Rio Tinto has announced it will buy 50 iron ore rail cars from an Australian manufacturer, followed by another ten a year. But Shane West (pictured, below) argues Rio, which operates 4,500 ore cars, should not be let off the hook for its role in decimating local manufacturing in the past. Buying 50 rail cars…
Data connectivity developer Elsight has broken into the drone parcel delivery market with a contract to provide hardware and software to leading US unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services provider DroneUp LLC. Elsight, a maker of equipment for real-time data, video and audio transmission over cellular networks, has received and delivered its first commercial order to…
University of Southern Queensland researchers have developed a fire retardant coating for building materials that mimics the properties of volcanic lava. Chemical engineer and Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Professor Pingan Song developed the non-toxic, fire extinguishing ceramic coating that could save buildings from being engulfed in flames. Professor Song said lava sparked his idea…
Fortescue Future Industries has signed a global supply contract which will see it ship green hydrogen to Asia, North America and Europe. FFI signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany-based supplier of high-tech polymer materials Covestro, with the companies intending to enter into a long-term agreement for the supply of green hydrogen and its derivatives,…
By Denham Sadler The federal government has signed contracts worth more than $60 million for the supply of rapid antigen tests this week without a tender process due to “extreme urgency or events unforeseen”. Included in the companies selected by the government following a closed tender is one linked to a medical practice offering the…
If you departed, as we did for Christmas break with hopes rising that Australia was really moving on, January must be unfolding like some sort of nightmarish groundhog day. We wake up from a dream of sunnier skies for Australian manufacturing, only to face the realities of life in a fast-mutating pandemic that brings us…
The US shipyard of Perth international shipbuilder Austal has been honoured by the local business community as manufacturer of the year. Austal USA, based in Mobile, Alabama, announced it had been recognized as the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Manufacturer of the Year. According to a chamber vice president David Rodgers, Austal USA displayed…
Tritium signs global supply deal with Shell Fast electric vehicle charger manufacturer Tritium has signed a global framework agreement with Shell to provide fast charging technology and services. The Queensland company expects the deal with Shell, which operates 46,000 retail sites, will accelerate the supply of Tritium DC fast chargers to their business operations in…
Lockheed Martin Australia boosts has announced two new Australian SMEs, Blacktree Technology and DXC Technology Australia, have joined its team developing a sovereign, resilient military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The companies join LMA’s JP9102 team, a large and elite grouping of Australian SMEs and service providers supporting the US…
Australian owned defence contractor NIOA has revealed plans for a $50 million small arms and weapons factory, adding to the numerous new factories and expansions already underway by the Queensland group. The company said historical weapons manufacturing centres Lithgow in New South Wales and Benalla in Victoria as well as Brisbane are being considered as…