Government News

A significant milestone for the Elexon Group of Companies has been hit as it relaunches its facility nine months after the devastating fire that fatally damaged the whole business. Stepping into the new era of Elexon 2.0, the group, led by its manufacturing branch, Elexon Electronics, is not just setting goals but setting the bar high. With an ambitious vision of achieving zero delays, zero defects, and zero returns, Elexon is propelling itself into the future with an Industry 4.0 facility and a bright outlook that aligns with the goals of product quality enhancement through the Elexon2Zero program. “Embarking on the Elexon 2.0 journey, the company is shifting its focus from recovery towards quality and continuous improvement, setting the stage for the future in alignment with the innovative Elexon2Zero program,” said Frank Faller, the CEO of Elexon Electronics. The event was a huge success, and we were honoured to have an incredible lineup of speakers, including Minister for Manufacturing Glenn Butcher, Minister Nikki Boyd, CEO of Regional Development Australia Jacqueline Steele, and Professor Karen Becker. The Elexon Group of Companies has…

Wagner Corporation’s $550m Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct is taking off as a global epicentre for advanced manufacturing with the groundbreaking ceremony for Boeing’s new production facility in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane. The sod was turned on the 9,000 sqm facility that will anchor the aerospace and defence precinct where Boeing will manufacture its uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft, putting the region on the world stage and unlocking global opportunities in the sector. It is the first time in more than 50 years a military combat aircraft has been designed, developed and manufactured in Australia. Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner, who was joined by Scott Carpendale, Vice President, Boeing Global Services – Government Services Asia Pacific region and Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Cameron Dick, at today’s ceremony, said the potential ability to co-locate alongside suppliers attracted Boeing to Wellcamp Business Park. “We have world-class supply chain operators already located on-site, with the construction of this new facility set to be a catalyst for significant further investment from companies wanting to be part…

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) working on advanced manufacturing solutions to apply for a self-paced, 10-week, online program that can help them turn an idea into an R&D opportunity. 'Innovate to Grow' was launched in 2020, and in just four years the free program has equipped over 500 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research. CSIRO recently announced a $20m investment to provide SMEs with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth. The funding will support an additional 600 SMEs through its Innovate to Grow program, kicking off with its Advanced Manufacturing cohort. CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing. “Advanced manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Dr Zipper said. “It’s an exciting area of research and development for CSIRO, and we work collaboratively to connect SMEs with new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes while driving prosperity…

Precision cutting tools are an integral part of our world at ANCA. Manufacturing just one aircraft will consume hundreds of thousands of cutting tools. Anything you can imagine that might need to be machined will require a grinding machine to provide the cutting tools. Family, fulfillment, and a fascination with technology are all part of a formula that has seen ANCA lead the demanding niche of CNC tool and cutter grinders for a half-century. In its time, the Australia-based global business has made an enormous yet largely hidden contribution to the world, selling over 10,000 5-axis CNC machines to over 2,500 customers. Around 1.1 billion tools have been created using ANCA’s grinders. “You would be very unlikely to find any bit of advanced equipment, anywhere in the world, that hasn’t been touched by a cutting tool which has been manufactured on one of our machines,” explains co-founder Pat Boland, whose company’s customers include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Iscar, Sandvik, Sutton Tools and many other household names. Boland and Pat McCluskey – then an electrical engineer and an industrial electronics tradesman…

Victoria’s most advanced and innovative manufacturers are being encouraged to nominate for the 2024 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards, supported by the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins has opened nominations for this year’s awards – the state’s largest celebration of local manufacturers, recognising individuals and companies that embrace new technologies, excel in business innovation, drive exports and boost the state’s economy. “These awards shine a spotlight on our brightest manufacturing talent and I encourage individuals and businesses to nominate and get recognised for their achievements,” Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins. “Victoria is the home of advanced manufacturing in Australia and we’re continuing to support this sector because we know how critical it is to growing our economy and creating great local jobs.” There will be 14 awards presented including ‘Leader in Construction Technologies’, ‘Leader in Health Technologies’, ‘Leader in Textile, Clothing and Footwear’, ‘Leader in Transport and Rail’, ‘Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year’, the flagship ‘Leader in Manufacturing’ and the new category for 2024 ’Leader in Gender Equality and Inclusion’. Now in its 22nd…

Grants of up to $5m to help innovative startups and high-growth small and medium businesses (SMEs) to commercialise their big ideas are now available through the Industry Growth Program (IGP), a part of the Albanese Government’s a Future Made in Australia agenda. The IGP grants will translate more world-leading Australian know-how into viable businesses, growing the pipeline of investment-ready projects for the $15bn National Reconstruction Fund to consider. These grants will provide targeted support for SMEs across the NRF’s seven priority areas to overcome the challenges associated with growing and scaling up through two grant streams: Early-stage commercialisation grants from $50,000 to $250,000 to help establish the commercial viability of an innovative product, process, or service. Commercialisation and Growth grants from $100,000 to $5m to help push ideas from prototyping through to market readiness stages. Grants will help develop strategies for entry to market and scaling up into national and international markets. Grant funding through these programs is matched with the IGP’s specialised advice and mentoring program, which has already supported more than 340 businesses since opening in November…

AMTIL would like to thank all attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and everyone else who made the Sydney show such a success.  We’ve had so much feedback and conversations about what the metal fabrication industry is doing in Australia, and how so many are also exporting resulting products to the world. The number of people walking through the door at the show over the three days in Sydney was 7732.  That's about 28% increase on the show's Sydney audience in 2022. AMW2024 has been an absolute blast. Very successful on so many levels for the exhibitors. The many attendees we spoke to were pretty stunned there was so much activity on the ground in Australian manufacturing. Others were beaming with pride because they had such great interest and results.  The next big show of course for us is Melbourne 2025. Judging by the 70% filled rate for the MCEC venue right now, AMW2025 in Melbourne will be a massive show. For a closer look at the visuals of AMW2024, click HERE See you in Melbourne!…

With much fanfare, today the Australian Manufacturing Week event opened at the ICC in the beautiful Darling Harbour precinct. The show was officially opened by the NSW Government Industry Executive Director Maroun El-Khoury, standing in for the Hon Houssos, the very first Minister for Local Manufacturing, and a message from NSW Premier Chris Minns. “I want to extend my best regards to everyone attending Australian Manufacturing Week,” said Minns. “This state is home to more than 28,000 manufacturing businesses and it employs close to 300,000 people.” Minns also noted that the State generates more than $135bn of output each year. “If we work together, we are convinced manufacturing has a bright future in New South Wales,” he said. Introduced by MC Warrick Perry, the gathered crowd experienced an educational Welcome to Country and Idiki Ceremony by the Aboriginal Land Council councillor Brendan Levin to Gadigal Land on the Eyora Nation. Not long before, guests enjoyed an exclusive breakfast upstairs with Simon Kuestenmacher, the Director and Co-Founder of The Demographics Group who presented his findings on…

In August 2023, Elizabeth was inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame for Service to Industry. She spoke with Sonya Murphy for AMT. AMT: What were your initial thoughts when you received the Honour Roll at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards this year in Melbourne? Elizabeth Lewis-Gray: I was expecting to have been nominated for a regional manufacturing award, or the women in manufacturing award. As the night went on, those awards came up and I wasn’t nominated for them. Then I thought maybe it was the medium manufacturer’s award, but soon realised I hadn’t been nominated for that either. I looked at the program and came to the realisation that I was up for the top gong for the night. It was an exciting, and very special night shared with my husband, daughters,…

Lorraine comes with a wealth of experience in an industry membership peak body and the not-for-profit sector, having spent the past 15 years with AusBiotech, an Australian biotechnology industry organisation, including the past five and a half years as their CEO. After an exhaustive selection process, the AMTIL Board is pleased to see Lorraine Maxwell take office on 1st May. Lorraine led AusBiotech’s work to grow and promote Australia’s strength in biotechnology, influence policy change with state and Federal governments, serve and build its 3000-strong membership, galvanise networks, and succeed through strategic engagement and partnerships. She has played a key role in developing and advocating for manufacturing policy and support, specifically in medical manufacturing. She is currently chairing CSIRO’s Manufacturing Business Unit Advisory Group, and serves as a Ministerial appointment to the Trade 2040 Taskforce. Lorraine’s broader experience includes policy and communications roles with a multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer, a not-for profit membership organisation, a university faculty…

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) working on advanced manufacturing solutions to apply for a self-paced, 10-week, online program that can help them turn an idea into an R&D opportunity. 'Innovate to Grow' was launched in 2020, and in just four years the free program has equipped over 500 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research. CSIRO recently announced a $20m investment to provide SMEs with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth. The funding will support an additional 600 SMEs through its Innovate to Grow program, kicking off with its Advanced Manufacturing cohort. CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing. “Advanced manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Dr Zipper said. “It’s an exciting area of research and development for CSIRO, and we work collaboratively to connect SMEs with new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes, while driving prosperity…

Register Online Now and check out more details at australianmanufacturingweek.com.au I hope you have already registered to spend at least a few hours discovering new stuff at AMW2024 in Sydney. The time taken out of the office and warehouses will be richly rewarded with new connections, education and experiences you can only have when you go to Australia’s biggest and most respected manufacturing show. The Darling Harbour forecourt in Sydney is even been busy drumming up unique entertainment, great food and drier weather for the show as well. Over the first two days, there is a very full program of speakers covering many areas of solutions for manufacturers in the Future Solutions Speaker Program, which was so well received last year in Melbourne. Check out the program HERE: There are Seven distinct Zones in the halls of the Sydney ICC, each focused on specific areas of manufacturing. AMW2024 has 271 exhibitors coming for the three-day event with their crews and stands filling the huge space. We are expecting many thousands to turn up for the big three-day Sydney event.…

Registrations are still open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney. This is the big one for manufacturers. AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,764 square metres of exhibition space at the ICC, with over 270 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. AMW2024 will provide a platform to explore new technologies, meet industry leaders, and witness cutting-edge innovations in manufacturing, all available right now. After registering to visit AMW2024, you can log in and tap through to My Show Planner. Tap through and collect the exhibitors you want to check out. All the Future Solution Speaker Sessions, all the amazing gear coming to Sydney this week. That way, you’ll have them all in ONE place, carrying it with you. So if you haven’t done it already, REGISTER NOW online to visit Australian Manufacturing Week in Sydney and plan your days on the My Show Planner, then download the AMW App, log in again and you’ll have a rundown of your AMW program in your pocket. This…