January 13, 2017
I had the good fortune to start my career in a major global corporation. In my case, it wasn’t Toyota, but the German chemical giant Hoechst AG. When I look around the TXM team, I see successful professionals who all started their careers with leading global companies such as Boeing, Ford, Autoliv, Toyota and GM. So what is it that makes the really great companies so successful? What enables them to grow and grow? The answer, of course, is their people. A few years ago I saw a speech by John P Duddy, the President of Boeing Aerostructures Australia. One statement he made particularly caught my attention. He was coming to the end of his tenure in Australia, but stated that this change would not affect the business as his replacement would be “another Boeing person”. What he meant (or what I took him to mean) is that his replacement…
January 13, 2017
To compete with global manufacturing hubs, leading Auckland-based injection moulding company, TCI New Zealand (TCI) were looking for an automated solution that would offer a more cost-effective means of producing its customers’ products. TCI found the solution in Universal Robots (UR) - a global developer and manufacturer of six-axis industrial robots. TCI has now deployed two of Universal’s industrial robotic arms: the UR3 and UR5, to perform labelling and assembly tasks for the company’s EasiYo Yoghurt Maker line, as well as its storage bins. With a UR robot assisting, several key processes in the manufacture of these products have been automated, relieving employees of repetitive assembly processes and ensuring smooth production flow. The UR3 was the first machine implemented by TCI, with the costs of the robot recouped six months after it was first purchased. Satisfied with this return on investment, TCI then decided to purchase the UR5, with the payback period expected to be under 12…
January 13, 2017
This year’s theme is Growing Advanced Manufacturing, which highlights the opportunities for innovation in Victorian manufacturing. Award categories include Young Manufacturer of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Company Induction and addition to the Honour Roll. Awards will also be given to companies operating in high-growth future industries sectors, such as medical technology and pharmaceuticals, transport, defence and construction technologies, food and fibre, new energy technologies, professional services and international education. The nominations will be judged across a range of criteria indicative of best practice manufacturing, including innovation, adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, business and environmental sustainability, and skills development. “The Andrews Labor Government is working with industry to create jobs, support growth and promote forward thinking in manufacturing, we want to recognise and acknowledge the achievements made across the sector,” said Acting Minister for Industry and Employment Philip Dalidakis. “Manufacturing is growing from strength to strength in Victoria, in the last 12 months the workforce has grown by 42,500 workers to employing more than 305,000 people.” The Hall of Fame Awards, which…
