Month: October 2020

With the aim of retaining QSP’s position as a key provider of metal spraying repairs for worn parts, Managing Director Neville Brokenshire looked to install the latest innovations in metal spraying technology, to ensure high-quality output and a more efficient, cost-effective process to integrate into its workshop services. Already utilising a fibre-coupled high-power diode laser by Laserline supplied by Raymax Applications for laser cladding with metal powder, Brokenshire sought advice from Dr Cédric Chaminade from Raymax in regard to improving output. A new coaxial nozzle was deemed the solution. High processing speeds with specifically designed coaxial nozzles used with Laserline fibre-coupled diode lasers provide distinct advantages, including low exposure time, strong metallurgical bonds between the cladding layers and substrate, low warpage, and short, highly energy-efficient cladding times. By introducing a new laser cladding nozzle, QSP has effectively extended the current available advantages to its customer base. A coaxial nozzle combines inert gas flows and metal powder with exceptional throughput capability. Additionally, protection glass monitoring…

The report, Averting an Escalating Labour Market Crisis for Young People in Australia: A Proposed National Job Cadet Program, argues that utilising parts of Australia’s apprenticeship platform in new occupations, not covered by the current system, will create the tens of thousands of jobs needed to avert a major crisis in the youth labour market. “There is very strong evidence that combining an employment contract with formal education and training improves employment outcomes,” said Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University and the report’s co-author. “This job cadetship program will help reverse the long-term deterioration in youth employment outcomes that the pandemic has intensified.” New research in the report shows that school leavers and recent graduates have been hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. While there has been a small improvement in other parts of the labour market, recent graduates have missed out with 100,000 fewer jobs available than before the pandemic. Most concerning is the increase in young people who are not in…

Within the Australia Pacific region, Airbus is one the most well-known suppliers of advanced helicopter solutions and Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services to both Defence and Civil clients. Building upon this heritage, Airbus is seeking to grow its space portfolio in Australia and New Zealand by integrating the capability and skill of local industry. Airbus acknowledges the strategic importance of Australian Industry Capability, and is committed to ensuring Australian companies and academia have the opportunity to partner in meaningful and sustainable ways with the largest space company in Europe and one of the world’s leading communication satellite companies. Complementing its industry engagement roadshows events across Australia, Airbus is now seeking expressions of interest from Australian organisations. This may lead to one-on-one discussions with Airbus to identify specific local workshare opportunities in the pursuit, delivery and support of space related opportunities. The project page has more information and an opportunity to indicate that a company is interested in one or more of the work packages listed. Example contract 1. Manufacturing - aluminium Components and small aluminium parts precision machining Surface treatment (Alodine 1200 or Sirtec 650) Aluminium/aluminium honeycomb structures Additive aluminium manufacturing Registering Interest This ICN portal…

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the plan on 1 October, which will see around $1.5bn in new funding invested over the next four years in a Modern Manufacturing Strategy to make Australian manufacturers more competitive, resilient and able to scale-up to take on the world. The centrepiece of the Strategy is the $1.3bn Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI), which will see the Government strategically invest in projects across six priority manufacturing sub-sectors, helping manufacturers to scale up and create jobs. Shane Infanti, CEO of AMTIL, was broadly positive about the plan, while stressing that the details to be unveiled in next week’s Budget will be critical. Infanti welcomed a $50m increase to the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund and greater commitments to government procurement and supply chains, while warning that the Strategy’s focus on six National Manufacturing Priorities should not leave other sectors at a disadvantage. “Identifying specific sectors we have a competitive advantage in and supporting these sectors with a robust, long-term plan…

Morrison made the announcement on 1 October in an address to the National Press Club. Under the plan, around $1.5bn in new funding will be invested over the next four years in the Modern Manufacturing Strategy, in a bid to make Australian manufacturers more competitive, resilient and able to scale-up to take on the world. “We make things in Australia. We do it well. We need to keep making things in Australia. And with this strategy, we will,” said Morrison. “The COVID crisis opens a new chapter for Australian manufacturing as a revitalised source of high-wage jobs, valuable exports and national income. “Our Modern Manufacturing Strategy is at the heart of our JobMaker plan. It starts with creating a stable and competitive business environment to grow our all parts of our manufacturing sector, but it does not end there. It will play to Australia’s strengths, improve collaboration and commercialisation, and create a sector that is modern, dynamic and highly skilled. “Through this Strategy, we are…

Victorian manufacturers continue to report the weakest results among the larger manufacturing states with the Victorian PMI falling further into contraction – down 6.4 points to 37.6  (readings above 50 points indicate expansion in activity, with higher results indicating a faster rate of expansion). NSW (down 6.7 points to 44.3) and Queensland (down 3.8 points to 43.3) also reported a decline in activity while South Australia rose further into expansion (up 2.1 points to 67.4), given its manufacturing sector’s greater number of clients related to agriculture. “The disappointing contraction of manufacturing and the slump in manufacturing employment in September is a timely reminder that recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, at least in its initial stages, will be tentative and prone to periodic setbacks,” said Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox. “Manufacturing activity was demonstrably dragged down by the Melbourne lockdown and associated restrictions in other parts of Victoria as well as the tougher…

In September 2001, aged just 18, Mike contracted one of the deadliest diseases on the planet, meningococcal septicaemia. His chances of survival were as little as 5%, and the infection left him with horrific internal and external injuries, including the amputation of both his legs. Mike spent six months in hospital, where he was told it could take years to perform even such basic tasks as walking and driving. His journey back to health was aided by a positive outlook, an adaptive mindset and a conscious decision to embrace challenge and change. Mike’s accomplishments as a double amputee include running again after many years, representing Australia in golf, climbing one of Australia’s tallest buildings, and supporting other amputees facing similar circumstances. Mike’s method of building resilience is simple yet effective: what can we take away from our life in order to improve it? He believes we are all far more powerful than we can ever imagine and must never underestimate our capabilities – a timely message for…

Based in Brendale, north of Brisbane, Bridgeman has been in operation for over 20 years. During this time the company has evolved into a specialist in stainless steel fabrication, with the ability to undertake fully customised designs, engineering and installation. Bridgeman’s work can be found in restaurants, shopping centres, domestic and commercial kitchens, and bespoke bars , as well as for leading food manufacturers in Queensland and across Australia. A key to Bridgeman’s success has been its ability to work within tight deadlines while producing complex solutions. To enhance this capability, the company recently moved into brand new purpose-built facilities with greater floor space. The nature of Bridgeman’s activities necessitated working around the clock and on weekends to meet tight deadlines. Third-party supply for profile parts also created delays. This prompted Bridgeman to investigate the purchase of a laser cutter for internal use. When Bridgeman began narrowing down the list of potential suppliers, Bystronic was identified as a leading manufacturer. To support the case for investment, several companies were asked to provide…

Kylie Bell, Executive Director Industry – Trade & Investment at NSW Treasury, said a limited number of grants were available, of between $100,000 and $500,000 each. “NSW has seen firsthand the challenges of ramping up supply of PPE when a pandemic strikes, which is why it remains imperative that we have a regular supply within NSW to meet the long-term challenges of COVID-19,” Bell said. “The grants for NSW-based manufacturers will ensure we have enough equipment available to support the needs of our frontline workers, industry and our citizens during uncertain times. “It will also stimulate the domestic manufacturing sector within the state and will support jobs as we deal with the immediate crisis and continue to navigate this new way of life.” Bell said the program would help NSW reduce its dependence on PPE imports and provide security for Australia’s needs into the future. “Increasing domestic production also supports the growing demand for PPE from industry and our citizens who are looking to return…

Through the Agreement, signed with ZEN Energy, 26 CSIRO-managed research sites in ACT, NSW, and Victoria will be supplied by renewable generation from two regional solar farms. This includes the iconic Parkes Observatory in regional NSW, the Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre in Tidbinbilla and the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, the site of key research in the rapid global response to COVID-19. The Agreement is the largest of its type in place for a Commonwealth Government agency. Dave Agnew, CSIRO’s Director of Business & Infrastructure Services, said the agreement will enable CSIRO to halve its annual carbon emissions associated with electricity use at CSIRO sites. “This is a very significant step towards being net-zero in our operations, and is in line with our broader remit to help Australia navigate to a low emissions future,” said Agnew. CSIRO’s energy research portfolio is delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable solutions for the nation. This includes innovation and simulations to support Australia’s electricity network transformation, and key…