Industry News

Businesses looking to turn ‘blue sky' ideas into reality are tapping into on-site expertise, facilities and student talent at Monash Innovation Labs, located at the heart of Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs. Opened in 2023, the Monash Innovation Labs, formerly the Monash Smart Manufacturing Hub, is designed to support and enable companies across all sectors and at all life stages to advance their ideas, their products and their processes. A partnership with Monash Innovation Labs allows a company to licence state-of-the-art offices, workshops and/or ‘wet lab’ spaces to design, test and develop new innovations, with full technical support and purpose-built infrastructure. Recognising that innovation doesn’t only depend on physical resources, Monash Innovation Labs also offers access to the talent and thinking of students and researchers in disciplines from engineering and science to business and IT. In January 2024, companies including Jupiter Ionics, Proton Intelligence and Enzide Technologies joined Monash Innovation Labs’ first licensee ElectraLith, which is pioneering clean and efficient technology for direct lithium extraction and refining. ElectraLith traces its origins to groundbreaking research on lithium-selective membranes…

University of Queensland researchers are working with industry to develop biodegradable ‘plastic’ bags for use in mushroom farming, which could open lucrative opportunities in packaging and manufacturing. Dr Nasim Amiralian from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology is collaborating with Queensland producer Scenic Rim Mushrooms to reduce the company’s reliance on plastic ‘grow bags’. “Grow bags are widely used across the fungiculture industry, but most are made from non-biodegradable materials which can only be burned or sent to landfill,” Dr Amiralian said. "This adds to the 80,000-plus tonnes of plastic waste generated by Australian agriculture each year. “This 12-month project is about designing a grow bag that provides optimum growing conditions, while also breaking down in soil.” Dr Amiralian said existing biodegradable plastics made from corn starch, potato starch, or even mycelium – the vegetative part of mushrooms - are often brittle and lack long-term integrity. “But using fibres from agricultural waste like sugarcane is an affordable, high quality and sustainable way to ensure plastic grow bags can withstand high temperatures and humidity,” she said. Scenic Rim Mushrooms founder Matthew Davis said the…

Australia's manufacturing industry continues to adapt to an ever-evolving business environment. Despite challenges, the sector remains focused on meeting global demands while keeping costs low and waste to a minimum. One noticeable shift has been Australian manufacturers’ ability to seek out improved efficiencies and increased productivity through the adoption of advanced technologies designed for manufacturers. According to the 2023 CommBank Manufacturing Insights Report, Australian manufacturers are prioritising investment in new technology as their top business focus for the upcoming year, with 87% of manufacturers planning to increase their technology-related spending. This inclination is even higher in regional locations, where 99% of manufacturers intend to boost their investments in new technology. Additionally, businesses in the manufacturing sector are looking to enhance efficiency, productivity, quality and capacity as key objectives in the next 12 months. The Manufacturing Insights Report also found that manufacturers are not only focusing on established technologies but are also exploring emerging ones to drive efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. The report also found that anticipated growth areas in technology adoption…

When you fly out of Melbourne airport, look for the rooftop installations of iconic brands like Elders recreated in solar panels mounted using systems from Australia's leading commercial solar mounting manufacturer. In the renewable energy landscape, Sunlock is synonymous with innovation and efficiency, with its solar mounting systems gracing the rooftops of Australia's most prominent commercial and government buildings. Sunlock's work with renowned brands, including Ikea, Aldi, McDonald's, Goodmans, Woolworths, Bunnings, and KFC, and its widespread presence on commercial and government rooftops across Australia underscores its market-leading position. Sunlock, as described by general manager Mani Kaparakis, is not just a company but a revolution in the solar industry. “We're fresh, we're innovative, we are very different in how we approach the market and our products and our customers,” said Kaparakis. This ethos of innovation is deeply ingrained in Sunlock's operations, from its unique C-Channel designed for commercial installations to its rapid three-year ascent to becoming Australia's leading commercial solar mounting manufacturer. Sunlock's specialised focus on commercial solar mounting systems is a critical factor in its success. “We only make commercial solar mounting systems…

Australian Manufacturing Week is being held at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour from 17th - 19th April and promises to be another great exhibition with 260 exhibitors across seven product zones including machine tools, additive technologies, welding & air technology, manufacturing solutions, plastic technology, robotics & automation and a dedicated area for Australian manufacturers called the Manufacturers Pavilion. In addition to the exhibition, a Future Solutions speaker program will also be an integral part of a visit with many great topics and speakers lined up already. Registration to AMW and the Speaker Program is free to attend by visiting australianmanufacturingweek.com.au Our AMT Magazine continues to be one of the most highly regarded industry publications in the country and we take great pride in this. A nationally controlled circulation list, with a readership of over 20,000 per issue, combined with quality…

Registrations are now open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the Sydney ICC in Darling Harbour. Run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,560 square metres of exhibition space at the Sydney ICC at Darling Harbour. More than 220 organisations have already taken stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!   Register NOW!   There are seven Zones on the vast floorspace of Australian Manufacturing Week, which takes up almost of the Sydney ICC. Each Zone focuses on particular aspects of manufacturing in Australia. These include: Austech Machine Tools, sponsored by finlease; Additive Manufacturing Zone; Australian Manufacturers Zone; Manufacturing Solutions Zone, sponsored by The Execution Factor; Robotics & Automation Zone, sponsored by IFS; Weld and Air Solutions Zone; and the Plastic Technology Zone. PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY ZONE The Plastics Technology Zone @ AMW2024 will be showcasing the most advanced technologies within this sector. The various techniques within Plastics Technology include:…

Robotic Automation’s client, a prominent distributor in the logistics industry, faced significant operational challenges in their warehouse facility. The lack of organisation and haphazard arrangement of pallets resulted in inefficiencies, with difficulties in locating stock leading to unnecessary delays and increased manufacturing costs. Safety concerns arose from tall pallet stacks and incidents of forklift operators damaging racking structures. To address these issues, the client sought a solution that would streamline warehouse operations, improve stock management, enhance safety, and integrate seamlessly with new, RA-specified ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) shuttle system. The key obstacles in this project were twofold: firstly, the requirement to integrate the new AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) system with the ASRS shuttle system, and secondly, the need to transition the entire warehouse inventory into the new system without interrupting ongoing operations. System installation: a tailored solution A phased approach was adopted to implement the solution effectively. The following steps were taken: AGV deployment A fleet of four MAXAGVs was introduced into the facility. These state-of-the-art vehicles are designed to autonomously navigate the warehouse…

Who is entitled to a fuel tax credit? The scheme provides businesses with a credit for the fuel tax that is included in the price of fuel. Fuel tax credits may be claimed where the following conditions are met: you acquire, manufacture or import ‘taxable fuel’ - this is fuel that is liable for duty under excise or customs legislation (e.g. diesel and petrol), with certain minor exceptions; you acquire, manufacture or import this fuel for use in carrying on your enterprise; and you are registered for GST, or required to be registered. The fuels must also constitute ‘eligible fuels’, and you must undertake ‘eligible activities’. What are the ‘eligible fuels’ that attract fuel tax credits? To claim fuel tax credits, the fuel must be ‘taxable fuel’, on which excise or customs duty has been paid. Eligible liquid…

US-based Sharrow Marine, a subsidiary of Sharrow Engineering LLC, a leading manufacturer of revolutionary propellers for boats and ships, has announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Australia-based VEEM Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of disruptive, high-technology marine propulsion and stabilisation systems. Under the partnership, VEEM™ has secured the exclusive global rights to manufacture and commercialise the innovative Sharrow Propeller for inboard propellers up to five metres in diameter. The companies will work together to produce a groundbreaking, state-of-the-art series of SHARROW by VEEM propellers that are dramatically quieter and more fuel-efficient than any inboard propeller currently on the market. The partnership unites the two leaders of innovation and excellence in marine propulsion and manufacturing, marking a significant moment for the industry. Combining Sharrow’s revolutionary propeller technology with VEEM's proven history of manufacturing excellence and innovation across marine propulsion, the SHARROW by VEEM propellers will initially be produced for superyacht and commercial vessels in the 10 – 30m range. The SHARROW by VEEM propellers will deliver significant fuel savings and a…

Located in Melbourne’s north, Thomastown and Epping are an established and industrious manufacturing base, collectively home to over 7,600 businesses, employing 39,000 workers. Manufacturing is the leading sector in Thomastown and fifth highest in Epping. The local eco-system is recognised as a key ingredient in the ongoing vitality of the area, which continues to diversify, expand and develop, despite challenging tough market conditions. The region plays a pivotal role in business and employment opportunities for Melbourne’s north, with government investment in infrastructure and roads supporting rapid growth. The recent announcement of Federal Government investment in the Beverage Intermodal Freight Terminal will increase connection to regional, national and international markets, and reduce reliance on air and road transport. Thomastown is 15km from the CBD and one of the largest consolidated areas of industrial-zoned land in Metropolitan Melbourne. "An exporter of more than twenty years, we love having Aromababy's head office in Thomastown and the ease of ensuring urgent air freight reaches Tullamarine quickly. As a regular business traveller both interstate and overseas, it's also a super convenient commute from home to office to boarding…

Advanced lighting technology company VAILO has been named by the AFR as one of Australia and New Zealand’s most innovative Manufacturing & Consumer Goods companies. The award was in recognition of VAILO’s development of the innovative Zenith Gen-V LED sports light, now one of the best-in-class LED sports lights internationally, and was designed and manufactured in Australia. With more than 230,000 source lumens, the 1,500-watt Zenith Gen-V LED luminaire has been designed for sports stadia and fields but is also suitable for applications such as airports, seaports and mining operations. VAILO was ranked sixth in the AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies (Manufacturing & Consumer Goods), having been selected from more than 700 nominated companies across Australia and New Zealand. Now in its twelfth year, the 2023 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List assesses the innovation prowess of Australian and New Zealand organisations. It is judged and compiled by behaviour change consultancy Inventium. The award comes after a year in which VAILO continued to expand its presence into the eastern states from its South Australian base. VAILO CEO and Founder Aaron…

One of the world’s most recognised and innovative materials scientists and an engineer and inventor has been announced as this year’s City of Parramatta Australia Day Ambassador. 2022 NSW Australian of the Year and UNSW Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla, is a highly awarded researcher at the forefront of recycling science, who launched the world’s first e-waste microfactory. The professor’s work has led to the development of green ceramic tiles and green steel, made from recycled glass, textiles and steel. Professor Sahajwalla has been invited to address the City of Parramatta’s Citizen of the Year awards on 25 January and as a guest on 26 January. She said she’s excited to visit Parramatta and celebrate with locals. “It’s such an honour to be an Australia Day Ambassador for Parramatta,” Professor Sahajwalla said. “It’s also a privilege to share my story around science and engineering and how our UNSW SMaRT Centre MICROfactorieTM Technologies are helping to tackle our waste and recycling challenges.” Already the City has benefitted from these revolutionary green materials, with Mirvac’s Pavilions apartment building in Sydney Olympic Park leading the pack…

Mario Turcarelli started working with cars at a very young age. From carrying a dream of becoming a motor mechanic, his father Isidoro pushed him to complete his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Caulfield Institute of Technology, (now Monash University) as a ticket beyond that motor mechanic he’d always wanted to be. He is eternally grateful for that pressure. Turcarelli started his dream job at Holden in November of 1979 down at Fisherman’s Bend, just outside of Melbourne. “Back then, we had to run all the power, torque and durability tests for engines, then tear them down and make sure they performed,” explained Turcarelli, from his office at Dolphin Products, now many years later. But we’ll come back to Dolphin in a moment. Turcarelli’s mechanical engineering career took off like a rocket. “Holden had just moved from the red XT4 to the blue XT5 engines which had more power and better economy,” he said, “and I ran a whole series of tests comparing them and showing…