations beyond 2028. Tomago Aluminium’s current electricity contract with AGL Energy expires in December 2028. The site employs 1,000, produces up to 590,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, and uses about a…

R.M.Williams opens second workshop, brings wallet-making in-house

Clothing and boot business R.M.Williams has increased its production capacity by 90 per cent with the official opening of a second workshop at its factory. According to a statement on Monday from the company’s owner, Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s investment vehicle Tattarang, the new 20,000 square metre facility increases the manufacturing and distribution footprint in…

Extel appoints new Chief Growth Officer

Melbourne-headquartered product development and electronics engineering company Extel Technologies has appointed Sammy Wallwork as Chief Growth Officer, as it looks to “deepen customer partnerships and enhance… design and manufacturing capability” with clients across Australia and the United States. In a statement on Monday, Extel Technologies’ CEO Bruce Fitzgerald said: “We recognise Sammy for his energy,…

Green steel, energy strategy and ESG: The new direction for Australia’s steel industry

Sponsored As ESG reporting becomes mandatory and decarbonisation accelerates, Australia’s steelmakers are rethinking how they source and manage energy — not just to stay competitive, but to future-proof their operations. Australia’s steel industry is standing at a defining moment. With growing pressure from investors, regulators and supply chains to demonstrate measurable sustainability outcomes, energy strategy…

News launches “Back Australia” campaign

Publishing conglomerate News Australia has launched a campaign advocating for consumers to support Australian businesses – sponsored by companies including Harvey Norman, the Australian Made Campaign and R.M. Williams – which it says will “roll out in two stages until April 2026”. According to a statement launching the campaign on Monday, Back Australia: It's Good…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, October 20 – October 24, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) $250 million-plus Additive Manufacturing CRC launched at Boeing A new seven-year Cooperative Research Centre, the Additive Manufacturing CRC, was officially launched at an event at Boeing Aerostructures Australia’s Port Melbourne facility on Wednesday. The successful CRC bid was awarded $58 million in…

Winners named at 2025 NSW & ACT Welding Excellence Awards

The 2025 NSW & ACT Welding Excellence Awards, which “underscore the essential role of welding across every part of the economy”, have been held at an event at the Strathfield Golf Club. The annual event held, which was held by industry body Weld Australia on Thursday night, aims to “highlight how welders, educators and fabricators…

SeaStock gets $740,000 FaBa funding to progress seaweed-based red food dye production

Algae-based food ingredients company SeaStock has been awarded $740,000 in funding from Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) for a project developing red pigment from asparagopsis seaweed. Australian asparagopsis research has led to numerous startups using the red algae to create food supplements, which in small dosages can greatly reduce the amount of methane (a…

Queensland to host AusBiotech International Conference in 2026, 2027

The Queensland government has secured the rights to host the AusBiotech International Conference in 2026 and 2027, making the announcement at this year’s event at Melbourne on Thursday. Deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie said at the AusBiotech 2025 International Conference that the events would be held on the Gold Coast in 2026 and in Brisbane in…

Federal government awards $28 million to Relectrify to progress BESS breakthrough

Battery technology company Relectrify, which aims to provide “the operating system for the world's best battery energy storage systems” (BESS), has been awarded $25 million through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to accelerate its AC1 BESS product. According to a statement from ARENA on Wednesday, the funding supports a project which will “deploy up…

Canadian firm buys WA fabricator to boost defence manufacturing

Canadian mobile communications company Critical Infrastructure Technologies (CiTech) has acquired a West Australian precision manufacturer to expand its defence footprint in Australia.

US data centres buy up Aussie dual-fuel generator kits

Eden Innovations has seen a rush of interest in its dual-fuel, diesel-powered generators retrofit kits from new and existing US-based data centres.

Graphinex secures a billion dollars for QLD graphene project

Graphinex has won $1.32 billion (US$ 860m) in funding from the U.S. for its Esmeralda Graphite Project and processing plant in Queensland. It secured a Letter of Interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for the critical mineral that is used to make anodes in EV batteries. “This is a pivotal moment…

Australian, US governments to invest in Wagerup gallium project

A plan by Alcoa and others to produce gallium alongside alumina at an existing Western Australian refinery has received a boost, with the Australian government making a $307 million financial commitment in the Alcoa-Sojitz Gallium Recovery Project in Wagerup following the meeting of the US’s and Australia’s leadership. A Joint Development Agreement by the Japan…

Anguses in tech leadership team reshuffle at DroneShield

Drone countermeasures company DroneShield has promoted its software engineering team leader Angus Harris to CTO, with Chief Product & Technology Officer Angus Bean moving into the role of Chief Product Officer. According to a statement from DroneShield, which recently became an ASX200 company, Harris’s appointment reflected the company’s “continued growth and organisational maturity” as it…

Another $9.3 million awarded to submarine qualification program

The federal government has awarded $9.3 million through the second stage of the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification pilot program (AUSSQ), focussing on “industry uplift activities involving air and gas flasks, and fabricated parts.” The funding covers “additional work packages” and will help “build skills, create jobs, and strengthen our national security through industrial base collaboration…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, October 13 – October 17, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Former Queensland premier appointed chair of Advanced Materials and Battery Council Industry lobby group the Advanced Materials and Battery Council (AMBC) has rejigged its leadership team, with former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) appointed its new chair. In a statement Monday,…

Australian-made bottom-up EV fire suppression system passes safety standards in lab tests

EV Fire Protection, a Brisbane-based company developing fire suppression products for electric vehicle parking bays, has announced the independent verification of “effectiveness, safety, and compliance with international standards” for its EV FirePro system. According to a statement from the company this week, it used Applus+ Laboratories in Spain for the tests due to an absence…

Livium raises $4.5 million to accelerate clean energy waste recycling efforts

Battery recycling technology company Livium has announced firm commitments to raise $4.5 million through a share placement, with funding to support efforts including expansion of its large-format lithium battery collections across Australia, and the relocation and consolidation of its Victorian battery-recycling facilities into a centralised site. According to a statement from the ASX-listed company on…

Great Wrap enters voluntary administration

Husband-and-wife-led material science company Great Wrap is in administration, with a reported $39 million in debts, citing a slump in demand as retailers and FMCG businesses began to recycle plastic in-house. Great Wrap was founded in 2019 by Jordy and Julia Kay, a winemaker and an architect respectively. They launched their first stretch wrap product…

InfraBuild wins Innovation of the Year at World Steel Association awards

GFG Alliance-owned steel recycler InfraBuild has won the Innovation of the Year award at the annual Steelie Awards, hosted by the World Steel Association (worldsteel.) Tracey Sen (pictured left), Executive General Manager of Communications, represented the company at the event in Washington, DC and which was hosted by the industry group representing 85 per cent…

Erema Group buys into BlockTexx, seeking to scale textile-to-textile recycling “to industrial levels”

Austrian-headquartered Erema Group, the world leader in plastic recycling equipment, has made an unspecified strategic investment in Brisbane textile recycling technology startup BlockTexx. The two companies shared the news at industry fair the K show in Düsseldorf, Germany this week, saying the development is aimed at scaling “post-consumer textile-to-textile recycling to industrial levels”. BlockTexx was…

Oly Homes wins Queensland Master Builders award for Thursday Island prefab project

Modular construction company Oly Homes has won at the 2025 Master Builders Queensland Housing & Construction Awards in the Prefabricated and Modular Housing category for its Thursday Island project, with eight homes built at its Sunshine Coast factory before being delivered and installed over 1,700 kilometres away. According to a statement from the company on…

Wagner advances large-scale SAF ambitions with Toowoomba Terminal launch

Wagner Sustainable Fuels and its partners have commissioned an Australian-first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending terminal at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, which it says is also the first such blending terminal “co-located at an airport globally”. “The launch of our Toowoomba Terminal is the start of our plans to deliver [decarbonisation] benefits and meet the aviation…

STA: Discussion papers suggest SERD unfortunately overlooks discovery

The federal government’s Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD) process “has lost its way”, lobby group Science & Technology Australia (STA) has said, following a release of six issues papers from the SERD panel. According to a statement from STA on Wednesday, the “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build a more complex, innovation-based economy has instead failed on…

REDARC releases new lithium battery range

Adelaide-based REDARC Electronics has released its new REDARC Lithium Adventure Batteries (REDLAB) for four-wheel-drive and outdoor travel enthusiasts, available in 100Ah, 200Ah, and 300Ah models. In a statement on Tuesday, REDARC described the range as rated IP67 construction (completely dust-tight and able to withstand immersion in up to a metre of water for 30 minutes),…

HiveKeepers wins Good Design Award for Concept Design

Beekeeping products startup HiveKeepers has won a Good Design Award in the Concept Design category for its Micro Honey Harvester, following its top prize for innovation at the recent World Beekeeping Awards. According to a statement from the company – ahead of the Australian Good Design Awards gala event at Sydney on Friday night –…

New CEO begins at Ampcontrol 

Gareth O’Reilly (pictured), who formerly headed Schneider Electric in the Pacific Region and Fletcher Building in Australia, has been appointed as the new CEO & Managing Director of electrical engineering firm Ampcontrol. In a statement on Tuesday, Ampcontrol’s Chair, Greg Sedgwick, praised O’Reilly’s professional calibre, industry experience and international background. “This is a very exciting…

Regional NSW offers “ideal combination” of advantages for plant-based food and beverage manufacturing, says state government 

The NSW government is courting plant-based protein companies, encouraging them to consider establishing regional factories in the state via a new prospectus at the AltProteins 25 conference.  According to a statement from regional NSW minister Tara Moriarty and others on Tuesday, regional NSW – five key regions are “particularly suited to plant-based protein manufacturing” –…

Former Queensland premier appointed chair of Advanced Materials and Battery Council

Industry lobby group the Advanced Materials and Battery Council (AMBC) has rejigged its leadership team, with former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) appointed its new chair. In a statement Monday, the AMBC said the former premier brings “proven executive leadership in policy delivery and large-scale industrial development” to the role. Outgoing AMBC Chair Craig Nicol…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Lovells Group appoints renowned polymer chemist Lovells Group has announced the appointment of Emeritus Professor Jacques W.M. Noordermeer of the Netherlands, adding “one of Europe’s most respected polymer chemists” to its engineering team. According to a statement from Lovells, Noordermeer has more than 45 years' experience advising industry on advanced elastomers, is an Officer in…

QUT pair lead battery cathode project awarded $2.2 million grant through Quad program

A Queensland University of Technology-led team has been awarded a $2.2 million grant through the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program to develop a novel battery cathode production method. Australia has committed $50 million to the diversification program, which was announced during May 2023 Leaders’ Summit for the Quad, a diplomatic partnership between Australia,…

Medovex awarded $760,107 to make spinal surgery devices at Wollongong

Medovex, a company that makes products to treat back pain, has been awarded a $760,107 grant from the NSW government to establish a device manufacturing and sterilisation facility at Wollongong. According to an update from the state government on Monday, the funded project will establish a facility for device manufacture and small-batch sterilisation of medical…

Green Gravity to introduce its technology to India with TEXMiN

Wollongong-based energy storage startup Green Gravity has branched out into India, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TEXMiN, one of India’s four Technology Translation Research Parks. According to a statement from the Australian company on Monday, the signing covers a collaboration exploring the potential of gravitational energy storage systems – Green Gravity’s core business…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, October 6 – October 10, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here's what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Australian hive harvesting innovator wins gold at World Beekeeping Awards HiveKeepers, a company that is commercialising a new method of harvesting honey for hobbyists and beekeepers after five years of R&D, has won the top prize for innovation at…

95 per cent of participants satisfied with Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program: NSW government

Fifty-nine regional NSW manufacturing SMEs have participated in the state government’s Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program, an $800,000 initiative launched in March. According to a statement on Thursday, the companies involved were able to “save time, cut costs and improve profits” through the program, which offered “tailored on-site audits” to “identify practical ways to implement lean…

Ego Pharmaceuticals CEO joins Honour Roll for Service at Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame event

Dr Jane Oppenheim, CEO at family-owned skincare business Ego Pharmaceuticals, was inducted into the Honour Roll for Service to Industry during Thursday night’s Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards. According to a statement from Ego Pharmaceuticals, the induction recognises Oppenheim’s more than three decades of dedication to driving innovation and growth within the industry. Jane…

1414 Degrees gets licence to battery anode material tech, raises $1.2 million 

ASX-listed energy storage company 1414 Degrees is expanding its expertise in silicon-related products, gaining an exclusive licence for George Washington University’s Silicon Nanoparticle (SiNTL) Technology for battery anodes. According to a statement from the company on Thursday – which also included news of firm commitments for a $1.2 million raise through a share placement –…

Upgrades to begin at recently-rescued Port Pirie smelter

A 50-day upgrade program begins this week at the Port Pirie smelter run by Nyrstar – which was recently awarded $135 million in federal and state funding to save its two Australian sites – with $80 million to be invested in shoring up the long-term competitiveness of the multi-metals processing facility. According to a statement…

Don’t panic, says Australian Steel Institute after Europe announces tariff plan

Following the European Commission’s announcement of plans to halve the quota of tariff-free steel imports and apply a 50 per cent tariff beyond that, the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) has urged against panic, saying there were “no surprises” in the news and that the plan has yet to be ratified. This week the EU proposed…

Glencore relief revealed: $600 million in bridge funding from federal/Qld governments for Mount Isa copper smelter

Following reports this week that federal industry minister Tim Ayres and Queensland regional development minister Dale Last were to announce a bailout for Glencore’s Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Refinery, the size and structure of the support have been shared. Ayres (pictured) announced on Wednesday that the funding will amount to $600 million, split…

Australian hive harvesting innovator wins gold at World Beekeeping Awards

HiveKeepers, a company that is commercialising a new method of harvesting honey for hobbyists and beekeepers after five years of R&D, has won the top prize for innovation at an event sometimes called “the Olympics of beekeeping”. According to a statement from the company on Wednesday, it won Gold for Innovation with its Micro Honey…

Engage with government, industry: Final weeks to register for Waste Expo Australia 2025

Sponsored With just under three weeks until Waste Expo Australia 2025, exhibition spaces are sold out and final registrations are being taken for the nation's largest gathering of waste management professionals. The two-day event on 29-30 October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is shaping up to be exceptional, with over 3,000 attendees expected…

Government rescue package for Mt Isa copper smelter expected

A bailout of the Mount Isa copper smelter is expected to be announced on Wednesday morning. The Sydney Morning Herald and others report that federal industry minister Tim Ayres will announce a rescue package for the loss-making smelter. The report did not cite a figure. “The government’s approach is to do what we responsibly can…

Recyclers BlockTexx and Indonesia’s Asia Pacific Fibers partner on polyester yarns

Indonesia’s Asia Pacific Fibers (APF) and textile recycler BlockTexx have announced “a working partnership” to develop a variety of filament yarns made of recycled polyester and co-market these to global fashion and textile industry clients. Graham Ross, Co-founder of BlockTexx, said, “BlockTexx’s mission has been to develop low emissions technology to deliver commercial scale recycled…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Micro-X wins $3.3 million Malaysian order Lightweight X-ray technology company Micro-X has announced a government purchase order placed by the Malaysian government with distributor Integrated Medical System Sdn Bhd (IMS) for Rover Plus Mobile DR X-ray units. According to a statement made on Friday, delivery of the units will begin this month, and represents a…

Grants up to $50,000 available to help commercialise recycled products

Grants of between $15,000 and $50,000 are available through Sustainability Victoria’s Market Accelerator program, which aims to assist businesses, social enterprises and others in commercialising recycled material-based innovations.  According to a statement from the Victorian government agency on Monday, the program is designed to help validate and commercialise products and processes using priority recycled  materials,…

Energy, timber costs made the last five years tough for paperboard container makers: report

Revenues for the Australian paperboard container manufacturing industry are approximately $452 million per annum currently, according to new market research, which also finds that this figure declined by 1.4 per cent on average each year between 2020 and 2025.  The newly-updated Paperboard Container Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030) by IBISWorld counted 70…

Instant noodle factory to open at upcoming Pakenham industrial estate

Ballarat Food Manufacturing, a subsidiary of the Yida Group, will move into Brookfield Properties’ Cardinia Logistics Estate at Pakenham, Victoria, with production expected to begin in mid-2026. According to a statement from real estate developer and operator Brookfield on Tuesday, the food company has secured a five-year lease for its first manufacturing site in Australia.…

Consultations begin on the “an exciting new commercial opportunity” of bioenergy feedstocks

Consultation has begun on the federal government’s National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy, following the announcement last month of $1.1 billion in funding for low-carbon liquid fuels. According to a statement from agriculture minister Julie Collins on Thursday, bioenergy will be “an important part” of decarbonising the economy, and that it requires a consistent supply of feedstocks,…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Astroscale, HEO partner on space monitoring This week Japanese satellite servicing company Astroscale Holdings and Sydney-based non-Earth imaging specialist HEO announced a three-year memorandum of understanding. According to a statement from Astroscale on Tuesday, the agreement deepens an existing partnership on monitoring, assessing and ultimately servicing allied defence, government and commercial assets. The pair will…

Ag robot maker SwarmFarm raises $30 million in Series B round

Emerald, Queensland-based agricultural robotics company SwarmFarm Robotics has raised $30 million through its Series B round, with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation tipping in $7 million. According to a statement from the CEFC on Thursday, the round will accelerate the rollout of SwarmFarm’s lightweight, self-driving “SwarmBots”, which reduce herbicide use by up to 95 per…

SolidHydrogen partners with Korea's EN2CORE Technology

Sydney startup SolidHydrogen and South Korea’s EN2CORE Technology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, aiming to demonstrate their combined technologies for producing and storing hydrogen in a “pilot at scale”.   SolidHydrogen is developing metal hydrides, a type of alloy, to “store, purify, and compress hydrogen at a fraction of the cost of existing technologies”. EN2CORE…

Manufacturing growth slows in September, weakness tipped to persist: S&P

The industry remained in growth for September, reporting its ninth straight expansionary result, though growth slowed over the month, according to the S&P Global Australia Manufacturing PMI. According to a statement from S&P on Wednesday, the overall PMI recorded a result of 51.4 in September, down from 53.0 in August. A result above 50 from…

Weld Australia, SEMMA strike new partnership

Professional body Weld Australia and regional manufacturer representative the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) have formalised a partnership, saying that a newly signed MoU between the pair creates a “clear, practical framework focused on collaborating to represent, connect, and advocate”. According to a joint statement from the organisations on Thursday, the partnership will deliver…

Infrabuild to install new bowls for Laverton EAF as part of capacity-expansion program

The country’s second-largest steelmaker, InfraBuild, has said it’s upping capacity at its two electric arc furnace facilities, with the company announcing it has taken delivery of two new EAF bowls at its Laverton Melt Shop at Melbourne. According to a statement on Wednesday from the company, which runs the nation’s only steelmaking EAFs, the bowls…

First Graphene features in new solar thermal and automotive products

Ireland-based Senergy has released a range of products covering on-roof solar thermal, integrated solar thermal and automotive technologies making use of First Graphene’s PureGRAPH. According to a statement from ASX-listed nanomaterials company First Graphene on Wednesday, Senergy’s polymer heat exchange materials incorporate PureGRAPH.  First Graphene CEO Michael Bell said Senergy’s commercialisation of several new material…

ARENA awards three companies $12 million for process heat projects

McCain Foods, Sugar Australia and Blackmores will receive approximately $12 million in combined support, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), for projects trialling and demonstrating low-emission technologies for process heat. According to a statement from the federal government agency on Tuesday, the projects will demonstrate how to reduce reliance on natural gas, as well…

Conflux Technology developing heat exchangers for Airbus's hydrogen-electric aircraft project

Conflux Technology has revealed that it is part of Airbus's ZEROe, with the Geelong-headquartered business contributing development of additively-manufactured heat exchangers for the hydrogen-electric aviation project. According to a statement from Conflux on Tuesday, its heat exchanger plays a critical role in thermal regulation within ZEROe's fuel cell systems. The company said its exchanger was…

Nominations open for next year’s Queensland Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards

Nominations have opened for the state government’s Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards 2026, which recognises outstanding female apprentices in the Queensland manufacturing workforce. The two awards on offer are: Leading Apprentice Award winner ($10,000 prize); and  The Highly Commended Apprentice Award for the runner-up ($5,000 prize) “These awards are about celebrating the trailblazing women leading…

Kwinana alumina refinery to shut permanently: Alcoa

Alcoa has announced it will permanently shut the Kwinana alumina refinery, which fully curtailed production last year, following “numerous studies and analyses” on the future of the site. According to a statement from the bauxite, alumina and aluminium company on Tuesday, factors behind the decision included the refinery’s age, scale and operating costs, as well…

Peek behind the seams to witness 25 years of impact during Ethical Clothing Australia Week

Sponsored The nation’s leading accreditation body for the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry is celebrating a quarter century of protecting and advocating for garment workers with an exhibition focusing on their lived experiences.  Working Behind the Seams is one of several events being held during Ethical Clothing Australia Week. It will be showcased at…

Efficiency improvements in focus at upcoming event for Western Downs manufacturers

Western Downs Regional Council and the Queensland Manufacturing Institute (QMI) are hosting a Process Improvement Workshop on October 15. According to a statement from the council on Tuesday, the event at Chinchilla RSL Memorial Club will run from 9.30 am to 3 pm, and includes three sessions delivering “practical tools and strategies to enhance productivity,…

Uni Adelaide researchers develop new electrolyte for stabler aqueous zinc batteries

New electrolyte research led by the University of Adelaide could improve the usefulness of rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries (AZB.) According to a statement from the university on Monday, AZBs could be an attractive alternative to lithium ion chemistries because of their non-flammability and the abundance of zinc as a resource, but are held back by…

Zeotech raises $13 million through share placement

Brisbane-based mineral processing company Zeotech has announced firm commitments supporting a capital raise worth $13 million before costs, part of which will support R&D on its low-carbon concrete-related product, AusPozz. According to a statement from the ASX-listed company on Monday, the commitments were for a placement of 162,500,000 new fully-paid ordinary shares at a price…

Space Machines Company to begin manufacture at Bradfield this year

Spacecraft business Space Machines Company (SMC) intends to begin assembly at the NSW government’s Advanced  Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) in Western Sydney later this year. According to a statement from the government on Saturday, SMC will set up at the AMRF at Bradfield aiming “to develop hyperscale production capability” for its satellites. The AMRF is…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, September 22 – September 26, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) New report estimates $220 million in economic activity, $4.8 billion in potential “pandemic preparedness benefit” generated through from Moderna factory Oxford Economics modelling commissioned by Moderna has predicted that the US biotech company’s Melbourne mRNA facility will add $220 million…

The Magnum Ice Cream Company completes $35 million in improvements at Minto site

A $35 million upgrade has been completed at The Magnum Ice Cream Company’s Minto facility in southwest Sydney, where 400 are employed and nearly three million ice cream servings are made every day. According to an announcement on Thursday from the maker of brands including Blue Ribbon, Golden Gaytime, Magnum and Paddle Pop, the investment…

Solidcast awarded $2 million NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative grant to expand Wauchope site

Wauchope, NSW-based precast concrete panel maker Solidcast has been awarded a $2,033,000 grant through the state government’s Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative to expand its operations. According to a statement from NSW energy minister Penny Sharpe on Friday, the funding will help the Mid North Coast company increase production of its low-carbon concrete panels and lead…

$180 million third round of Industrial Transformation Stream program opens for regional companies

Applications have opened for the third round of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS), with $180 million in grant funding available for emissions reduction projects at regional industrial businesses. According to a statement from ARENA on Thursday, it is currently seeking businesses with projects aiming to transform operations to support Australia’s…

Tindo Solar to make 70 of its Walara solar panels for the East Micronesia Cable project

Solar module manufacturer Tindo Solar has announced an order of 70 of its 430-watt Walara solar panels for the East Micronesia Cable (ESM) project, with these to be used to power data cable landing stations in Nauru and Kiribati. ESM is a 2,250 kilometre undersea data cable linking Tarawa in Kiribati, to Nauru and to Kosrae…

Plastic recycler Samsara Eco appoints ex-BASF exec as first General Manager of Asia

Following the launch of its new factory and headquarters at Jerrabomberra, NSW earlier this month, enzymatic plastic recycling company Samsara Eco has announced its first General Manager of Asia. In a statement on Thursday, Samsara said the new appointee, Dr Lars Kissau, will be based in Singapore and lead the company's expansion into Asia.  Kissau…

Whyalla Steelworks seeking 60 tradies for immediate start: Ayres

The Whyalla Steelworks, which is currently up for sale, is looking for approximately 60 skilled workers in “fitting, machinist, mechanical, instrumentation, electrical and fabricating trades” for an immediate start. According to a joint statement from federal industry minister Tim Ayres and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas on Wednesday, the site has taken on “more than…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Seaweed-based plastic alternative makes global fashion debut  Luxury sleepwear brand Papinelle has said its latest collection will feature buttons made from seaweed, as part of a collaboration with Perth biotechnology startup Uluu, marking the first time Uluu’s materials have been used in fashion. According to a statement from Uluu, the buttons (pictured) were created by…

Sell & Parker to build $66 million Blacktown steel products factory to supply renewable energy projects

Sell & Parker, a company founded in 1966 and with a heritage in steel recycling, has been awarded a $28 million grant from the state government to support the building and operation of a new renewables manufacturing hub in Western Sydney. According to a statement from the NSW government on Wednesday, the new site has…

South East Melbourne outstripping Western Sydney in manufacturing jobs growth, according to new report

Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) is the leading manufacturing region in Australia in terms of employment and output, according to new research by Deloitte Access Economics. According to a statement on Tuesday from the GSEM group of councils – which commissioned the research – the region accounts for 75,046 manufacturing jobs (a quarter the state's…

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) – six major types and their applications

Sponsored article Elastomers are materials that can return to their real shape when the external force is removed. Not all elastic materials are elastomers.  There are thermoplastic elastomers and thermosetting elastomers. Thermosetting elastomers are traditional rubber. In domestic habits elastomers are usually known as thermoplastic elastomers and, as a result, rubber might sometimes be excluded…

New report estimates $220 million in economic activity, $4.8 billion in potential “pandemic preparedness benefit” generated through from Moderna factory

Oxford Economics modelling commissioned by Moderna has predicted that the US biotech company’s Melbourne mRNA facility will add $220 million annually to Australian GDP, support 990 ongoing jobs, and deliver “pandemic preparedness benefits” worth as much as $4.8 billion over 30 years “based on the likelihood of a future pandemic”. The Moderna Technology Centre in…

Pacific Green gets planning permit for “Australia’s largest grid-scale battery” at Portland

Grid-scale battery energy storage business Pacific Green has received a planning permit from the state government to build the planned gigawatt-scale Portland Energy Park, Victoria. According to a statement from the company on Monday, the project will be its second battery energy park in Australia, and located on Madeira Packet Road, near both the Portland…

Researchers' “breakthrough catalyst” could deliver much more useful zinc air batteries: Monash University

Researchers have developed a new catalyst that Monash University says could bring zinc-air batteries “closer to real-world, grid-scale and transport uses”. According to a statement from the university on Monday, the catalyst is able to make the batteries oxygen reactions “much faster and more efficient”, and “[offer] more power, longer life and lower costs.” The…

Memphasys raises $0.84 million, cuts operating costs

A capital raise of $0.84 million (before costs) demonstrates growing confidence in the Felix sperm separation device, according to ASX-listed reproductive biotechnology company Memphasys. According to a statement from the company on Monday, it has successfully completed a share placement for that amount, with an additional non-renounceable rights issue to eligible shareholders potentially raising up…

RMIT team invents cardboard and soil-based building material

An RMIT University team has developed a new building material made of just cardboard, water and soil, which they say is reusable and recyclable and combines “the durability of rammed earth with the versatility of cardboard”. According to a statement from RMIT on Monday, the team was inspired by temporary and disaster shelters, such as…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, September 15 – September 19, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Green Gravity says former Wollongong Resources coal mine to host world’s first demo deployment of “breakthrough technology” Green Gravity and Wollongong Resources have announced execution of a binding agreement for gravitational energy storage trials at the Russell Vale mine. The pair…

Australian Food and Grocery Council welcomes decarbonisation target

Industry lobby group Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has welcomed “the clarity provided” by the federal government’s emissions reduction target announcement on Thursday. The government released a target – to get between 62 per cent and 70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035 – as well as a Net Zero Plan, blueprints for…

National Reconstruction Fund to deliver newly-named $5 billion Net Zero Fund

The federal government has announced a $5 billion Net Zero Fund aimed at supporting the decarbonisation of heavy industry, to be delivered by the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) with capital drawn from the existing $15 billion program. The announcement on Thursday coincided with the government’s release of its 2035 climate target – a 62-70 per…

Green Gravity says former Wollongong Resources coal mine to host world’s first demo deployment of “breakthrough technology”

Green Gravity and Wollongong Resources have announced execution of a binding agreement for gravitational energy storage trials at the Russell Vale mine. The pair previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding, announced December 2023, and have since worked closely to assess the Russell Vale site for suitability in accommodating gravitational energy storage.  According to a statement…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Federal government lowers fees for offshore wind developers The federal government said on Tuesday that it's “cutting financial burdens and red tape for offshore wind development”, and for the next two years will reduce application fees for transmission and infrastructure licences from $300,000 to $150,000. According to a statement from energy minister Chris Bowen, fees…

Turbine Solutions awarded $453,230 through WA's Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program

Turbine Solutions is the third company to get backing via the Western Australian Government’s Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, receiving $453,230 in support.  According to a statement on Wednesday from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), which administers the program, the co-investment will support the company’s transition into the wind energy sector. It will also…

Fire resilience researchers expect new fabric coating to be on sale within a year

UNSW researchers have developed a novel, water-based spray coating that makes cotton materials slower to catch fire, though “without altering the fabric’s softness or breathability”. According to a statement from the university on Wednesday, the formula has been developed over two years by a team led by Professor Guan Yeoh, and has been supported through…

Government pledges $1.1 billion over ten years to grow low-carbon liquid fuel industry

The federal government has announced funding budgeted at $1.1 billion “to help unlock the vast economic opportunities” offered by low-carbon liquid fuels, and claiming that the nation “has the ingredients needed to make cleaner liquid alternatives to fossil fuels” made from materials such as agricultural waste. Citing Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) estimates, the government…

Central Coast’s ManufactHER aims to boost female representation in manufacturing workforce

A new project aiming to improve how women “are hired, supported at work, and promoted into leadership roles” at manufacturing companies has been launched at the Central Coast. According to a statement from skills minister Andrew Giles (pictured) and others on Tuesday, the ManufactHER: Empowering Women, Transforming Advanced Manufacturing project is being delivered and led…

Manufacturers “remain notably optimistic” as actual conditions fall short of expectations: ACCI-Westpac quarterly survey

Manufacturing activity is back in contractionary territory, according to the quarterly ACCI-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends, reflecting “broad-based softness across output, new orders and [the] labour market”. According to a statement from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, the Actual Composite result in the survey slipped from 51.5 in Q2 to 48.8…

Haigh’s Chocolates opens new $120 million factory 

Haigh’s Chocolates, the 110-year-old, family-owned maker of premium chocolate products, has officially opened its new $120 million, 18,000 square metre facility at Adelaide’s Salisbury South. Construction of the new production, warehouse and online fulfillment facility was announced in late-2023. The now-opened site represents the company’s biggest-ever single investment, is currently producing 1,100 tonnes of chocolate…

Construction begins at DHL's upcoming Edinburgh Park logistics site

Ground has been broken on DHL Supply Chain Australia’s upcoming transport and warehousing facility at Edinburgh Park, South Australia, which is being built by FDC. The site will consolidate three of the company’s existing facilities into one central depot, and serve customers in retail, technology, consumer, life sciences and healthcare. It will act as the…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Advanced Navigation to expand with global centres of excellence Australian autonomy equipment business Advanced Navigation says it will expand to establish PNT (positioning navigation and timing) centres of excellence across the United States and Europe, beginning with a new site in United Kingdom. According to a statement from the company last week, the inaugural centre…

Boral claims carbon capture milestone in recycled aggregate trial

Building products company Boral has claimed an Australian first, producing concrete incorporating recycled aggregates that  were “recarbonated” to store carbon dioxide from process emissions. According to a statement from the company – which is owned by ASX-listed SGH – on Monday, it took reclaimed concrete aggregates from its Widemere recycling facility, which were then used…

Guidelines released for $500 million in grants through Green Iron Investment Fund

Guidelines are now available for the National Development Stream of the Green Iron Investment Fund, which represents half of available funding through the $1 billion Green Iron Investment Fund announced shortly after the collapse of the Whyalla Steelworks in February. The release gives those hoping to access the $500 million National Development Stream of the…

BlockTexx and INGWE take their reborn fashion accessories to a Paris audience

Textile recycler BlockTexx has entered into a partnership with INGWE — an Australian-based fashion accessory and trim developer, wholesaler and integrator — with the pair to showcase products at the Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris show this week. In a statement on Monday (Australian time), Blocktexx said it and IMGWE hoped to support a transition to…

Omer Granit joins BluGlass’s board

ASX-listed compound semiconductor developer and maker BluGlass has appointed Omer Granit, who is also a board member of Australian-born US additive manufacturing business Amaero International, to the board of directors. According to an announcement from BluGlass on Monday, Granit is a US-based entrepreneur, investor, and lawyer, and replaces Vivek Rao, who is stepping down as…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, September 8 – September 12, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Conflux Joins Honeywell-led hybrid-powered aircraft R&D consortium Additively manufactured heat exchanger specialist Conflux Technology has joined the Honeywell-led TheMa4HERA consortium, a project focussing on thermal management for hybrid-electric regional aircraft. According to a statement from Conflux, the clean aviation project TheMa4HERA…

Drone-based solar farm inspection company Lab 360 gets $3.96 million ARENA grant

Lab360 Solar, a drone-based utility-scale solar PV inspection company formed at University of NSW, has been awarded $3.96 million in support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Advancing Renewables Program. According to a statement from ARENA on Friday, the company uses its Daylight Photoluminescence (DPL) imaging technology to inspect solar panels from above in…

Breakthrough Victoria invests $2 million in Harvest B

State government-backed venture capital fund Breakthrough Victoria has become an investor to the tune of $2 million in protein business Harvest B, which makes ingredients and blended meats using Australian wheat. According to a statement from BV on Friday, the investment will benefit “the affordability, nutrition, and sustainability of protein offerings”, and strengthen both the…

Felton Industries achieves triple management systems certification, targets new customers

Central West NSW-based aluminium outdoor furniture maker Felton Industries has announced new certifications for its management management systems under the ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards. The Condoblin-headquartered company announced on Thursday said that the accreditations added to its existing ISO 9001 certification for its quality management system (QMS.) The additional two certifications cover occupational…

Green Gravity, Wollongong deal aims to position region as “global centre for innovation in clean energy storage”

Green Gravity, a company seeking to use legacy mineshafts to store and release renewable energy, has signed an MoU with Wollongong City Council which the pair say “aims to position Wollongong and the broader Illawarra as a hub for world-leading clean energy solutions.” According to a statement from Green Gravity on Thursday, the MoU covers…

A look inside APS Industrial's Manufacturing Centre at Adelaide

Sponsored Ever wanted to know more about APS Industrial's state-of-the-art Manufacturing Centre in Adelaide? Here’s a behind the scenes look at how they’ve been working tirelessly to support local industry through Advanced Manufacturing, Value Add Services & Customised Solutions. | ACB Adaptation Centre | DB Manufacturing Floor | Automated Panel Building | Automated Drilling &…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

ACCC will not oppose acquisition of BGC Cementitious The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission said on Thursday that it will not oppose the acquisition of BGC Cementitious by Cement Australia, Holcim, Heidelberg Materials Australia (HMA) and Adbri. The ACCC said it decided not to oppose the transaction after the merger parties amended their original proposal.…

ARENA awards $12.3 million to e-truck charging hub in Melbourne

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $12.3 million in funding for Mondo Power to establish an electric truck charging hub at Laverton North to “demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility for fleets to electrify their operations.” According to a statement from the agency on Thursday, the site in Melbourne’s west will include 14…

Manufacturing revenues for July recorded third-best growth of industries tracked

Manufacturing revenue figures are continuing to grow, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, outperforming a 13-industry aggregate for the month of July. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Monthly Business Turnover Indicator found an increase of 4.2 per cent for manufacturers compared to July 2024. The industry's rate of growth for the year to July…

Conflux Joins Honeywell-led hybrid-powered aircraft R&D consortium

Additively manufactured heat exchanger specialist Conflux Technology has joined the Honeywell-led TheMa4HERA consortium, a project focussing on thermal management for hybrid-electric regional aircraft. According to a statement from Conflux this week, the clean aviation project TheMa4HERA (Thermal Management for Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft) aims to develop “advanced thermal management systems and architectures for next-generation hybrid-electric…

Evimien Energy aims to commercialise new hydrogen peroxide reactor

A startup is aiming to commercialise a desktop-sized device invented at University of Queensland and able to make the “workhorse chemical” hydrogen peroxide from water and air. According to a statement from UQ on Tuesday, its commercialisation vehicle Uniquest has licenced the device to Evimien Energy, which hopes to change production for an industrial chemical…

New campaign attempts to correct dated perceptions of manufacturing

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance – one of the federally-appointed Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) – has launched a new campaign aiming to “challenge outdated stereotypes” attached to the industry. According to a statement from MISA on Tuesday, its Make It ManuFACTuring campaign hopes to communicate the possibility of a modern, “future-focused” career in the…

Gallium arsenide chip can detect and measure nanoplastics pollution in water

Researchers at University of Melbourne and Germany’s University of Stuttgart have developed a photonics-based method, which they say is able to detect nanoplastics as well as being “cheap, portable and powerful”. According to a statement from University of Melbourne on Tuesday, the invention offers hope for scalable monitoring of a type of pollution that can…

New CEFC report claims $30 billion savings benefit via Pilbara Common User Transmission Infrastructure

Cooperative investment in electricity transmission and generation infrastructure in the Pilbara could save the nation more than $30 billion over the next quarter-century, according to a new report commissioned by the federal government’s “green bank”, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The region contributes approximately 23 per cent of Australia’s industrial emissions, due to its heavy…

$7.9 billion Australian confectionery manufacturing sector likely to continue revenue decline, report predicts 

Revenues for the nation’s chocolate and confectionery manufacturing sector are expected to decline, following a negative 1.9 per cent compound annual growth rate over the last five years, according to new market research from IBISWorld. In its Chocolate and Confectionery Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030), updated this month, IBISWorld described a sector…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, September 1 – September 5, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Gilmour Space says satellite operating successfully following June SpaceX launch Following the maiden test flight of the company’s Eris rocket in late-July, Gilmour Space Technologies has announced the successful in-orbit operation of its 100-kilogram satellite platform, ElaraSat MMS-1 (Multi-Mission Satellite-1.)…

“World’s current largest industrial land transformation project” progresses

The NSW government has released a rezoning proposal covering 200 hectares of underutilised land on the southern edge of the Port Kembla Steelworks, which it says is a major step forward for “[t]he world’s current largest industrial land transformation project”. The proposed precinct on the surplus land would attract new activity “across advanced manufacturing, clean…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

ACOR welcomes container deposit scheme expansion The Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) has welcomed new commitments by New South Wales and South Australia to include glass wine and spirit bottles in container deposit schemes (CDS) from 2027. ACOR said in a statement on Wednesday that it has long supported the move, and that these bottles…

$150 million second round of Solar Sunshot program launched

The federal government has launched round two of the Solar Sunshot program, which is offering a total of $150 million in grants and production credits to support manufacture of solar PV module components, as well as racking, tracking and deployment technologies.  Projects supported are expected to involve commercial-scale manufacturing of solar PV technologies at “at…

Gilmour Space says satellite operating successfully following June SpaceX launch

Following the maiden test flight of the company's Eris rocket in late-July, Gilmour Space Technologies has announced the successful in-orbit operation of its 100-kilogram satellite platform, ElaraSat MMS-1 (Multi-Mission Satellite-1.) According to a statement from Gilmour on Wednesday, it has completed platform commissioning, verified that satellite bus systems are operating as expected, and demonstrated reliable…

Enzymatic plastic recycler Samsara Eco opens new Jerrabomberra plant

Recycling technology company Samsara Eco has opened a new factory, located in southeastern NSW, going from “bench research through to pilot, demonstration, and now our first plant” in four years. In a statement on Wednesday, the company said the new headquarters at Jerrabomberra houses its proprietary processing technology, branded EosEco. Capacity at the new plant…

Clean Energy Finance Corporation commits $3.8 million to Marinus Link

The federal government has announced financial close for Stage 1 of Marinus Link, an undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector linking Victoria and Tasmania, after $3.8 billion in funding from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation was secured. According to a statement from federal energy minister Chris Bowen and others on Wednesday, it marks the…

Innovation meets expertise: Waste Expo Australia 2025 Summit program unveiled

Sponsored The 2025 Waste Expo Australia Summit is set to deliver unparalleled insights and drive meaningful change across Australia's waste management and resource recovery sectors. With just under two months until the event kicks off at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29-30 October, the comprehensive summit program is now live, featuring over 100…

Monash membrane project explores “missing link to supply chain success” for hydrogen

A new project involving Monash University is developing a “a semi-pilot membrane system” to make transporting hydrogen easier. Researchers are making use of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) liquids that can safely store hydrogen, which are not new, but are developing a way of efficiently extracting hydrogen from LOHCs like methylcyclohexane, which is. According to…

Nutromics raises $7.5 million as it weighs up potential factory locations

Wearable biosensor-based diagnostics company Nutromics has raised $7.5 million in an “acceleration round” led by an unnamed Australian life sciences investor. In a statement on Tuesday, Nutromics said the funds brought the total amount of investment in the company to $60 million, as it progresses commercialisation of its lab-on-a-patch platform, integrating “DNA-based biosensors with microneedles…

‘Less grease and grime, more tools and tech’: state government launches Queensland Manufacturing Month 2025

Queensland Manufacturing Month, an initiative that began in 2023, will again feature events held around the state over September. According to a statement from the Queensland government on Monday, the program includes regional networking events to connect local manufacturers, Women in Manufacturing breakfasts in Moreton Bay, Cairns, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mackay, and other events promoting “innovation…

RCR Advanced Technologies awarded $2 million for wind energy diversification efforts

Bunbury-based RCR Advanced Technologies, which serves the defence, rail, infrastructure and renewables markets, has been awarded a $2,047,900 grant through the state government’s Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program. The project support will help RCR’s move to pilot production of transition flanges for wind turbines. These are described as connecting the turbine tower to the foundation…

Downer begins recruitment campaign for 200 frontline and 100 professional roles ahead of Torbanlea train manufacture

Engineering company Downer, which is leading delivery of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP), has made “major construction milestones” with its Torbanlea factory build. In a statement on Monday, Downer said wall cladding was nearing completion and installation of specialist equipment is underway, as is a large-scale recruitment campaign ahead of the manufacture of 65…

Applications open for NSW MVP Ventures start-up grant program

Applications have opened for the NSW government’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Ventures Program, which offers grants between $20,000 to $75,000 to companies to help progress a product “along the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale between 3 and 9”. According to a statement on Monday, the program was recently revamped following a review by former Tech…

Felton Industries launches new grandstand seating range

Condoblin, Central West NSW-based aluminium outdoor furniture maker Felton Industries has released a new range of sheltered grandstand seating, which the company says is engineered for all weather conditions and offers seating capacity for up to 60 people. According to a statement from Felton on Monday, the Sunsafe Select and Sunsafe Comfort sheltered grandstands range…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, August 25 – August 29, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) NSW food and beverage makers get gov funding boost NSW Riverina food and beverage makers have had a funding injection from the Minns state government to upgrade their facilities. Australian Juice Processing and Bottling has received $2.5 million for a…

Australian sugar manufacturing sector grows to $3.9 billion

The Australian sugar manufacturing sector has grown steadily over the last five years to be worth approximately $3.9 billion, according to new figures from IBISWorld. The market research firm’s Sugar Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030) finds that the Queensland-dominated industry achieved a compound annual growth rate of 2.3 per cent over the…

Maggie Beer Holdings posts $24.3 million loss

Food and beverage company Maggie Beer Holdings has reported a $24.3 million statutory loss for the last financial year, though said its turnaround strategy has been implemented and the company is “well positioned for a positive first half in FY26”. The results were shared with the ASX on Friday, with group sales up $2.7 million…

NSW government announces $2.9 million training program for Central West Renewable Energy Zone

The NSW government has announced a new Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program, which it says will benefit regional workers and students in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ.) According to a statement on Friday, the $2.9 million program will provide “training, jobs and inclusive opportunities” by delivering training, apprenticeships and career pathways related to…

Austal signs shipbuilding agreement with Australian government

Austal has signed off on a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement for key Australian naval defence programs.

NSW food and beverage makers get gov funding boost

NSW Riverina food and beverage makers have had a funding injection from the Minns state government to upgrade their facilities.

WA invests in naval defence manufacturing

Western Australia has announced an $11.5 million investment to expand the state’s naval defence industry and shipbuilding capabilities.

Trajan EBITDA up 26.2 per cent, despite headwinds

Analytical science and devices company Trajan Group has announced its financial year results, reporting a 7.4 per cent increase in revenues to $166.5 million and an EBITDA of $15.5 million, below the guidance range but up 26.2 per cent. In an ASX statement on Thursday, Trajan’s Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Stephen Tomisich…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Provaris raises a million dollars for R&D Green hydrogen company Provaris Energy announced firm commitments to raise $1.0 million (before costs) via a share placement on Wednesday. According to the company, it involves about 52.6 million new fully-paid ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.019 each. The proceeds will go towards advancing the development…

NSW government releases 12-month agenda for export programs and trade missions

The NSW government says that over 30 Going Global Export Programs and Going Global Trade Missions will be delivered over the next 12 months, which are expected to support 350 NSW businesses, with two thirds of these in “manufacturing and the clean energy economy”. Publishing a forward agenda for the year’s programs and trade missions…

ATSE/Fortescue report looks at weaning heavy industry off diesel fuels

A new report released by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) in partnership with resources company Fortescue, recommends changes to policy and tax to help reduce diesel fuel use in the mining, road freight, agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries. According to a statement from scientific and technical body ATSE on Wednesday, there…

Public/private consortium invests $1.24 million in spent grain research

The Western Australian government is contributing $660,000 to a project aiming to transform brewer’s spent grain (BSG) – a source of 300,000 tonnes of waste annually in Australia – into food and fibre products. Value Adding to Brewery Spent Grain is a $1.24 million project through the End Food Waste CRC, with goals including a…

Austin Engineering’s North American expansion pays off in FY25 results

Mining equipment company Austin Engineering has seen a 22.2 per cent increase in revenue to $376.7 million for the last financial year, with North American earnings up 54 per cent to $146.8 million. The ASX-listed company saw rises in EBITDA for the year to $55.8 million (up 29.6 per cent) and net profit after tax…

Human insight still irreplaceable for most, Linkedin research on workplace AI suggests

New research from professional social media site LinkedIn has found a tension between optimism and frustration when it comes to using artificial intelligence at work, with 46 per cent of those surveyed feeling like learning new AI tools is taking on another job, 51 per cent believing they aren’t realising the potential of AI, though…

Honey harvesting startup to go global at upcoming Copenhagen congress

Beekeeping products startup HiveKeepers, which hosted an oversubscribed Kickstarter campaign earlier this year to get into production, will showcase its Micro Honey Harvester at the international Apimondia 2025 International Apicultural Congress next month. Apimondia 2025 will be held from September 23 to 27 at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, and is described as an…

CSIRO opens applications for upcoming Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals course

CSIRO is inviting applications for the upcoming round of its free eight-week Innovate to Grow program for startups and SMEs, to be focussed on critical minerals. According to a statement from CSIRO on Monday, the online course will offer help with companies’ “innovative ideas”, new R&D opportunities, and refinement of concepts to “better position themselves…

Star Combo receives TGA approval on proprietary ingredient InuFructis

Sponsored Leading Australian health and nutrition manufacturer Star Combo Pharma today announced that its proprietary natural sweetener InuFructis has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a Proprietary Ingredient (Purpose: flavour) and is now officially entering the market. This achievement underscores Star Combo’s ongoing commitment to scientific innovation and regulatory compliance.  The approval…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, August 18 – August 22, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Carbon280 launches Kwinana pilot plant following $10.6 million seed round Hydrogen storage startup Carbon280 launched its Hydrilyte Technology Pilot Plant in Kwinana, Western Australia, which aims to prove its technology at an industrially-relevant scale. According to a statement from the…

NRF, AMRF announce referral arrangement for manufacturing companies

The National Reconstruction Fund (NRF), Bradfield Development Authority (BDA) and the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) have announced “a strategic partnership” aimed creating “a pipeline of referrals between AMRF and NRF”. According to a joint statement, the relationship aims to assist “businesses looking to build out their supply chain”. The release cited the steps of manufacturing listed in the NRF’s…

Space Machines Company finalises Australian-first 3D printed rocket engine

Off-earth logistics business Space Machines Company (SMC) has successfully completed its proprietary Scintilla propulsion engine, which has completed an extended burn duration of 65 seconds, more than 1,200 seconds of total testing time and 40 restarts so far. The engine was developed completely in-house and is part of SMC’s Viper satellite vehicle, “designed for rapid…

Steel Reinforcement Institute of Australia joins Australian Made

The Australian Made Campaign Limited (AMCL) has announced not-for-profit body the Steel Reinforcement Institute of Australia (SRIA) as its newest Industry Partner. AMCL Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said the partnership represented “a key step in our collective effort to support local manufacturers.  “By working together with SRIA, we aim to strengthen Australia's manufacturing sector and…

Velos medtech accelerator opened at Monash

A medical innovation accelerator located within Monash Technology Precinct and focussing on cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic disease opened on Wednesday. According to a statement from Monash University, the The Monash Velos Accelerator was assisted through a $17.5 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund grant and “will embed commercialisation capabilities” at the precinct.  The accelerator…

Codan EBIT up 28 per cent to $146 million

Electronics manufacturer Codan has delivered its full-year results, with group revenues up 22 per cent to $674.2 million and “all profitability metrics increased” versus the previous financial year. According to a statement from the ASX-listed company on Thursday, net profit after tax was up 27 per cent to $103.5 million and earnings before interest and…

Graphene Manufacturing Group raises $5.6 million

Brisbane-based nanomaterials company Graphene Manufacturing Group has raised gross proceeds of C$5 million (approximately $5.6 million) through a sale of 5,555,556 units at C$0.90 (approximately $1.) According to a statement from the company on Wednesday, it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities as sole underwriter and bookrunner, with Red Cloud purchasing the…

$28.7 million awarded through new Industry Growth Program grant round

Grants totalling $28.7 million have been awarded via another round of the federal government’s Industry Growth Program. According to an update from the federal department of industry’s website on Wednesday, three of the grants went to: SDIP Innovations, which is “developing an implant system that manufactures bone fillers for use in orthopaedic surgeries”; Iondrive Technologies,…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Sound can help brew beer faster, study finds University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers found playing audible sound (white noise) while making beer can reduce the fermentation process by 21-31 hours without significantly affecting the flavour, the university shared this week. Lead author Dr Parise Adadi, who completed the study as part of his PhD in…

NT construction company to move into specialty glass manufacture through $5.4 million project

Multidisciplinary construction company Northern Trade Solutions is diversifying into specialty glass manufacture, opening its Northern Glass Solutions (NGS) division with support from a $668,072 co-investment from the Northern Territory Government. According to a statement on Wednesday, the grant supports a collaborative project related to the effort. The project is expected to run for 12 months,…

Applications open for $500 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative

Applications opened on Tuesday for the federal Battery Breakthrough Initiative, announced in the 2024 budget, offering $500 million in support through “capital grants, production incentives or other payments” and administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA.) According to a statement from industry minister Tim Ayres (pictured) on Tuesday, the initiative aims to see more…

Soilco acquires The Good Dirt Company

Organics recycler Soilco has announced its acquisition of The Good Dirt Company, a regional organics processor based in Lethbridge, marking the company’s entry into the Victorian market. Soilco said that Good Dirt has historically received and composted green waste and agricultural manures and distributed finished products to the region’s farming community. An EPA-licensed composting facility…

AnteoTech appoints Merrill Gray as MD/CEO

ASX-listed surface technology business AnteoTech has appointed Merrill Gray as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Scientist, engineer and executive Gray (pictured) has served a four-month period as Interim MD and CEO, and her full-time appointment is effective Tuesday.  “I am excited by the prospect of taking what I have learnt and supporting increased product…

Loam Bio launches new seed treatment product after four years of development

An Australian-developed agtech product named FurrowMate, a direct air injection unit that integrates with air seeders to deliver biological products, has been launched by Loam Bio. Orange-headquartered Loam Bio is a developer of microbial technology for capturing carbon and increasing the health of agricultural soils. In a statement on Monday marking the launch of FurrowMate…

Carbon280 launches Kwinana pilot plant following $10.6 million seed round

Hydrogen storage startup Carbon280 launched its Hydrilyte Technology Pilot Plant in Kwinana, Western Australia, which aims to prove its technology at an industrially-relevant scale. According to a statement from the company on Monday, the pilot is a 100 kilowatt prototype at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. The pilot and a lab onsite are funded via…

$50.4 million in CRC-P grants awarded to 21 projects

A total of $50.4 million has been awarded through the latest selection round of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P), including for production of greener rocket fuel ingredients, salvaging pectin from fruit waste, and refining high-value ingredients from algae biomass. Twenty-one projects were funded through Round 17, which was announced on Friday. Among the projects…

Manufacturing drives circular economy innovation at Waste Expo Australia 2025

Sponsored Australia's largest gathering of resource recovery professionals returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29-30 October 2025, with free registrations now open for the nation's premier event for resource recovery and sustainable solutions.  Australia's manufacturing sector is at the forefront of the resource recovery sector and the circular economy revolution, with Waste…

Withdrawal of major investor, subsequent “cash crisis” cited in Energy Renaissance's collapse

The administrator to Energy Renaissance has given “withdrawal of a major investor from a planned funding subscription program” as the reason for the battery maker's difficulties. According to a short statement from Jirsch Sutherland provided to @AuManufacturing on Sunday, the withdrawal “left the company in a cash crisis“.  Stewart Free and Bradd Morelli of Jirsch…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, August 11 – August 15, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) 11 grants awarded under Supply Chain Uplift Program Recipients of grants under Round 5 of the state government’s Supply Chain Uplift Program have been announced, with approximately $800,000 awarded to 11 Victorian businesses. State manufacturing minister Colin Brooks visited Hanwha…

Monash University, CSIRO open new Membrane Pilot Facility at Clayton

Monash University and the CSIRO have opened a new Membrane Pilot Facility at Monash’s Clayton campus, which the pair say addresses a “critical gap” between lab-scale research in membrane technologies and their commercial deployment. According to a statement from Monash on Friday, the new facility at its New Horizons Building “supercharges Australia’s ability to translate…

Energy Renaissance, Australia’s first lithium battery manufacturer, goes into administration

Lithium ion battery storage company Energy Renaissance, which recently marked a decade anniversary, has apparently collapsed. Few details are available, but an ASIC notice dated August 13 states that Stewart William Free and Bradd William Morelli have been appointed as administrators to ER Industrial Pty Ltd, formerly trading as Energy Renaissance. @AuManufacturing requested comment from…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Archer partners with IMEC on Biochip  ASX-listed semiconductor developer Archer Materials has signed a contract to work with R&D organisation Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC) on the product development of its biosensor. According to a statement from Archer, IMEC will trial the use of silicon-based devices such as ion-selective field effect transistors alongside Archer's graphene devices.…

Soft Landing plans to scale up mattress recycling

Social enterprise Soft Landing, which was recently awarded a grant from the state government’s Circular Economy Investment Program, has shared its plans to establish Queensland’s “first dedicated mattress recycling site to offer non-virgin material streams including steel, timber and textiles”. According to a statement from the company on Wednesday, it will collaborate with South East…

Key ingredient gets GRAS status in US, clearing way for sales of Tastilux

Animal-free fat maker Nourish Ingredients has received US clearance for a key ingredient it uses, enabling the company to sell its Tastilux product in that market. According to a statement from the Canberra-based company on Wednesday, the expert panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA) determined that Nourish’s proprietary…

Turquoise Group begins bulk graphene sales, aims to have commercial pilot project online “by the end of 2027”

Turquoise Group, a Darra, Brisbane company commercialising a plasma-based process to make low-cost graphene and hydrogen out of methane gas, has begun bulk sales of graphene powder. CEO Sam Taubert (pictured) said in a statement on Tuesday that sales have “put Turquoise and Australia at the forefront of the rapidly growing global graphene sector, with…

NSW plastic recycling projects awarded $11 million in grants

Two plastic recycling projects in NSW have received grants to increase plastic recycling capacity, with iQRenew awarded $9.1 million for an infrastructure upgrade at its Kundle Kundle plant, and Tamworth Regional Council awarded $1.9 million for a new facility. According to a joint statement from the NSW and federal environment ministers, Penny Sharpe and Murray…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

AnteoTech receives $2.6 million R&D tax rebate Surface technology company AnteoTech, which is commercialising products for the battery and medical technology industries, has announced receipt of $2.59 million in cash for 2025 under the Research & Development (R&D) Tax Incentive. In a statement on Monday, it said the rebate from the Australian Tax Office “relates…

Clearvue Technologies founder steps down as Chair

Victor Rosenberg, the founder of building-integrated photovoltaics company ClearVue Technologies, has stepped down as Non-Executive Chairman and transitioned into the role of Non-Executive Director, effective immediately. In an ASX announcement on Tuesday, ClearVue said the news follows last week’s announcement that Rosenberg intends to retire from the company in November. Theresa Smits has become Interim…

Trials begin on compostable revegetation netting developed by Vital Chemical

Darra, Queensland-based environmental services Vital Chemical has begun a trial on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension for a new compostable netting product. According to a statement from the company on Monday, its Vital Eco-Nett is “a sustainable alternative to traditional jute mesh and synthetic geotextiles”, and is being trialled “in an open drain to support…

Orora launches high-speed can decoration technology at Dandenong

Orora has begun using a new digital print solution, able to directly print to cans at high speeds, at its Dandenong factory. Industry title Print21, which attended the launch last week, reports that the new Helio solution is based on a Velox NNC 500 machine, “eliminates the need for plates, labels or sleeves”; and is…

NSW government awards $650,000 to University of Wollongong for hydrogen pipeline safety research

The NSW government has announced a $650,000 grant to the University of Wollongong (UoW) supporting research into hydrogen pipeline safety, mentioning the university as “the only institution in Australia” capable of conducting “this type of hydrogen pipeline testing”. According to a statement from NSW industry minister Anoulack Chanthivong (pictured) on Monday, the two-year research program…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, August 4 – August 8, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) v2food buys up US company Daring Foods for undisclosed amount Plant protein business v2food has announced a strategic partnership with multinational food and biotechnology company Ajinomoto, as well as the acquisition of US plant-based chicken company Daring Foods. According to a statement from…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

AML3D gets new distributor Wire arc additive manufacturing business AML3D has announced DMFG Solutions has been appointed as a second, non-exclusive European distributor. The distribution partnership with the German technology and solutions provider will run for two years and builds on the appointment of UK's Arc Additive last month, further expanding AML3D’s European reach. AML3D said its…

Deakin, Samsara Eco collaboration aims to up speed, scale and precision for plastic and textile recycling

The Deakin University-led Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) and enzyme-based plastic recycler Samsara Eco plan to “fast-track world-first technology” for understanding and recycling with “specific additives like dyes, finishes and coatings” in textile waste. According to a statement from REACH on Friday, the project will support Samsara’s efforts “to recycle more waste at…

Lovells Automotive Systems to open new Osborne Park site

Lovells Automotive Systems will officially open its newest franchise site, Lovells Osborne Park in Western Australia, on Monday. According to a statement from the Lovells Group subsidiary on Friday, the site has undergone an extensive renovation and rebrand after being taken over from WA Suspensions, and marks “a significant milestone in Lovells’ retail and franchise…

National Reconstruction Fund makes $50 million equity investment in Liontown Resources 

The National Reconstruction Fund has announced a $50 million equity investment in Liontown Resources, which is raising $266 million through an institutional placement. According to a statement from industry minister Tim Ayres on Thursday, the investment by the NRF will support “the ramp-up and underground transition” of Liontown’s Kathleen Valley Lithium Operation. “I am delighted…

Laronix selected in Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program

Bionic voice company Laronix, which featured on this year’s Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers list, has been selected among the new cohort for the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program. According to an update on Google Australia’s blog on Thursday, the program is “designed to help Australian startups building AI and machine learning solutions…

IDT Australia announces CEO resignation, trading update

IDT Australia, an ASX-listed pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has announced the resignation of CEO Paul McDonald “with immediate effect”. According to a statement from the company on Thursday, current Independent Non-Executive Chair Mark Simari, who has been on the board since 2022, is now Executive Chair. The search for a new CEO will…

v2food buys up US company Daring Foods for undisclosed amount

Plant protein business v2food has announced a strategic partnership with multinational food and biotechnology company Ajinomoto, as well as the acquisition of US plant-based chicken company Daring Foods. According to a statement from Sydney-based v2food on Thursday, the partnership with 100-plus-year-old, Japan-based Ajinomoto will combine v2food’s protein technology and manufacturing with its partner’s century of…

Why manufacturers shouldn’t miss Waste Expo Australia 2025: Driving growth through circular solutions

Sponsored Australia’s manufacturing sector is at a critical turning point. With government policy increasingly focused on resource efficiency, decarbonisation and circular economy outcomes, manufacturers are under growing pressure and opportunity to rethink how products are designed, produced and managed at end-of-life. Waste Expo Australia 2025, taking place on 29–30 October at the Melbourne Convention and…

Business services drive Australian industrial recovery as manufacturing remains weak

Australian industry showed signs of recovery in July, driven primarily by business services, whilst manufacturing continued to struggle, according to the latest Ai Group Australian Industry Index released on Tuesday. The index improved by 5.8 points to -3.2 seasonally adjusted in July, marking its strongest score in three years. Business services led the recovery, continuing…

Australian government approves landmark shipbuilding deal with Austal

The Australian Government has approved a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with Austal that will establish the company as the Commonwealth's strategic shipbuilder for Tier 2 surface combatants at Henderson, Western Australia, according to an announcement on Monday. Under the agreement, Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia, a newly created subsidiary, will become prime contractor for the LAND8710 programs…

Nanosonics receives US FDA clearance for next-generation disinfection technology

Infection prevention company Nanosonics has received US Food and Drug Administration clearance for its latest trophon innovation, enabling the commercial launch of trophon3 and trophon2 Plus in the United States, according to an announcement on Tuesday. The new trophon3 technology delivers over 40 per cent faster cycle times compared to previous generations whilst maintaining the…

Darwin manufacturer secures $650k to develop flatpack steel furniture for remote housing

Darwin Sheet Metal and Laser Cutting has received $650,098 from the Northern Territory Government's Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund to develop innovative flatpack stainless steel furniture targeting remote Aboriginal housing projects, according to an announcement on Tuesday. The $4.16 million, 18-month project will see DSM invest in Territory-first automated precision laser-cut tube machinery, specifically a Trumpf…

Tindo Solar awarded $34.5 million through Solar Sunshot Program

Tindo Solar, the nation’s lone producer of solar PV modules, has been awarded $34.5 million in ARENA support under the federal government’s Solar Sunshot Program. According to a statement from the company on Wednesday, this will assist: Increasing production from 20 megawatts to 180 megawatts per year; A feasibility study to develop a “Gigafactory” with…

Alcoa partners with Japanese firms to explore gallium production in Western Australia

Alcoa of Australia has signed a joint development agreement with Japan Australia Gallium Associates to explore establishing gallium production at one of its Western Australian alumina refineries, according to an announcement on Sunday. The partnership with Japan Australia Gallium Associates, a joint venture between Sojitz Corporation and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, aims…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Licella acquires full ownership of Arbios Biotech Recycling technology company Licella has acquired Canadian wood products company Canfor’s 50 per cent interest in Arbios Biotech, making Arbios a wholly-owned subsidiary of Licella. According to a statement from the company late last week, it “marks a major step forward in Licella’s global expansion, unifying our Cat-HTR™…

Federal, SA, Tas governments pledge $135 million to save Nyrstar’s struggling smelters, explore critical mineral diversification 

The federal, South Australian and Tasmanian governments have committed $57.5 million, $55 million and $22.5 million respectively to support the modernisation of Nyrstar’s Australian refining facilities and move them towards critical minerals production. According to a joint statement from industry minister Tim Ayres and the two states’ premiers on Tuesday, combined government support of $135…

Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance launches annual Workforce Plan

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (MISA) has launched its 2025 Workforce Plan – Pathways to Transformation report, identifying its five priorities to strengthen the industry, modernise training, close skills gaps and attract the next generation of workers. According to a statement from MISA – one of the federally-appointed Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) – on…

Stop prioritising profits for foreign-owned gas giants over Australian jobs: Weld Australia

Industry body Weld Australia has said that unrestricted gas exports have led to both exposure to higher world energy prices – with wholesale east coast gas prices tripling in a decade – as well as volatility from international events. Commenting on a report released last week by progressive think tank The Australia Institute, Weld Australia…

Boral's HGCS approved by Sydney Water following six years of R&D

Boral’s Blended High-Grade Compaction Sand (HGCS), which it describes as an “environmentally sustainable and easily compacted alternative for pipe laying applications”, has been approved for use by Sydney Water. According to a statement from the building materials company on Tuesday, the now-approved non-standard product was designed specifically to meet the utility provider’s materials specifications. It…

Think tank warns China's industrial subsidies threaten 73,000 Australian smelting jobs

China's industrial subsidisation spending now exceeds its defence budget and threatens to devastate Australia's smelting and refining regions unless urgent government intervention occurs, according to a McKell Institute report released on Wednesday. The think tank warned that 73,000 jobs across regional Australia are at risk from Beijing's “geoeconomic interference”, with some towns potentially losing up…

Endua secures $4.88m government boost for hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing

Brisbane clean-tech company Endua has secured $4.88 million through the Australian Government's Industry Growth Program to advance its hydrogen electrolyser technology and expand local manufacturing capabilities, according to an announcement on Monday. The funding supports Endua's AHEAD project (Advanced Hydrogen Electrolyser for Australian Decarbonisation), which focuses on the company's proprietary PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyser…

Australian Vanadium secures planning approval for Western Australian processing hub

Australian Vanadium has achieved a key regulatory milestone with planning approval for its vanadium processing facility at Tenindewa, approximately 65 kilometres east of Geraldton, according to an announcement on Sunday. The Western Australian Planning Commission approved the development application for the processing plant, which forms a central component of the company's integrated vanadium supply chain…

BlueScope leads $115bn international consortium eyeing Whyalla Steelworks

BlueScope has formed a massive international consortium with Japanese, Indian and Korean steelmakers to explore acquiring the troubled Whyalla Steelworks, the company announced on Wednesday. The consortium includes Nippon Steel Corporation, JSW Steel and POSCO, collectively representing $115 billion in market capitalisation and total steelmaking capacity of approximately 130 million tonnes. BlueScope will leverage its…

Applications open for grants up to $50,000 under SA's Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program

Round 2 of the South Australian government’s Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program (MTAP), offering up to $50,000 in matched funding, is now open for applications. According to an update from the department of state development on Monday, the program aims to help SMEs “to keep pace to remain competitive, enhance productivity, and unlock opportunities for growth”…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

EPCA Expands into Latin America Mining equipment electrification company EPCA has announced a strategic partnership with Escala Consulting, which will represent EPCA across Mexico and Latin America as the official sales representative for the region. “With established operations in Australia and Mexico, Escala leverages deep regional insight and cross-border industry experience to unlock commercial opportunities…

Major IEEE conference to be held in Melbourne in 2027

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power and Energy Society’s (IEEE PES) Generation Transmission and Distribution Conference & Exposition Asia will be held in Melbourne. According to a statement on Monday from Victorian events minister Steve Dimopoulos, the event is expected to draw over 3,000 attendees to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in…

First phase of Whyalla steelworks sale passes

The deadline passed on Friday for the indicative bidding stage of the sale of Whyalla steelworks, which was put into administration earlier this year. KordaMentha put out a statement last Thursday saying that the duration was uncertain “and will be highly dependent on the nature of the indicative interest received and the extent of engagement…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, July 28 – August 1, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Bedford forfeits $20m site in bailout deal as new manufacturing hub hangs in balance Disability services provider Bedford Group will surrender land worth more than $20 million as part of its government bailout, whilst the future of its brand new…

Resilience engineered: solutions for our climate reality at CSE25

Sponsored Engineers Australia’s flagship event, the Climate Smart Engineering Conference 2025 (CSE25), is heading to Adelaide for the first time this August 27 to 28 – and it couldn’t come at a more urgent time. With Australia’s climate challenges intensifying, this year’s theme, Resilience engineered: solutions for our climate reality, cuts to the heart of…

Monash Ventures Pre-Seed Fund invests $2.25 million in three biotech spinouts

Monash University has officially launched its pre-seed fund, with an announcement of co-investments totalling $2.25 million made in spinout companies Myostellar, FytonBio, and Remagine Labs. The funding for the three companies is through the $15 million Monash Ventures Pre-Seed Fund, a participant in the Breakthrough Victoria’s $100 million University Innovation Platform (BVUIP.)  Breakthrough Victoria describes…

From soil health to sodium-ion batteries: Team investigates biochar's breadth of potential

Researchers at Deakin University, Barwon Water and RMIT are exploring the “many superpowers of biochar”, including in next-generation batteries through a project backed by the Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH.) According to a statement from Deakin on Wednesday, organic material from treated wastewater and household wastes is being processed into different biochar formulations…

HIA urges action on regulation, skills for building product manufacturers in Economic Reform Roundtable submission

Residential building industry lobbyist the Housing Industry Association (HIA) has urged the federal government to do more to support the building product manufacturing and supply sector, which it says is “being held back by red, white and green tape”. According to a statement from HIA on Wednesday, manufacturers “are increasingly burdened by overlapping regulations, from…

Alter Steel, Sims sign MoU covering 550,000 tpa of scrap for planned Pinkenba steel factory

ASX-listed metals recycler Sims Metal and Alter Steel, which intends to build a $750 million steel mill in Pinkenba, Queensland, have announced a supply and services agreement for the upcoming site. According to a statement from Sims on Thursday, the pair have entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding regarding the proposed electric arc furnace…

Bedford forfeits $20m site in bailout deal as new manufacturing hub hangs in balance

Disability services provider Bedford Group will surrender land worth more than $20 million as part of its government bailout, whilst the future of its brand new $45 million manufacturing hub remains uncertain, according to reports on Monday. The Australian Business Network reported Bedford will relinquish its 3.9-hectare Balyana site at Clapham, which houses around 40…

Maiden rocket launch on Wednesday morning a strong result, says Gilmour Space

Rocket business Gilmour Space Technologies has completed the maiden test launch of the first Australian designed and built orbital rocket, achieving 23 seconds of engine burn time and 14 seconds of flight for its Eris vehicle. According to a statement from the company shortly after the Wednesday morning launch, the flight of its 23-metre, 30-tonne…

Mt Isa mayor pleads for government intervention as 17,000 jobs hang in balance

Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae has issued an urgent plea to state and federal governments to secure a deal saving the Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Refinery, warning 17,000 jobs are at risk as mining giant Glencore prepares to mothball operations. The desperate intervention on Wednesday follows Glencore's confirmation it is preparing to place…

UQ scientists unleash $60 DNA detector that puts genetics labs in your garage

Forget expensive laboratory equipment costing thousands of dollars – University of Queensland researchers have cracked the code for a DNA analysis device you can literally print at home for the price of a decent dinner out. The Do-It-Yourself Nucleic Acid Fluorometer, cheekily dubbed DIYNAFLUOR, transforms genetic research from an exclusive club into a garage-friendly hobby.…

Micro-X awarded first supply agreement with a major US healthcare provider

Adelaide-based X-ray technology company Micro-X has entered into a supply agreement with an unnamed US with “over 700 healthcare facilities” to provide the Rover Plus mobile radiology system. According to a statement on Wednesday, Micro-X’s customer is one of the “largest and most established” healthcare organisations in the US, with “a nationwide network of hospitals,…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Bygen appoints new CFO Waste-to-value startup Bygen has announced Michael Macrides as its new Chief Financial Officer. According to a Linkedin update from the company — which is commercialising its processing technology for turning waste products into activated carbon — Macrides brings extensive experience as a VC investor, advisor and executive across various roles. “With…

Australia's mega thermal battery set to revolutionise industrial heating

Clean technology companies MGA Thermal and Knode have cracked the code for Australia's largest industrial-scale thermal energy storage project, promising to transform how heavy industry heats up, according to an announcement on Monday. The massive 180 megawatt-hour “thermal battery” will pump out 20 tonnes per hour of clean, high-temperature steam to Western Australian industrial sites.…

CSIRO delivers the energy reality check: renewables still cheapest, nuclear SMRs most expensive

Australia's energy technologies have received their annual report card, and renewables are still the class champions whilst nuclear small modular reactors remain firmly planted at the bottom of the cost league table, according to CSIRO's latest GenCost report released on Tuesday. The comprehensive study found wind and solar backed by storage and transmission continue to…

Rocketry, high-temperature composites, green economy manufacturing among $62 million ITRP round

Approximately $62 million has been awarded across 13 new Training Centres and Research Hubs through the Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP.) According to a statement from ARC on Tuesday, the funding will help “drive innovative research to advance Australian industry and research capability.” Six Industrial Transformation Research Hubs were funded, including: $3,693,326…

Proposed senate inquiry into metals manufacturing blocked

The federal opposition has called a rejection of a senate inquiry into the nation’s troubled metals manufacturing industry an “extraordinary move”. According to a joint statement from five MPs and senators, the government used its numbers to “arrogantly block” a motion from senators Susan McDonald and Matt Canavan on Monday, with the proposed inquiry to…

RMIT engineers develop stronger, cheaper 3D-printed titanium

RMIT University engineers have created a new 3D-printed titanium alloy that is 29 per cent cheaper to produce than standard titanium whilst delivering improved strength and performance, according to research published on Monday. The team replaced expensive vanadium with readily available alternative materials to reduce costs. Lead researcher Ryan Brooke said the breakthrough addresses key…

Archer Materials advances biosensor technology with lithium detection breakthrough

Archer Materials has achieved accuracy improvements in its blood potassium biosensor and successfully demonstrated lithium ion detection, according to a company announcement on Monday. The Adelaide-based semiconductor company said its Sydney engineering team has made measurable improvements to the sensor's accuracy while building on early test results from February. The biosensor is designed to measure…

ForestOne scales back Benalla operations amid weak Victorian market conditions

Wood supplier ForestOne will close its dry sawmill and particleboard manufacturing operations at its Benalla facility, according to an ABC report on Saturday. The company announced on Friday it would maintain its green sawmill manufacturing and lamination line but scale back other operations due to increased manufacturing costs and weak market demand. Managing director Ian…

FBR unveils Mantis welding robot with 8-metre reach for heavy industry

Robotic technology company FBR has launched a new automated welding robot called Mantis, targeting the mining, shipbuilding and defence industries, according to an announcement on Monday. The Perth-based company said Mantis uses its proprietary Dynamic Stabilisation Technology, originally developed for the Hadrian X bricklaying robot. The welding robot features an 8-metre reach and can operate…

AML3D signs new two-year UK/Europe distro deal

Wire arc additive manufacturing business AML3D has announced Arc Additive as a new, non-exclusive distributor in the UK and European markets. AML3D told investors on Monday that its European growth strategy is in alignment with the Scottish-based solutions supplier’s manufacturing expertise and target markets. The deal runs for two years.  The Adelaide-based company announced plans…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, July 21 – 25, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Federal, SA governments tip in an extra $275 million for Whyalla steelworks as sales process continues The federal and South Australian governments have announced an additional $275 million in funding to support operations, workers and suppliers at the Whyalla Steelworks…

Training Centre for Battery Recycling launched at University of Adelaide

The new Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Battery Recycling, based at University of Adelaide’s School of Chemical Engineering and led by Professor Shizhang Qiao, officially launched this week. The centre’s lifespan runs from 2024 – 2029 and its work covers five themes:  Pre-treatment and second-life management;  Recycling spent batteries to materials; Resynthesizing materials…

PWR founder returns to work

The founder and Managing Director of ASX-listed cooling technology company PWR Holdings is making a phased return to work after taking medical leave in April due to treatment of an acute medical condition.  In a statement on Thursday, the company said Weel is continuing his recovery and will share executive responsibilities with Acting CEO Matthew…

Calix secures $44.9 million grant for green iron plant

Calix has executed a $44.9 million grant agreement with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to build a green iron demonstration plant using its Zero Emissions Steel Technology, according to an announcement on Thursday. The demonstration plant will have a targeted capacity to produce 30,000 tonnes per annum of hydrogen direct reduced iron or hot briquetted…

Government commits $150 million to medical innovation fund

The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation has committed $150 million to Brandon Capital to accelerate Australian medical innovation commercialisation, according to an announcement on Thursday. The investment will be allocated to Brandon Capital's BioCatalyst 6 fund and will support early and late-stage Australian medical science companies developing therapeutics, medical devices and vaccines. NRFC chief executive David…

Green hydrogen project reaches financial close in NSW

A green hydrogen and ammonia project in regional New South Wales has reached financial close, with construction set to begin in October, according to an announcement on Wednesday. The Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia project is a joint venture between Hiringa Energy, Sundown Pastoral Company and the NSW Government. The facility will be located…

Federal, SA governments tip in an extra $275 million for Whyalla steelworks as sales process continues

The federal and South Australian governments have announced an additional $275 million in funding to support operations, workers and suppliers at the Whyalla Steelworks as the sales process continues. KordaMentha were appointed as administrators in February, with the state and federal governments announcing support totalling $2.4 billion for the site soon after. This was described…

Altech Batteries funding progresses for German battery project

Altech Batteries has provided an update on funding for its CERENERGY sodium-chloride solid-state battery project in Saxony, Germany, according to a statement on Wednesday. The company said a large European bank was in the process of being mandated to provide debt funding, with the bank's technical due diligence team conducting a final site visit. The…

Billion-dollar deal takes UQ vaccine tech to the world

The University of Queensland's Molecular Clamp technology has been acquired by global healthcare giant Sanofi in a landmark deal worth up to US$1.6 billion – the largest involving a company commercialising intellectual property from an Australian university. Sanofi entered into an agreement to acquire Vicebio, a company formed in 2018 to develop UQ's proprietary Molecular…

WA government signs $342 million in contracts with GenusPlus, UGL Engineering, and Acciona to boost energy transmission

The Western Australian government has announced contracts to UGL Engineering, Acciona, and GenusPlus for major upgrades to the northern section of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS.) Clean Energy Link – North will provide access to a claimed 400 megawatts of existing wind energy and another gigawatt of new renewable energy “across the SWIS and…

Tindo joins with UNSW to boost solar cell performance

Adelaide-based Tindo has joined forces with the University of New South Wales on two innovative projects aimed at boosting power output in solar cells through advanced TOPCon technology. The collaborations will explore Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact solar cell technology, which in laboratory testing can achieve around 27 per cent power conversion efficiency, compared to current…

From Sydney to the world: Star Combo Pharma sets benchmark in Australian export growth

Sponsored Leading Australian health and natural beauty manufacturer Star Combo Pharma was invited as a keynote speaker at the recent NSW Export Capability Building Workshop— hosted by Investment NSW and the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group). The company shared its strategic insights and practical experience in navigating international markets, offering a real-world roadmap to inspire…

ClearVue signs two-year agreement with erbas

Building-integrated solar photovoltaics company ClearVue Technologies has announced a two-year collaboration agreement with engineering consultants erbas. According to an ASX statement from ClearVue on Wednesday, the deal will see the pair “explore green building and efficiency opportunities” and support “joint technical services, case study creation, market development, research and development efforts and co-presenting for industry…

Alter Steel signs technology and equipment agreement with Danieli for $750 million Queensland steel mill project

Alter Steel has finalised its contract with Italian engineering firm Danieli to supply the technology and equipment for its $750 million steel mill in Pinkenba, Queensland, with the down payment now made to secure delivery. When complete, the facility will produce 500,000 tonnes of reinforcing steel products annually to meet Queensland's growing construction demand using…

Cadbury's biggest global facility now calls Truganina home after $130 million investment

Victoria's food manufacturing sector has received a major boost with the official opening of Mondelēz International's new state-of-the-art National Distribution Centre in Truganina. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson joined Mondelēz executives to open what the company described as its most advanced facility in the world. The 47,000 square…

Monash, PACT Group, Integrated Recycling and other partners develop tram platforms from recycled plastics

A project between industry partners, Monash Institute of Railway Technology (Monash IRT) and Yarra Trams has developed modular platforms out of recycled materials for use throughout Melbourne’s tram network. According to a statement from Monash on Tuesday, the team researched, designed and developed recycled components for the platforms after being awarded grant support through state…

UNSW to attract the world's best with launch of the Green Fellowship program

UNSW Sydney has announced the Green Fellowship program, an ambitious scheme to attract the world's brightest academic minds to help solve some of the planet's biggest problems. Named in honour of UNSW's Scientia Professor Martin Green, who pioneered much of the technology underpinning solar panels, the fellowships will be open to exceptional international academics whose…

Pyrocal to build biosolids processing facility in Canada

Engineering company Pyrocal has been selected as preferred contractor on a Canadian regional government project, with the Toowoomba-based business to contribute its Continuous Carbonisation Technology (CCT) process for converting biosolids into biochar. According to a statement from Pyrocal on Monday, its pyrolysis process will be integrated into the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Residuals Treatment Facility…

Life-Space Group’s digital rebuild for modern manufacturing

Sponsored Walk through any modern factory and you’ll find robots packing products, sensors tracking conditions and an assortment of machines quietly humming away. But look past the production line and a different picture often emerges – one where finance teams remain in spreadsheets, compliance sits in silos and decision-makers struggle to get a real-time picture…

Applications open for CSIRO'S Innovate to Grow: Agriculture, Food and Technology

Queensland-based SMEs in “agriculture, food and related technologies” have been invited to apply for the next intake of CSIRO’s free Innovate to Grow program. The R&D training program is online-based, with a two- to three-hour commitment per week. It is being delivered as part of the Queensland Government-funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program this…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, July 14 – 18, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Factory to supply Western Harbour Tunnel Project opens at Emu Plains A precast concrete factory that will help in construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel project has opened at Western Sydney’s Emu Plains, ahead of the arrival of tunnel…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Meiban, Planet Innovation announce partnership Medtech business Planet Innovation (PI) and Singapore-based contract manufacturer Meiban Group have announced a new “strategic alliance” aimed at delivering “comprehensive Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services” spanning early-stage innovation through to high-volume manufacturing. According to a statement from PI on Thursday, the alliance will enable clients to “seamlessly…

Green light for $81 million green gas development at Austral Bricks

The NSW government has approved a bioenergy facility at Austral Bricks site at Horsley Park, west of Sydney’s CBD. According to a statement from the government on Friday, the project will involve an anaerobic digester and process up to 150,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, helping provide electricity and heat for the brickworks.  The organic…

A frank discussion on grants, government’s role and getting our self-belief back

Panels don’t always cover topics such as unforeseen disasters attached to winning a grant or the untapped potential of propaganda, but the final discussion at the recent Spotlight on Scaling Up seminar did. Simon Crane, CEO and majority shareholder of 95-year-old industrial and automotive supplier Lovells Group, shared that his company had only once applied…

CSE25: Climate action meets engineering reality

Sponsored Climate change is no longer a threat; it’s a baseline consideration in many engineering decisions. From transport systems and energy grids to buildings and water infrastructure, engineers are being asked to deliver projects that can stand up to a changing climate.  That’s the challenge at the heart of the Engineers Australia Climate Smart Engineering…

IDT Australia, Gelteq sign MoU on contract manufacture of ingestible gels

ASX-listed pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) IDT Australia has signed an MoU with oral drug and nutrient delivery business Gelteq, aimed at scaling up production on Gelteq’s products. According to a statement from IDT on Thursday, the MoU “establishes a framework for Gelteq to set up its base and develop a dedicated facility”…

Australian Winders gets $488,204 boost through WA Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program to lift automation and capacity

The Western Australian government’s $8 million Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, has made its first co-investment, awarding $488,204 to Australian Winders. According to a statement from AMGC on Wednesday, the project has a $976,408 total value and will see Australian Winders upgrade its facilities and skills to be…

BlueScope secures right-of-last refusal for Whyalla Steelworks

BlueScope Steel has secured a pivotal advantage in the sale of Whyalla Steelworks, gaining a “right-of-last-offer” provision that gives it the opportunity to beat any final offers to acquire the facility, as The Australian Financial Review reports. The administrators have granted the ASX-listed company the ability to form a consortium with other interested parties and…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

National satellite project announced A national satellite initiative, spearheaded by Optus and a national consortium of industry, academia and government partners, plans to launch a sovereign Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite by early 2028. The consortium includes iLAuNCH Trailblazer, HEO, Inovor Technologies and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), with the satellite to be designed and built by…

Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council holds first meeting

The Queensland government has appointed 11 “industry titans” to its newly-formed Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council, which held its initial meeting this week. According to a statement from manufacturing minister Dale Last (pictured) on Tuesday, “QMAC” will provide “strategic advice and real-world knowledge” in service of growing and diversifying the industry, “with the aim of driving…

Circuitwise to make second NZ acquisition, gain third premises via ASL

Electronics contract manufacturer Circuitwise Group has announced its second acquisition in New Zealand in the last 12 months, with the Sydney-based company signing an agreement to purchase Assembly Specialists Limited (ASL.) According to a statement from Circuitwise on Wednesday, it expects to complete the transaction in the September 2025 quarter, and to bolster its ability…

UQ to conduct world-first tests into magnetic heat shields to improve spaceship re-entry

Picture this: a spacecraft hurtling towards Earth at over 30,000 kilometres per hour, surrounded by a blazing fireball hot enough to melt steel. Now imagine deflecting that inferno with nothing but the power of magnets. That's exactly what University of Queensland researchers are working on in what sounds like something straight out of a science…

Manufacturing must be a clear focus of the August economic roundtable

Australian manufacturing and its almost one million employees face deepening risks unless urgent economy-wide reforms are undertaken to return the industry to growth and boost its falling productivity, according to the Australian Industry Group. Chief executive Innes Willox said Australian manufacturing as a sector slipped into recession last year and was one of the weakest…

How Australian scientists convinced yeast to make human proteins (and why that's amazing)

Meet the startup that's teaching yeast to become a health and beauty powerhouse – without harming a single animal in the process. Eclipse Ingredients has spun out of CSIRO with its sights set on a multi-billion-dollar opportunity to revolutionise how we access crucial health-beneficial ingredients across multiple industries, using nothing more than clever fermentation techniques.…

Hazer and EnergyPathways sign MOU to develop clean hydrogen facility in UK

Hazer Group has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with UK-based EnergyPathways to assess the development of a clean hydrogen production facility in northwest England. The proposed project aims to develop a Hazer-licenced facility producing 20,000 tonnes per annum integrated with EnergyPathways' Marram Energy Storage Hub infrastructure project. Under the MOU, the parties will conduct…

NSW government awards $26.2 million in clean technology grants

Sharkskin-inspired aerospace company MicroTau, mineral processor Novalith Technologies and solar farm equipment maker 5B are among 13 companies awarded a total of approximately $26.2 million in Clean Technology Innovation grants. According to a statement from NSW industry minister Anoulack Chanthivong and others on Tuesday, the assistance is for “developing and implementing technologies that don’t currently…

Advanced Navigation demonstrates technology to navigate underground transport stations

Advanced Navigation has successfully completed a pilot demonstration of its indoor positioning technology designed to assist commuters with vision impairments navigate public transport interchanges. The demonstration took place at Castle Hill Station in Sydney as part of the Small Business Innovation & Research Program, administered by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer…

The science and business of making and unmaking

Like-for-like recycling, for example turning a PET bottle into another PET bottle, is a good outcome, believes Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla. The inventor and founding Director of UNSW’s Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) is focussed elsewhere, though. “When materials get more complex you can’t always assume that conventional solutions and conventional manufacturing…

BluGlass demonstrates leading-edge precision in visible GaN lasers at ICNS-15

Semiconductor developer BluGlass has unveiled performance enhancements to its gallium nitride lasers, demonstrating leading-edge precision at the International Congress on Nitride Semiconductors in Malmö, Sweden. The advances unlock key functionality for next-generation applications including quantum computing, secure communication and wearable medical devices. BluGlass published its results in an invited presentation on GaN Distributed Feedback lasers…

Manufacturing enters recession as costs and conditions bite

Australian manufacturing fell into recession in 2024 after three years of post-pandemic growth, with the industry facing mounting cost pressures and slowing economic conditions, according to the Australian Industry Group's annual Manufacturing Performance and Outlook Report. The sector recorded 0.6 per cent sales and income growth, but real output declined by 1.2 per cent while…

Factory to supply Western Harbour Tunnel Project opens at Emu Plains

A precast concrete factory that will help in construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel project has opened at Western Sydney's Emu Plains, ahead of the arrival of tunnel boring machines for the Birchgrove to Waverton harbour crossing. According to a statement from NSW premier Chris Minns on Monday, “around 700 quality manufacturing jobs” will be…

ClearVue announces review following last week’s board resignations

Building-integrated photovoltaic energy company ClearVue has announced an immediate and “wide ranging initiative to review its operational spending”, with an expense analysis to “evaluate each budget line item”. Last Tuesday the ASX-listed, Perth-based company announced that Global CEO Martin Deil had resigned and Executive Director Jamie Lyford stepped down as an Executive Director, “effective immediately.”…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, July 7 – July 11, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Methane-to-turquoise hydrogen catalyst project awarded $492,526 grant from AEA A team including energy technology company 1414 Degrees has been awarded an Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant of $492,526 for a project progressing a proprietary hydrogen reactor. According to a…

Graphinex opens Townsville anode demonstration facility

Battery anode material company Graphinex has opened its Townsville demonstration facility, which has received $5 million in federal and state government backing.  According to a statement from federal resources minister Anthony Chisholm on Friday, the site will process graphite ores sourced from the Graphinex Esmeralda Graphite deposit, approximately 500 kilometres west of Townsville, and will…

Li-S Energy becomes first Australian company to produce lithium foils

Battery technology company Li-S Energy has begun production of a vital ingredient in its batteries, ahead of schedule, in a project backed by a $1.76 million Industry Growth Program grant. According to a statement from the company on Friday, the milestone was achieved at its Geelong factory, where it has installed a new lithium extrusion…

Bega Cheese to close QLD peanut facilities

Bega Cheese is closing its Kingaroy and Tolga peanut processing operations in QLD after failing to find a buyer for the failing business. The planned shutdown will cause the loss of 150 jobs across the two facilities. The peanut processing business has been incurring losses of between $5 and $10 million per annum, and Bega…

Tindo signs ‘Australia-first' partnership with Wadda Mooli

Adelaide-based Tindo has struck a cooperation partnership with Townsville procurement and logistics firm Wadda Mooli, aimed at placing Australian people and businesses at the forefront of infrastructure spending. Tindo, Australia's only maker of solar panels, was recently announced as the solar PV supplier to the Bowen Water Pipeline project. During negotiations, the company formed a…

Grant Thornton's 2025 manufacturing benchmarking report shows adaptability and innovation key to success

Grant Thornton has published its annual Manufacturing Benchmarking report, examining the financial data of 100 mid-sized Australian manufacturers and presenting an overview of the Australian manufacturing sector. Like most businesses across Australia, mid-sized manufacturers are navigating supply chain constraints, cost pressures and global competition. Yet the analysis shows a story of innovation and adaptation, with…

Gilmour Space and Space BD partner to deliver satellite launch services

Space BD and Gilmour Space Technologies announced on Tuesday a strategic partnership to deliver satellite launch services from Australia, expanding access to space in the Asia-Pacific. Under the agreement, Space BD will offer dedicated and rideshare opportunities on Gilmour Space's Eris launch vehicles and ElaraSat platforms, opening new mission options for Japanese and global satellite…

Lovells breaks ground on new flagship engineering, manufacturing and retail centre in Newcastle

Lovells Group has announced the launch of a new state-of-the-art flagship engineering, manufacturing and retail centre in Newcastle as part of its 95th anniversary celebrations and commitment to innovation. The upcoming 5,000 square metre facility, adjacent to Lovells' main manufacturing site, will complement the company's existing research and development hub in Edwardstown, South Australia, forming…

Trump flags tariffs of 200 per cent on pharmaceuticals, 50 per cent on copper

US President Donald Trump has flagged a possible 200 per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals and a 50 per cent tariff on copper, as the ABC reports, with potential significant implications for Australian manufacturers. Speaking to media before a cabinet meeting, Trump said pharmaceutical producers would receive a grace period to move production to the United…

You won't believe how badly this tiny Australian clock just embarrassed the entire GPS system

Forget everything you thought you knew about keeping time – University of Adelaide scientists have built quantum clocks so accurate they make GPS look like a sundial in a thunderstorm. These cutting-edge optical quantum clocks have been proven to outperform GPS navigation systems by many orders of magnitude during real-world naval exercises in Hawaii, marking…

ClearVue and LandGlass partner to drive photovoltaic glazing technology

ClearVue Technologies and LandGlass Technology subsidiary LandVac have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form a strategic partnership to research, develop, manufacture and commercialise a new class of solar vacuum insulated glazing products. The partnership combines LandVac's advanced vacuum insulated glazing technology with ClearVue's proprietary solar photovoltaic solutions to accelerate development of next-generation photovoltaic…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Eco Detection appoints new CEO Water monitoring device company Eco Detection announced on Tuesday that Charles Macfadyen has joined as Chief Executive Officer. In an update on Linkedin, the company said Macfadyen brings a wealth of knowledge as a seasoned technologist within the mining and mineral exploration sector, with a deep expertise spanning both software…

Suntory Oceania launches $3 billion beverage powerhouse

Japanese drinks giant Suntory officially launched on Monday its new $3 billion multi-beverage business in the Australian marketplace, dubbed Suntory Oceania. Announced in August 2023, the establishment of Suntory Oceania creates the region's fourth largest multi-beverage group with end-to-end responsibility for its portfolio of premium spirits, ready-to-drink alcohol beverages, juice, water, soft drinks, coffee, energy…

Methane-to-turquoise hydrogen catalyst project awarded $492,526 grant from AEA

A team including energy technology company 1414 Degrees has been awarded an Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant of $492,526 for a project progressing a proprietary hydrogen reactor. According to a statement to the ASX-listed company on Tuesday, the grant is for catalyst development concerning its SiPHyR (Storage integrated Pyrolytic Hydrogen Reactor) technology, and involves…

LS Precast selected to make 96,000 concrete segments for Suburban Rail Loop

Benalla, Victoria’s LS Precast has been selected to make concrete segments for a 16-kilometre section of the Suburban Rail Loop, a transport and urban planning project currently being built in the state. According to a statement from SRL minister Harriet Shing on Friday, the company will supply over 96,000 segments for the section of twin…

Fifth generation member steps up as new A.H Beard CEO

Australian bedding manufacturer A.H. Beard, established in 1899, has appointed Matthew Beard (pictured) as its new CEO. According to a statement from the company on Monday, the appointment of the fifth-generation member of the Beard family is effective immediately. It adds that the new CEO joined the business from an early age, and has extensive…

Nanosonics launches next generation trophon3 and trophon2 Plus software upgrade

Infection prevention company Nanosonics announced on Monday the launch of trophon3, its latest innovation in ultrasound high level disinfection, alongside a software upgrade package for existing customers. The company launched trophon3 and trophon2 Plus in Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. A regulatory application has been submitted to the US Food and Drug…

Hazer and KBR accelerate global engagement strategy focused on near-term deployment opportunities

Hazer Group announced on Monday significant progress under its strategic alliance with Kellogg Brown and Root, established to accelerate the commercial deployment and licensing of the Hazer Process. The alliance is now in execution phase, with active workstreams underway across technology scale-up and development, joint marketing and customer engagement. An integrated team of commercial and…

Cobram Estate reports bumper olive harvest and earnings forecast

Cobram Estate Olives announced on Monday it successfully completed its 2025 Australian olive harvest, milling over 80,000 tonnes of olives resulting in total olive oil production of 14.2 million litres compared to 10.1 million litres in 2024. The company's production from its own groves was 13.2 million litres, up from 9.4 million litres in 2024.…

AWU calls for smelter strategy amid growing crises

The Australian Workers Union has backed calls for a strategy to manage the billions of dollars being sought to prop up fiscally troubled metal smelters, as The Australian Financial Review reports. National secretary Paul Farrow said the AWU would welcome a smelting strategy under Labor's Future Made in Australia policy, with equity or long-term loans…

Project hopes to make “full-body CT imaging truly mobile for the first time”

Monash University is leading design of a new mobile CT scanner, which will use miniaturised x-ray emitters made by Micro-X, for use in rural communities in the United States. Micro-X, Monash University, and Johns Hopkins University in the US were awarded a contract worth $US 16.4 million (approximately $25 million at the time) in February…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Proposed Cleanaway acquisition of Contract Resources not opposed The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said on Friday that it will not oppose Cleanaway Waste Management's proposed acquisition of Contract Resources Group. According to the statement from the commission, both companies supply a range of industrial services in Australia, including maintenance and cleaning of industrial facilities…

AML3D identified as ‘pivotal’ for US Navy growth

The US Navy has issued a Letter of Intent to Australian additive manufacturer AML3D to collaborate in supporting the Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) program expansion into surface ships and in-service support.

Orica to build hydrogen hub in Newcastle following ARENA funding

Explosives manufacturer Orica has won $432 million in funding from the ARENA Hydrogen Headstart program to build a hydrogen facility at its Kooragang Island operations in Newcastle.

Ego Pharmaceuticals boosts local skincare manufacturing

 Australian skincare maker Ego Pharmaceuticals is doubling local production following a $156 million investment in its local manufacturing.  

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, June 30 – July 4, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Major Project status awarded to Northern Silica and Bonaparte Carbon Capture projects The federal government has granted Major Project Status to two large-scale, renewable energy-related projects – the Northern Silica Project and Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage Project – and renewed…

Haigh’s CEO steps down after 30 years

Alister Haigh, the CEO of the Haigh’s Chocolates confectionery dynasty, retired from the role on Friday after 30 years. According to an article on the Australian Industry Group (of which Haigh’s is a member) website, Haigh will be succeeded by Chief Operating Officer Peter Millard, who will be the first non-Haigh family CEO in the…

Applications open this month for $150 million in AEA grants as 39 funded projects announced

The next round of Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite and Innovate grants will open on July 23, “making an additional $150 million available” to university projects moving research towards commercialisation, the federal government has announced. The grants administered by AEA support researcher-led projects that are at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 – 5 (via Ignite) or…

EMVision advances bedside brain scanner trials across two continents

Medical device company EMVision announced on Tuesday that five of its six pivotal trial sites are now actively enrolling and scanning patients for its bedside brain scanner, marking a significant milestone in the company's quest to revolutionise stroke diagnosis. The Sydney-based company's emu bedside brain scanner is being tested across leading hospitals in the United…

Golden North Ice Cream set to move from Laura to Murray Bridge

South Australian company Golden North Ice Cream is moving its processing facility after more than 100 years in the mid-north town of Laura, as the ABC reports. The operation will relocate to Murray Bridge, a little more than three hours away in the state's Murraylands, to be closer to its milk suppliers. Managing director Dimi…

Breakthrough cancer treatment being made in Victoria

Victoria has opened Australia's first facility accredited to manufacture a targeted cancer treatment that significantly improves patient survival rates and quality of life. Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Minister Colin Brooks opened IDT Australia's Ehrlich Bioconjugation Centre in Boronia on Monday. The centre is dedicated to producing Antibody Drug Conjugates for research and development, clinical and…

ClearVue solar glass to be used in smart RMIT greenhouse project on renewable energy and food security

ClearVue Technologies announced on Thursday that it will contribute technology and expertise to a major greenhouse research project led by RMIT University as part of the ARC Research Hub for Intelligent Energy Efficiency in Future Protected Cropping. The research program exceeding $20 million includes a $5 million grant from the Australian Research Council, with total…

Major Project status awarded to Northern Silica and Bonaparte Carbon Capture projects

The federal government has granted Major Project Status to two large-scale, renewable energy-related projects – the Northern Silica Project and Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage Project – and renewed that status for two others. According to a statement from industry minister Tim Ayres on Thursday, Northern Silica (located north of Cairns) will produce “3 to…

‘Cyborg' beetles could revolutionise urban search and rescue

Picture this: a building has collapsed after an earthquake, rescue crews are racing against time to find survivors buried in the rubble, and their secret weapon isn't a robot or drone – it's a beetle wearing a tiny backpack. University of Queensland researchers have turned science fiction into reality by creating what they cheerfully call…

LUMI robots scale up solar deployment with advanced automation

Solar farms across Australia are about to get a robotic makeover, with artificial intelligence-powered machines set to revolutionise how panels are installed across the country's renewable energy landscape. Robotics pioneer Luminous has scored $4.9 million in funding as the first recipient of ARENA's $100 million Solar ScaleUp Challenge, designed to crowdsource ideas from around the…

Nyrstar warns of ‘urgent, serious' risk of smelter closure

Metal processor Nyrstar Australia urgently needs to secure a government rescue package to ensure a future for its loss-making smelters in South Australia and Tasmania, as The Australian Financial Review reports. Chief executive Matt Howell said the company's Swiss owner was weighing whether to close the plants within weeks. Howell, who took over as chief…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Arafura vessel commissioned The Royal Australian Navy commissioned the first of six Arafura class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) at Fremantle, Western Australia, on Saturday. According to a statement from Defence, the OPVs (built by Luerssen Australia, which is owned by Civmec as of Wednesday) will improve the “ability to contribute to maritime patrol, response and…

Versatile Structures swoops in to save Superior Coaters from closure

Brisbane-based Versatile Structures has pulled off a dramatic rescue mission, announcing on Monday the acquisition of Superior Coaters just weeks before the Dulux-accredited powder coating facility was set to close its doors forever. The last-minute buyout reads like a business thriller – when Versatile Structures learned in April that their key supplier was shutting down…

Increased support for Tasmanian freight begins

Tasmanian businesses began receiving a 25 per cent increase to financial assistance on Monday as the Albanese Labor Government delivered on a key election commitment to boost the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme. The scheme recognises Tasmania's reliance on shipping across the Bass Strait and supports Tasmanian shippers to move a range of non-bulk goods by…

Toowoomba Manufacturing Hub to open soon: state government

The Queensland government says it will establish a new Manufacturing Hub in Toowoomba, following a funding allocation of $10 million in last week’s state budget. No opening date was given in the update on Tuesday. The statement from manufacturing minister Dale Last said the Toowoomba hub will “soon begin working with local manufacturers to strengthen…

Australia’s innovation drift challenged in new book

A new book published by the Acton Institute for Policy Research and Innovation confronts the persistent failure of successive Australian governments to deliver a coherent, long-term innovation policy.  In Thinking in Public: Australia’s Missing Innovation Policy—Will it Ever Be Found?, author John H. Howard, a leading figure in Australian innovation and public policy circles for…

Boral boss Bansal to step down

SGH has announced that Boral CEO and Managing Director Vik Bansal will step down, with the transition to a new leader at SGH’s building products division expected “in early 2026”. SGH, formerly known as Seven Group Holdings, said on Tuesday that it had worked with Bansal on “a structured succession to ensure a smooth leadership transition”. …

CSIRO pioneers quantum leap in semiconductor modelling

Australian researchers have validated a quantum machine learning model for semiconductor fabrication on experimental data in what they described as a world-first that could reshape how future chips are designed. A research team led by CSIRO demonstrated that quantum machine learning can outperform classical artificial intelligence in modelling Ohmic contact resistance, a critical process step…

$12 million to develop Australian-made heart disease and diabetes medical supports

The Australian Government announced on Monday it would invest $12 million to develop new Australian-made medical devices and medicine for people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fourteen Australian start-up and innovator companies will receive funding and commercialisation support to develop improved treatment for management of cardiovascular disease and complications of type 1 and 2 diabetes.…

Whyalla steelworks appoints new general manager

OneSteel Manufacturing announced on Monday the appointment of Amrit Mangat as the new general manager of operations at the Whyalla Steelworks. Mangat steps into the lead role after 14 years and multiple roles at the Whyalla steelmaking operation. He joined the steelworks as a reliability engineer after five years as a senior engineer for Rolls…

Ingestible gut gas diagnostic device cleared for sale in the US

An invention born at RMIT University will go on sale for the first time ever in July, following regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for an ingestible capsule that can help diagnose gut disorders. According to a statement from RMIT on Monday, Atmo Biosciences’ device has moved “from concept to clinical reality”…

UNSW projects net $4.6 million in latest Linkage round

Researchers at the University of NSW were awarded nine grants through the most recent Australian Research Council Linkage round, more than any other university, for projects including the manufacture of perovskite photovoltaics, chemical catalysts to decontaminate water, and fabrication of quantum devices. Funded projects were across Engineering, Science and Arts, Design & Architecture faculties, the…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

SEMMA welcomes government payroll tax threshold Industry representative group the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has said that it welcomes the Victorian government lifting the tax-free threshold on payroll tax from $900,000 to $1 million, but says raising it further to $5 million will provide further incentive for small to medium businesses to invest…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, June 23 – June 27, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) DroneShield announces record-breaking order worth $61.6 million Counter-drone business DroneShield has announced three standalone follow-on contracts, worth a total of $61.6, representing “the biggest single order” in its history and topping its entire revenue of $57.5 million for 2024. According to…

Roy Green to lead review of Energy Industry Jobs Plan

Emeritus Professor Roy Green, the Special Innovation Advisor at the University of Technology Sydney, will deliver a review of the Net Zero Economy Authority’s Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) by the end of the year. Net Zero Economy Authority CEO David Shankey announced the appointment of Green (pictured) to lead the statutory review of the…

Tindo Solar to provide 52,174 panels for Bowen Water Pipeline project

Tindo Solar will supply 30 megawatts' worth of solar PV panels, made at the company’s Adelaide factory, for installation at the Bowen Water Pipeline project. In a statement on Friday, the nation’s only solar panel manufacturer said it will supply these to the North Queensland project – managed by the Bowen Pipeline Company – over…

96 per cent of employees face barriers when hiring apprentices or trainees: new survey

The Australian Industry Group’s Centre for Education and Training has released new research on the experiences of the employers of Australian apprentices, showing they believe the system is “becoming increasingly costly and complex” at a time where the nation risks “falling well short of delivering the skilled workforce needed to lift our flagging productivity”. The…

Researchers combine dung and duckweed in search of affordable biofuels

Research supported by an Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) grant aims to convert waste from the dairy industry into renewable biofuels. According to a statement from University of Southern Queensland – which is part of the team behind the work – the project will develop “scalable technology” for turning nutrients from dairy manure “into high-volume biomass…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

CSIRO, HILT CRC announce $10 million green metals initiative A $10 million Green Metals Innovation Network (GMIN) — led by CSIRO in partnership with the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) – was announced on Tuesday. According to a statement from CSIRO, the federal government-funded initiative will bring together research, government and…

Vic food makers get equipment electrification grants

The Victorian government has announced $10 million in grants to help the state’s food and beverage makers upgrade to electric alternatives for their equipment.

CSIRO partners up to grow green metals industry

A new $10 million initiative has been launched to grow Australia’s domestic green metals sector for the iron, steel, alumina and aluminium industries.

QLD manufacturing gets gov funding boost

The Queensland Government is injecting nearly $600 million to boost its industries and regional and rural areas as part of its latest budget.

Zeotech gets backing for Australia's first metakaolin production facility

Emerging mineral processing technology company Zeotech announced on Monday the completion of its preliminary feasibility study for Australia's first metakaolin production facility for low-carbon concrete. The study delivered what the company described as a compelling business case for its AusPozz project, which would establish a manufacturing facility at the Port of Bundaberg in Queensland. The…

Australian researchers transfer dairy protein technology to industry

Australian scientists have successfully transferred precision fermentation technology for creating dairy proteins from laboratory to industry, marking a breakthrough for alternative dairy production. The University of Queensland team, led by Professor Esteban Marcellin, has produced dairy proteins using Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator research bioreactors and transferred the technology to Sydney-based company All G for…

Australian cured meat industry faces health-conscious shift

Australia's cured meat and smallgoods manufacturing industry is experiencing modest growth despite health-conscious consumers turning away from processed meats, according to a new industry report. The industry, worth $5.4 billion in 2025, has grown by supporting stable domestic demand and a premiumisation trend that has allowed producers to increase unit prices. However, consumption of processed…

Whyalla steelworks brings emergency response services in-house

OneSteel Manufacturing has enhanced emergency response capabilities at its Whyalla Steelworks by bringing its Emergency Response Team services in-house, creating local jobs and boosting community skills. The company announced on Monday it had transitioned from external providers to an internal emergency response model, removing reliance on outside services while improving quality and responsiveness. The move…

Sale process for collapsed Whyalla steelworks gets underway

The sale process for the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia and associated mining operations — previously held by GFG Alliance — has formally opened, with “strong early interest from global steelmakers and consortia” according to the federal and South Australian governments. The steelworks were forced into administration by the SA government in February, with KordaMentha…

Major survey finds manufacturing sentiment “improving following the gloom” of last two years

The quarterly ACCI-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends has shown the manufacturing industry “showing signs of recovery” and a result indicating “gradual gains in new orders and stable, positive output growth.” According to a statement from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, sentiment appears to be “improving following the gloom of the past…

BluGlass raises $5.3 million in SPP

Compound semiconductor developer and maker BluGlass has announced the close of its share purchase plan (SPP), which raised $5.3 million before costs. The company said in a statement on Tuesday that the raise will accelerate production and delivery related to new and existing contracts, as well as support additional fab equipment and working capital. It…

Scientists create ‘magic' material that pulls drinking water from thin air

Australian scientists have developed a revolutionary nanomaterial that can extract clean drinking water from air humidity, potentially helping millions of people without access to safe water. The “light as a feather” material can hold more than three times its weight in water and works far faster than existing commercial technologies, researchers from UNSW announced this…

Melbourne company wins stem cell manufacturing licence in Australian first

A Melbourne biotechnology company has become one of the first in Australasia to receive a licence to manufacture stem cells, potentially reducing Australia's reliance on overseas bio-tech manufacturers. The Therapeutic Goods Administration granted Magellan Stem Cells the manufacturing licence for its Braeside facility in Melbourne's southeast, the company announced this week. The decision places Magellan…

NSW creates investment authority to fast-track major projects

The NSW government will establish an Investment Delivery Authority to accelerate approvals for major projects worth more than $1 billion as part of the 2025-26 Budget. Premier Chris Minns announced on Monday the government would invest $17.7 million to establish the authority, which is modelled on the successful Housing Delivery Authority. The authority will help…

Whiteley opens $25 million Human Therapeutics Plant at Tomago

Whiteley Corporation, a family-owned maker of cleaning and disinfection products, has officially opened its new $25 million purpose-built Human Therapeutics Plant at Tomago, NSW. According to a statement from the company last week, the event at Whiteley’s first-of-its-kind plant was attended by over 100 guests, including NSW Port Stephens MP Kate Washington (pictured on right.)…

Only two more sleeps until Spotlight on Scaling Up

There are limited tickets left for Spotlight on Scaling Up, and there is a limited amount of time in which to buy them. Don't miss out on this all-star cast of experts examining the importance of manufacturers outgrowing their small business origins and how it can be done. The event at University of Technology Sydney…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, June 16 – June 20, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 1) Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers 2025 report — now available to download for free @AuManufacturing is very happy to release our campaign report, wrapping up 2025’s iteration of the 50 Most Innovative. This 48-page report features never-before-published Q and As with six…

Australian manufacturer opens Ohio facility for submarine parts

Australian 3D printing company AML3D has opened a new manufacturing facility in Ohio to produce critical components for the US Navy's Virginia-class submarine program. The company announced on Friday it had officially opened its US Technology Facility in Stow, Ohio, which represents a milestone in strengthening America's defence manufacturing and supporting the AUKUS partnership. The…

New tool developed at UQ enables “smart” microgel droplets for regenerative medicine

A new microfluidics tool developed at the University of Queensland shows promise for uses including restoring damaged organs, according to the university. In a statement on Friday, UQ said researcher Dr Ruirui Qiao (pictured) and her team have patented a new “UQ-Surf microfludics platform” able to create “smart” microgel droplets with use in a “diverse…

Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers 2025 report — now available to download for free

@AuManufacturing is very happy to release our campaign report, wrapping up 2025’s iteration of the 50 Most Innovative. This 48-page report features never-before-published Q and As with six of the list's Top 10 companies – Advanced Navigation, Micro-X, Kite Magnetics, Modra Technology, Wild Tech, and Allegro Energy – plus insights on what separated good from…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

New synthetic biology group launched Plant SynBio Australia (PSBA) was launched in Canberra on Wednesday, aiming at coordinating a national network of infrastructure and expertise to accelerate gains in agri-food productivity. PSBA will focus on synthetic biology, which uses engineering principles to redesign biological organisms for desired outcomes including creating vaccines, novel crops, and foods…

WA allocates $25 million to ‘securing the poles and wires' through local manufacturing

The Western Australian government has pledged $25 million in funding for manufacturing related to the energy transition ahead of the Thursday state budget. According to a statement from treasurer Rita Saffioti and other ministers, the package will help diversify the state economy and “secur[e] the poles and wires” needed for the energy transition. It includes:…

Lab-grown quail meat cleared for sale ahead of imminent appearance at Australian restaurants

Cultured meat business Vow, which says it has worked for more than two years on food safety assessment with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), has announced that sale of its cultured quail meat is now officially approved in Australia. In a statement on Wednesday, the company said its Forged brand Japanese quail will be…

Knowing and showing your value when seeking growth capital

It might be to put a new sales team on the ground in a new market. Or to import some expensive production kit and fly an expert over to teach your staff how to use it properly. Or you might need to bring in outside technical help to bring a tricky project up the last…

Victorian government strengthens local jobs legislation with new enforcement powers

The Allan Labor Government introduced the Local Jobs First Amendment Bill to parliament on Wednesday, delivering new enforcement powers to ensure government contracts and projects benefit Victorian workers and businesses. The bill will give the Local Jobs First Commissioner new compliance and enforcement powers to ensure contractors meet their commitments to use local workers, products…

Australian researcher wins international sustainability prize worth $1.5 million

An Australian sustainability researcher has been awarded one of the world's largest science prizes for her work on global supply chains and their impact on developing nations. Associate Professor Arunima Malik of the University of Sydney was named one of three international champions of the 2025 Frontiers Planet Prize at a ceremony in Switzerland on…

Adelaide tech company achieves $2.3 million in development milestones

Adelaide-based Micro-X has achieved $2.3 million worth of development milestones across three major contracts with international partners, the company announced on Monday. The hi-tech company achieved Milestone 3 under its Development Agreement with the US Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health for a Full Body CT scanner, delivering $1.4 million. Micro-X also achieved Milestone 2…

Fleet Space partners with quantum companies for mineral exploration

Australian space exploration company Fleet Space has announced partnerships with three quantum technology companies to develop next-generation sensors for mineral exploration. The company said on Wednesday it had partnered with mDetect, Nomad Atomics, and DeteQt to expand technology for the global mining industry by developing quantum sensors for AI-powered mineral exploration. The partnerships will advance…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Rockwell appoints new regional director, South Pacific Industrial automation company Rockwell Automation has appointed Adrian Giecco as its regional director, South Pacific, effective July 1. Giecco will take over from Anthony Wong, who was recently promoted to vice president – enterprise software sales and consulting services – Asia Pacific at the company. Giecco will relocate…

Steve Shu appointed ANFF-NSW’s USyd Hub Director

This week the Australian National Fabrication Facility announced Associate Professor Steve Shu as the new ANFF-NSW USyd Hub Director as well as Academic Director of the University of Sydney’s Research and Prototype Foundry. In a statement on Monday, Shu was described as holding a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Melbourne…

ARENA awards $19.8 million to Kwinana green iron project

The federal government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has awarded a $19.8 million grant to support NeoSmelt – a joint venture between BlueScope, BHP, Rio Tinto, Woodside Energy and Mitsui Iron Ore Development – progress towards a planned low-emissions iron pilot plant at Kwinana. According to a statement on Tuesday from energy minister Chris Bowen…

Researchers develop solution to turn waste masks into electronics components

Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland have developed a technique to convert discarded face masks into valuable components for electronic devices, addressing a major global pollution problem. The study, published in Nano-Micro Letters, found that more than 950 billion masks equivalent to about 3.8 million tonnes have been discarded worldwide over the past four…

Lovells springs into action with major rebrand for 95th anniversary

Newcastle suspension manufacturer Lovells is celebrating 95 years in business with its biggest rebrand ever and a surprising new brand ambassador – AFL legend Brent “Boomer” Harvey. The company, which has grown from a modest spring workshop during the Great Depression to become the Southern Hemisphere's largest hot spring coiling plant, unveiled its comprehensive new…

NAIF provides $50 million loan facility to expand Element 25's Pilbara manganese project

Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine KIng has announced that the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) will provide a loan of up to $50 million to help Element 25 expand its manganese project in Pilbara, Western Australia and serve growing demand from the electric vehicle battery market.  According to a statement from King on Tuesday, the…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Ghost Bat in new milestone The Australian made and designed autonomous aircraft, MQ-28A Ghost Bat (pictured), has achieved was the federal government has described as a major capability milestone. The first military combat aircraft to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years conducted a capability demonstration at Woomera, involving “a single…

Hazer Group raises $10 million to commercialise methane pyrolysis technology

Hazer Group announced on Monday it had raised $10 million through a placement and share purchase plan to drive commercialisation of its methane pyrolysis technology for clean hydrogen production. The Perth-based technology company successfully raised $8 million from existing and new institutional and sophisticated investors through a placement at 31 cents per share, representing a…

CSIRO opens applications for renewable energy accelerator targeting Indian market

CSIRO is seeking Australian startups and small-to-medium enterprises with innovative renewable energy solutions to join its India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion accelerator program. The RISE Accelerator, launched in 2023, is designed to support businesses with scalable climate and environment solutions, helping them expand into the Indian market. Round 3 of the program will…

AnteoTech targets high-value medical device market with Wyon's trial of Ultranode

Surface technology company AnteoTech, which was awarded a $4 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) last October, has announced that its high silicon anode technology will be trialled by Swiss battery manufacturer Wyon.  In an ASX statement on Monday, AnteoTech said Wyon will evaluate Ultranode over the next six months to determine…

ICN Victoria to host free Ballarat Regional Showcase on Tuesday

ICN Victoria will hold its Ballarat Regional Showcase 2025 on Tuesday, June 17 at The Goods Shed, Ballarat from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. According to a statement on Monday from ICN Victoria, the showcase aims to provide regional SMEs insights into infrastructure and investment opportunities across Ballarat and the state.  Opportunities for suppliers to…

Applications opened for CSIRO's Innovate to Grow, Health Care Innovation

Applications have opened for CSIRO’s free, eight-week Innovate to Grow program for SMEs, with the upcoming round focussing on health care solutions. The online course offers practical guidance and tools on identifying and refining R&D opportunities, creating R&D business cases, and accessing funding. The first workshop will take place on August 7 and applications are…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, June 9 – June 13, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Samsara Eco, lululemon announce ten-year offtake agreement on recycled nylon, polyester Enzymatic recycling startup Samsara Eco and sportswear company lululemon have built on a partnership first announced in May 2023, announcing a ten-year offtake agreement that “could see” Samsara’s material “support…

Emesent scanners help map Central Coast sewers

A claimed world-first remote sewer inspection has been carried out by Central Coast Council, using a remote-controlled buggy developed by American engineering firm KBR and CSIRO spinout Emesent. According to a statement from KBR on Thursday, a custom-built remote-controlled vehicle (ROV) recently completed its first mission, scanning over 640 metres of sewer pipe between Terrigal…

AnteoTech receives $213,000 order from Serum Institute of India

AnteoTech announced on Thursday it had received a sales order worth $213,000 from the Serum Institute of India under their five-year purchase agreement. The Brisbane-based biotechnology company said its Life Sciences business unit was on track to achieve approximately $930,000 in sales for FY2025, representing an increase of about 130 per cent over FY2024. AnteoTech…

Cochlear launches world's first smart hearing implant system

Cochlear announced on Thursday the launch of the Nucleus Nexa System, which the company described as the world's first and only smart cochlear implant system featuring internal memory and upgradeable firmware. The Australian medical device company said Australians living with hearing loss are among the first in the world to access the next generation technology,…

Samsara Eco, lululemon announce ten-year offtake agreement on recycled nylon, polyester

Enzymatic recycling startup Samsara Eco and sportswear company lululemon have built on a partnership first announced in May 2023, announcing a ten-year offtake agreement that “could see” Samsara’s material “support approximately 20% of lululemon’s overall fibres portfolio”. The news follows R&D work that has resulted in the world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 product sample…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Rockwell survey finds ANZ manufacturers affected by “technology paralysis”, life sciences benefiting from AI  The 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing (SoSM) Report from Rockwell Automation, released last week, surveyed 1,560 manufacturers from 17 countries (including 85 organisations in Australia and New Zealand) and has found the local health and life sciences sector leading AI adoption.…

Robotics company Contactile says new grant will help it get a grip globally

Sydney-based robotics company Contactile has been awarded a Commercialisation and Growth grant under the federal government’s Industry Growth Program. According to a statement from the company on Wednesday, the recent grant will support commercialisation of “a next-generation robotic gripping system that endows robots with a human sense of touch”, launching the gripper into Australian, European,…

Star Combo partners with Monash University to propel intelligent Australian advanced manufacturing initiative with government grant funding  

Sponsored article Australia’s leading nutraceutical manufacturer, Star Combo (ASX:S66) has officially formed a strategic partnership with Monash University, aiming to translate advanced research into industrial applications and accelerate innovation in Australia’s high-tech manufacturing sector.  This initiative builds on research outcomes from the Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded NetZero Hub, which fosters collaborative research to propel industrial…

Aurora Labs wins $544,000 defence grant for production scale-up

Aurora Labs announced on Wednesday it had been awarded a Defence Industry Development Grant of $544,333 on a 50/50 co-investment basis to support the acquisition of advanced manufacturing equipment. The 3D metal printing company said it had been selected as a priority sovereign industrial manufacturer for defence applications under the Sovereign Industrial Priorities Stream. The…

Victoria smashes food and fibre export target six years early

Victoria has exceeded its $20 billion food and fibre export target six years ahead of schedule, according to a government report released on Wednesday. Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson released the 2023-24 Food and Fibre Export Performance Report, which shows Victoria is Australia's top food and fibre exporter, capturing 27 per cent…

Austin Engineering raises revenue guidance but cuts profit forecast

Austin Engineering announced on Wednesday it had increased guidance for FY25 revenue to approximately $370 million, up from the $350 million forecast in February, but revised underlying EBIT guidance down from approximately $50 million to circa $41 million. The engineering company said revenue was expected to be up by approximately 18 per cent versus FY24…

Melbourne Polytechnic to get new Modern Methods of Construction hub in 2029

Melbourne Polytechnic has signed Memoranda of Understanding with construction leaders, peak bodies and TAFEs on the co-design of a new innovation centre and national hub for training focussed on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC.) The signing was announced by state skills minister Gayle Tierney on Wednesday, and the centre aims to ensure training keeps pace…

Livium explores rare-earth element extraction to expand recycling portfolio

Livium announced on Tuesday it had commenced discussions with Australian and international developers of rare-earth element extraction technologies as part of its strategy to expand into adjacent circular economy opportunities. The company said REE extraction represented an extension of recycling services for its enterprise client base, with discussions progressing with developers focused on collaboration, including…

Pure Hydrogen secures 15-year permit for Windorah gas project

Pure Hydrogen Corporation announced on Tuesday it had received a 15-year Potential Commercial Area permit from the Queensland government for its Windorah Gas Project in the Cooper Basin. The wholly-owned subsidiary Real Energy Queensland received the permit following a 22-month regulatory approval process with the Queensland government's Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

McCormick opens upgraded factory Food company McCormick has officially opened its upgraded Sunshine Coast waste treatment facility, which it says will make “a major step forward in reducing waste” while supporting growth of the Gourmet Garden herb and spice brand. According to a statement on Friday from the company, the new “state-of-the-art trade waste treatment…

Space Machines Company opens Australia's largest spacecraft manufacturing facility

Space Machines Company and the University of Technology Sydney announced on Tuesday the creation of Australia's largest industrial-scale spacecraft manufacturing facility at UTS Tech Lab in Sydney. The Optimus Factory (OF-01) will feature an additional 800-square-metre spacecraft production space and house Australia's largest satellite Assembly, Integration and Test cleanroom. The facility represents a co-investment from…

Local medical device company raises thousands for breast cancer foundation

Alexandria-based medical device manufacturer ProMed Australia raised more than $16,000 for the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation at a charity auction in Pyrmont on Wednesday night, June 4. The event at Audrey Fine Art gallery featured the auction of a landscape painting by artist Ted Lewis, which sold for $4,800 despite being valued at $8,000. The…

Ego Pharmaceuticals boss makes King's Birthday honours list

Alan Oppenheim, the Managing Director of family-owned skincare business Ego Pharmaceuticals, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (General Division) on Monday. Oppenheim (pictured) has led the company as Managing Director since 1990, according to a statement from Ego, and was its Scientific Director from 1980 – 1990.  “I am deeply honoured and…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, June 2 – June 6, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Sydney’s new buses arrive from China despite local build promises New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is facing criticism after buses promised to be built locally arrived nearly complete from a Chinese factory, despite government pledges to revitalise domestic manufacturing. Transport…

DUST to unveil car on Friday afternoon at Deakin University ahead of Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

The Deakin University Solar Team’s vehicle, named DUST, will be unveiled at the university’s Waurn Ponds campus at 3 pm on Friday, ahead of the Darwin to Adelaide Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), running from August 24 – 31. The team (pictured) will compete in the Cruiser Class of the 3000-kilometre BWSC, with vehicles judged…

BluGlass receives first order from Indian Ministry of Defence

BluGlass Inc, the wholly-owned US subsidiary of ASX-listed compound semiconductor business BluGlass, has received an initial order from the Indian government’s Ministry of Defence, worth $230,000. The company announced on Friday morning that it is now an approved supplier to the ministry and had received the order from its Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL.)  The…

Ramsay Australia CEO joins EMVision board

Brain scanning device company EMVision Medical Devices has announced the appointment of Carmel Monaghan as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Announced on and effective on Thursday, Monaghan’s appointment brings “a wealth of experience across clinician engagement, corporate strategy, marketing, procurement and government relations” according to EMVision’s Chairman, John Keep. Monaghan is described in the statement as…

UniSA finds that sludge in sewer pipes helps beat acid attack

University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers have demonstrated a new corrosive-resistant material containing sludge from water treatment, which the university has said is over 50 per cent stronger than traditional cement-based pipes “and resistant to acid-induced degradation.” According to a statement from UniSA on Thursday, concrete is common in sewage pipes – due to its…

Illite fantastic: research points the way for cheap, low-emission cement substitute 

Researchers at RMIT University say that a new method to process a clay type into a low-carbon substitute for cement in concrete could prove “economically and environmentally scalable”. According to a statement from the university on Thursday, the team has demonstrated a way to turn cheap and abundant illite clay with low-grade kaolinite clay into…

Australian businesses boost AI adoption by 5 per cent

More Australian businesses are embracing artificial intelligence to enhance productivity, with 41 per cent of small and medium enterprises now adopting the technology. Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres (pictured) released the latest AI Adoption Tracker data on Tuesday, showing a 5 per cent increase in SME adoption from the previous quarter. The interactive data…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Defence heralds sustainability measures ahead of World Environment Day The Department of Defence said is recognising its significant role in contributing to the nation's emissions reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050 ahead of World Environment Day. In a statement this week, it mentioned initiatives including heat pump upgrades…

ClearVue subsidiary lands first commercial greenhouse contract

ClearVue Technologies subsidiary OptiCrop has secured its first commercial project worth approximately $80,000 for ground-source heat exchange technology at a greenhouse installation. The ASX-listed company announced on Wednesday that OptiCrop will provide its proprietary cooling solution for a one-acre greenhouse being built by a global irrigation and greenhouse provider. The cooling coils will optimise nutrient…

Industry calls for heat pump rebate pause over safety concerns

The air conditioning and refrigeration industry has called for government heat pump rebate schemes to be suspended until safety and performance standards are implemented. The Australian Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association warned on Monday that New South Wales and Victorian rebate programs are plagued by safety risks, poor performance and fraud. AREMA managing director Greg Picker…

WA commits $130,000 to boost biomedical industry skills

The Cook Government has announced $130,000 in funding for two new grant rounds aimed at developing Western Australia's health and medical life sciences sector. Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson (pictured) said on Monday the funding would support the Accelerator Program Access Grants and Entrepreneur in Residence scheme, following successful first rounds. The Accelerator Program Access…

Battery automation business Amber raises $45 million to support global expansion

Energy technology company Amber has announced a $45 million funding round, led by UK/European fund ETF Partners, which it says will fund the expansion of its battery and EV automation technology globally. Amber was founded in late-2017 by Chris Thompson and Dan Adams (pictured.) It makes software allowing customers to access wholesale electricity prices and…

Update: June 25 event gains guests from Quickstep, Harvest B for an important “missing middle” conversation

New guests have been added to @AuManufacturing‘s upcoming Spotlight on Scaling Up event, with Quickstep Acting CEO Demi Stefanova and Harvest B Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer Alfred Lo announced as panellists. Stefanova and Lo, leaders from a composites specialist and food technology startup respectively, will appear in conversation with Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Chair Paul…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Foundations laid for Australia's first liquid hydrogen flight test programs AMSL Aero and Stralis Aircraft, two Australian companies that are developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, have successfully registered a family of liquid hydrogen tanks. According to a statement from AMSL Aero on Monday, the tanks will be used for refuelling and enabling zero-emission flights, are known as “Dewar vessels”, and…

Robot submarines reveal coral catastrophe at Australia's southernmost reef

Tiny underwater robots have captured devastating footage of coral bleaching at one of the world's most remote reefs, exposing a hidden environmental crisis off the West Australian coast. Advanced Navigation's micro submarines, called Hydrus, surveyed Hall Bank reef near Fremantle in June, revealing a barren seafloor littered with pale, lifeless corals at the unusual latitude…

Trump’s steel tariffs are unlikely to have a big impact on Australia. But we could be hurt by what happens globally

By Scott French, UNSW Sydney Just one day after the US Court of Appeals temporarily reinstated the Trump Administration’s Liberation Day tariffs of between 10 per cent and 50 per cent on nearly every country in the world, Trump announced tariffs on all US imports of steel and aluminium will increase from 25 per cent…

Flea power could stop your hip replacement getting infected

The secret behind a flea's superhuman jumping ability could soon be protecting patients from dangerous post-surgery infections. Scientists at RMIT University have harnessed resilin — the stretchy protein that lets fleas leap more than 100 times their own height — to create a coating that completely blocks bacteria from sticking to medical implants. The breakthrough…

Three-city bamboo events to ask why the material’s benefits are being ignored in Australia

A three-city series of events this month will examine the carbon sequestration and strength benefits of engineered bamboo — as well as its underutilisation in Australia — among other topics.  According to a statement on Tuesday from the Bamboo Society of Australia – which is hosting the Next Frontier Summit at Sunshine Coast, Sydney, and…

Lovells gains post-registration modification approval for vehicle GCM revisions in WA

Lovells Automotive Systems has become the first local Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) to gain approval for the fitment of its Australian designed and engineered suspension enhancements for post registration Gross Combination Mass (GCM) revisions under new Western Australian laws. According to a statement from Lovells on Tuesday, WA’s new legislation brings the state in line…

First national food system stocktake reveals $274b hidden costs

CSIRO has released Australia's first comprehensive stocktake of the nation's $800 billion food system, revealing hidden costs of up to $274 billion annually and calling for a coordinated approach to managing complex challenges across the sector. The report, released on Monday through the Food System Horizons initiative, examined Australia's food system which feeds approximately 100…

Sydney's new buses arrive from China despite local build promises

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns (pictured) is facing criticism after buses promised to be built locally arrived nearly complete from a Chinese factory, despite government pledges to revitalise domestic manufacturing. Transport Minister John Graham defended the purchase on Saturday, saying the government always planned to import bus “shells” from China for completion at a…

Soul Patts and Brickworks agree to $14b merger

Diversified investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson and building products manufacturer Brickworks announced on Monday they have agreed to a $14 billion merger that will create a newly capitalised ASX-listed company. The merger, announced through a binding combination deed, will see the creation of a company called TopCo with an expected market capitalisation of $14…

Australian manufacturing leaders to share scaling secrets at Sydney event

Two of Australia's most successful manufacturing entrepreneurs will share their insights on global expansion at the “Spotlight on Scaling Up” event in Sydney on June 25. Alf Taylor and Nadia Taylor, co-founders of TNA Solutions, will deliver the opening keynote at the event hosted by @AuManufacturing at UTS Building 8. The husband-and-wife team has built…

Detmold Group to consolidate Adelaide presence at upcoming Regency Park HQ

Packaging business Detmold Group has announced that it is building a new headquarters at Adelaide, consolidating a team of 240 staff from across eight sites around the city at the one building by the end of 2026. In a statement on Monday, Detmold said the new three-level site at 260 Regency Road, Regency Park will…

World's biggest high-purity alumina factory progresses with $20 million contract awarded to McCosker Contracting

A contract worth over $20 million has been awarded for concrete works at what will be the world’s biggest high-purity aluminium materials factory, located in Gladstone, Queensland and with capacity for over 10,000 tonnes of HPA equivalent per year. According to a statement from Alpha HPA — the owner of the upcoming factory — the…

Pit-to-production PhosOne fertiliser JV gets prescribed project status

The PhosOne joint venture between North West Phosphate (NWP) and Sibanye-Stillwater (SSW) has been awarded prescribed project status by the Queensland government, which says it is expected “to generate $1.4 billion in economic value”. In a statement on Friday, the state government described PhosOne as a pit-to-production venture capable of creating 490 jobs in construction…

National Reconstruction Fund Corporation invests $27 million in glaucoma treatment device maker

The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation will reportedly announce a $27 million stake in PolyActiva, a company commercialising an injectable device to treat glaucoma. According to The Australian Financial Review, the investment to be announced on Friday is alongside $13 million in new funding from Brandon Capital, and will support PolyActiva in moving to phase-two trials,…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Cobalt refinery contract signed Mining and mineral processing company Cobalt Blue announced on Thursday that it has signed a contract with Glencore to supply up to 50 per cent of the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery’s (KCR) feedstock needs for the first three years of operation. Calling it “a crucial milestone in KCR’s development”, the company said…

TRaCE-backed, UNSW-based electrical engineering consultancy launched

University of NSW has established what it says is the first university-based service in Australia providing technical expertise to help businesses, particularly startups, solve electrical engineering problems quickly. According to a statement from the university on Wednesday, its new Technology Translation Squad provides “critical engineering support to green tech startups” to speed up commercialisation of…

GridBeyond’s Forecaster delivers 17 per cent more accurate predictions than AEMO

Sponsored article GridBeyond, a global smart energy company, has launched an improved version of its Forecaster software, which consistently delivers more accurate results than AEMO, the Australian national grid operator. When GridBeyond’s Forecaster was run against the AEMO forecasts for the first Quarter of 2025 it delivered predicted pricing that outperformed AEMO in terms of accuracy…

Losing lead and zinc means losing critical mineral export potential, says new Nyrstar-commissioned report

The nation’s hopes of becoming a major exporter of critical minerals are suffering due to risks to onshore lead and zinc refining, according to research commissioned by Nyrstar, which processes these and other metals in Australia. According to a statement from Nyrstar Australia on Thursday, the new research from economics firm Mandala in The Economic…

Aurora Labs partners with US aerospace company for 3D-printed aircraft engines

Australian 3D printing specialist Aurora Labs has signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based Mayman Aerospace to explore collaborative development of 3D-printed micro gas turbines for advanced aircraft propulsion systems. The two-year partnership marks Aurora Labs' first entry into the US aerospace and defence technology ecosystem, representing a strategic move to penetrate the lucrative North…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Big Sister mentoring program aims to get more women into male-dominated industries The federal government says it is supporting more women get into clean energy and construction jobs through a new “by women for women” apprentice initiative, titled the Big Sister: Advanced mentoring program. Announced last week, the program “will bolster the number of women…

IKEA turns 50 in Australia with a meatball party pie you didn’t know you needed

What do you get when you cross a Swedish icon with a beloved Aussie snack? A meatball party pie—and IKEA is serving them up for free this Saturday. To celebrate 50 years down under, IKEA has created the Meatball Party Pie, a golden, flaky mash-up of its famous Swedish meatballs and Australia’s favourite party food.…

QLD government backs challenge addressing lithium batteries, which are “putting the lives of our waste industry workers at risk”

The Waste and Recycling Industry of Queensland (WRIQ) has launched a competition in the hope of unearthing new solutions to the growing problem of fires caused by lithium ion batteries. In a statement on Wednesday, WRIQ said “Challenge Waste – the Lithium–ion Battery Challenge” covers six categories and is open to “entrants of all ages,…

South32 receives $4.4 million to study steam electrification at Worsley alumina refinery

South32 has secured $4.4 million in government funding to explore cutting-edge electrification technologies that could dramatically reduce emissions at its Worsley Alumina Refinery in Western Australia. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced the funding on Monday to support a pre-feasibility study examining four investment options for partial steam electrification at the facility, targeting the…

DXN awarded $2 million data centre contract for DP World Port Botany site

Prefabricated data centre manufacturer and operator DXN has announced a $2 million contract with logistics company DP World Australia to deliver two data centres for Port Botany. DXN said in an ASX statement on Tuesday that the contract involved design, manufacture, and delivery of the two centres and backup systems, “including full design and engineering,…

Government unveils $3 billion green metals strategy to transform Australian industry

The Albanese Government has outlined its ambitious plan to transform Australia into a global green metals powerhouse, with $3 billion in funding aimed at capturing emerging low-carbon export opportunities. Speaking at the launch of the Superpower Institute's ‘A Green Iron Plan for Australia' report in Canberra, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Dr…

Adelaide residents revolt against proposed Tesla factory citing Musk backlash

Adelaide residents are mounting fierce opposition to a proposed Tesla factory in their suburb, with locals describing the plan as an “ugly” development that would create a “planet-destroying temple to billionaires.” Marion Council in Adelaide's southwest proposed selling the disused Chestnut Court Reserve for a Tesla battery factory, service centre and showroom in April, citing…

Kleenex, Bowel Cancer Australia, launch new awareness campaign to combat “stigma and taboo”

Kleenex, the toilet paper brand made at Kimberly-Clark Australia's Millicent Mill in South Australia, has partnered with Bowel Cancer Australia on a new awareness campaign urging people to watch for early signs of the nation’s second-deadliest type of cancer. In a statement on Tuesday, Kleenex said the pair were urging Australians to “Check your poo”…

Stokes family scouts Whyalla steel mill as sale process heats up

The billionaire Stokes family has made an early move on the troubled Whyalla steelworks, with SGH Limited executives conducting a site visit ahead of the formal sale process. SGH chief executive Ryan Stokes and chief financial officer Richard Richards spent two days in the remote South Australian town recently, getting a head start before sell-side…

Grants for seafood waste, pallet projects and other circular efforts expected to create 72 Queensland jobs

Five million dollars in grants has been awarded to eight projects under Queensland’s Circular Economy Investment Program, including a robotic pallet dismantler, oyster shell waste in render and plaster products, and newly-developed materials from rigid plastic waste. According to a statement from the state environment department on Monday, the grants awarded were worth between $250,000…

ATO targets small businesses’ obligations in new info campaign

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has said it is offering extra support to “new small business owners” to help them understand tax, super and registry obligations through a new “ready for business” campaign. In a statement on Monday, the ATO said that approximately half of all businesses fail in their first three years, often due…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, May 19 – May 23, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Introducing Spotlight on Scaling Up: an unmissable June 25 event about one of Australian manufacturing’s key issues @AuManufacturing is excited to announce an upcoming event on the morning of June 25, in partnership with BDO, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth…

What does it take to reach an Olympic standard?

For the final profile in our Celebrating Australian Made series, we look at Ballarat's Alevo. It doesn’t just believe Australian made products developed at home can complete on the world stage; it’s showing how it can be done.  From massages to medical, one Australian Made business, Alevo, is helping Australia’s healthcare industry raise the bar…

Demand for Mother, Monster behind new $75 million line at Coke's Brisbane site

A newly-completed $75 million canning line at Richlands is the biggest in its network, according to beverage company Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia (CCEP), and is set to “significantly increase production” of the highly-caffeinated Monster Energy Company drinks.   According to a statement from CCEP on Friday, the new line was built over an 18-month period, supported…

Government backs Adelaide solar manufacturer with $46 million to power renewable future

The Albanese Government is putting its money where its mouth is on renewable energy manufacturing, announcing $46 million in funding for Adelaide-based solar company 5B to ramp up production of its innovative Maverick solar units. The funding, delivered through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of the government's $1 billion Solar Sunshot program,…

From farm to fashion: Deakin and Country Road spin gold from wool scraps

In a project that sounds like textile alchemy, Deakin University has partnered with Full Circle Fibres and Loomtex to transform Australia’s unwanted wool scraps into premium yarn—proving that one farmer’s trash really can become a fashionista’s treasure. The cleverly named “Mud to Marle” project has successfully demonstrated how low-grade Merino wool fibres, typically destined for chunky homeware,…

Australian company cracks GPS vulnerability with laser-powered navigation breakthrough

In a world where GPS spoofing incidents have surged 500 per cent in just one year, Sydney-based Advanced Navigation has developed a game-changing solution that could revolutionise how autonomous systems navigate when satellite signals fail or come under attack. The company's new Hybrid Navigation System represents a major leap forward in addressing the growing vulnerability…

GMG progresses towards new 10-tonne graphene plant at Brisbane

Nanomaterial applications developer and manufacturer Graphene Manufacturing Group has announced that it will invest $900,000 ahead of commissioning a planned 10 tonne per annum graphene plant, supported by a recent capital raise. According to a statement from GMG on Wednesday, the board's approval for the investment will support early works for the expected plant, to…

Introducing Spotlight on Scaling Up: an unmissable June 25 event about one of Australian manufacturing's key issues

@AuManufacturing is excited to announce an upcoming event on the morning of June 25, in partnership with BDO, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, and the Australian Business Growth Fund. An all-star cast of experts will examine the need for more manufacturers to outgrow their boutique origins — helping create a more diverse, resilient national economy…

Nissan Casting gets Australian Made accreditation

Every component that comes off the line at the Nissan Casting Australia Plant at Dandenong South – which makes 1.2-million-parts annually – will be certified Australian Made, with the company announcing the accreditation to coincide with Australian Made Week (May 19 – 25.) In a statement on Tuesday, the company said the factory produces high-pressure…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

HILT CRC team wins innovation award for green iron project A Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) research team led by Professor Jacques Eksteen and Dr Lina Hockaday from Curtin University has won and award for Excellence in Innovation – Research Institution Leadership in Industry Research Collaboration. The award, received on Tuesday…

Hands-on help gets young sparkies up to scratch

Today in our Celebrating Australian Made series, we learn about Infinispark, which helps apprentice electricians learn their trade. Nicholas Way spoke to founder Husnen Rupani about how he saw a gap in the market for practical training gear. From an electrical trades teacher to running a thriving business that manufactures the equipment that ensures the…

Kite Magnetics receives $3.6 million seed investment from SQM Lithium Ventures

Electric motor startup Kite Magnetics, which won a Top 10 Gold Award at this title’s Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers awards last week, has received a $US $2.2 million (approximately $3.6 million) seed investment from SQM Lithium Ventures. According to a joint statement from the two companies on Monday, the investment is part of Kite’s…

National Manufacturing Summit returns, with an emphasis on local content

Details of Weld Australia’s annual National Manufacturing Summit have been released for this year, with registrations now open for an event promising a “focus on bold, actionable steps to revitalise the nation’s manufacturing sector.” According to a statement on Tuesday, 2025’s event will take place at the Shangri-La Sydney on July 24, with a welcome…

Monash claims research could see compact rooftop flow batteries on the market “in a few years’ time”

A new water-based battery developed by Monash University research engineers could one day help households “store rooftop solar energy more safely, cheaply and efficiently”, according to the university. The new battery makes use of a “new membrane design [which] fixes the speed problem” normally attached to flow batteries, and which normally limits their use to…

Australian Dairy Nutritionals to make milk formula powders for Sprout Organic

Vertically-integrated dairy business Australian Dairy Nutritionals has announced a new, one-year contract manufacturing agreement with Sprout Organic, which will see it produce milk powders for its client. According to a statement to the ASX on Tuesday, the agreement is non-exclusive, and comes with an option to extend for “a further [two-year] term”. Under the deal,…

NSW begins industry engagement for rail manufacturing program

The NSW government has begun a market and analysis campaign, as it seeks to establish one of the “strongest rail manufacturing pipelines in Australia”, beginning with around 450 carriages to replace Sydney Trains' ageing Tangara fleet. In a statement on Monday, the government agency Transport for NSW (TfNSW) said it has begun engaging manufacturers and…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Geelong's Bates turns 30 Geelong-based, family-owned business Bates Pipes & Products, a maker of precast concrete products for the civil infrastructure sector for three decades, has marked 30 years in operation. A profile by Geelong Manufacturing Council (of which Bates is a member) notes that the company was established in 1994 by father-and-son duo Bob…

Victorian government launches second round of Skills Solutions Partnerships Program

The Victorian government has opened the second round of the Skills Solutions Partnerships Program, a $4.75 million initiative supporting industry partnerships with the state’s TAFEs and dual sector universities “to co-design and pilot” short courses addressing skills gaps. According to a statement from state industry minister Colin Brooks on Monday, the program targets priority sectors…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, May 12 – May 16, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Researchers develop breakthrough solar thermal technology to reduce industrial emissions UniSA and partners have launched a world-first solar thermal demonstrator that could revolutionise how Australian industries generate heat while slashing carbon emissions, according to a statement released on Monday. The innovative…

Grants up to $2 million available through Tasmanian On-Island Processing Program round two

The Tasmanian government has opened applications for the On-Island Processing Program, offering up to $2 million in grant support for projects involving wood and timber. According to a statement from state industry minister Eric Abetz on Friday, round two of the program is centred on hardwood plantation timber — though with continued support for other…

Adelaide’s Paladin gives private demo of space junk collection vehicle

Paladin Space, a University of South Australia-based business focussed on removing space junk from orbit, has showcased its technology at a private event and teased news of an upcoming international expansion. In a statement from the university on Friday, the company said the Thursday demonstration of its Triton system at UniSA’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre…

Boral completes acquisition of Wallan Concrete plant

Boral has announced the completed acquisition of the recently-built Wallan Concrete plant, which the company says provides extra capacity to serve customers in the growth corridor of Melbourne’s outer north. In a statement on Thursday, the subsidiary of Seven Group Holdings said the plant – which operates six days a week and is located 45…

UQ PhD perfects non-petrochemical punnet for strawbs

A biodegradable composite plastic – incorporating fermentation-derived polyester and sawdust from radiata pinewood sawdust fibres – has been developed and tested as food packaging by University of Queensland researchers. According to a statement from the university on Thursday, the bioplastic has been tested in a strawberry punnet, and can break down “in soil, freshwater, the…

Expanding food company The Yoghurt Shop appoints ex-MP to chair advisory board

Adelaide-based dairy manufacturer The Yoghurt Shop has appointed former state transport minister Stephan Knoll to Chair its new advisory board, which the company says “signals our intent to take our South Australian-made yoghurt to even more corners of the world.” In a statement on Thursday, the company said Knoll’s current roles include chairing some of…

Scientists accidentally create gold from lead at Large Hadron Collider

In a remarkable case of accidental modern alchemy, physicists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland have transformed lead into gold during high-energy collision experiments, according to Monash University physics professor Ulrik Egede. Writing in The Conversation, Professor Egede explains that while smashing lead atoms together at near light-speed, researchers at the ALICE experiment…

Queensland fertiliser plant at risk as high energy costs threaten closure

The future of Dyno Nobel's Phosphate Hill fertiliser plant near Mount Isa is in jeopardy, with local politicians and community leaders warning of devastating regional impacts if the facility closes due to high energy costs. Dyno Nobel CEO Mauro Neves announced Monday that the plant, which employs approximately 500 workers, has been placed under strategic…

High-tech mock-up unveiled for Queensland's locally built train fleet

Queensland has taken a significant step forward in its train manufacturing program with the unveiling of a full-scale mock-up designed to test accessibility features for the state's next generation of passenger trains. The 38-metre replica, built in Maryborough by Indigenous-owned business Allweld, replicates the train cab and two carriages of the future fleet. It will…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Linde to deliver large cryogenic plant to PsiQuantum Linde Engineering has signed an agreement with PsiQuantum to deliver a cryogenic cooling plant for the planned world-first utility-scale quantum computer in Brisbane. In a statement last week, chemicals specialist Linde said the effort will be “one of the largest cryogenic cooling plants ever built for the specific…

Sussan Ley becomes new opposition leader following industry portfolio role

Sussan Ley, who held the shadow industry minister role going into the Coalition’s heavy election loss earlier this month, was elected leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party on Tuesday, beating Angus Taylor by 29 votes to 25. In a statement following the vote, Ley pledged to “listen, change and develop a fresh approach” following the…

Australian engineers develop brain-like device for next-gen visual processing

RMIT University researchers have created a breakthrough “neuromorphic” device that can detect hand movements, store memories, and process information like a human brain—all without requiring an external computer. This tiny innovation, which mimics how our eyes capture light and our brains process visual information, represents a significant advancement toward enabling instant visual processing in autonomous…

Livium secures expanded battery recycling deal with BYD Australia

Livium has signed a new expanded recycling agreement with BYD Australia, broadening its battery recycling scope to include commercial vehicle batteries and energy storage systems in addition to electric vehicle batteries, according to an ASX announcement released on Monday. The three-year agreement, which commenced on May 1, positions Livium's subsidiary Envirostream Australia as BYD's preferred…

Gilmour Space set for historic Australian rocket launch this Thursday

Gilmour Space Technologies has received final regulatory approval to launch Australia's first home-grown orbital rocket in 50 years, with the countdown now set for Thursday morning from its Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. The Australian Space Agency gave the green light on Friday for the company to proceed with the launch of its 25-metre three-stage…

$1.25 million awarded to progress University of Queensland-developed prostate cancer drug

Development of a new drug based on research at The University of Queensland, targeting advanced and therapy-resistant prostate cancer, has been awarded $1.25 million from the US-based Critical Path Institute’s Translational Therapeutics Accelerator. According to a statement from UQ on Tuesday, the drug named QED-203 has its origins in research by Professor Greg Monteith from…

Ariarne Titmus on Australian Made: “when we back each other, we all win”

Ahead of the fifth annual Australian Made Week, Olympics freestyle swimming champion Ariarne Titmus has called on Australians “to rally behind Team Aussie by choosing Australian Made”. Titmus is this year’s Australian Made Week Ambassador, with the celebration to run next week (May 19 – 25.) The gold medalist in the women’s 400-metre freestyle at…

Industry 4.0 guru to ask: will Australia be left behind in the current Industrial Revolution?

Professor Henrik von Scheel (pictured), an internationally-recognised strategist and futurist known as the man who coined the term Industry 4.0, will feature at the upcoming Industrial Transformation Australia event in Sydney this July. According to a statement from event organisers Hannover Fairs Australia on Monday, von Scheel will reveal what will influence the success of…

Dyno Nobel delivers half-year profit despite transformation challenges

Dyno Nobel Limited (ASX:DNL) reported a statutory net profit after tax of $7 million for the first half of 2025, marking a significant turnaround from the $148 million loss in the same period last year, according to financial results released on Monday. The explosives and fertiliser company is making substantial progress on its strategy to…

Researchers develop breakthrough solar thermal technology to reduce industrial emissions

UniSA and partners have launched a world-first solar thermal demonstrator that could revolutionise how Australian industries generate heat while slashing carbon emissions, according to a statement released on Monday. The innovative project combines lightweight plastic mirrors with advanced reflective coatings to create a concentrated solar thermal (CST) system that can generate temperatures between 100°C and…

ClearVue expands into New Zealand with Viridian Glass deal

Building-integrated solar PV company ClearVue Technologies has announced a manufacturing and distribution agreement with Viridian Glass, which will see the Perth-based company enter the New Zealand market. In an ASX statement on Monday, ClearVue said the five-year deal involves NZ’s leading glass processor making and distributing ClearVue's solar-integrated glazing solutions within that country.  Global CEO…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Titomic signs collaboration agreement with DNV  Last week cold spray additive manufacturing company Titomic announced a strategic collaboration agreement with DNV, an assurance and risk management provider. According to a statement from Titomic, it will advance Titomic’s efforts to obtain certifications for its coating and repair technologies across the oil and gas and maritime sectors,…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, May 5 – May 9, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Computer/information services and the path to a Future Made in Australia It is now well understood by innovation policy analysts and advisers that, on many fronts, Australia stands at a pivotal crossroads in its innovation journey, writes Dr John H Howard.…

Australian Food and Grocery Council announces new CEO

Industry lobby group the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has announced Colm Maguire (pictured) as its new Chief Executive Officer, after having acted in that role since January.  Maguire has been with the organisation since July 2024, when he joined as Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary.  In a statement on Friday, the AFGC…

CSIRO opens applications for Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence round of Innovate to Grow program

CSIRO is inviting SMEs and startups developing solutions in digital technologies and artificial intelligence to apply for its latest Innovate to Grow program, a free eight-week, online course assisting companies with R&D. According to a statement on Thursday from the national science agency, expressions of interest have opened for the round, which will provide successful…

Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers 2025: Meet the judges

We are pleased to present our expert panel of judges for Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers 2025. Meet our judges, each of which enabled an independent, credible, arm’s-length evaluation of nominees for @AuManufacturing‘s campaign. You can see the results of said campaign — this year’s Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers list — here. Mike Jennings…

Cannabis drink maker offloads Althea brand to Tasmanian Botanics

THC beverages manufacturer Althea Group Holdings (AGH) has sold off its Althea Company pharmaceutical subsidiary to medicinal cannabis producer Tasmanian Botanics to focus on US expansion.

Fastbrick capital raise delay averted

Bricklaying robot builder Fastbrick’s plan for a major capital raise were almost crushed until the government’s takeover panel stepped in.

Almonty wins US Defence tungsten contract

Tungsten concentrate producer Almonty Industries has announced an offtake agreement with  Tungsten Parts Wyoming and Israeli firm Metal Tech for defence applications.

Bega to shutter Victorian factory, invest $50m in NSW operations

Dairy maker Bega Group will close its Strathmerton cheese factory in Victoria by mid-2026, cutting 300 jobs, as it transfers operations to its existing NSW facilities in Bega.

Dandenong dairy waste stink attracts “swarm of insects”, fine

Veolia Environmental Services (Australia) and Veolia Recycling & Recovery have each been fined $9,880 over a “smelly mess that attracted a swarm of insects to a factory” at Dandenong South in Victoria earlier this year, the state’s Environmental Protection Authority has said.  According to a statement from EPA Victoria on Tuesday, complaints had been made…

Tasmania’s new container deposit scheme hits million milestone in four days

The Tasmanian government has celebrated the uptake of the state’s new container deposit scheme, with a million containers returned in the first four days. According to a statement from environment minister Madeleine Ogilvie on Tuesday, the milestone was reached at a refund point within Bridgewater’s Cove Hill Precinct. “I thank Tasmanians for getting behind Recycle…

Quantum dots could lead to wearable X-ray solution for lung imaging

Research with potential use in more comfortable respiratory scans has received a boost, with a University of Queensland School of Chemical Engineering expert awarded a $1.6 million Investigator grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC.) According to a statement from the university on Tuesday, the work by Associate Professor Jingwei Hou and…

Bugs beware! Bio-Gene secures $2.1 million to advance its insect-busting tech

Bio-Gene Technology Limited announced on Monday it has successfully secured $2.1 million from sophisticated and professional investors, giving its insect-fighting arsenal a significant financial boost. The company isn't just creating another bug spray for your kitchen cabinet. Bio-Gene is developing insecticides based on compounds found in nature that can outsmart resistant pests. Around 40 per…

Game-changing hydrogen deal: Hazer and KBR join forces to tackle climate change

Hazer Group has just inked a game-changing alliance with engineering giant KBR to take its hydrogen technology global. The Australian innovator announced Monday it has entered a binding strategic alliance with KBR, the engineering powerhouse that's licensed over 260 ammonia plants worldwide. The agreement will supercharge the commercialization of Hazer's proprietary methane pyrolysis technology that…

This ship's electric! Tasmania launches vessel making waves in green transport

In an industry often criticised for its environmental footprint, a sleek newcomer is making a splash. Tasmanian shipbuilding powerhouse Incat has just floated out the world's largest battery-powered ship.

Labor re-elected: Reactions to Election 2025 and its impact on manufacturing

Rewiring initiative set to “drive down power bills” Non-profit electrification advocate Rewiring Australia said that election result paves the way for meaningful commitments, such as the home battery subsidies made by Labor, to be implemented. The 30 per cent government subsidy, which is set to come in in July, “is good policy, which is going…

New nanoscale 3D printing tech developed

Researchers have developed the first nanoscale 3D printing technique for synthetic bone substitutes.

Study shows WA as potential green energy export hub

A new international study has highlighted Western Australia’s growing potential to export locally-made hydrogen and ammonia to Europe.

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, April 28 – May 2, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) The critical trade keeping Australian manufacturing alive Australian manufacturing faces a hidden crisis as the number of toolmakers and engineering pattern-makers has declined by 70 per cent between 2006 and 2021, according to the latest Census data. Only 2,220 practitioners remain…

Western Downs prepares for Accelerate Manufacturing Conference later this month

Western Downs Regional Council will hold its fourth annual Accelerate Manufacturing Conference, a free event to be held on May 21 at the Dalby Events Centre. According to its organisers, the event will “bring together government officials, industry experts, investors, and innovators”, and feature a keynote from Martin G. Moore, host of the No Bullsh!t…

Tetra Tech to acquire SAGE Group

Adelaide-born industrial automation company SAGE Group Holdings has been acquired by NASDAQ-listed consulting and engineering services business Tetra Tech for an undisclosed amount. According to a statement from SAGE on Friday, the deal will provide international expansion opportunities across water, energy, transportation, defence, and manufacturing. It is subject to Foreign Investment Review Board approval and…

How to use battery storage to optimise industrial electrification

Sponsored article One of the most promising developments for industrial and commercial energy users is the integration of behind-the-meter (BTM) battery storage systems.   Businesses can unlock significant value from BTM batteries—not just by avoiding costly grid upgrades but by creating new revenue streams and enhancing energy resilience.  The evolving grid  The power grid was never…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

KBR selected for Samsara factory Houston, US-headquartered engineering firm KBR has been announced as a partner on Samsara Eco's plastics and textile enzymatic recycling plant, scheduled for completion in early 2028. Samsara is commercialising an enzymatic recycling technology for processing “some of the most common types of plastic and synthetic fibre – materials that have…

Sparc Technologies raises $2.2 million 

Materials and renewable energy development and commercialisation company Sparc Technologies has announced firm commitments to raise $2.2 million through a share placement, with a further share purchase plan expected to raise another $500,000. In a statement on Thursday, Sparc said the placement at $0.15 per share was “strongly supported by existing and new investors”. The…

Nuclear power ‘not passing the pub test’, survey authors say

Support among Australians for nuclear power has fallen, according to a survey of more than 4,000 respondents conducted by Griffith University’s Climate Action Beacon in partnership with the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub. The National Climate Action Survey was showing that “the logic of investment and risk” didn't pass most Australians’ pub tests, according…

KPMG analysis finds Australian “manufacturing renaissance” 

According to a new analysis of jobs data by economists at professional services firm KPMG, there was a “manufacturing renaissance” between 2014 and 2024, with employment growing 9.1 per cent overall. A statement from the company on Thursday said the workforce in “overall manufacturing occupational groups” grew from 779,800 to 851,000 in the period. The…

Ampcontrol boss to depart

Electrical engineering business Ampcontrol has announced that its head, Rod Henderson, will leave at the end of the financial year, following more than 25 years at the company. In a statement on Wednesday, Ampcontrol said that it has engaged executive search company Derwent Consulting for an internal and external search for a new CEO. “Ampcontrol…

Nissan Australia marks five years of Warrior program with Premcar

Nissan Australia celebrated more than five years of its Warrior remanufacturing program with Premcar this week, according to a statement released on Monday. The partnership, which launched in late 2019 with the Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior, has delivered 12,755 vehicles across its model lines, including the Navara SL Warrior, Navara PRO-4X Warrior and Patrol Warrior.…

Monash scientists urge caution on green nitrate fertiliser claims

Monash University researchers called for greater rigour in green nitrate fertiliser research on Monday, warning that recent breakthrough claims require further scrutiny before being considered market-ready. A review by the Monash School of Chemistry examined 50 published studies claiming to have produced green nitrate fertilisers and found none had successfully created a sustainable alternative to…

Opal and BlockTexx begin pilot program recycling paper mill workers’ uniforms

Textile recycling business BlockTexx and paper manufacturer and recycler Opal have announced a new pilot program, with “old and unused uniforms” from Opal’s Botany Mill collected and processed. According to a statement from the paper company, the program has already seen a 660-litre container full of uniforms collected, with these to be put through BlockTexx’s…

Researchers uncover bizarre quantum behaviors in one-dimensional systems

Swinburne researchers have stumbled upon strange new quantum behaviours that exist only in one-dimensional systems, potentially revolutionising our understanding of how materials conduct electricity, emit light, and respond to external forces. The discovery focuses on what happens when a single “impurity” particle – like an uninvited guest at a party of identical particles – is…

Regulators clear Orthocell's nerve repair product for sale in Canada

Following news last week that it has begun appointing distributors for Remplir in the United States, Orthocell has announced clearance to begin selling the nerve repair product in Canada, a market it estimates to be worth $US 75 million. In an ASX statement on Wednesday, Orthocell said it has received a Medical Device Licence (MDL)…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Alter Steel gets DA for planned Pinkenba steel mill Alter Steel has announced that it has received conditional development approval for its Pinkenba site. The company, which is part of  privately-owned steel products business Westview Group, said in an update on Linkedin last Thursday that the news “is a significant milestone in delivering Australia’s cleanest…

Australian wine exports to China top $1 billion, but global headwinds remain

Australian wines are once again flowing freely into China, with exports topping the billion-dollar mark just one year after crippling tariffs were removed, according to Wine Australia's latest Export Report released on Tuesday. In what could be called a grape comeback story, Australian wine exports surged 41 per cent in value to $2.64 billion and…

Western Sydney University receives over $2.5 million for industry-research 3D printing projects

Western Sydney University researchers have scored a manufacturing hat-trick, securing more than $2.5 million in funding to supercharge Australia's additive manufacturing capabilities – otherwise known as 3D printing. The funding, announced on Monday, will power collaborative research between the university and industry partners as part of the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), an initiative…

MGA Thermal unveils “world's first commercial Electro-Thermal Energy Storage (ETES) system”

In a breakthrough that could steam ahead of conventional energy storage, Australian innovator MGA Thermal has fired up the world's first commercial Electro-Thermal Energy Storage (ETES) system capable of delivering 24/7 renewable industrial steam. Unveiled Monday at the company's Tomago site in Newcastle, the system harnesses the power of latent heat through cleverly engineered Miscibility…

Additive manufacturer Conflux expands to UK

Australian heat exchanger specialist Conflux Technology has announced the establishment of its first European business hub in the United Kingdom, marking a significant expansion for the Melbourne-based advanced manufacturing firm. The new facility, announced on Monday, will initially focus on research and development, materials certification, and local supply chain support, with plans to develop into…

Nominations open for 2025's NSW Export Awards

The annual NSW Export Awards, delivered by the Export Council of Australia in partnership with the NSW government, have opened for nominations. The awards are in their 63rd year. This year cover 14 national-level categories and four specific to NSW, with national category winners going on to the Australian Export Awards, to be held on…

Sparc Technologies reports successful ecosparc field trial results

Sparc Technologies has announced successful initial inspection results for its ecosparc-enhanced anti-corrosion coating in a field trial at Streaky Bay Jetty, South Australia. According to an ASX announcement on Monday, the graphene-based additive showed no signs of degradation or early failure mechanisms during the critical initial trial phase, matching the performance of the commercial benchmark…

Geelong events in May will celebrate Ford Australia's centenary, legacy in the city

Eleven years after it confirmed it would end car assembly in Australia and nearly nine years after the last locally-made Ford vehicle rolled off the line, the car company’s legacy will be noted at a special event in Geelong. The City of Greater Geelong announced on Monday that two events will be held, on May…

The critical trade keeping Australian manufacturing alive

Australian manufacturing faces a hidden crisis as the number of toolmakers and engineering pattern-makers has declined by 70 per cent between 2006 and 2021, according to the latest Census data. Only 2,220 practitioners remain in this vital trade, with just 411 of these under 40 years old. Toolmakers and engineering pattern-makers create and repair precision…

Minns Government approves $139 million warehousing estate for Western Sydney Aerotropolis

The NSW Government has approved a $139 million warehousing estate in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, set to create more than 600 jobs in the region. The Barings Luddenham Industrial Park will be built on a 19.4-hectare site and will feature seven buildings with over 63,500 square metres of floor space. The development will provide warehousing…

AML3D highlights US momentum in quarterly update

Wire arc additive manufacturing business AML3D has reported breaking even in operating cash flow terms for the quarter ending March 31, benefiting from strong US market growth underpinning $2.5 million in customer receipts for the period. According to a statement from the machine builder on Monday, it also “more than doubled investment in its US…

UniSA experts to be key researchers at two new Cooperative Research Centres

The University of South Australia (UniSA) has shared that it will play “a major role” in two of the Cooperative Research Centres – the Additive Manufacturing CRC and the SMART CRC – which were awarded $58 million and $65 million in federal funding last Thursday. According to a statement on Monday from UniSA, Professor Colin…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, April 21 – April 25, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) QUT team make stretchable semiconductors better able to turn body heat into electricity A team of Queensland University of Technology researchers (pictured) have developed a new alloy with potential use in wearable, flexible semiconductors. The researchers, each from QUT and each…

Albanese government announces $1.2 billion critical minerals strategic reserve

The federal government announced plans on Thursday to establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve with an initial investment of $1.2 billion, including a $1 billion increase to the existing Critical Minerals Facility. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the initiative would boost Australia's economic resilience and leverage the country's abundant resources of critical minerals and rare…

Albanese government commits $158 million to back three new CRCs

The federal government announced $158 million in funding for three new Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) on Thursday, with a major focus on manufacturing life-saving medical treatments for diseases including cancer. Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic (pictured) revealed the funding package, which includes $65 million over ten years for the newly established SMART CRC. This…

Collie Steel Mill receives full construction approval

Green Steel of WA secured all necessary regulatory and statutory approvals to begin construction of The Collie Steel Mill, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The mill is set to become Australia's first green steel facility. The approvals process was completed in under two years, with the project recognised as a Strategic Project by…

New battery recycling subcontract deal expected to generate over $5 million for Livium

Battery chemical recycler and manufacturer Livium has commenced a deal to provide services to metal recycling business Sell & Parker, anticipated to generate revenues of $3 million in the next 12 months and offering potential “to be Livium’s largest ever recycling contract”. According to a statement from Livium on Thursday, the three-year subcontractor deal with…

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Greensteel shares picture of planned plant for Whyalla “We are excited to share a rendering of our vision for Greensteel Australia’s state-of-the-art and ultra-low-carbon steelmaking plant for Whyalla, subject to necessary approvals” shared Greensteel in an update on Linkedin on Tuesday. The render (pictured above) was accompanied by a message restating that the company has…

UN declaration never required Australia to slash manufacturing, fact-checkers confirm

A viral claim that the Whitlam government signed away 30 per cent of Australia's manufacturing capabilities in 1975 has been debunked by experts, the AAP FactCheck service revealed on Monday. The false claim, which has resurfaced on social media, alleged that Australia was required to slash its manufacturing sector by 30 per cent under a…

JCU engineers develop world-first bendable ceramic for aerospace applications

James Cook University engineers have created a groundbreaking bendable ceramic material that could revolutionise aerospace design, the university announced on Wednesday. The material, which can be 3D-printed and withstand more than 10,000 loading cycles without breaking, has attracted the attention of global aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin, which will partner with the JCU team over the…

Concrete sector grows despite housing downturn, $3.4bn industry report reveals

Australia's concrete product manufacturing industry has shown resilience in the face of challenging residential construction conditions, growing at a modest but steady pace, according to a comprehensive market report released on Tuesday. The IBISWorld report reveals the industry has reached an estimated value of $3.4 billion in 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate…

Tiny manufacturers: How black soldier flies are turning food waste into valuable products

In a world where manufacturing typically conjures images of sprawling factories and complex machinery, a tiny six-legged workforce is quietly revolutionising production processes at Southern Cross University. Black soldier flies, the unassuming insects with appetites twice their body weight, are being harnessed as nature's manufacturing plants to transform food waste into valuable resources, researchers revealed…

Race Oncology activates second site for solid tumour clinical trial

Race Oncology opened patient enrolment at a second site for its Phase 1 clinical trial of RC220 in patients with advanced solid tumours, the company announced on Tuesday. The Central Coast Local Health District, comprising Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, has been activated following the earlier activation of the lead Australian site, Southside Cancer Centre in…

Sydney company signs $1.6bn order for new Whyalla steelworks

Greensteel Australia has signed a $1.6 billion order for a “next-generation” steel mill to be built in Italy as it advances its plan to take over the troubled Whyalla steelworks. The Sydney-based company finalised the deal with Italian firm Danieli at a contract signing in Adelaide on Sunday. The agreement includes a new plant, two…

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Governor-General to join Good Design Australia as Patron Design advocacy body Good Design Australia announced on Tuesday that the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, will become the Patron of the organisation, in what it said was a “historic appointment signal[ing] the critically important role of design in shaping Australia’s future.” In a statement, the organisation said the…

Housing construction slump crimps demand for plastic pipe manufacturers: IBISWorld

The national market for plastic pipe and plastic packaging material manufacturing is worth a predicted $4.7 billion this financial year, with revenues shrinking an average of 1.1 per cent annually between 2020 and 2025, according to a new report from IBISWorld. A contributor to the decline in revenue in “a mixed-performance” category was increased mortgage…

Tin halide perovskite solar cell record falls to UQ team

A team from The University of Queensland has claimed a world record for a type of perovskite solar cell, demonstrating results of 16.65 per cent efficiency converting sunlight to electricity. According to a statement from UQ, the team led by Professor Lianzhou Wang (pictured in middle) developed a “tin halide perovskite” (THP) solar cell performing…

Construction begins on Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub

Construction has begun on the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub, a $17.14 million project funded by the federal government and delivered by not-for-profit organisation Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC) in partnership with the Central Coast Council, University of Newcastle and Regional Development Central Coast. In a statement on Thursday, CCIC said the project will position…

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Industry leaders to participate in 20th Vinnies Sleepout Brian Mathieson (Briter Door Solutions), Craig Wellman (Wellman Packaging) and Kylie Roberts-Frost (Australian Bedding Stewardship Council) are among the leaders from the manufacturing industry taking part in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout. The Sleepout raises funds and awareness in support of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s…

UQ races against time in 150-day vaccine development challenge

A team of Queensland researchers has begun an ambitious race to develop a vaccine for a rare but potentially fatal virus in just 150 days, according to a statement released by the University of Queensland on Wednesday. UQ's Vaccine Rapid Response Team is testing its capabilities by creating a vaccine for the Bolivian Chapare virus,…

Tasmania launches free Export Essentials Program

The Tasmanian government launched its Export Essentials Program this week, which it says will “help trade uplift” by equipping the state’s businesses with the skills, strategies, and confidence to reach the mainland and interstate markets. The free, self-paced program offers two courses, a National Exporter Program and an International Exporter Program, with four and six…

ASPI report urges Australia and South Korea to deepen space collaboration

A new report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) calls for Australia and South Korea to significantly expand their cooperation in space technology, according to a statement released on Tuesday. The report, authored by ASPI Visiting Senior Fellow Sangsoon Lee, argues that while space cooperation between the two nations “remains stuck in its infancy,”…

Australia needs better commercialisation, not to do “more of the same” on R&D: Ai Group

Despite “decades of rhetoric about becoming a ‘clever country'”, Australia is no closer to meeting its research and development aspirations, and “simply pouring more funding into a dysfunctional system” won’t matter unless the commercialisation imperative is addressed, according to the Australian Industry Group. Making its submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD),…

RMIT transfers all IP for gas capsule to Atmo Biosciences in exchange for equity

An ingestible capsule used to monitor gut health markers has taken another small step towards commercialisation, with RMIT University transferring IP ownership to Atmo Biosciences. Digital health business Atmo Biosciences is commercialising a capsule that it says “measures gases as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract and transmits the data wirelessly” and which was first…

Concrete breakthrough: Zeotech's AusPozz smashes performance tests

Australian materials tech company Zeotech has scored a major win in its quest to decarbonise the construction industry, with independent testing confirming its AusPozz product delivers remarkable strength improvements while dramatically cutting concrete's carbon footprint. According to an ASX announcement on Monday, the Brisbane-based company's high-reactivity metakaolin (HRM) product achieved a 50 per cent strength…

3D printing wizards AML3D land £450k UK defence deal with BAE

Adelaide's metal 3D printing pioneers AML3D are taking their Aussie-made tech expertise to British shores, securing an $830,000 contract with defence giant BAE Systems. In an announcement released to the ASX on Tuesday, AML3D revealed it will source 8.5 tonnes of Nickel Aluminium Bronze wire feedstock for BAE as part of a material feasibility program—enough…

Space tech meets Aussie farms: SA satellite now beaming IoT magic from orbit

South Australia's space industry took a significant leap forward with the successful integration of Myriota's Internet of Things (IoT) payload on the Kanyini satellite, according to an announcement released on Sunday. Adelaide-based companies Myriota and Inovor Technologies have collaborated on Kanyini, South Australia's first state-funded satellite, which now orbits more than 500 kilometres above Earth.…

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Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay commit to defence industry Moreton Bay region industry representatives have signed up to an agreement on sovereign defence priorities. An industry-led communique was signed at a Sunshine Coast event last month, led by representatives from Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast (RDAMBSC), Australian Industry and Defence Network, Manufacturing Excellence…

PM makes $24 million election pledge to upgrade nation’s last newsprint factory 

Prime minister Anthony Albanese has committed $24 million to help modernise the historic Boyer Paper Mill, north-west of Hobart, the nation’s last producer of newsprint and communication paper. A statement from the Australian Forest Products Association describes the assistance as helping the mill transition its boiler infrastructure power “from coal to electricity along with other…

Defence launches quantum project to secure military timing systems

A new quantum research initiative led by the Defence Science and Technology Group aims to protect Australian military operations when GPS is compromised, according to a statement released by Defence on Monday. The project, funded by the Australian Army, will focus on developing a ground-to-satellite optical quantum link to enable secure and precise time synchronisation…

Memphasys secures binding commitments for $1.275 million through share placement

Reproductive technology company Memphasys came out of a trading halt on Monday morning, telling investors that it has received binding commitments to raise $1.275 million through a strategic placement. In a statement to the ASX, Memphasys said the commitments were from new and existing shareholders, amounting to 212,500,000  ordinary shares at $0.006 per share. Participants…

Cannabis cultivator ECS Botanics lands $2.4m cash injection for global growth

Australian medicinal cannabis producer ECS Botanics is taking its expansion plans global after securing a significant funding boost from one of Australia's biggest banks. The Victorian-based cultivator announced on Monday it had increased its National Australia Bank loan facility by $2 million to a total of $5.2 million, while also securing an additional $400,000 for…

Heidelberg Materials Australia to acquire Midway Concrete

Heidelberg Materials Australia announced on Monday it has entered into a conditional purchase agreement to acquire Midway Concrete, expanding its presence in the Melbourne and Geelong markets. Midway Concrete operates four plants in Laverton, Craigieburn, Melton and Lara, and has built a reputation for quality products and customer service over its 23-year history. Phil Schacht,…

RayGen raises $127 million in Series D

Solar and hydro thermal energy startup RayGen Resources has announced the close of a Series D funding round worth $127 million, led by a follow-on investment from US oil and gas services company SLB. In a statement on Thursday, the company said the $31 million investment from SLB was in addition with the execution of…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, April 7 – April 11, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Fonterra plans $1.7m refurbishment of Tasmanian cheese tower Global dairy company Fonterra has plans to upgrade the cheddaring tower, as its Wynyard, Tasmania cheese factory. It lodged a development application to refurbish and remediate the tower, boosting its height to 21 metres,…

Interested in selling your business?

@AuManufacturing/the Australian Manufacturing Forum have teamed up with a small group of trusted partners to provide help to those wishing to sell their business. We have been approached by investors keen to acquire Australian manufacturing companies. If you’re considering an exit, we’re able to arrange a confidential, no-obligation discussion with our partners. Get in contact…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

HEO shares progress on Holmes Mk2 space camera  Space business HEO has shared that work is well underway for its first Holmes Mk2 flight model camera, with the team undertaking “the finishing touches and prepar[ing] for the final phase of testing. In an update on Linkedin, HEO said its smallest non-Earth imaging camera, “provides a…

Manufacturing companies led revenue growth in “mixed” ABS stats for February

A measure of turnover data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics since 2021 has shown manufacturing outpacing all other industries for February, with a strong rise in metal products. The ABS’s experimental Monthly Business Turnover Indicator tracks 13 industries, with an aggregate rise in turnover of 0.2 per cent (in seasonally-adjusted terms) for the…

Greensteel orders $1.6 billion worth of steelmaking kit, plans to bring new facility online “within two years”

Greensteel Australia announced on Thursday that it has placed an order with steelmaking infrastructure company Danieli Group, “valued in excess of $1.6 billion”, representing stages two and three of a proposed “ultra-low-carbon steel mill”. The order includes a direct reduced iron (DRI) plant, two electric arc furnaces, a structural steel rolling mill, and a second…

Entrepreneurial researchers get to work in ninth cohort of ON Accelerate program

CSIRO has shared details of teams making up the ninth cohort of its ON Accelerate program, featuring technologies including 3D printing for flexible ceramic solutions, a new therapeutic for treating pneumonia, and energy-efficient ammonia production. In a statement on Thursday, the nation’s scientific organisation described the program as a “structured three-month accelerator” helping entrepreneurial researchers…

iMOVE CRC launches $2 million impact fund 

The iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has launched a $2 million second round for its Impact Extension Program, which is open to organisations including established businesses, universities and startups “looking to fund their transport related innovation.” In a statement launching the program on Thursday, iMOVE said the initiative aims to “to identify and support Australia’s…

MicroTau's fuel-saving film to be tested in the US by Delta Air Lines

Sydney-based MicroTau, which is commercialising sharkskin-inspired riblet films designed to reduce both drag and fuel use for planes, will have its technology tested on Delta Air Lines’ Boeing 767 fleet. According to a statement from the US carrier on Wednesday (US time) MicroTau has been added to Delta's Sustainable Skies Lab innovation incubator. “[The program]…

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Nourish Ingredients, CABIO Biotech claim world first in precision fermentation fats Canberra-based food technology company Nourish Ingredients and its China-based partner, CABIO Biotech, have announced a major milestone. According to a statement on Wednesday, successful completion of the first commercial production of Tastilux, a “potent meaty fat”, is “a breakthrough in precision fermentation” and makes…

Cyclone waste powers Tweed with renewable energy

Green waste from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is being transformed into renewable energy through a partnership between Tweed Shire Council and Cape Byron Power. More than 4,000 tonnes of green debris – equivalent to the weight of about 2,000 cars – has been collected since the community clean-up began on 17 March. The material is being…

Calix water treatment products dodge Trump tariffs due to Canadian supply chain

Australian environmental technology company Calix announced on Tuesday that its water treatment products sold in the United States will be exempt from recently imposed Trump administration tariffs. The ASX-listed company imports magnesium oxide from Canada as a feedstock for its US Magnesia business. These imports are protected under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which excludes…

Monash scientists develop filter to remove “forever chemicals” from water

Monash University researchers have created an innovative water filtration membrane that effectively removes small PFAS molecules, a significant advance over traditional filters that struggle with these persistent pollutants. PFAS, dubbed “forever chemicals,” are widely used in industrial and consumer products and pose potential health risks due to their environmental persistence. Their presence in Australian drinking…

Gravitas Technologies awarded $1.6 million grant to commercialise “Vulloy” material

Materials engineering specialist Gravitas Technologies has been awarded a $1.6 million grant under the federal government’s Industry Growth Program, which the company says will accelerate the commercialisation and scaling of its Vulloy product. According to a statement from Gravitas on Tuesday, Vulloy is “an advanced high-performance material” with applications in sectors including defence, aerospace, and…

Former Mercedes CTO joins Aussie auto tech company Doftek

Doftek, an Australian automotive tech company specialising in active wheel alignment systems, has appointed former Mercedes-AMG CTO Jochen Hermann to its Advisory Board.

Fonterra plans $1.7m refurbishment of Tasmanian cheese tower

Global diary company Fonterra has plans to upgrade the cheddaring tower, as its Wynyard, Tasmania cheese factory.

Australian welding body calls for sovereign manufacturing in response to Trump tariffs

Weld Australia has urged Australian governments to strengthen domestic manufacturing instead of retaliatory action in the wake of US global tariffs.

Vossloh opens new railway components factory in Bendigo

  German rail technology group Vossloh has opened a new manufacturing plant in Bendigo, Victoria. The plant will manufacture up to 200 railway turnout components a year, including switches and rail fasteners. It will also feature a solar power system, providing an output of around 228 kilowatts. Vossloh added that this new plant features modern…

Mars Wrigley chews up plastic waste with $6.5 million Asquith factory upgrade

Mars Wrigley Australia has invested $6.5 million in a new production line to boost its gum and mints manufacturing capacity by more than 60 per cent while cutting plastic waste.

Tesla eyes Adelaide for battery factory

Tesla is considering building a factory to repurpose its batteries in Adelaide, however, it needs the local council to first fix the contaminated site.

New report urges stronger food security preparedness

A Green Paper released on Monday calls for Australia to prioritise food security with the same urgency as national security amid growing global instability. The report, authored by Andrew Henderson and John Coyne, warns that Australia's agriculture sector faces significant challenges from geopolitical tensions, climate change, water security issues and rapid technological advances. Despite Australia…

Scientists create ‘pain-on-a-chip' device to identify chronic pain types

Telling your doctor exactly how much something hurts has always been a challenge but Monash University researchers have developed a clever solution that could take the guesswork out of pain diagnosis. On Sunday, scientists revealed a new microfluidic device nicknamed “pain-on-a-chip” that can objectively distinguish between different types of chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and…

Lack of local production leaves Australia sensitive to urea price shocks

Australia produces only small amounts of a key fertiliser type and as a result is particularly vulnerable to global shocks, according to new research. Agribusiness banking and financial services company Rabobank’s What tight urea supplies mean for global prices and Australian farmers has found that supplies of the most traded fertiliser type in the world…

Aussie quantum firm Diraq snags US defence contract

An Australian quantum computing company has joined forces with international partners to take on an ambitious challenge from the US military's research agency. Sydney-based Diraq announced on Thursday it secured a contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to participate in a program aiming to build a useful quantum computer by 2033. The…

Free TAFE courses launched to boost Australia's manufacturing workforce

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments announced on Friday four new Free TAFE courses designed to strengthen Australia's manufacturing sector by upskilling workers and creating new employment pathways. The courses will be offered through the TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence, established last year with $157.2 million in matched funding from the Commonwealth and NSW…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, March 31 – April 4, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Liquid catalyst breakthrough speeds up chemical manufacturing A major breakthrough in liquid catalysis is transforming how essential products are made, making the chemical manufacturing process faster, safer and more sustainable than ever before. Researchers from Monash University, the University of Sydney,…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

NSW government's $2.5 million critical minerals co-investment fund The NSW government has launched a new $2.5 million co-investment seed funding program, which it says will “unearth the state’s next major critical minerals projects.” The new Critical Minerals Exploration Program requires a 50 per cent co-investment from successful applicants and will encourage more exploration in NSW,…

BlockTexx wins top prize at the 2025 Banksia Awards

Textile recycler BlockTexx has taken top prize at the long-running Banksia Awards, which were held on Thursday night. The annual Banksia National Sustainability Awards have been running since 1989, and celebrate “innovative, impactful solutions to the sustainability challenges of our times.” BlockTexx was recognised at a gala ceremony in Melbourne for its development and implementation…

Cochlear seeking further detail on US tariffs 

Implantable hearing aid manufacturer Cochlear has said it is seeking clarification on the application of new tariffs on Australian exports to the United States. Its statement on Thursday morning swiftly followed the “Liberation Day” announcement by US president Donald Trump of tariffs on all importers to the US. Australian exports face the baseline rate of…

HEO’s Holmes space camera to fly on upcoming Australian-Indian mission

HEO – which launched an Australian-made, world-first commercial camera dedicated to non-Earth imaging (NEI) in 2023 – has announced that it will support the Space Machines Company-led Space-MAITRI mission, scheduled for launch in late-2026. HEO said in a statement on Thursday that it will provide a second generation of its NEI camera, billed the Holmes…

Australian exports to US slapped with ten per cent tariff in Trump's “Liberation Day” address

US president Donald Trump has announced a ten per cent tariff on Australian exports to his country, “starting at midnight tonight”*, with barriers to US beef exports singled out in his justifications. In a “Liberation Day” address on Thursday morning (Australian time), the president said there would be a broad-ranging tariff on all Australian goods…

Biome Australia reports 41 per cent sales growth in March quarter

Australian microbiome health company Biome Australia reported a 41 per cent increase in quarterly sales revenue to $4.5 million for Q3 FY25 compared to the same period last year, according to an ASX announcement on Tuesday. The company's financial year to date sales reached $13.4 million, representing a 46 per cent increase on the previous…

Manufacturing sector struggles continue in March amid uncertainty

Australian manufacturing conditions deteriorated further in March as political uncertainty and global trade disruptions weighed on business confidence, according to the latest Ai Group Australian Industry Index released on Tuesday. The Australian manufacturing PMI fell by 17.8 points to -29.7, deepening the sector's contraction. This stands in contrast to the S&P Global Australia Manufacturing PMI,…

Fitch downgrades steel manufacturer InfraBuild to ‘CC' amid audit delays

Fitch Ratings downgraded Australian steel manufacturer InfraBuild's Long-Term Issuer Default Rating to ‘CC' from ‘CCC-‘ on Monday, citing an elevated probability of default on its USD $550 million notes within the next three months. The ratings agency pointed to InfraBuild's failure to publish audited financial statements for FY24, which were initially due in October 2024…

Myriota adds another four satellites to UltraLite LEO constellation

Satellite-enabled IoT communications business Myriota is expanding its UltraLite low earth orbit (LEO) constellation with four new nanosatellites currently being onboarded. According to a statement from the Adelaide-based company on Wednesday, the satellites were launched on March 14 aboard a SpaceX Transporter-13 mission. They will “continue to bolster” Myriota's UltraLite LEO constellation, strengthening its IoT…

Visy trials recyclable EPS insulation substitute ahead of release

Packaging and recycling business Visy has announced a new fibre-based insulation liner, designed as a replacement for expanded polystyrene (EPS), is currently being trialled by an unnamed food delivery company. In a statement on Tuesday, it said that Visycell has benefits over EPS of being recyclable via kerbside recycling bins, while also sharing its “strong…

Aussie medical tech scores big win in US market

Cyclopharm's lung imaging technology is breathing new life into the company's bottom line, with its Technegas product surpassing the million-dollar milestone in US sales, according to Tuesday's ASX announcement. The Sydney-based company has rapidly expanded its American footprint, with Technegas systems now installed in 27 US medical facilities as of 31 March 2025 – a…

Forbidden Foods reports 171 per cent sales growth in March quarter

Forbidden Foods reported a 171 per cent increase in net sales for the March quarter compared to the same period last year, according to an ASX announcement on Tuesday. The health and wellness food company achieved $1.1 million in net sales for Q3 FY25, maintaining consistency with the previous quarter following its strategic acquisition of…

Australian manufacturing shows strongest growth since 2022

Australian manufacturing conditions improved at their fastest pace since late 2022 in March, according to S&P Global data released on Tuesday. The headline S&P Global Australia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) posted 52.1 in March, up from 50.4 in February, marking the third consecutive month above the 50.0 neutral threshold. New orders grew at their…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Hanwha, Elphinstone sign contract for Redback hulls  Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) and Elphinstone have signed a contract for manufacture of “all 129 vehicle hull structures” for the Redback family of Infantry Fighting Vehicles under LAND 400 Phase 3 program. In a statement over the weekend, HDA said the work by Elphinstone under the contract is…

“Expansibility, flexibility, and distributability”: Experts identify why some companies thrive in crises

Researchers have boiled down the qualities that have helped companies thrive during crises, such as online platforms Uber and Alibaba during the Covid-19 pandemic, or Birdseye Frozen Foods during the Second World War.  Crises are times “when normal societal functions often deteriorate,” explained Associate Professor Frederik von Briel in a statement from University of Queensland on…

Swinburne invests in AI-driven dental technology

Swinburne University of Technology announced on Sunday an investment in H3D, supporting the commercialisation of AI-driven technology for dental devices based on research conducted at the university. H3D, which has already transformed the audio manufacturing industry by automating the design of custom hearing aids and related products, will now expand its cloud-based AI Computer-Aided Design…

Environmental Group expands industrial boiler capability with $5.5 million acquisition

The Environmental Group announced on Sunday it has signed a binding agreement to acquire Advanced Boilers & Combustion for $5.5 million, expanding its industrial boiler service and manufacturing capabilities. The acquisition will be funded from existing cash resources and is expected to be completed by 5 April 2025, according to a statement released to the…

Liquid catalyst breakthrough speeds up chemical manufacturing

A major breakthrough in liquid catalysis is transforming how essential products are made, making the chemical manufacturing process faster, safer and more sustainable than ever before. Researchers from Monash University, the University of Sydney, and RMIT University have developed a liquid catalyst that could transform chemical production across a range of industries – from pharmaceuticals…

NSW targets $27 billion in extra investment in “innovation-intensive firms” over next decade

The NSW government has released its decadal innovation plan, which it says will build on the state's current strengths including attracting 65 per cent of the nation's venture capital investment and hosting five of eight “unicorn” enterprises (a privately-owned startup worth over $1 billion.) In a statement on Monday, the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 was…

Australian Made welcomes “unprecedented” level of support

The Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) has welcomed an extra $20 million announced in last week’s federal budget to encourage more Australians to buy locally made products, which funds a new multimedia campaign, more companies getting Australian Made certification, and improvements to the Made in Australia directory. In a statement on Saturday, AMCL said the funding…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Community gathers to hear new owner's plans for former Oak site Over 200 business leaders, community representatives, and government officials gathered at the historic former Oak factory site last week to hear Sydney Rum Distillery (SRD) outline its plans to transform the site into a world-class spirits facility during a factory tour and briefing session.…

Election result must be a decisive one: Ai Group

Employer representative the Australian Industry Group has said the best outcome “would undoubtedly be a clear election result”, following the prime minister’s announcement on Friday morning of a May 3 election date. Following the budget on Tuesday and the opposition’s reply last night, prime minister Anthony Albanese asked the governor general to dissolve parliament this…

Boral awarded $24.5 million grant for decarbonisation project at Berrima

Construction products company Boral has been awarded a $24.5 million grant from the federal government to assist in a new cement kiln infrastructure project, which it says will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 100,000 tonnes per annum. Boral said in a statement on Friday that the kiln feed optimisation project at Berrima Cement…

Samsara Eco grows leadership team with US chemical industry veterans

Enzymatic recycling business Samsara Eco has announced two new additions to its global leadership team, with the appointment of Brock Thomas as Chief Innovation Officer and Isaac Iverson as Executive Product Director.  In a statement on Thursday, the company said the pair bring decades of experience in the USA’s polymer industry and “will lead the…

Conflux Technology, AMSL Aero partner on long-range hydrogen EVTOL aircraft development

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft maker AMSL Aero and heat exchanger specialist Conflux Technology have shared details of a new partnership, the first phase of which saw Conflux develop hydrogen fuel cell cooling concepts for AMSL Aero's Vertiia craft. In a statement on Wednesday, Conflux said they had developed “three innovative heat exchanger…

Metal powder startup EntroMat gets $1 million investment from Swinburne University, Breakthrough Victoria

Breakthrough Victoria and Swinburne University of Technology are each investing $500,000 in EntroMat, a company specialising in High Entropy Materials (HEMs.) HEMs are made by combining five or more main elements and possess “unique chemical and microstructural complexity” and can have useful properties such as high strength and hardness, corrosion and wear resistance, and thermal…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Garage Beverage Manufacturing to buy Campari Australia's factory Garage Beverage Manufacturing will buy Campari Australia’s manufacturing site located at Derrimut, Victoria, according to trade publication The Shout. Campari Australia’s Managing Director Jacopo Borsa is quoted as saying the sale is part of a broader strategy to focus on the sale and marketing of the company's…

ARENA grant fuels investor interest in Livium's LFP battery technology

Livium's wholly owned subsidiary VSPC has reported increased investor engagement following its recent A$30 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for an LFP Demonstration Plant. The company announced on Tuesday that it is actively seeking to close the remaining A$30 million funding gap for the 250-tonne per annum demonstration facility, which will…

Green hydrogen plans shelved at Port Pirie smelter site

A $750 million green hydrogen facility proposed for Port Pirie's smelter has been cancelled, according to the South Australian state government. The project, which was announced in 2021 by the former Liberal government, reportedly “never proceeded beyond feasibility” and “has not progressed for some years”, according to a South Australian government spokesperson. The government spokesperson…

Australian researchers advance eco-friendly perovskite solar cell manufacturing

A Macquarie University-led project has achieved significant breakthroughs in developing industrially viable manufacturing methods for next-generation perovskite solar cells (PSCs), overcoming key barriers to commercial adoption. The research team, headed by Professor Shujuan Huang and Dr Jincheol Kim, in collaboration with UNSW's Dr DJ Kim, developed solar cell technology that addresses critical industry challenges while…

New research examines lost opportunity from manufacturers throwing away whey

A University of Adelaide researcher has found that few cheese manufacturers, “across all production scales”, are upcycling the byproduct of whey, the liquid left over after milk is curdled and strained.  According to Jack Hetherington from the Centre for Global Food and Resources, “there is significant potential for widespread change in a relatively short period, particularly…

Reactions to Budget 2025

From the enthused to the unimpressed, @AuManufacturing has collected reactions to federal budget 2025, delivered by treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday night. AWU: Budget shows only government understands manufacturing potential The Australian Workers' Union (AWU) endorsed budget 2025, claiming it as a long-term boost for workers and locking in “critical investments for the nation’s manufacturers…

Coalition calls for domestic gas reservation to lower energy costs

A diverse group of energy consumers, manufacturers, union leaders, think tanks and independent politicians assembled in Canberra on Monday to advocate for policies that would divert export gas to the domestic market. The coalition argued that redirecting uncontracted gas back to local consumers could ease the high energy costs faced by Australian households and businesses,…

Recycling facility transforms e-waste into 3D printing material

A new solution for Australia's growing e-waste problem launched Friday with the opening of the UNSW-designed Plastics Filament MICROfactorie in Sydney. Electronic waste recycler Renew IT has incorporated this technology at its Lane Cove facility to transform hard plastics from discarded printers and computers into valuable filament for 3D manufacturing. Developed by the UNSW Centre…

Li-S Energy partners with Kea Aerospace for multi-month UAV flights

Li-S Energy and Kea Aerospace signed a collaboration agreement on Tuesday at the Avalon International Airshow to integrate lithium sulfur battery technology into high altitude UAVs. The partnership aims to significantly enhance flight endurance and operational efficiency of Kea's stratospheric aircraft, which operate between 55,000 and 65,000 feet. Kea's solar-powered ATMOS aircraft functions as a…

Allegro Energy secures US patent for electrolyte tech

Startup battery maker Allegro Energy has announced a US patent for its “micro-emulsion electrolyte” technology.  According to a statement from the company on Tuesday, a key advantage of the now-patent protected technology is its ability to “dissolve a wider range of electrochemically active species, while maintaining stability at high voltage”. It follows patents in Europe…

Ariarne Titmus named Australian Made Week ambassador for 2025

Swimming champion Ariarne Titmus, the gold medal winner in the women's 400-metre freestyle at the last two Olympics, has been announced as the ambassador for this year’s Australian Made Week. Titmus – who is also the world record-holder in the 200-metre and 400-metre freestyle – said in a statement on Tuesday that she is “super…

A decade following Flow Hive, another Australian company rethinks beekeeping

Ten years after the runaway success of the Flow Hive, HiveKeepers has started a Kickstarter to fund a new, Australian-made method of harvesting honey for hobbyists and beekeepers, following what it says is five years of research and development. According to a statement from the company on Tuesday, the Micro Honey Harvester system (pictured) is…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Memphasys claims defining milestone for Felix Reproductive technology company Memphasys has announced the successful data from a “pivotal clinical trial” for the Felix System, “confirming its best-in-class performance in sperm selection for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).” Conducted in partnership through Monash IVF, Memphasys said on Monday that the trial results show Felix as “non-inferior to…

Volgren Queensland celebrates 2000th locally built bus

Bus manufacturer Volgren reached a historic milestone with the delivery of its 2000th locally built bus from its Eagle Farm facility in Brisbane, the company announced this week. Since opening in 2009, the Queensland facility has been central to bus manufacturing in the state, delivering over 1000 buses to Brisbane City Council and achieving a…

Aurora Labs completes next-gen micro gas turbine for drone market

Aurora Labs has completed the design, build and test phase of its AU4 micro gas turbine engine, paving the way for commercialisation by mid-202. The 40 kilogram thrust engine, designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), leverages 3D printing technology to achieve significant advances in lightweighting, parts consolidation, fuel efficiency and simplified assembly. “Our mission is…

RME appoints Simon Thompson as new Chief Engineer

Mill relining systems manufacturer Russell Mineral Equipment (RME) appointed Simon Thompson to the role of Chief Engineer, the company announced on Sunday. Thompson, who will officially commence in the role on 26 March, brings more than a decade of experience in the mining machinery original equipment manufacturer sector. He joined RME in 2018 as Global…

Visy debuts beer cans with 83 per cent recycled content for Stone & Wood

Recycling and packaging company Visy has announced a pilot project with brewer Stone & Wood, aluminium coil supplier Novelis and metals company Rio Tinto, named “Re-In-Can-Ation”, producing a beverage can with an average of 83 per cent recycled content. In a statement on Monday, Visy said the Re-In-Can-Ation is expected to run for 18 months.…

CSIRO’s free innovation program opens for WA agrifood SMEs 

Applications have opened for a new cohort of CSIRO's free Innovate to Grow program, with Western Australian SMEs involved in food and beverage, aquaculture, alternative protein and other sectors invited to apply. In a statement on Monday, CSIRO announced the return of its Innovate to Grow: Agrifood program for WA. The eight-week, online-delivered program is…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, March 17 – March 21, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Applications open for regional NSW lean manufacturing pilot program The NSW government has launched a pilot program budgeted at $800,000, providing lean manufacturing audits to regional SME (between 20 and 200 full-time employees) companies. The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program opened on…

$70 million Powering the Regions Fund: Industrial Transformation Stream opens for applications

The federal government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) opened a second round of the Powering the Regions Fund: Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) program on Friday, with $70 million allocated to assist industrial businesses to decarbonise. Following Thursday’s announcement of a $39.8 million grant awarded through the fund to the nation’s only silicon producer, Simcoa Operations,…

Mapei releases range of SCM-boosting concrete admixtures, including Australian-developed variant

Construction industry chemicals company Mapei has officially launched Mapecube, a range of concrete admixtures, with an Australian formulation developed at the company’s Brisbane plant. According to a statement from the Milan, Italy-based company on Friday (Australian time), Mapecube is “designed to strengthen and reduce the CO2 footprint of concrete” and allows concrete producers to “use…

Graphene Manufacturing Group raises $6.4 million, looks to list on “a major United States exchange”

Brisbane-based, Canadian-listed Graphene Manufacturing Group has raised $C 5,796,000 (approximately $6.4 million) at a price of $C 0.80 per unit. According to a statement from the company on Friday (Australian time), the net proceeds will be used to expand its production capacity to increase sales, for R&D on its Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery with the Battery…

Brisbane biotech Vaxxas secures US patent for needle-free vaccine technology

Brisbane-based clinical-stage biotechnology company Vaxxas secured a new patent from the United States patent office covering its proprietary manufacturing technology for needle-free vaccine patches, the company announced on Wednesday. The patent covers Vaxxas' printhead system that dispenses dried vaccine formulations onto the company's high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP), which features thousands of microscopic projections on a…

Battery recycling body backs NSW bill, urges nationwide approach

Australia's battery recycling scheme, B-cycle, has thrown its support behind landmark NSW legislation that would introduce mandatory battery product stewardship in response to growing fire risks from lithium-ion batteries. The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill, introduced to Parliament on Tuesday by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, aims to ensure all battery producers and importers take responsibility…

Australia's only silicon manufacturer awarded $39.8 million grant

Australia’s only silicon manufacturer, Simcoa Operations, will receive a $39.8 million grant under the federal government’s Powering the Regions Fund to expand the use of charcoal and end the use of coal in its production. According to a statement from energy minister Chris Bowen on Thursday, the move will reduce Simcoa’s greenhouse emissions by 89…

Perth-developed spray-on PPE gloves see early interest from construction sector

Perth-based R&D company Liquim, which specialises in “natural-origin and plant-based consumer applications”, has developed biodegradable microfilm PPE gloves that they claim are “set to transform hand protection across industries”. In a statement from the company on Wednesday, the company described their “liquid glove” as an answer to landfill waste, and based on a “plant-based hydrogel”…

Applications open for regional NSW lean manufacturing pilot program

The NSW government has launched a pilot program budgeted at $800,000, providing lean manufacturing audits to regional SME (between 20 and 200 full-time employees) companies. The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program opened on Thursday and will accept applications until March 31 at 4 pm. According to the program info on the NSW government’s website the pilot…

Whyalla steelworks blast furnace faces temporary shutdown amid funding concerns

The Whyalla steelworks' blast furnace will shut down for 36 hours starting Wednesday to allow for “urgent” maintenance work, as administrators warn the plant faces “severe challenges” and is in a “state of disrepair.” Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis told ABC Radio Adelaide on Tuesday that the shutdown will enable repairs to the refractory…

Boral introduces first Australian asphalt using off-the-road tyre rubber

Boral launched an Australian-first proprietary crumbed rubber asphalt bitumen derived from Off the Road (OTR) tyres on Wednesday, claiming the new product can extend pavement life up to twice that of conventional road treatments. The construction materials company has developed the asphalt using end-of-life tyres from front-end loaders and quarry haul dump trucks from its…

EVOS expands to Japan with FKK manufacturing deal

Brisbane-based EV charging startup EVOS signed a licensing agreement with Japanese manufacturer FKK to produce and sell its electric vehicle charging solutions in Japan, the company announced on Wednesday. The agreement allows EVOS to enter the Japanese market while FKK gains access to EVOS' energy management cloud platform and Grid Integration Device systems. FKK, a…

EMVision's First Responder proof-of-concept brain scanner tested in remote settings

ASX-listed brain scanner company EMVision has announced that its First Responder Proof-of-Concept (PoC) device has been put through a series of volunteer scans in remote settings, in collaboration with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and the Australian Stroke Alliance. In a statement on Wednesday, the company shared that RFDS staff had received preliminary training…

New manufacturing minister named by returned WA government 

The Western Australian government has made a major cabinet reshuffle after being returned at the March 8 election, with former health minister Amber-Jade Sanderson (pictured) overseeing a newly-made manufacturing portfolio. In a statement on Tuesday, premier Roger Cook said the new portfolios – including manufacturing, health infrastructure, preventative health, and aged care and seniors –…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Round 26 CRC information session on March 26 A special information session is being held by Cooperative Research Australia for those bidding or considering bidding for a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC.) Hosted in collaboration with the federal Department of Industry, Science, and Resources, the session comes ahead of Round 26 of CRC grants (closing on…

Visy unveils new virtual MRF on Global Recycling Day 

Packaging and recycling business Visy has released a virtual tour through one of its recycling facilities, allowing a user to see how materials are separated into different streams “through manual, mechanical and optical sorting,” how sorted materials are made into new products, and other onsite goings-on. In a statement on Tuesday, Visy said the virtual…

Three tonnes of First Graphene's additive delivered ahead of UK concrete trials

ASX-listed additives developer and manufacturer First Graphene has announced that over three tonnes of its PureGRAPH-CEM product has arrived in the UK, ahead of scheduled concrete pouring in May for trials in a major road infrastructure project. In a statement on Tuesday, the Perth-headquartered company said the next phase of trials with the UK’s biggest…

New windfarms welcome, but will see local manufacturers sidelined over Chinese imports: Weld Australia

Three newly-approved wind farms for NSW will benefit Australia’s shift to renewable energy, though will help Chinese rather than local manufacturers, industry body Weld Australia has said. Welcoming the farms at Liverpool Range, Spicers Creek, and Hills of Gold, Weld Australia claimed them as “a necessary step forward in Australia’s renewable energy revolution”, yet will…

Battery recycler Envirostream secures client agreements for volume growth

Livium's battery recycling division Envirostream has started receiving initial volumes under new long-term agreements with major clients including BYD and ZECO Energy, according to an announcement released on Monday. The company stated it is focusing on growing end-of-life battery volumes while seeking partners to scale operations to meet future demand, which it estimates will create…

Oceania Glass collapse linked to machinery failures and $21 million upgrade costs

Oceania Glass, Australia's only architectural glass manufacturer, collapsed after its private equity owner declined to fund a $21 million plant upgrade, administrators told creditors on Sunday. The 169-year-old company, which supplied large glass panes for Parliament House in Canberra, appointed Grant Thornton as administrator on February 4 after facing liquidity issues. Administrator Lisa Gibb informed…

Federal government commits $750 million to boost metals manufacturing innovation

The Albanese government announced $750 million in funding to support the development of new technologies for Australia's metals manufacturing sector, according to a joint media release on Friday. The investment aims to help metals manufacturers remain globally competitive while reducing emissions and is part of the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund announced…

BluGlass appoints laser industry luminaries to new Industry Advisory Board

Semiconductor company BluGlass has appointed an Industry Advisory Board, led by University of California, Santa Barbara Professor Steven DenBaars and laser semiconductor executive Dr Richard Craig, as the company seeks to progress its gallium nitride (GaN) laser products commercially. Following an announcement last week of a world record result for power produced by a single-mode…

Sticky business: How a magical polymer could revolutionise solar manufacturing

A University of New South Wales team has developed a novel polymer technology that could revolutionise how next-generation solar cells are manufactured, according to research announced on Monday. Dr Ziheng Liu and his tandem solar cell team created a method to transform insulating polymers into conductive ones, potentially solving a key manufacturing challenge for the…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, March 10 – March 14, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) BluGlass achieves gallium nitride laser world record result ASX-listed compound semiconductor developer and maker BluGlass has announced what it says is a world record for power produced by a single-mode gallium nitride (GaN) laser. In a statement on Tuesday, the company…

US tariffs spur “buy local” advice from PM

The Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) has welcomed the prime minister’s encouragement for the nation to buy local, as well as reports that the next budget will have an “Australian made” focus. Prime minister Albanese has not supported retaliatory tariffs or boycotts after this week’s news that the US will not exempt Australia from 25 per…

Last chance to nominate for Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers 2025

As we mentioned this week (and a couple of times before that), we are wrapping up the nomination period for this year's Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers campaign. A last reminder that if you entered last year or in 2023 you are still absolutely welcome to nominate a second (or third) time. And a last…

IND plans to make 10,000 EFD systems annually at new Melbourne site

An RMIT University spinout business, established in 2013 and producing early fault detection (EFD) systems, has opened a new factory in Richmond. According to a statement from RMIT on Thursday, IND Technology is expected to generate millions in exports from Victoria, with its EFD system comprising “parts made almost entirely in Melbourne.” IND was founded…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Androck gets Ampcontrol brand Ampcontrol announced on Wednesday that, following its May 2023 acquisition of Androck Engineering & Mining, Androck has been rebranded as Ampcontrol. In a statement, Ampcontrol said Andirock's workforce has more than doubled in size to 106 employees and 33 apprentices since the acquisition, and its physical presence has grown to six…

Atlassian co-founder to take over from Robyn Denholm as Chair of Tech Council

The Tech Council of Australia has announced that Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar (pictured) will replace Tesla Chair and inaugural TCA Chair Robyn Denholm as head of the technology lobby group. In a statement on Thursday, the TCA said Denholm will remain on its board after “after 3.5 years of significant growth and impact” under her…

GME acquires Eylex for undisclosed amount

Radio frequency communications specialist GME has announced its acquisition of defence electronics company Eylex. In a statement on Wednesday, GME said the acquisition represented “full ownership and management control” of Eylex, and will boost its “innovation opportunities and assist in its ongoing diversification efforts” within the “defence, security and resilience sectors”.  The value of the…

Rio Tinto signs on for two new projects expected to take Boyne aluminium smelter to 80 per cent renewables

Metals company Rio Tinto and renewable energy generation and storage provider Edify Energy have agreed to two deals aimed at increasing supply of “reliable, competitively priced electricity” to Rio's Gladstone aluminium operations. According to a statement from Rio on Thursday, the solar and battery hybrid services agreements (HSAs) cover purchase of 90 per cent of…

First-of-its-kind green hydrogen facility begins construction in South Australia

Sparc Technologies commenced construction of a revolutionary green hydrogen pilot plant in South Australia on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for next-generation hydrogen production technology. The facility, located at the University of Adelaide's Roseworthy Campus, will employ photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) technology that produces hydrogen directly from water using only sunlight and a photocatalyst material…

Health sensor company WearOptimo announces expert advisory board

WearOptimo, a Brisbane heath technology company commercialising sticker-like sensors for monitoring biosignals, has announced its Advisory Board, made up of experts in biotechnology, healthcare, regulatory affairs, and venture investment. In a statement on Tuesday, the company said the six-member board was part of ambitions around its “Microwearable” hydration sensors and United States launch. The initial…

Australian steel manufacturers brace for impact as US rejects tariff exemption

Australian steel and aluminium manufacturers faced a significant setback on Tuesday as the White House confirmed there would be no exemption from the 25 per cent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. “He considered it and considered against it. There will be no exemptions,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Australian media in…

Scientists shocked by water's hidden electrical power

Researchers have discovered that water generates an electrical charge up to 10 times greater than previously understood when moving across surfaces, according to findings published on Tuesday by RMIT University and the University of Melbourne. The research team observed that when water droplets become stuck on tiny bumps or rough spots, force builds up until…

Austal raises $200 million to expand US naval shipbuilding capacity

Australian shipbuilder Austal announced a A$200 million institutional placement on Monday to fund expansion of its Alabama shipyard, positioning the company for growth in US defence contracts. The capital raising will partly finance the Final Assembly 2 (FA2) infrastructure project at Austal's Mobile facility, a strategic site for the US Navy. The expansion includes a…

Unnamed patient becomes first outside of US to receive maglev artificial heart

The first Australian implant of a Total Artificial Heart (TAH) made by BiVACOR – founded by Australian inventor Dr Daniel Timms – was an “unmitigated clinical success”, according to the Artificial Heart Frontiers Program (AHFP.) The Artificial Heart Frontiers Program, led by Monash University, said on Wednesday that an unnamed Australian received the implant on…

Only three more sleeps until nominations close for Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers 2025

We are nearing the end of the nomination period for this year's Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers, with Saturday the cut-off to make your case to join 2025's prestigious list. If you entered last year or in 2023 and wonder if you can nominate a second (or third) time, let me assure you that you…

Pure Hydrogen Corporation to deliver hydrogen fuel truck to Heidelberg Materials Australia in Q4

Pure Hydrogen Corporation has announced the sale of a hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) vehicle to Heidelberg Materials Australia (HMA), with the new agitator truck scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025.  According to a statement from Pure on Tuesday, the T30-200 HFC truck from its majority-owned subsidiary HDrive International has a range of over 200 kilometres…

Environmental technology firm completes test facility for net-zero fertiliser

Environmental Clean Technologies has completed a scaled granulation facility to support initial testing of its COLDry fertiliser, according to a company announcement on Monday. The test facility, installed at ECT's demonstration plant in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, will produce 21 tonnes of fertiliser samples for upcoming field and laboratory trials. The installation represents a significant milestone…

Victorian government announces $5 million for startup programs

The Victorian government has announced funding of $5.1 million to accelerator programs and the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, in an announcement they said will support “up to 165 early-stage startups”. According to a statement from minister for economic growth Danny Pearson on Tuesday, the funding will assist startups in accessing “resources, mentorship and vital capital”.…

Australian drone technology company brings production in-house

Sphere has taken full control of its manufacturing operations by shifting to in-house production through a partnership with towbar and trailer business Carasel, according to a statement from the company on Tuesday. The strategic move aims to strengthen Sphere's manufacturing capabilities and support the rapid scaling of HubX development and delivery. The company has also…

BluGlass achieves gallium nitride laser world record result

ASX-listed compound semiconductor developer and maker BluGlass has announced what it says is a world record for power produced by a single-mode gallium nitride (GaN) laser. In a statement on Tuesday, the company said the result of 1250 milliwatts was a more than 67 per cent improvement on its previously reported 750 milliwatt single-mode performance,…

Wide Open Agriculture expands global reach with lupin protein sales

Wide Open Agriculture has secured initial commercial sales and purchase orders for over 5 metric tonnes of lupin protein isolate across five continents, according to an ASX announcement on Monday. The Australian-listed ingredient company (ASX: WOA) received orders from Tarwi, a European health food brand, a Mexican ingredient distributor, a Latin American distributor focusing on…

Pawsey and Quantum Brilliance create hybrid workflow accelerated by NVIDIA

Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and Quantum Brilliance announced a significant breakthrough in quantum computing integration on Monday, developing a tightly integrated hybrid workflow that combines GPU, CPU and quantum processing capabilities. Led by Dr Pascal Elahi and the Pawsey quantum team, the new system provides a practical path toward incorporating quantum computing into real-world applications,…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Sparc, Flinders project backed by AEA grant Graphene business Sparc Technologies has announced that Flinders University, in partnership with Sparc, has been awarded funding under Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant program. In a statement on Friday, the company said the 12-month project aims to accelerate development and validation of a graphene-enhanced material for use…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, March 3 – March 7, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) “Make it here, ship it everywhere”: federal government announces $5 million for Australian Made The federal government has announced $5 million in new funding, which it says will make the Australian Made logo “more recognisable across the globe” and support new…

CSIRO Chair resigns, citing personal reasons

Kathryn Fagg has resigned as CSIRO Chair, with Deputy Chair Ming Long (pictured right) appointed as her replacement. Fagg has been in the role since October 2021 and a member of the board since August 2018. Personal reasons were cited in her decision to step aside, shared in an update on Friday. Her replacement Long…

GSMA joins up for Industrial Transformation Australia event in July

Hannover Fairs Australia has announced a new partnership with GSMA for the upcoming Industrial Transformation Australia (ITA) 2025 event. In a statement on Friday, event organiser Hannover Fairs Australia (a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe) said that GSMA’s Head of Asia Pacific, Julian Gorman, has also joined its Industrial Transformation Advisory Committee. GSMA is a non-profit…

Sydney startup Optera links with Thales for space camera project

Fabless semiconductor company Optera Solutions, which is commercialising “event-based sensing” (EBS) technology developed at Western Sydney University, was selected to join Thales’s Space Business Catalyst Program in Toulouse. The French-headquartered defence contractor announced this week that Optera began its six-month residency in the September 2024 intake of the SBC, which selects the “most promising global…

Harnessing AI for anomaly detection in automotive manufacturing

Sponsored article By Stéphane Marouani, Country Manager ANZ at MathWorks The automotive manufacturing sector has struggled to balance high product quality while minimising operating expenses. AI-based anomaly detection, an approach that identifies irregular patterns in machine data to predict potential problems before they occur, is an emerging strategy that should be considered by all auto…

Frozen chips maker plans new $425 million factory in Victoria

Farm Frites, a Dutch frozen potato products manufacturer, is planning to build a new, $425 million plant at Dooen, in Victoria’s Wimmera region.

Fleet Space to build ‘hyper factory' at Adelaide Airport

Satellite manufacturer and space-based mineral detection company Fleet Space Technologies is constructing a new global headquarters and space tech ‘hyper factory’.

Saab opens expanded defence tech centre and HQ

Saab has opened its new expanded Australian headquarters and tech centre following a $22.6 million Modern Manufacturing Initiative grant.

Delorean wins ‘game changing’ ARENA grant for bioenergy

Delorean Corporation has signed off a $6 million grant with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to help accelerate development of its SA1 bioenergy facility.

Australia’s only IV fluids maker gets gov boost

The Federal Government is pouring $20 million into IV fluids maker, Baxter Healthcare, to expand its manufacturing capability.

How Modra Technology is expanding and advancing carpet manufacturing automation with growth capital

Sponsored article For over 30 years, Modra Technology has been developing automation solutions for carpet manufacturers. Based in Warragul, Victoria, this family-owned business supplies machinery to over 200 clients in 35 countries, with a reputation for innovation in carpet sampling and creeling technology. A key driver of Modra’s recent growth has been the CreelMT™ Mobile,…

Australian universities receive $59m in AEA Ignite grants for research

More than $59 million in grants from the first round of Australia's Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program will flow to universities across Australia to support nationally significant research and commercialisation projects, according to a statement from the Australian government on Tuesday. In what was described as a highly competitive round, 155 grants were awarded to…

Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility's First Building opened

NSW planning minister Paul Scully has announced that the First Building at Bradfield City Centre, housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), has been officially opened. AMRF announced completed construction of the building in December. The opening is “another example of the genuine momentum building around Australia’s first new city in over…

Green iron production could boost Australia's economy by up to $295 billion annually: new report

Producing iron using renewable hydrogen is Australia's best pathway to remain competitive as the global steel industry decarbonises, according to research published by Deloitte and WWF-Australia on Wednesday. The report, titled Forging Futures: Changing the nature of iron and steel production, assessed different approaches for Australia to support steelmaking decarbonisation in the Asia-Pacific region, which…

Australian company develops vaccine ‘patch' that could replace needles

Brisbane-based biotechnology company Vaxxas published new research on Wednesday showing promising results for its needle-free vaccine delivery technology. The company's high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) – a small patch containing thousands of tiny projections coated with vaccine – successfully delivered a DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in animal testing, according to research published in the science journal Heliyon.…

NSW government releases industry policy, setting manufacturing growth targets up to 2040

The NSW government has released its industry policy, linking three missions: Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition, and Local Manufacturing, with the latter including what it says are “ambitious” targets around growth in value added and local content in rolling transport stock. According to a statement from trade and industry minister Anoulack Chanthivong on Wednesday,…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Researchers discover way to safely destroy PFAS An Australian-led team of international scientists have shown how harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be safely destroyed, in a world-first study to trace the entire chain of chemical reactions as PFAS break down during incineration. Researchers from CSIRO, the University of Newcastle, Colorado State University and…

Alpha HPA expands supply to the semiconductor sector

Alpha HPA expanded its capability to supply high purity alumina materials to the semiconductor industry, according to a statement released by the company on Tuesday. The company reported recent customer test results and a new Letter of Intent to meet demand from AI-driven data centres and next-generation power electronics. Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) testing confirmed…

Fabricated wood sector tipped to slump 1.4 per cent this financial year

The nation’s $1.7 billion fabricated wood manufacturing industry is expected to return to growth after a decline in revenue of 1.4 per cent in 2024 – 25, though it faces difficulties including plantation tree availability and competition from imports. According to market research firm IBISWorld’s Fabricated Wood Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030),…

UQ biotech innovation partnership forges a second startup

A new startup aimed at discovering and developing anti-inflammatory disease medicines has been formed by The University of Queensland's commercialisation arm UniQuest and global biotech company Molecule to Medicine (MTM), according to a statement released on Tuesday. Curlew Bio will leverage expertise from the Queensland Emory and Drug Discovery Initiative (QEDDI) and research developed by…

Whyalla steelworks was ‘relying on luck for safety' before administration

The Whyalla steelworks was losing $1.5 million per day before being forced into administration, burning through nearly $320 million in seven months, administrators KordaMentha revealed at a creditors meeting on Monday. The administrators outlined total debts exceeding $1.34 billion, including $189 million in outstanding employee entitlements and $40.2 million owed to the South Australian government…

Federal government will allocate $3.5 million to new food security strategy if returned

The federal government has said it will develop a new national food security strategy titled “Feeding Australia” if re-elected, aimed at increasing “the security and supply chain resilience” of both agriculture and food production. According to a statement from agriculture minister Julie Collins (pictured) on Tuesday, Australia produces enough food “to feed more than twice…

Free Western Sydney Manufacturers event in April to consider path to net zero

A free, day-long Western Sydney Manufacturers event will be held at Penrith on April 2, hosted by the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. According to a statement from NSSN on Tuesday, the forum is titled Western Sydney Manufacturers: Building profits on the path to sustainability, and aims to help…

New Austrade CEO appointed

Highly experienced public servant Dr Paul Grimes has been appointed the new CEO at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade.) Grimes moves into the role following previous CEO Xavier Simonet and Acting CEO Daniel Boyer. According to a statement from trade minister Don Farrell on Monday, the trade commission plays a critical role in…

Avecho signs $23 million deal with Sandoz for CBD insomnia treatment

Avecho Biotechnology signed an exclusive ten-year development and licensing agreement with Sandoz for the commercial rights to its cannabidiol (CBD) insomnia treatment in Australia, according to an ASX announcement released on Monday. The deal includes an upfront payment of US$3 million (approximately A$4.8 million) and potential development milestone payments totalling US$16 million prior to commercialisation.…

Fashion's second chance: Pact and BlockTexx team up to rescue clothes from landfill

Your old T-shirts and jeans might soon get a glamorous second life, as plastic recycler Pact Group and clean technology company BlockTexx joined forces on Friday to tackle Australia's growing mountain of discarded clothing. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore an end-to-end rescue mission for unloved polyester and cotton-blend garments. Instead of…

Australia and India join forces on new tech research institute

Swinburne University of Technology and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) launched a joint research institute to tackle global technology challenges, according to an announcement from the universities. The Swinburne-IITH Manufacturing, Materials, Energy and Communication Technologies (SIMMECT) Joint Research Institute will focus on three primary areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, energy transition solutions, and…

Fordbidden Foods reports 147 per cent sales jump over January, February

Plant-based food manufacturer Forbidden Foods has reported sales of $577,857 for the first two months of the calendar year, a 147 per cent increase on the corresponding period in 2024, as the company beds down its acquisition of Oat Milk Goodness (OMG) last September. In a statement on Monday, the ASX-listed company said the news…

“Make it here, ship it everywhere”: federal government announces $5 million for Australian Made

The federal government has announced $5 million in new funding, which it says will make the Australian Made logo “more recognisable across the globe” and support new activities under the Australian Made Export Initiative program. In a short statement on Sunday, industry minister Ed Husic said the grant will be administered over three years from…

Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers 2025 — LESS THAN TWO WEEKS TO NOMINATE

After a series of profiles, some featuring companies that seem a sure thing to transform the industries they operate in, our always-enjoyable Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers campaign is heading down the proverbial home straight. We've had the privilege of talking to some incredible manufacturing leaders so far, featuring them in stories on this website…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, February 24 – February 28, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Endua launches electrolyser Hydrogen business Endua has announced the passage of what it says are two major milestones, launching its “mini hydrogen factory” and successfully deploying one of its power bank units at Archerfield Airport. According to a statement from…

No buyer found for Oceania Glass, 56 jobs cut ahead of Dandenong factory closure

Collapsed architectural glass maker Oceania Glass has been unable to find a buyer since going into administration earlier this month, with 56 employees made redundant ahead of the closure of its Dandenong factory. According to a statement from administrators Grant Thornton on Thursday, there is a potential for another 95 redundancies “over the coming weeks”…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Industry-research team progresses DAC technology The Woodside Monash Energy Partnership is advancing carbon reuse and recycling through a Direct Air Capture (DAC) innovation, designed to help carbon dioxide commodity users rapidly decarbonise, according to a statement on Tuesday from Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA.) The DAC project, which has been supported by a AEA Seed grant,…

Underwater robot begins to demonstrate net benefit

Southern Ocean Subsea (SOSUB), a maker of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), recently began exports to Norway of its world-first ROV for inspecting and repairing salmon aquaculture nets. According to a statement from Tasmanian innovation minister Madeleine Ogilvie, visiting the company’s workshop, SOSUB is “a textbook example of Tassie innovation”, harnessing “niche and island capabilities…

Australia must choose to believe in itself again, argues entrepreneur/engineer in new blueprint

Steve Camilleri, the CTO and co-founder of cold spray additive manufacturing business SPEE3D, has said in a new essay that the nation must back its innovators and stop squandering its opportunities. Darwin-based Camilleri – who has co-founded two companies commercialising globally-relevant, Australian-developed technology – argues that the country has repeatedly lost out and allowed world-leading…

Tests show crumb rubber-boosted particleboard promise

A composite particleboard product containing 30 per cent crumb rubber from tyres is “technically viable and commercially promising”, according to Tyre Stewardship Australia, which helped fund its development. According to a statement from TSA on Wednesday, Forest Products Innovation (FPI) researchers at Queensland Department of Primary Industries tested two questions: whether crumb rubber could replace…

Coffee concrete wins national research award

RMIT University's coffee concrete innovators won an award at Universities Australia's Shaping Australia Awards in the Problem Solver category after tallying the most votes from the public, according to a statement released by the university. The team, led by Dr Rajeev Roychand and Professor Jie Li, developed concrete strengthened by 30 per cent using biochar…

New heights for Queensland's sustainable aviation fuel industry

The federal government announced funding for two sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects in Queensland on Tuesday, according to a joint media release. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $8 million to Australian technology developer Licella to assess the viability of establishing a biorefinery facility in the Bundaberg region. The facility would convert sugar…

InfraBuild's CEO: ‘Business as usual' despite Whyalla administration

InfraBuild CEO Francisco Irazusta reassured stakeholders that operations remain unaffected by the administration of OneSteel Manufacturing, owner of the Whyalla Steelworks, in a statement released on Monday. Irazusta emphasised that InfraBuild operates as an independent business from OneSteel Manufacturing, with its own board, governance, and financing, separate from the wider GFG Alliance. “We're in a…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Researchers in crystal elasticity breakthrough Scientists from University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology have gained new insights into the fundamental behaviour of flexible materials, allowing for the design of new building materials and technology, according to a statement from UQ. According to the statement, researchers have identified the origin of the restoring force…

Envirostream, ZECO Energy announce five-year battery recycling agreement

Livium’s battery recycling subsidiary, Envirostream Australia, has signed a five-year recycling agreement with battery and solar systems supplier ZECO Energy. In an ASX statement on Tuesday, Livium said the agreement, which is dated to February 19, will see Envirostream provide exclusive recycling services for end-of-life residential and commercial energy storage system (ESS) battery packs supplied…

Australia strengthens science partnerships with $6.3 million in international grants

The Albanese Government announced $6.3 million in grants as part of Round 2 of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element (GSTDF-SE) on Tuesday. The GSTDF-SE aims to build international science relationships with key partners in Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea. Grants ranging from $100,000…

SA government began Whyalla steelworks administration talks last year

The South Australian Government's Steel Task Force has been meeting secretly with KordaMentha since before Christmas, as a strategy to push the Whyalla steelworks into administration was formulated, according to documents released on Monday. KordaMentha was appointed as administrator of steelworks owner OneSteel Manufacturing – a GFG Alliance subsidiary – on Wednesday last week after…

Planning approval granted for Hydrostor project

An old Broken Hill mine site will soon be transformed into a first-of-its-kind compressed air energy storage system, according to a statement released by the NSW government on Tuesday. The Minns Labor Government provided planning approval for Hydrostor's compressed air energy storage system with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) / 1,600 MW-hours (MWh). The…

Endua launches electrolyser

Hydrogen business Endua has announced the passage of what it says are two major milestones, launching its “mini hydrogen factory” and successfully deploying one of its power bank units at Archerfield Airport. According to a statement from the company on Tuesday, the new electrolyser enables on-site production and storage of green hydrogen (that is, hydrogen…

Workspace announces expansion of facility, new circular furniture program

Workspace Commercial Furniture, a 114-year-old business based at the Adelaide suburb of Melrose Park, has launched the expansion of production and warehousing at its headquarters as well as a new “take back” program for used furniture. According to a statement from the company on Monday, the expansion would allow it to “increase output and meet…

Cook launches ‘Made in WA' manufacturing plan ahead of state election

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook unveiled Labor's manufacturing vision on Sunday at the party's official campaign launch, promising to boost local production and provide cost of living relief if re-elected on March 8. Speaking to approximately 400 party supporters, including former premiers Mark McGowan and Peter Dowding, Cook outlined his “Made in WA” plan to…

Albanese announces $500m boost for clean energy manufacturing

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $500 million investment package for clean energy manufacturing jobs during a speech at the Whitlam dinner on Friday night. The funding, part of the Future Made in Australia Fund, aims to support communities built around steelmaking and aluminium processing industries, which Albanese described as “vital” to Australia's economic and…

Call for homegrown medicine production as penicillin imports dry up

A critical shortage of an essential penicillin medication is highlighting Australia's vulnerability in pharmaceutical manufacturing, according to a new report published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday. The medication, benzathine benzylpenicillin G (BPG), is vital for treating syphilis and preventing rheumatic heart disease, conditions that disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.…

Arnott's Group crunches into Melbourne with new facility

Arnott's Group opened its new manufacturing facility in Rowville, Victoria, on Friday, marking a significant expansion of its better-for-you product capabilities. The 45,000-square-metre site, which produces breakfast and snack products, represents a homecoming for the 160-year-old Australian manufacturer. “Arnott's has been at the forefront of manufacturing in Australia for 160 years,” said Arnott's Group CEO…

Sydney Rum Distillery to move into former Oak milk factory at Muswellbrook

Spirits maker Sydney Rum Distillery has said it will move into the site of the old Oak milk factory at Muswellbrook, with plans to have its distillery running later this year. In a statement on Friday, the boutique distiller, which was established in 2015, said it aimed to capitalise on the growing international reputation for…

Gilmour Space sets March 15 as beginning of launch window for Eris test flight

Gilmour Space Technologies has shared a launch window for the maiden flight of its Eris rocket, starting “no earlier than” March 15. In a statement to media on Monday, the Gold Coast-based rocket maker and launch services provider said the news followed the last remaining hurdle before launch, its recent final airspace approvals from the…

Space Machines, Adelaide University and others developing new robotics testbed

A newly-announced project led by Space Machines Company (SMC), which is developing vehicles for in-space servicing of satellites, is aiming to develop an orbital robotics testbed. According to a statement from SMC on Friday, the project aims “to develop a ground-based proximity operations robotic test bed for space-borne perception and intelligence targeted at [on-orbit servicing],…

$1 billion Green Iron Fund announced, with half earmarked for Whyalla Steelworks

The federal government has announced a $1 billion Green Iron Fund, aimed at encouraging investment in green iron and steel production at new and existing sites, with half of this money to aid in the transition of the collapsed Whyalla steelworks in South Australia. In a statement on Thursday – coinciding with a broader package…

Federal, SA governments pledge $2.4 billion to assist Whyalla Steelworks’ transition

The federal and South Australian governments have announced $2.4 billion in support for the Whyalla Steelworks, following the SA government’s move on Wednesday to put the site’s owner in administration. In a statement on Thursday, it was revealed that the assistance will come in “three distinct parts”, comprising $100 million in immediate on-the-ground support, $384…

Cathode powder project awarded $30 million in ARENA funding

Thirty-million dollars in conditional funding has been awarded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to a project by VSPC, aiming to commercialise a new process for producing cathode powder for lithium-ion batteries. In a statement from ARENA on Thursday, it said the project will see a 250 tonne per annum demonstration plant built, likely…

BluGlass awarded repeat order from University of Central Florida

ASX-listed semiconductor developer and maker BluGlass has announced an order worth $120,000 for “semi-custom Gallium Nitride (GaN) laser diode bar products” from the University of Central Florida’s College of Optics and Photonics, a repeat customer. According to a statement on Thursday from the company, which operates across Australia and the United States, the order follows…

New panels could make temporary housing “cheaper, lighter and more sustainable”: UQ

Lightweight timber-cardboard construction panels developed at University of Queensland's School of Civil Engineering offer a promising solution in temporary housing for displaced people, according to the university.  According to a statement from UQ on Wednesday, the panels are the subject of a new paper in the journal Structures, and come with benefits including reduced cost…

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.

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.

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…

GFG Alliance targets break-even for Whyalla by mid-2025

GFG Alliance executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta said on Sunday that the Whyalla steelworks is generating between $13 million and $14 million in weekly turnover, with hopes of reaching break-even by mid-year. The announcement followed last week's agreement with global creditors, ending a four-year process triggered by the collapse of GFG's former financier, Greensill. The steelworks,…

Biome Australia reports first net profit, expands distribution network

Biome Australia announced its first net profit on Sunday, reporting $96,228 (excluding R&D rebate) for the first half of FY25, alongside record half-year sales revenue of $8.86 million. The microbiome health company reported positive EBITDA of $351,765 for H1 FY25, with Q2 showing an 89 per cent increase to $229,917 compared to Q1. Including R&D…

Boral says test results of solar glass sand in concrete “excellent” so far

Construction materials company Boral has announced that it is trialling recycled sand, sourced from end-of-life and damaged solar panels, in concrete intended for use in Victoria’s North East Link project. In a statement on Tuesday, the company said it has used a blend of “up to 50 per cent natural sand” with the crushed glass.…

Volgren expands with new Adelaide facility

Volgren has announced its expansion into South Australia, with plans to establish a new facility in Adelaide. The bus body manufacturer, which currently employs 500 staff across facilities in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales, said the expansion would create new jobs and strengthen local supply chains. The Adelaide facility will provide services…

CSIRO launches trove of data on “food’s unique fingerprint”

The CSIRO has launched a new trove of isotopic data, which it says is “an important new national resource” for protecting and extending the nation’s reputation for “high-quality, safe, and sustainably-produced food”. Describing such data as “food’s unique fingerprint”, it said the new Isotopes.au site “consolidates a treasure trove of isotopic data” from Australia’s research…

“Thousands” more have joined relaunched State Brand: SA Government

Over 10,000 South Australian companies have signed up to use the State Brand, according to the SA government, with chicken salt pioneer Mitani one of the most recent. According to a statement on Monday, “thousands more businesses” have joined Brand South Australia after it was relaunched by the government in late-2022. One of these was…

BlueScope reports lower half-year profit amid challenging steel market

BlueScope reported a net profit after tax of $179.1 million for the first half of FY2025, representing a $260.2 million decrease from the same period last year, according to a statement released on Monday. The Australian steel manufacturer delivered an underlying EBIT of $308.8 million, with Managing Director and CEO Mark Vassella describing it as…

Advanced Navigation appoints new Head of Product Management

Autonomy company Advanced Navigation has announced Maximilian Doemling as its new Head of Product Management, a role described as leading “the strategy and execution of product development, from launch and lifecycle management to maintenance.” In a statement on Monday, the Sydney-based company said Doemling (pictured) will work closely with its research, development, and go-to-market teams,…

Dutch agriculture set for clean air revolution with $6.3M compressor deal

Australian clean air technology company Sprintex is poised to make quite the impact on European agriculture, announcing a $6.3 million (€3.8M) purchase order for its compressor systems targeting ammonia emissions in the Netherlands. The deal, revealed in today's ASX announcement, will see 200 Sprintex-Mest compressor units deployed across Dutch farms, marking a crucial step in…

Queensland manufacturers get R&D boost from CSIRO

Manufacturing innovation in Queensland is set for a significant boost with CSIRO rolling out a free training program for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The eight-week “Innovate to Grow: Queensland” program is designed to transform bright ideas into research-ready projects, with a special focus on regional businesses. The program, part of the Queensland Government's Regional…

Peter Rossdeutscher appointed as new Chair of Industry Innovation and Science Australia

The Perth-based Chair of Quantum Australia, Innovative Energy Solutions and First Nations X, Peter Rossdeutscher, has added Chair of Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA) to his duties, replacing Andrew Stevens in the role. According to a statement from industry minister Ed Husic on Monday, Rossdeutscher brings extensive board experience and expertise in the nation’s…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, February 10 – February 14, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) CEA Technologies wins $272 million Army radar contract A $272 million purchase by the federal government will see defence electronics company CEA Technologies deliver “up to 14 multi-mission phased array radars (MMPARs) for the Australian Army”. According to a short announcement from…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Calix/PLS demo plant construction resumes Calix announced the recommencement of the Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant Project developed in a Joint Venture (JV) with Pilbara Minerals on Thursday. The decision follows execution of a $15 million grant from the Western Australian government, the company said, with that funding used to reduce the respective construction cost share of…

JCU researchers use charred ciggie butts to clean up wastewater

New research from James Cook University has produced results that might seem counterintuitive, showing that cigarette butts could offer a promising solution for tainted waterways. The JCU team looked at char made out of cigarette butt waste, which was donated by the charity No More Butts. Their paper, published in the journal Chemical Engineering Science (linked),…

Artrya raises $15 million

ASX-listed Artrya, which is commercialising coronary disease diagnosis support products, has announced a successful $15 million raise through a share placement. In a statement on Friday, the company said it had received binding commitments under a two-tranche placement at $0.73 per share.  The proceeds will be used to progress regulatory applications for its Salix Coronary…

AICRAFT to build onboard computers for Emirates Lunar Mission rovers

AICRAFT has announced that it will design and build onboard computers for rovers “aimed at prospecting locations on the Moon” for the Emirates Lunar Mission (ELM.) In a statement on Thursday, Adelaide’s AICRAFT said it will build onboard computers to allow “data processing from science cameras, rover navigation and communication” and autonomous operations on the…

MTM recovers high levels of gallium, germanium from semiconductor industry waste

Metals recovery business MTM Critical Metals has announced a claimed breakthrough in recovering critical minerals from semiconductor waste, solving a problem “previously considered commercially unviable”. In a statement on Thursday, the ASX-listed company said it achieved a world first in recovering high levels of germanium and gallium “without using acids or environmentally harmful methods” using…

Act on “cheap imported products” or risk domino effect on building sector, housing supply: AGWA

The Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA) has added to comments urging government action on cheap imports following the collapse of Australia’s only producer of architectural glass last week. In a statement on Thursday, AGWA said “serious consequences for Australia’s building sector and national housing supply targets” were risks unless more was done to shield…

$2.5 million in Industry Growth Program grants awarded

Another round of grant recipients under the federal government’s Industry Growth Program has been announced, with a combined $2.51 million awarded to CoilRig, Azaneo, Innovation Industries, Magic Valley and Allegro Energy. According to a statement from industry minister Ed Husic on Thursday, Allegro Energy was awarded $1.85 million to further their “Redox Flow Battery technology”…

Alarm sounded over Australia's dwindling R&D investment

Australia's future as a frontrunner in global innovation hangs in the balance as R&D investments plummet, sounding alarms at the highest levels of government and industry. Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic (pictured), spurred by a concerning report led by Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm, is calling on the nation's corporate giants to bolster their research…

Lean Transformation and Lean Champion of the year awards

TXM Lean Solutions, a sponsor of @AuManufacturing's current Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers campaign, recently announced the results of their own awards program. In this article, the company shares the results of their Lean Transformation of the Year and Lean Champion of the Year awards. Since 2004 TXM Lean Solutions has been helping businesses improve,…

Whyalla steelworks seeks refinancing amid financial struggles

In response to mounting pressures to settle substantial debts, the owners of Whyalla Steelworks, led by GFG Alliance’s chairman Sanjeev Gupta, are actively pursuing new financing solutions to sustain operations. This development follows intense scrutiny from South Australia’s Premier, Peter Malinauskas, who recently visited Whyalla to engage with creditors and reinforce the urgency of financial…

Crisis in Victorian manufacturing: Opposition calls for action amid rising insolvencies

Victoria recorded the highest number of manufacturing insolvencies in Australia in 2024, according to new analysis. This rise in business closures highlights ongoing struggles within the state's manufacturing sector, exacerbated by high taxes, rising energy costs and extensive regulatory burdens. ASIC data reveals that during the term of the Albanese government, 415 manufacturing firms in…

Nominations open for this year's Eureka Prizes

Nominations opened on Wednesday for the 2025 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes (AMEP), billed by organisers as the nation’s most prestigious science awards. There are 20 categories this year (reproduced below), with two new awards added: the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Eureka Prize for Excellence in Forensic Science and the…

Brigadier Hugh Meggitt takes helm at ASCA

Brigadier Hugh Meggitt has been appointed as the new head of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) for the Australian Defence Force, a move announced by the federal government on Tuesday. Brigadier Meggitt (pictured), previously the Director General Special Operations Modernisation at the ADF’s Headquarters Joint Operations Command, is recognised for his extensive experience in…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Tariff exemption consideration a welcome first step: Ai Group The agreement by US president Donald Trump to consider an exemption for Australian steel, aluminium and iron from a 25 per cent tariff is “a welcome first step to protect vital industries with more than 100,000 mostly regional jobs,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the Australian…

“Wizards” to the rescue: La Trobe's smoke sensors shield vineyards from bushfire smoke

In a move that could save Australia’s wine industry millions, La Trobe University has unveiled an innovative smoke sensor dubbed the “Wizard.” The device is specifically designed to protect vineyards from the devastating effects of bushfire smoke. Deployed across the Grampians, these Wine Industry Smoke Detectors (WISDs) are already making waves. Historically, vineyard owners have…

Albanese seeks tariff exemptions in constructive dialogue with Trump

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) has engaged in a pivotal 40-minute discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing potential exemptions for Australia from the looming 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium. This conversation on Tuesday is part of a broader diplomatic initiative to underscore Australia's role as both a defence ally and a…

Hysata and Saudi power company sign agreement on commercial-scale electrolyser demos

Electrolyser maker Hysata has announced an agreement with ACWA Power for commercial-scale demonstrations in Saudi Arabia, which the Wollongong-headquartered company says represent a first step towards large-scale systems being deployed in ACWA’s projects. In a statement on Monday (Australian time), Hysata said the agreement will make use of ACWA’s “significant expertise in large capital projects”,…

Craft beer helps sustain brewing revenue growth as Australians drink less

The segment of manufacturing concerning beer is worth $8.7 billion and grew 0.9 per cent annually between 2020 and 2025, according to newly-published market research. IBISWorld’s recently-updated Beer Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030) describes the level of competition as high and increasing. The total number of beer makers has increased at nearly…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Convergence Medical appoints new advisor Surgical robotics startup Convergence Medical, which announced a $US 5 million Series A round last month, has added Dr Kevin Plancher to its team as a strategist and advisor. In a statement from the company on Linkedin, the orthopaedic surgeon was quoted as saying “I am looking forward to working…

Breakthrough Victoria appoints new CEO

State government-backed venture fund Breakthrough Victoria has announced Rod Bristow (pictured) as its new Chief Executive Officer, replacing inaugural CEO Grant Dooley. In a statement on Monday, BV said Bristow came with over 30 years’ experience in the “stockbroking, asset management, wealth  management, agribusiness and not-for-profit sectors”, and was most recently CEO of Sydney and…

Premier Malinauskas urges GFG's Gupta to address financial obligations amid concerns for Whyalla steelworks

Premier Peter Malinauskas has issued a stern warning to GFG Alliance's Sanjeev Gupta, urging transparency and immediate action on overdue financial commitments as concerns mount over the future of the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia. Amid reports of significant arrears in royalties and payments to contractors, the Premier emphasised the need for Gupta to prioritise…

Mulford Plastics expands Melbourne facility to boost production and market reach

Mulford Plastics, renowned for its Laserlite Building Products, is set to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Dandenong, Melbourne. This strategic move aims to enhance production capacity and strengthen its market presence across Victoria and beyond. Perry Pericleous, Managing Director at Mulford Plastics, highlighted Melbourne's strategic importance, noting its robust customer base and excellent connectivity as…

Round 16 of Australia-India Strategic Research Fund grants opened

Applications opened on Monday for Round 16 of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF), a bilateral program offering science and technology researchers between $200,000 and $1 million per project.    According to a statement from federal industry minister Ed Husic, the round has a total allocation of $4 million, with funding open for joint research projects,…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, February 3 – February 7, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Applications open for CRC-P grants worth up to $3 million each Nominations opened on Thursday for Round 17 of Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants, which offer  between $100,000 and $3 million in matched funding for short-term (up to three-year) collaborative…

TAFE Queensland, MSQ announce new six-week skills transfer course

A new Industry Trainer Program addresses skills and knowledge retention challenges in manufacturing businesses, according to TAFE Queensland and Manufacturing Skills Queensland, the two organisations partnering to deliver it. According to a joint statement from the pair on Friday, the program includes a “self-directed, six-week online course with two optional one-hour virtual sessions each week”…

Sparc Technologies' anti-corrosive graphene additive to be trialled at BMA coal handling plant

Chemicals R&D business Sparc Technologies has announced execution of an agreement with coal miner BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) for a 24-month field trial of a graphene additive at a coal handling and processing plant. Sparc’s graphene-based additive product, ecosparc, will feature in a coating, and Sparc claimed the trial as “another key milestone in validating”…

Graphite R&D grants open to manufacturers, miners eyeing US battery market

CSIRO has launched a new R&D grant program, offering mining and manufacturing SMEs (fewer than 200 employees) specialising in graphite between $10,000 and $50,000 per project as well as access to facilities and expertise. In a statement on Friday, the nation’s scientific agency said the grant opportunity’s focus is on “accelerat[ing] the growth of the…

Applications open for CRC-P grants worth up to $3 million each

Nominations opened on Thursday for Round 17 of Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants, which offer  between $100,000 and $3 million in matched funding for short-term (up to three-year) collaborative projects led by an industry partner. An update on the industry department’s website explains that support is open to all sectors, though there is a…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Khuda foundation donates $100 million for girls in STEM A donation of $100 million from the Khuda Family Foundation will fund a 20-year program to create a pathway for girls from Western Sydney to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and careers. The University of Sydney said in a statement on Wednesday that…

SEMMA says action needed on cheap imports following Oceania Glass collapse

Industry association the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has blamed factors including “poor policy, cheap imports, government over-taxing businesses and crippling union agreements” for Dandenong-based architectural glassmaker Oceania Glass falling into administration this week. In a statement on Wednesday, following news of Oceania’s collapse on Monday, SEMMA said it was “shocked” at another manufacturer…

Vaxxas adds three expert advisors to provide regulatory and manufacturing advice

Clinical stage biotechnology company Vaxxas, which is commercialising a needle-free vaccine delivery platform, has added three new expert advisors to its product development and strategy team. In a statement on Thursday morning (Australian time), the company said Dr Emilio Emini, Dr Nathalie Garcon, and Professor Paul Young will join Vaxxas as consultants to provide regulatory…

AWU urges support for sector following Oceania Glass collapse

The Australian Workers’ Union has said “understandable concern” among members had followed the voluntary administration of Dandenong’s Oceania Glass, and raised a perceived lack of support for domestic glass manufacturing. In a statement on Wednesday, the union said its priority is currently “to gather comprehensive insights and secure explanations” from management and administrators of the…

Biome teams up with FaBA to supercharge probiotic innovation

Biome Australia Limited (ASX: BIO) has secured a co-investment partnership with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). This collaboration, backed by $50 million in federal funding through the Department of Education’s Trailblazer Program, is set to turbocharge the development of Biome’s cutting-edge probiotic strain, Lactobacillius plantarum BMB18. Biome’s partnership with FaBA isn’t just about funding—it’s…

Bubbles, suds and growth: Australia’s soap industry cleans up big

Australia’s Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing industry is scrubbing up nicely, with revenue expected to hit a sparkling $3.3 billion by 2025. That’s right—our love for bubbles, disinfectants and eco-friendly suds has fuelled a steady growth of 3.4 per cent annually over the past five years, according to a new IBISWorld report. Post-pandemic, it’s clear…

Oceania Glass enters voluntary administration amid financial review

Oceania Glass, a leading Australian architectural glass manufacturer based in Dandenong, Victoria, has entered voluntary administration as of February 4. Grant Thornton Australia partners Lisa Gibb, Said Jahani and Matt Byrnes have been appointed as Joint and Several Voluntary Administrators to oversee the process. Specialising in float glass, coated glass and laminated glass, Oceania Glass…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Alpha HPA‘s leadership reshuffle Chemical company Alpha HPA announced on Monday that Rob Williamson is stepping into the role of Managing Director, with Rimas Kairaitis moving from the role to serve as serve as Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer. Chairman Norman Seckold said, “We are very pleased to optimise these key roles as we…

Bespoke Manufacturing Group acquires Metalcraft and Bott Storage Systems

Bespoke Manufacturing Group (BMG) has announced the successful acquisition of Metalcraft and Bott Storage Systems Australia & New Zealand. According to the company, the strategic acquisition will significantly enhance BMG’s capabilities, capacity and market presence, and aligns seamlessly with BMG’s existing portfolio, which includes Bespoke Aluminium, Key Manufacturing, Metalcraft Manufacturing, Bott Storage Systems Australia &…

Oly Homes delivers future-ready housing for seniors in Thallon

Sunshine Coast-based Oly Homes has delivered two purpose-built modular homes designed for seniors in the Thallon community of South West Queensland. The project is part of the Queensland Government’s Quickstarts Queensland initiative, which aims to provide accessible housing solutions for ageing residents in regional areas. This project follows Oly Homes' previous work, including the delivery…

Licensee survey tracks effectiveness of Australian Made logo

Among findings of a recent survey, 80 per cent of Australian Made logo users believe the green and gold kangaroo positively influences consumers’ purchasing decisions. In a statement from the organisation on Tuesday, the Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) said their commissioned survey by Roy Morgan Research found that 89 per cent of its licensees “believe…

NSW's shift to imported flatpack buses sparks job concerns

In a controversial move, NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen has been criticised for potentially undermining local manufacturing jobs by opting for imported “Ikea-style” flatpack buses from China. This strategy deviates from her pre-election promise to boost local bus production in NSW, raising fears of job losses reminiscent of the decline in Australian car manufacturing. Transport…

Breaking into new grounds: Orthocell eyes $75M Canadian market with game-changing nerve repair product

In a bold move to capture a significant share of the global nerve repair market, Orthocell, a pioneer in regenerative medicine, has submitted a regulatory application to Health Canada for its leading product, Remplir. This step marks a strategic expansion into the Canadian market, valued at approximately US$75 million, with approvals anticipated in the latter…

Kite Magnetics expects to create “more than 140 highly skilled jobs” at upcoming factory

Electric motor startup Kite Magnetics will open a new factory in Melbourne’s southeast, the state government has said. According to a statement from the Victorian government on Friday, the upcoming factory is expected to create “more than 140 highly skilled jobs and up to 550 indirect jobs” and increase production of Kite Magnetics’ Aeroperm to…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, January 27 – January 31, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Quantum computing breakthrough by CSIRO unlocks new horizons CSIRO’s quantum researchers have catapulted Australia into the future of big data analysis. On January 29, 2025, they unveiled a quantum machine learning feat that could soon have us zipping through traffic,…

MCi Carbon gets $8 million investment from Japanese cement company 

MCi Carbon has announced its fourth piece of funding from a Japanese investor, with Mitsubishi UBE Cement Corporation (MUCC) taking a $US 5 million (approximately $8 million) stake in the carbon capture and reuse technology startup. In a statement on Wednesday, MCi said the current fundraising round of over $US20 million ($32 million) was committed…

Livestock supplement specialist CH4 Global opens world-first asparagopsis farm

Livestock feed supplement maker CH4 Global has begun what it says is the world’s first example commercial-scale production of the seaweed asparagopsis, formally opening the first stage of its Louth Bay, South Australia EcoPark this week. The company shared on Wednesday that it has ten large-scale cultivation ponds growing the red seaweed – which can…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

First Graphene books R&D tax rebate First Graphene has told shareholders that it has received a tax rebate of approximately $404,300 for R&D work conducted at its Henderson facility in Western Australia. The company said the amount was delivered “following a series of work completed… to improve manufacturing of its in-demand PureGRAPH products.” The work included…

New electric bus manufacturing hub planned for Nowra

Nowra, NSW is poised to become the latest hub for cutting-edge public transport innovation, as Foton Mobility Distribution, an Australian-owned bus manufacturer, plans to establish a new 6,000 square meter electric bus manufacturing facility. This development, scheduled to begin construction in late 2025 pending council approval, aligns with the NSW Government's commitment to revitalising local…

Breakthrough Victoria invests $800,000 in Melbourne's Diag-Nose.io to advance respiratory health

Breakthrough Victoria has invested $800,000 in Diag-Nose.io Medical (DNM), a Melbourne-based innovator in respiratory healthcare, to enhance clinical management and drug discovery for chronic respiratory diseases globally. Originally launched from Stanford’s ENT Innovation Program and now headquartered in Notting Hill, Melbourne, Diag-Nose.io is revolutionising the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) like asthma and COPD,…

AICRAFT and CONTEC space optics: Teaming up to take satellite tech to stellar heights

Get ready to watch the stars a little more closely! South Australia's AICRAFT has just teamed up with CONTEC Space Optics (CSO) to turbocharge space telescopes with some seriously speedy tech. Announced on Thursday, January 30, 2025, this partnership is all set to send edge computing modules into orbit, making ultra-high-resolution Earth observation not just…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Ai Group on inflation: “the worst is behind us, but”… Employer representative the Australian Industry Group has welcomed new inflation figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, but cautioned that there is “a lot of work to do” in returning the nation to “a stable economic footing”. The ABS tracked inflation at…

Quantum computing breakthrough by CSIRO unlocks new horizons

CSIRO’s quantum researchers have catapulted Australia into the future of big data analysis. On January 29, 2025, they unveiled a quantum machine learning feat that could soon have us zipping through traffic, optimising energy use and revolutionising healthcare with unprecedented efficiency. Their work, a cornerstone of the UNESCO-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology,…

Australia's copper industry: A shiny future amid challenges

In the ever-evolving landscape of Australia's copper tube and wire manufacturing, the sector shines with a promising yet challenging future. As detailed in the IBISWorld Market Research Report, the industry has achieved a robust annual growth rate of 2.9 per cent, culminating in a revenue of $755.2 million by 2025. Yet, this growth is tempered…

NRFC announces David Gall as new CEO

The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) has announced David Gall (pictured) as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of founding CEO Ivan Power in November due to ill-health. Gall’s 35-year career features 16 years at National Australia Bank, including as Group Executive for Corporate and Institutional Banking. The NRFC is charged with making…

Cheers to a bumper year: Australian wine exports pop to $2.5 billion in 2024

Australian wine has made a splash on the global stage, with exports fizzing up to a frothy $2.55 billion this past year, showing a robust increase of 34 per cent in value and a 7 per cent uplift in volume, pouring out 649 million litres worldwide. The toast of the town? Our vineyards’ vibrant venture…

Firefighting foam face-off: CDU's quest for a greener blaze buster

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is turning up the heat on innovative, eco-friendly solutions with their latest project aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of fluorine-free firefighting foams (F3). As global efforts intensify to phase out PFAS-based foams—dubbed ‘forever chemicals' for their environmental persistence—CDU’s initiative, supported by the United States Department of Defense, aims to create safer…

Australian Economic Outlook 2025: Industry leaders signal concern and urge policy shifts

According to the latest Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) industry expectations survey, industry leaders across Australia are notably pessimistic about the country’s economic prospects for 2025, with many scaling back on long-term investments in favour of short-term productivity measures. Innes Willox (pictured), Chief Executive of the Ai Group, emphasised that the survey's results should serve…

Dive into a greener summer: Australia’s prawn packaging gets a sustainable makeover!

This summer, Visy, Australia's largest integrated manufacturing and recycling business, is teaming up with seafood producer Tassal to revolutionise prawn packaging, making it eco-friendly with new recyclable cardboard boxes. Gone are the days of expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers, notorious for their environmental harm. These new boxes are crafted from up to 74 per cent recycled…

Nation's paper stationery manufacturing keeps going backward

Paper stationery manufacturing in Australia is on the decline, with current revenues estimated at $339.3 million and shrinking at 5.6 per cent per year between 2020 and 2025, according to new market research from IBISWorld. According to the firm’s Paper Stationery Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030), the sector is made up of…

Professor Tony Haymet appointed Australia's Chief Scientist

The federal government has announced Professor Tony Haymet as the nation’s new Chief Scientist, replacing Dr Cathy Foley in the three-year role. Haymet was named as Foley’s successor and Australia's tenth Chief Scientist on Tuesday. The role involves providing “authoritative and independent evidence-based advice on whole-of-government science and technology priorities” and is appointed by the…

ANCA co-founders make Australia Day honours list

The two founders of Australian machine tool business ANCA CNC Machines were recognised with Australia Day honours over the weekend, with each named a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division. Pat Boland and Pat McCluskey met at the Commonwealth Department of Supply in the 1960s, where the former was working…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, January 20 – January 24, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) New drone radio production line boosts defence capabilities in South Australia South Australia is set to enhance its role in national defence with a new drone radio communications production line, part of the DEF129 Uncrewed Aerial Systems project. This development…

$2.8 billion sanitary paper manufacturing industry under pressure

The industry for sanitary paper making will see its revenue decline by an estimated 2.3 per cent this financial year, with a new report citing low-cost imports among factors pressuring margins. The new Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing in Australia – Market Research Report (2015-2030), compiled by research firm IBISWorld, said import competition was partly to…

New drone radio production line boosts defence capabilities in South Australia

South Australia is set to enhance its role in national defence with a new drone radio communications production line, part of the DEF129 Uncrewed Aerial Systems project. This development follows the Albanese Government's commitment to invest over $100 million in bolstering the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) drone capabilities, including the integration of Australian-made Sypaq Systems…

Simon Doe steps down from ANFF, joins Weld Australia

Simon Doe, a pivotal figure at the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), is embarking on a new journey as the Director of Engineering at Weld Australia after dedicating 16 years to ANFF. His tenure included a significant role as the National Facility Manager for nine years. At ANFF-SA, Simon was instrumental in advancing the facility’s…

Forbidden Foods hits a high note with record sales

Forbidden Foods has turned the tables in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, announcing a thrilling upswing in its financial fortunes. For the quarter ending December 2024, the company not only doubled its group revenues but also saw a significant leap in net sales, with figures soaring to $1.17 million—a robust 104 per cent increase from…

$7.2 million project using Vaxxas patches for JEV vaccination progresses

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has approved progression of a $US 4.8 million ($7.2 million) program involving Vaxxas — a Brisbane-based, clinical-stage company developing a needle vaccine delivery platform — and an mRNA Japanese encephalitis vaccine (JEV) from SK bioscience. According to a statement from Vaxxas on Thursday, the program is to develop…

Commonwealth tips an extra $2 billion into Clean Energy Finance Corporation

The federal government has announced an extra $2 billion to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), spruiking the potential to attract triple that amount in private investment and assist households and small businesses with energy savings.  The CEFC said the additional $2 billion – provisioned for in the government’s mid-year economic and fiscal outlook –…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

MIQ grant applications close on Friday The state government has reminded those interested that they have until 1 pm on January 24 (Friday) to make submissions for round seven of the Made in Queensland Grant Program. “Over 150 advanced manufacturing projects have already been supported, with the program set to create 5,000+ jobs in the…

Applications open for CSIRO's free Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy SME program

Applications have opened for the latest cohort of SMEs working in the recycling and circular economy sectors through CSIRO’s free Innovate to Grow program. The eight-week, purely online program will be run with Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH), which is funded through the federal government’s Trailblazer program. According to a statement…

Community battery at North Sydney promises lower energy bills: Bowen

In a move towards sustainable energy, the federal government has activated a new community battery in Cammeray, North Sydney, which it says will reduce household energy bills and enhance the reliability of renewable energy sources for the local community. “Whether you're a homeowner with solar panels, a renter or a social housing resident, this community…

Fluffier gluten-free bread? Aussie Plantago could be the secret ingredient

Move over, psyllium husk—Australian natives are stepping up to the plate…or rather, the bread basket. Scientists from the University of Adelaide have discovered the potential of two local Plantago species, P. cunninghamii and P. turrifera, to revolutionise gluten-free bread by making loaves that are softer, springier and fluffier. Led by Dr James Cowley, the research…

Innovative gel offers hope against resistant infections in trial

Recce Pharmaceuticals has announced promising outcomes from the Phase II trial of their innovative RECCE 327 Topical Gel (R327G), signaling a potential breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.  This new gel is being developed to treat Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSI), offering hope where traditional treatments falter. The trial recently completed…

Traffic Technologies awarded $3 million Sydney City contract for LED street lights

Road signage company Traffic Technologies has been awarded a five-year contract with Sydney City Council, worth $3 million, to supply LED streetlights. In a statement to the ASX on Tuesday, the company said the lights are “Smart City IoT”-ready, and would be used in the local government area for settings such as roads, parks, plazas,…

Six countries successfully growing their manufacturing – and what they are doing right

By David Elliott Senior Writer, Forum Stories, World Economic Forum From the climate crisis and geopolitical headwinds to next-generation technologies, a series of complex challenges are rewriting the rulebook for global value chains. Against this backdrop, what are manufacturers and supply chain companies doing to ensure their operations are fit for future success? A new white paper…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Element 25's manganese gets $US 166 million grant ASX-listed minerals company Element 25 has announced that a grant agreement has been signed for $US 166 million ($268 million) in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) under the Battery Materials Processing Grant Program. The funding will support construction of a proposed battery-grade high-purity manganese…

Newcastle gets $20.7 million federal funding for Future Industries facility

Prime minister Anthony Albanese has announced $20.7 million in funding for a new Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle, with a focus on “accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training and productivity solutions”. According to a statement on Monday, funding for the centre is through the regional Precincts and Partnerships program, and will see two…

Australian government pledges $2 billion assistance to aluminium industry

The Australian government has announced a $2 billion pledge to convert the nation's aluminium smelters to renewable energy, which it said will be transformative and mark a significant step reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and enhancing its manufacturing sector's competitiveness on a global scale. The investment is part of a broader initiative under the “Future…

What were the biggest stories of 2024?

What were the five biggest stories of last year? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2024 announced (April 18) @AuManufacturing’s Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2024 were announced to a full room at Cockle Bay Wharf’s rooftop L’Aqua venue. After a five-month campaign and the assessments of…

SPEE3D 3D prints in extreme cold – video

3D printer manufacturer SPEE3D's XSPEE3D system has shown it can successfully operate in a sub-zero environment and produce parts with comparable material properties to those produced in a laboratory environment. The Melbourne company participated in developing, demonstrating, and testing their Cold Spray Metal Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) equipment, along with partners from the New Jersey Institute…

Trade apprenticeships on the up

There has been a 14.3 percent increase in apprentice and trainee commencements in the June 2024 quarter, when compared with the June 2023 quarter, according to new data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). The apprentices and trainees 2024: June quarter report shows commencements increased across most occupations, with trade commencements up…

The rarity of a new Australian made textile

By Peter Roberts It shouldn't be this way, but when a new textile is revealed that is made in Australia from Australian raw materials, processed locally, it has to be big news. This is the case with the latest fabric produced by SME, Full Circle Fibres, a company described by the Australian Fashion Council as…

NRFC invests $25 million in Myriota’s $50 million funding round

The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation has announced its third investment, tipping $25 million into telecommunications company Myriota as part of a $50 million funding round. In a statement on Thursday, Adelaide-based Myriota said the capital will be used “to enhance the capability and scale of its IoT connectivity platform and infrastructure”, and ramp up its…

Economy poised between crash and cure

Manufacturers are viewing the economy as at a delicate point between point between boom and bust, according to the ACCI-Westpac Business Survey December 2024 Q4. Currently spot on the breakeven threshold, the latest survey shows manufacturers are experiencing a torrid time, but have expectations of far better times ahead. Could this be from pent-up demand…

Cannery back on the stock exchange as SPC Global

Iconic Australian food manufacturer SPC has returned to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) after a 20-year absence, but this time as more than a food canner – the company is now SPC Global. Managing Director Robert Iervasi took to social media and said: “Today marks a massive milestone for SPC Global and each of our…

Fleetwood delivers three modular homes for WA

Three new modular homes have been built and installed by Fleetwood Building Solutions at Manjimup, 300 kilometres south of Perth. According to a statement from the WA government, which funded the project through housing and homelessness measures, each of the buildings is two-bedroom and one-bathroom and will be available for seniors' accommodation early next year.…

Titomic 3D print machine bought by US university

The University of North Texas (UNT) has bought a Titomic Kinetic Fusion Cold Spray additive manufacturing system to expand R&D and advanced manufacturing capabilities at its Center for Agile and Adaptive Additive Manufacturing (CAAAM). The sale for approximately $1.1 million was chosen from a range of cold spray providers to design and install this specialised…

Livium to set up battery materials plant

Livium Ltd's battery materials division, VSPC has selected Australia as its preferred location to construct a small scale demonstration plant to produce battery materials lithium ferro phosphate (LFP), and the emerging lithium manganese ferro phosphate (LMFP). LMFP is an emerging product offering a 15 to 20 percent increase in specific energy over LFP when used…

First commercial sale of DotzShield

Nanotechnology development company Dotz Nano has made its first commercial sale of its proprietary in-product tagging solution, DotzShield, to a U.S. based provider of oilfield technology to the oil and gas sector. The order marks a pivotal milestone for Dotz in its commercialisation journey, according to an announcement, validating the company’s solution for real-time corrosion…

Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Andrew Reeves to retire from Inghams as CEO and MD Inghams Group has announced that its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Andrew Reeves (pictured) will retire from the role in mid-2025, to be replaced by the CEO of its New Zealand business, Edward Alexander. The Chair of Inghams, Helen Nash, said: “Andrew has done…

AUKUS governments and industry press ‘go' on submarine build

The Australian and UK Governments have announced a significant milestone between the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) and industry partners that will support the delivery of the SSN AUKUS fleet of locally built, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. The SSNA platform will replace the Astute Class SSN for the UK Royal Navy…

Livium moves to demonstrate lithium extraction technology

Lithium chemicals manufacturer Livium, formerly Lithium Australia, will decide by the end of January 2025 whether to proceed with plans to utilise its proprietary technologies to extract lithium from difficult to process ores. Livium is developing technologies to produce lithium chemicals from waste or low-grade sources, with its main technologies LieNA for processing spodumene and…

Packserv – creating the new for the future

In the fourth profile in our campaign to identify and celebrate Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers, we look at packaging machinery manufacturer Packserv. Peter Roberts spoke to Managing Director Nathan Wardell. For Nathan Wardell, Managing Director of packaging machinery manufacturer Packserv, innovation in business runs in the family. Nathan's father, and grandfather before him all…

BlueScope, BHP and Rio Tinto select Kwinana for 40,000 tpa green iron pilot plant

Steelmaker BlueScope and iron ore miners, BHP and Rio Tinto have selected Kwinana Industrial Area, south of Perth, to host an electric smelting furnace pilot plant, which aims to test and optimise lower-carbon emissions molten iron from Pilbara iron ore using direct reduced iron (DRI)-ESF technology.  Rio said the trio assessed a number of locations…

K-Tig changes direction, buys metal powder technology

Rapid welding technology developer K-Tig is changing its direction, acquiring 100 percent of US-based Metal Powder Works, which has developed the DirectPowder Process which converts premium bar stock into high-quality powder. K-Tig, which is in voluntary administration, said the process achieved yields of 95 percent compared to 20-30 percent from traditional powder production methods, resulting…

ARENA funds cleaner aviation fuels developments

The federal government has announced $14.1 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to back projects seeking to develop cleaner, greener aviation fuel options to reduce emissions in the aviation sector. A domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry, with Australian made fuel from local feedstock, could play a key role in making the fuel…

Winner named for $42 million lunar rover contract

The winner from two bids shortlisted to deliver Australia’s first lunar rover has been announced, with the ELO2 Consortium named on Tuesday to design, construct, test and operate the vehicle dubbed “Roo-ver”. The consortium to deliver Moon to Mars Initiative's Trailblazer Stage 2 is led by EPE Oceania and Lunar Outpost Oceania and includes SMEs,…

Food processing machinery makers expected to see increased competition from imports

The recently-updated Food Processing Machinery Manufacturing in Australia report from market research firm IBISWorld estimates an industry worth $1.4 billion in revenues in 2024-25, and which saw a 1.6 per cent compound annual growth rate in the last five years. According to IBISWorld, there are 481 businesses with 3,300 employees operating in the sector in…

Delorean to construct SA bioenergy project

Bioenergy developer Delorean Corporation has given the go ahead to proceed with the construction of its' SA1 bioenergy project in Edinburgh Parks, South Australia. Construction will commence with early site work and ordering of long lead items prior to the end of December, 2024. The SA1 bioenergy plant (pictured) is located in the Northern Adelaide…

Cobram Estate expands in the United States

Olive grower and oil manufacturer Cobram Estate Olives has announced the 2024 Californian harvest led to the production of 3.0 million litres of olive oil, the result of what the industry calls an ‘off year'. Production was 6.4 percent lower than 2023, but 77.1 percent higher than 2022, the previous ‘off' year, illustrating the company's…

Ampcontrol joins Hunter businesses, calls for strong emissions cuts

Ampcontrol has joined eight critical Hunter-based businesses and peak bodies to call on the federal government to commit to a strong 2035 emissions reduction target. The electrical engineering manufacturer joined AGL, Beyond Zero Emissions, Energy Renaissance, Hunter Jobs Alliance, Hunter Renewal, Investor Group on Climate Change, MCi Carbon, MGA Thermal and Verdant Produce in calling…

Australian fusion energy company to partner with ELI ERIC

Sydney’s HB11 Energy, which is pursuing “fusion technology for sustainable baseload energy”, says it is a step closer to this goal after signing an agreement with the world’s top high-power laser research infrastructure provider, ELI ERIC. In a statement on Monday, HB11 said its new partner provides “coordinated access to three world-class laser facilities, aiming…

Austin Engineering gets first orders from Indian market

Mining equipment manufacturer Austin Engineering has received purchase orders for 17 heavy load haul truck trays from a tier one iron ore producer in India, its first in this prospective market. The orders for the ULTIMA trays will form part of a tray replacement programme with a service life of approximately four years. Austin’s expectation…

Husic gets to work on AI capability plan

The Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic has tasked his department and industry to develop a National AI Capability Plan, aiming to grow investment in AI capabilities to help promote economic and productivity growth. Husic said there were around 650 AI companies headquartered in Australia and in the five years to 2023 foreign investors contributed…

Chevron selects MGA Thermal for 5 megawatt-hour “clean steam” study

Thermal energy storage solution company MGA Thermal has announced its first major customer, with Chevron to conduct an initial engineering and design study using a 5 megawatt-hour unit based on the Newcastle-based startup’s technology. In a statement on Monday, MGA said the study represented a “significant milestone” in its history. The budget of the project…

Stryx developed and flew at ‘rapid pace' – BAE Systems

A team of BAE Systems Australia engineers have successfully flown the company's Australian developed and manufactured Strix Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial system. The craft takes off vertically before moving to forward flight – reversing the manouvre to land. The Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia’s Defence Delivery business unit Andrew Gresham said…

Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

ARE receives $5m grant for rare earths development Australian Rare Earths has received a $5 million grant from the federal government's International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program. The funding will support additional metallurgical test work, completion of a pre-feasibility study and building/operating a demonstration plant at the company's Koppamurra project, a frontier ionic clay rare…

Livium sign agreement to recycle electric mining train batteries

Livium has signed an exclusive agreement with Wabtec subsidiary Industrea to recycle batteries used in their electric mining locomotives.

AICRAFT – from research to innovation for the customer

In the third profile in our campaign to identify and celebrate Australia's 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers, we look at edge computing manufacturer Aicraft. Peter Roberts spoke to owner Dr Tony Scoleri. Australian innovation needs a lot more people like Dr Tony Scoleri, CEO of Adelaide edge computing developer and manufacturer Aicraft. Scoleri did his PhD…

Orica signs agreement to bring digital mining tech to Turkey

Explosives manufacturer Orica has signed an agreement with KAPEKS to introduce digital technology into Turkey’s mining sector.

Hysata and POSCO partner to advance green hydrogen energy

Electrolyser maker Hysata has entered into a partnership with POSCO to accelerate the development of Hysata high-efficiency hydrogen electrolyser technology.

Organic waste recycling facilities move ahead in NSW and Victoria

Organic waste recycling facilities that turn food waste into agricultural products are gaining traction in Tamworth, NSW and Bendigo, Victoria.

Austal delivers 32-metre Rottnest ferry

Austal Philippines has delivered a 32-metre catamaran (pictured) to Rottnest Fast Ferries in Western Australia for use on the popular service between Hillarys and Rottnest Island. Built in Balamban, Cebu in the Philippines, the ‘Ocean Master’, designed by Incat Crowther, was officially accepted by representatives from Rottnest Fast Ferries following the successful completion of sea…

Why reviews of R&D fail – by Mark Dodgson

The federal government has announced a strategic examination of R&D, the latest in a series of inquiries into Australia's faltering innovation system. Here Mark Dodgson looks at why previous reviews have failed to have real impact. The history of reviews of research and innovation in Australia[1] follows a predictable and disheartening cycle. It starts with…

Airspeed test flies supersonic target prototype

Aerospace composite manufacturer Airspeed has successfully completed its first captive carry flight test of a supersonic target prototype onboard its Marchetti S211 R&D platform (pictured). The company, based at Mawson Lakes, Adelaide recently celebrated the project milestone, in a major step towards strengthening Australia’s sovereign aerospace capability. The customised prototype – known as Irukandji –…

Quantum critical technologies challenge launched

The Australian Government has announced round 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP). Round 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP) invites solutions to market-led challenges, according to Australia's Chief Scientist, Cathy Foley. Foley said: “Challenges fall in priority areas of biosecurity, energy, transport and health outcomes for first nations peoples. “I urge…

Fleet Space Technologies in big $150 million capital raising

Satellite manufacturer and space-based mineral detection company Fleet Space Technologies has closed a $150 million Series D funding round, led by Teachers’ Venture Growth (TVG), an arm of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Joined by existing investors Blackbird Ventures, Hostplus, Horizons Ventures, Artesian Venture Partners, and Alumni Ventures, the raising is one of the largest in…

AML3D opens new US tech centre

AML3D has opened its new US headquarters and purpose-built manufacturing in Ohio, in the US.

Cutting manufacturers' energy bills in focus for Vic gov

Victoria is pushing manufacturers to electrify their operations to help slash energy bills.

Space Machines unveils Optimus Viper for satellite repair

Satellite manufacturer Space Machines Company Space Machines Company (SMC) today unveiled Optimus Viper, a rapid-response spacecraft specifically designed to provide immediate, high-fidelity intelligence and protection for critical space assets. Operating at distances less than 10 kilometres from target satellites, Optimus Viper delivers detailed, actionable intelligence about critical space infrastructure that, until now, has been impossible…

Advanced Navigation to supply navigation system for Boxer CRV

Assured positioning, navigation and timing (APNT) technologies and autonomous systems specialist Advanced Navigation has finalised a multi-million deal with Rheinmetall Defence Australia to supply fibre-optic gyroscope (FOG) inertial navigation systems (INS). The systems will be integrated into Rheinmetall’s Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV), now in service with the Australian Army. This follows a previous deal…

WA backs digital transformation of SMEs

The West Australian government has committed $6.6 million to drive the digital transformation of the state’s small to medium businesses.

WEF: The 7 things reshaping global manufacturing

A global survey by the World Economic Forum has outlined the seven factors reshaping manufacturing and how they create a gap between intent and reality for the industry.

South Australia to hit 100% wind, solar powered

The federal government has announced Australia's biggest ever round of investment in renewables, approving 19 projects across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia mostly due to be operational by 2028. The projects backed under the government's Capacity Investment Scheme also will make history, with South Australia becoming the first large-scale electrical grid in…

Ampcontrol acquires Protech Power

Electrical and electrification technologies manufacturer Ampcontrol has acquired Queensland high voltage service and maintenance business Protech power, expanding its reach in the sunshine state. Acquisition allows for continued growth and expansion into new markets, locations, and diversification of high voltage service business, according to the company. Protech Power will operate as Ampcontrol effective Wednesday 11…

Titomic and SAE International's new cold spray standard

Metal 3D printer manufacturer Titomic and standards body SAE International have announced the successful development and acceptance of SAE International’s Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing Specification, AMS 7057 (Specification). This milestone project, which began in February 2023 with Titomic’s sponsorship and technical expertise, represents a transformative moment in the commercialisation of cold spray technology and its…

Silex Systems to become significant uranium enricher

Australian nuclear technology developer Silex Systems is poised to become a major enricher of uranium in the US market, displacing the current reliance on Russia for nuclear fuels. This follows the selection of Silex's 51 percent owned Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) by the US Department of Energy as one of six companies to receive funding…

Kongsberg tests first Australian made missile launcher

Defence contractor Kongsberg has announced that its first Australian manufactured launcher for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) capability has successfully completed a Blast Test Vehicle (BTV) firing in Port Wakefield, South Australia. This activity has been performed as part of deliveries under Project SEA 1300 Phase 1 – Navy Guided Weapons. This BTV firing was…

Advanced manufacturing facility complete at Bradfield city

Construction of the First Building at the new Bradfield City Centre in western Sydney – housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) – has been completed. Located close to the new airport serving Western Sydney, the AMRF will offer support to help businesses grow faster, reduce risks, and compete globally, while strengthening…

Applied EV and Suzuki launch autonomous logistics electric vehicles

Suzuki and Applied EV have unveiled their new, configurable robot EVs designed for logistics and industrial applications.

Orora gets regulatory approvals for $1.775bn sale

Orora has received regulatory approvals for the $1.775 billion sale of its North American packaging business to Veritiv Corporation.

Whiskey Project Group acquires Newcastle boat building facility

Defence tactical watercraft manufacturer The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG) has acquired the former factory of boat maker Moda Boats, in Newcastle.

Are you one of Australia's most innovative manufacturers?

Do you have what it takes to be named as one of Australia's top 50 in @AuManufacturing's annual Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers campaign? @AuManufacturing news is again looking to identify and celebrate Australia's 50 most innovative manufacturers. Nominees are assessed by an expert panel, are selected for a shortlist, are profiled by our editors…

Equatorial Launch to move spaceport to Queensland

Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) has shocked the space sector, announcing it will immediately cease operations of the Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory and relocate the spaceport to a new site in Queensland. The decision was forced by the inability of the company to finalise a lease for the expansion of the Arnhem Space…

25 years of R&D reviews – By Dr John Howard

Australia is again reviewing Australia's innovation system – the Strategic Examination of R&D – and its apparent inability to contribute sufficiently to national economic development. Here Dr John Howard looks back at what we know from 25 years of such reviews. Australia’s ability to harness the full potential of its research and development (R&D) capacity…

Treasury Wine buys Chinese winery for $30 million

The maker of Penfolds, Treasury Wine Estates has entered the Chinese winemaking business, acquiring 75 percent of Ningxia Stone & Moon Winery Co. Ltd for RMB 130m (approximately A$27.5m). Located in the highly-regarded wine production region of Ningxia in north-western China, Stone & Moon’s asset base includes 43-hectares of planted luxury vineyards, a modern winery…

Manufacturing number one priority for Victorian growth

Advanced manufacturing and defence have been labelled Victoria’s number one priority in the state’s new Economic Growth Statement.

BrainChip’s ‘human like' AI wins it US Air Force radar contract

BrainChip has won a $1.8m US Air Force Research Labs contract to use its artificial intelligence that mimics the human brain in radar signalling processes.

New submariner workforce school for HMAS Stirling

The federal government has begun work on a new training facility at HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia to train the future submariner workforce. The $200 million training school will complement training already underway in the United States and the United Kingdom and develop skills as: Communication Networks Operators Submariner Electrical Fitters Electronics Technicians…

Samsara Eco develops enzymes to recycle nylon

Recycling technology company Samsara Eco has developed enzymes capable of recycling nylon 6, a synthetic fibre commonly used in apparel, hosiery and automotives which have proven difficult to recycle. The innovation builds on Samsara Eco’s existing capabilities to infinitely recycle nylon 6,6 and polyester and marks an important leap to tackle waste and eliminate the…

Gov gives quantum computing a major funding boost

Multiple government funds are boosting quantum computing in the country following investment in company Quantum Brilliance and University of Western Australia research programs.

AI centre opens to foster trusted AI

A new research centre to tackle the challenges of AI adoption has been launched with the opening of the Adelaide-based Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR) Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic officially launched the centre created with the South Australian government. The RAIR will embark on research that will ensure AI implementation addresses misinformation…

Calix raises $25 million to speed low carbon commercialisation

Low emissions industrial technology developer Calix is raising $25 million from investors to speed the commercialisation of its technologies to decarbonise the production of cement and lime, iron and steel and lithium. The company has completed a $20 million institutional placement and announced a share purchase plan for existing investors to raise a further $5…

Technegas' new use in lung transplant imaging

Radiopharmaceutical medical imaging manufacturer Cyclopharm has revealed a possible new use for its Technegas system – for evaluating the progress of lung transplantation. The use is detailed in a US-based study which highlights the clinical utility and operational benefits of the Technegas technology compared to current US ventilation imaging radiopharmaceuticals used in lung transplant evaluation.…

Cobalt Blue works with Mount Isa council to develop sulphuric acid plant

Cobalt Blue has signed an MoU with the Mount Isa City Council to develop a solution to a looming sulphuric acid supply shortage.

AML3D wins 3D printing contract with largest public utility in the US

AML3D has won a $2.27 million contract with power utility company, the Tennessee Valley Authority, for its ARCEMY X 3D metal printing system.

Tivan gets grant, major project status for Speewah

Vanadium developer Tivan's Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia has been awarded Major Project Status by Industry Minister Ed Husic, recognising the national significance of the project. Aligned with the government’s Critical Minerals Strategy and National Battery Strategy, the project has also been awarded a $7.4 million cash grant under the government’s International Partnerships in…

Nuclear has a ‘lack of economic advantage' – CSIRO

CSIRO has found a ‘lack of economic advantage' in investing in nuclear power over renewables, according to its GenCost 2024-25 draft report released for consultation. The report took into consideration suggestions raised since its last report that nuclear had a longer operational life, a higher capacity factor and shorter time to delivery than previously estimated.…

India’s largest solar panel manufacturer sets up in Australia

Waaree Energies, the largest solar PV manufacturer in India is launching an Australia subsidiary.

Austal to continue to maintain US Navy LCS vessels

The US Navy has exercised $74.4 million (US$48 million) of additional options under a previously awarded contract for shipbuilder Austal to perform maintenance on Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and regional countries. The original 2021 contract to maintain the vessels was for US$72.5m to perform the sustainment works, with…

Lepidico the latest victim of lithium glut

Lithium chemicals manufacturer Lepidico Limited has become the latest victim of the worldwide glut in lithium supply, with KordaMentha appointed as administrators. The board of directors of Lepidico appointed Richard Tucker and Paul Pracilio of KordaMentha as Voluntary Administrators of Lepidico Limited, Lepidico Holdings Pty Ltd, Bright Minz Pty Ltd, Li-Technology Pty Ltd, Mica Exploration…

Iluka and government agree to fund $1.7bn rare earths refinery

Iluka Resources and the federal government have come to a funding agreement which will see the construction of a rare earths refinery at Iluka's mine at Eneabba in Western Australia, a key part of the government's critical minerals and Future Made in Australia plans. Following a positive outcome to the funding discussions on Friday, both…

Micro-X's first 3D images from micro Head CT scanner

Cold cathode X-ray manufacturer Micro-X has announced its Head CT test bench has successfully generated CT images as part of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) programme to develop a stroke imager capable of being transported by first responders. The images generated from Micro-X's world-first miniature carbon fibre X-ray nanotube array show clinical detail and…

Kongsberg breaks ground on missile manufacturing facility

Kongsberg Defence Australia has broken ground for its highly anticipated missile factory in Williamtown, near Newcastle in NSW which will manufacture and maintain long-range strike weapons for the Australian Defence Force. The state-of-the-art facility is located within the Astra Aerolab Business Park defence and aerospace precinct, directly adjoining Newcastle Airport and the home to the…

Critical mineral industry gets a boost with new funding

The Australian government is investing millions in Australia’s critical minerals industry as part of its Future Made in Australia initiative.

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Codan completes the acquisition of Kägwerks Communications and metal detection manufacturer Codan, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Codan US Inc, has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of US-based organisation SKT2 LLC dba Kägwerks (Kägwerks). Kägwerks is a leader in tactical operator-worn networking communications technologies that enable connectivity and integrated secure networking in a military…

Breakthrough Victoria invests in AI sensor company

Breakthrough Victoria is investing $2 million in Umps Health, a Victorian company developing sensors and AI to enable proactive aged care at home. The Umps Link, a smart home platform, is the product of six years of research and development and now supports thousands of households across Australia. The technology is easily installed in the…

Defence to buy HIMARS or locally made Thales StrikeMaster

The federal government has moved to equip the Australian Army with land-based, long-range fires to protect Australia’s northern approaches. In line with the priorities of the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the Government will select from two options: The Precision Strike Missile fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher vehicle The Naval Strike…

Aurora Labs secures defence contract for aircraft turbine

Additive manufacturer Aurora Labs has received an order from the Department of Defence to 3D print a micro gas turbine aircraft engine. The order, valued at $319,000, demonstrates the company’s growing role in enhancing sovereign capabilities through cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, according to an announcement. It builds upon the ongoing development of A3D’s existing range…

Funding to boost South Australian manufacturers advanced tech

The South Australian government has launched a new, $1 million program to accelerate manufacturers uptake of advanced tech.

Major vaccine manufacturing facility opens in Victoria

Moderna has opened the Southern Hemisphere’s only mRNA vaccine manufacturing site in Victoria, aiming to make 100 million doses a year.

WA boosts venture capital fund to $45 million

The Western Australian government has allocated $45 million in venture capital funding to supercharge local start-ups. Seven venture capital firms have been selected following a Request for Proposal, and will be supported to invest through the state government's WA Venture Capital initiative (WAVC). The partnership will see the chosen firms invest a total of $150…

Mesoblast drug gets approval from FDA, but shares drop

Pharmaceutical developer Mesoblast's Revascor (rexlemestrocel-L) drug for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Earlier this year FDA granted REVASCOR both Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) and Orphan-Drug Designation (ODD) for congenital heart disease, acknoeledging that the disrase is…

HLTCRC maps out heavy industry net zero transition

The Heavy Industry Low-Carbon Transition Co-operative Research Centre (HILT CRC) has launched a flagship three-year project on energy infrastructure to help guide heavy industry decarbonisation. The project will provide clear, data-driven estimates of energy costs to inform government policy and enable heavy industry to plan its decarbonisation pathway. ‘Unlocking investment in energy infrastructure for net-zero…