By Kris Gale Followers of the saga surrounding the Bill that cuts the value of the R&D Tax Incentive have a long time to wait until uncertainties are cleared up. The Bill pares back value for the Refundable R&D Tax Offset and slashes support for the vast majority of Non-Refundable Offset claimants off the back…
Hearing implant manufacturer Cochlear plunged to a loss during the 2020 financial year as its results were hit by Covid-19 and a massive patent battle loss. The Sydney company today reported a net loss of $238.3 million for the year which included $416.3 million in expenses and penalties in a failed patent battle in the…
Australia’s east coast gas users are paying prices significantly above export parity prices according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The ACCC’s Gas Inquiry 2017-2025 Interim Report shows that prices offered to domestic gas users in late 2019 and early 2020 ranged from $8 to $11/GJ. While this was down slightly from the $9…
Industrial textile producer Geofabrics has extended its range of recycled products utilised in infrastructure projects with the release of Sealmac Green. A 100 per cent Australian made nonwoven paving fabric, Sealmac Green is made from recycled plastic water bottles, reducing waste to landfill and strengthening Australia’s recycling supply chain. For over thirty years nonwoven needle…
A new invasive medical ventilator developed by the medical arm of mining equipment supplier Gekko Systems of Ballarat, has undergone testing in the medical training facility at Ballarat Base Hospital. The GeVentor, developed by Gekko’s technical director, Sandy Gray, underwent usability testing in collaboration with BIRCH, Deakin University, and anaesthetist Doug Paxton A simulation dummy,…
Metal additive manufacturing specialist, Amaero International has received its first purchase order for the manufacture of two rocket motor components for Queensland’s Gilmour Space Technologies. The company will provide further 3D printed components to the rocket developer, subject to the success of the initial project. Amaero said it was hopeful its components would be utilised…
Rare earths producer Lynas Corp is to raise $425 million from investors, even as it reported subdued results down on the previous year because of shutdowns forced on the company by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Perth company reported an EDITDA of $59.8 for the 2020 financial year, down from $100.7 million, on revenue of $305…
BlueScope Steel has weathered a tough year in the Australian and US markets to deliver a strong underlying EBIT of $564 million for FY20. Underlying EBIT was down 71 per cent in the US and 43 per cent in Australia as steel margins were suppressed by higher raw material costs and weaker steel prices. Nonetheless…
Magnis Energy Technologies has received Queensland government approval for its feasibility study into the construction of a $3 billion, 18GWh lithium-ion battery cell gigafactory in Townsville. The Queensland Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation approved the study, allowing the constructor, Imperium3 Townsville (IM3TSV), to proceed with financial discussions to support investment in the plant,…
By Peter Roberts Manufacturing is undergoing massive transformation in a fourth industrial revolution, sometimes called Industry 4.0. The combination of robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics offers a platform to rebuild Australia’s manufacturing sector. It needs to, as the days when Australia could prosper as a resource commodity exporter with local…