October 28, 2016
AMT: Firstly, what’s your view on the state of manufacturing in Victoria. Wade Noonan: There’s a lot said about manufacturing, and I guess the point that needs to be very clear from the outset is manufacturing is alive and well in Victoria. It’s a big employer. It employs more than 270,000 people. Manufacturing is in essence probably going through a period of transition. Someone said to me last week that advanced manufacturing was “the new black”, and I think that’s a reflection of the proud heritage of manufacturing in Victoria and a desire from those including in the Government to see a bright future for manufacturing in Victoria ongoing. AMT: What do you think are the great strengths we’ve got in the state? WN: In the three months that I’ve been the new Industry Minister, I have regularly visited manufacturing workplaces and I have been exceptionally impressed with the resilience of manufacturing, the capacity of large and small businesses to find new markets and new opportunities, the fact that they leverage the great…
October 28, 2016
Available in Australia through Industrial Laser, the All-In-Light cutting package from Precitec combines disc laser technology, laser light fibres and state-of-the-art cutting heads. The package is made possible due to a new, long-term strategic co-operation partnership between Precitec and German laser specialists Trumpf. Manufacturers of laser cutting machines can now benefit from this strategic co-operation, which makes the disc laser technology available for manufacturers of flatbed and tube cutting machines. The Precitec-Trumpf collaboration delivers the complete optical chain for laser cutting from a single source, and more specifically enables the advance of new developments in order to provide a perfectly co-ordinated, optimal package with a range of sophisticated features. Moreover, it has the benefit of combining state-of-the-art laser technology with innovative cutting head technology, along with the additional advantages provided by a ‘One-Stop-Shop’, leading to a reduction in complexity and easier sourcing and purchasing of parts. Precitec will continue to maintain its independence and co-operate closely with all laser source manufacturers. Therefore, the company can optimally respond to its…
October 28, 2016
Based in Dandenong South, Melbourne, Silvan Australia has been a pioneer in the development and manufacture of agricultural machinery since its establishment in 1962. In more recent years it has diversified into distribution of products from overseas manufacturers, as well as light manufacture of hardware products. The company’s involvement with the Entrepreneurs’ Programme began with a series of meetings between AMTIL business adviser Vineet Ahuja, and Silvan’s CEO Michael J Tricarico, its CFO David Young, and General Manager Frank Scotta. Through detailed discussions, data collection and site visits, Vineet developed a full understanding of Silvan, its operations, and the opportunities for assistance and support. “Vineet certainly understands companies like us,” says David. “I assume he’s had a lot of exposure to privately owned and operated businesses. He could see a lot of things we were doing right, and where we could improve.” A Business Evaluation was submitted in August 2015, containing the Winning Measures benchmarking analysis for Silvan’s operations both in Australia and…
October 28, 2016
As a member of the AMGC, Thales will be able to play a pivotal role in influencing the future trajectory of Australian manufacturing and will directly benefit from the Centre’s upcoming Sector Competitiveness Plan. “The signing of Thales is a positive outcome for the Australian manufacturing industry,” said Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director of AMGC. “Fostering collaboration and connecting our local manufacturing firms and scientific research community with large multinational manufacturers is key to growing the sector and improving our global competitiveness.” Thales is a global technology leader for the aerospace, transport, defence and security markets. Thales in Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services. Employing around 3,200 people, Thales in Australia recorded revenues of more than $1bn in 2015. Thales has a strong commitment to manufacturing and innovation in Australia. The company has invested millions of dollars in manufacturing over many years, in areas such as sonar systems for navy ships…
October 28, 2016
In 2013, the global market for railway technology was approximately €150bn. This is expected to see an annual growth of 2.7% over the next few years, reaching an average annual value of €176bn before 2019. The railway segment has been a focus for Dormer Pramet for many years, with the company offering customers a wide range of cutting tools to help with both production and maintenance. Tomáš Hantek is International Application Manager for Railway at Dormer Pramet. “Railway wheels and rails are the most important components in any railway operation, as they represent the interface between vehicle and track,” he says. “Therefore, both rail and wheel surfaces must always be of the highest quality. Any roughness or irregularity in surface quality can create undesirable forces, friction, vibrations and wear, developing unwanted effects on…
October 21, 2016
According to the US consultancy IDC, there is a growing preference across the Asia Pacific region to invest in manufacturing automation compared with investment in innovation processes, as it offers more tangible benefits and a clear return-on-investment (ROI). In particular, in countries where wages are increasing such as Australia, Singapore and China, companies are looking for fast productivity gains that allow organisations to remain competitive while guaranteeing high wages. Unlike traditional factories, the smart factory sees employees working side-by-side with collaborative robots or ‘cobots’, using these robots as a multi-functional tool, like a screwdriver, packaging device or palletiser. Ensuring the safety of this type of working environment becomes particularly vital when bearing in mind that 85% of manufacturers now believe the connected workforce will be commonplace in the industry by 2020. In fact, IDC suggests that plant modernisation is a key technology priority for 2016…
October 21, 2016
“Once a niche market, 3D printing has continued its rapid transformation into a broad-based mainstream technology embraced by consumers and enterprises around the world,” said Pete Basiliere, research vice-president at Gartner. “The evolution of hardware and software along with an ever-expanding collection of usable materials has driven growth in both the consumer and enterprise 3D printing markets.” 3D printing is experiencing widespread acceptance beyond its application in specialist industries. It is being used to create prototypes, augment manufacturing processes and produce finished products. Industries in a broad range employ 3D printing to a modest extent. Gartner expects wider and more diverse growth to continue as new technology providers and processes emerge. Seven technologies constitute the current 3D printer market, with material extrusion forecast to lead the market through 2020, largely due to the low cost of entry-level material extrusion printers. Stereolithography printer…
October 21, 2016
Modern international rail manufacturing has increasingly evolved to focus on the production of high-tech, high-value components. For Australian manufacturing to keep up, there is much work to do to continue the evolution of advanced manufacturing in rail, focusing specifically on innovative research and development (R&D) activities. This is why the formation of the Rail Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) is great news for both the sector and Australia as a whole. It started with a roadmap The strategic direction for Australian rail manufacturing was outlined in the On Track to 2040 – Preparing the Australian Rail Supply Industry for Challenges and Growth Roadmap. Commissioned by the former Department of Innovation Industry Science and Research (DIISR), through the Rail Supplier Advocate, the roadmap was developed through intensive collaboration between industry stakeholders, government and the higher education and research sectors. It represented the consensus view of 210 industry…
October 21, 2016
The ATC recently shortlisted 38 of Australia’s most exciting technology companies for the ATC16 Business Accelerator. These semi-finalists are industry-leading innovators with the capability to become game-changers across the sectors of advanced manufacturing, energy, food & agricultural technology, mining, medical technology, cyber-security and smart cities. The Advanced Manufacturing category is being supported by AMTIL to help showcase some of the country’s most exciting manufacturing companies. Now in its sixth year, the ATC finds, mentors and develops Australia’s best technology companies with the greatest global potential. The Business Accelerator program aims to help turn good technologies into great businesses. The judging panel features the country’s leading experts in commercialisation, finance, intellectual property and technology development, from companies such as Deloitte, Bird & Bird and FB Rice. With a focus on building global success stories, the judges are looking for not only the best technologies but also the best managers and the best business plans. This year’s 146 entries have so far jointly spent $190m developing their technologies and…
October 21, 2016
The Manufacturers’ Pavilion highlights the capabilities of Australia’s precision engineering and advanced manufacturing industry, offering component manufacturers, precision engineering firms, toolmakers, advanced manufacturers and general engineering companies the opportunity to promote their unique capabilities. Next year’s Pavilion promises to offer a diverse cross-section of Australian manufacturing today, with exhibits from ANCA & ANCA Motion, Andrew Donald Design Engineers, Capral Aluminium, Catten Industries, Harrop Engineering, JBO Engineering, Mastercut Technologies, Parish Engineering, Stahl Engineering, Thyssenkrupp Materials Australia, TRJ Engineering and Ultimate Laser. “Over 40% of the stands have already been booked, meaning next year’s event is already well on its way to surpassing the 2015 Pavilion,” says Anne Samuelsson, AMTIL Sales Manager. “We are delighted to see so many of our manufacturers moving so fast to confirm their participation. Any companies who are keen to take part are advised to book their space as soon as possible to ensure they secure a good spot.” The strong sales for the Manufacturers’ Pavilion are being matched by the rest of the Austech exhibition. A…
October 14, 2016
The automotive industry’s legacy is steeped in value-adding activities learnt from exporting engines, vehicles and other components. Upon deeper analysis, the lessons learned from this industry’s systems and processes can be, and are being adapted and adopted to benefit other sectors. Scratch the surface of other industries’ managers, engineers and technologies and you will find a pedigree, passion and language that is positive about their time in the automotive sector. The Bathurst 1000 will still run but maybe not so much with the Ford Blue V and GM Holden Red, but in a different canvas and colours. Motor racing will still be in Australia, just with different players. The motor vehicle industry has brought us advanced manufacturing technologies that we need to race – so to speak – in different value-adding markets. One automotive legacy can be found in the symbiotic relationship that Perth bio-medical company Ozgene has established with Toyota, Nissan, GM…
October 14, 2016
Mitcham Laser Cutting and Metal Fabrication is a growing family-owned Australian business based in Mitcham, Victoria, with a vision to meet the increasing demands of its expanding client base. Founded by Robert and John Keating, the company’s origins go back to 2002, with the purchase of its first profile-cutting machine, a turret punch-laser combination. In 2006 it added a 3kW CO2 laser, and a short time later the company moved into its current premises, where it expanded into sheet metal fabrication. Since then Mitcham Laser has grown to offer complete sheet metal services from product design through to fabrication. The Mitcham Laser team takes pride in producing high-quality, highly accurate products. It works with fine tolerances and always strives to provide the best services possible. The company offers complete services from concepts, design and prototyping through all aspects of manufacturing and delivery to ensure its high standard is always met. The company has always been committed to investing in…
October 14, 2016
The announcement was made by Russell Riddiford, President of ANCA, Inc., the North America branch of ANCA. ANCA will be expanding the inventory and spare parts warehouse capacity at the Wixom plant, adding a dedicated customer focus and training centre, and doubling its machine demonstration area. From Wixom, ANCA also services Mexico and Brazil. “This expansion represents ANCA’s commitment to the Americas markets and to servicing our customers promptly and fully,” Riddiford said. ANCA signed an agreement on 25 September with Schonsheck, Inc., also of Wixom, to be the contractor for the ANCA building expansion which will total 11,793 square feet. The addition will include an enhanced machine rebuild area and machine configuration area for preparing the machines for customer delivery. The expansion also adds to ANCA’s spindle rebuild area and electrical repair facility, permitting the company to respond quickly to customer needs. The expansion also includes a larger employee accommodation. According to Riddiford, the expansion will allow ANCA to add employees to its warehouse, spindle rebuild, and machine configuration areas…
