Industry News

The decision to hold a virtual AGM was brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, and the significant possibility that social distancing restrictions may still be in place in October. However, as AMTIL Events Manager Kim Banks explains, the switch to an online meeting does also create new opportunities for the AGM. “The AGM is always one of the biggest events in the AMTIL calendar, so it’s disappointing that we won’t be holding it as a social gathering this year,” says Banks. “However, like other organisations, AMTIL has adapted as a result of COVID-19, and our online events such as the Power Brokers Virtual Meetings have been a real success. And obviously you don’t have to travel to participate in online event, so it means a more inclusive event with more AMTIL members from across Australia able to take part.”And obviously you don’t have to travel to participate in online events, so it means a more inclusive event with more AMTIL members from across Australia able to take part.” As well…

Dimac is the sole distributor of leading workholding and CNC accessory brands including Kitagawa power chucks, Lang Technik five-axis vises, Freddy coolant recyclers, Reven air cleaners, Hydrafeed barfeeders and Royal’s Rota-Rack. Dimac also manufactures its own soft jaws at its manufacturing facility at Dandenong, Victoria. Dimac soft jaws are precision-engineered and made from 1040 (or K1144) carbon steel and available in a large selection of sizes covering all brands of chucks. The company also offers custom sizes to suit any application, including complete custom workholding. Mitee-Bite extends TalonGrip range Due to popular demand, Mitee-Bite has launched an additional product to the TalonGrip workholding range. Mitee-Bite’s products are an innovative product that increases the functionality of standard 100mm, 150mm and 200mm vises. TalonGrip is a simple bolt-on system that allows operators to perform aggressive machining operations while clamping on as little as 1.5mm. It is ideal for small lot sizes, difficult applications or proto-type work when building a fixture would not be beneficial. “The new TalonGrip long…

Founded in 1980, the AAAA is a national industry association representing Australia’s automotive aftermarket, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, tools and equipment. The AAAA also provides vehicle service, repair and modification services in Australia. With 2,250 members ranging from large multi-national corporations to small and medium-sized businesses, the AAAA hosts the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards, offers input on government policy, and publishes nine Australian Auto Aftermarket magazines each year. The AAAA developed the idea for the AIC in 2013 and, having secured grant funding from the Government in 2018, two sites were opened in Australia, one in Victoria and one in South Australia, after these states witnessed the closure of two large auto manufacturing sites. The AIC boasts three 3D printers that offer three different technologies – MJF, SLA, and FDM – and therefore three different capabilities. Each printer has a unique strength: one is best for larger volumes; one excels with incredibly detailed smaller parts; and…

The program of large scale, major scientific and collaborative research initiatives, will be aimed at solving some of Australia’s greatest challenges, focused on outcomes that lead to positive impact, new jobs and economic growth. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the collaboration and goodwill stimulated by the response to COVID-19 can be harnessed and used to accelerate our recovery, create new jobs and stimulate the economy. “While COVID-19 will undoubtedly continue to disrupt, Australia will come together through this crisis and build a strong future in the process,” Dr Marshall said. “We are calling for partners to join this Team Australia approach to solving what seem like unsolvable problems.” On the centenary of CSIRO’s first mission, to eliminate prickly pear, it will direct $100m annually to the co-creation of missions, working with the brightest minds across the research sector and industry, to help Australia achieve these outcomes: Increase Australia’s resilience and preparedness against pandemics. Mitigate the impact of disasters: drought, bushfires and floods. Create…

For most manufacturers, COVID-19 has been one of the most challenging periods, with organisations having had to navigate large hits to the bottom line. The crisis saw shifts in labour, supply and demand critically affect the entire industry. Manufacturers have had to deal with a sharp decline in consumer spending, disrupted supply chains, and facility shutdowns — often, all at once. As the world gets back to business, the key challenge for manufacturers lies in normalising safety procedures, ramping up operations as demand for goods return to normal levels, and minimising the risk of COVID-19 being contracted and spread throughout their facilities — resulting in halted operations and putting local communities at risk. The businesses who will come out on top are those who implement an early warning system —…

Skills Lab has partnered with Ai Group and a number of TAFEs across Australia to deliver the nation’s first industry-based Diploma of Applied technologies, supporting top-tier and mid-market manufacturers in their pursuit of a future focused and innovative workforce. Students in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland have commenced the study of units including ‘Working in Industry 4.0’ to support them in navigating their rapidly changing workplaces. While COVID-19 has thrust a light upon the need to move quickly towards new technologies and initiatives, it has been a focus for many companies already. The CSIRO NAB Australian National Outlook 2019 suggested 20% of predicted GDP growth could be attributed to investment in human capital, according to their vision of a preferred 2060 outlook, which calls for a digitally upskilled workforce. Course modules delivered in the diploma produce immediate benefit for businesses as students research and solve current problems using emerging technology. Students will design and troubleshoot the development of a range of advanced technology systems, including…

The request for information builds on the Government’s $333m investment in vaccine, treatment and therapeutic research & development. Total funding in vaccine-related activity since the pandemic started is over $256m, comprising $19m in Australian research funding, $230m for the establishment of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), and $7.5m for the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Submissions received will be used to determine the extent to which the production and distribution can be supported locally once an effective candidate is found. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said she was confident Australian manufacturers would rise to the challenge. “Australian scientists are at the heart of the global quest for a vaccine and we want to make sure Australian manufacturers can be central to the production once that vaccine is found,” Minister Andrews said. “Australia already has impressive capability when it comes to producing vaccines, which as a Government we are well aware of. This request for information is about identifying more niche manufacturers, including those who…

Under the Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions that came into place last week, physical workplaces are closed for on-site work unless they fall into one of a number of permitted industry categories. All Victorians are required to work from home except where that is not practicable. Some businesses can remain open under restricted rules and ensuring they have a COVID Safe Plan in place. Sole operators can continue if they don’t have contact with the public or with anyone outside their primary household. A full outline of the business directive of workplace closures from the Victorian Government is available here. We understand this may be devastating for many of our clients and their employees who run businesses that are impacted by these changes. The shutdown has initially been announced to last six weeks…

AMT: How long has Howard Wright been in business? Greg Jones: The company has been in business for almost 60 years, and we have just over 55 staff members. It’s a nice place to work in terms of a manufacturing facility. As we make hospital products, it has to be clean and it’s well heated so it’s comfortable to work in. More recently we have increased production to meet the increased number of COVID-19 orders from the UK and Australia. Most of our market is export, so 50% Australia, 30% New Zealand, 10% the UK, with Japan and Belgium making up the balance. We continue to see our growth coming from overseas markets. When competing overseas, it’s highly competitive, with a lot of beds coming from Asia as well as Europe. We compete well as our products focus on end user needs, quality and service support. AMT: What are the keys to your…

WarpSPEE3D is the world’s first large-format metal 3D printer to use patented cold spray technology that enables significantly faster and more cost-effective metal part production than traditional manufacturing. Developed by Australian manufacturer SPEE3D, the printer is capable of printing large metal parts up to 40kg at a record-breaking speed of 100 grams per minute. The printer arrived in Darwin in early June. Little over a week after being installed at Robertson Barracks, soldiers from the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion (1 CSSB) trucked the printer out to the  bush for a three-day trial at the Mount Bundey field training area, 120km south-east of Darwin. The WarpSPEE3D was manoeuvred to various locations and different terrains. It was unloaded ready to print within 30 minutes, producing a variety of parts. SPEE3D printers make metal parts the fastest way possible, leveraging metal cold spray technology to produce industrial-quality metal parts in minutes, rather…

Support from the Federal Government for Australian exporters has included the following initiatives: Additional funding for the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) program. The EMDG is an Australian program providing limited reimbursement for approved exporters for their export development activities. Air cargo funding assistance through the International Freight Assistance Mechanism to assist exporters of seafood and other primary produce with the return flights bringing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical equipment. This has provided funding for limited replacements for air cargo space lost with the cessation of international passenger aviation. The establishment of the new Export Capital Facility, administered by Export Finance Australia. The provision of grants to Export Hubs assisting small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Again, this is intended to provide financial assistance to SME…

The launch of Bidim Green takes plastic bottles from Australian recycling bins and converts this plastic waste into a high-tech geotextile to be used in building Australia’s infrastructure; roads, rail, landfills and mines. This initiative reduces waste to landfill and provides the civil engineering community with a sustainable and green option to be deployed in infrastructure projects, from large national road programmes and mining applications to local DIY and small projects. Bidim Green is manufactured at the Geofabrics’ manufacturing site in Albury, NSW and supports regional and local jobs in the community. It’s the only geotextile manufactured in Australia with recycled Australian plastics. The recycled content includes not only the polymer raw material but also the consumables central to the product, including the product wrap and the core, both of which are also manufactured from Australian recycled plastics. For Dennis Grech, CEO and Managing Director of Geofabrics, going green means customers who share the company’s commitment to softening the environmental footprint of their projects have a product that is recycled, sustainable and innovated right here in Australia. “Bidim…

From 11.59pm on Wednesday 5 August, employers who require their staff to attend a work site must issue a worker permit to their employees – this is the employer’s responsibility. Penalties of up to $19,826 (for individuals) and $99,132 (for businesses) will apply to employers who issue worker permits to employees who do not meet the requirements of the worker permit scheme or who otherwise breach the scheme requirements. There will also be on-the-spot fines of up to $1,652 (for individuals) and up to $9,913 (for businesses) for anyone who breaches the scheme requirements. This includes employers, and employees who do not carry their worker permit when travelling to and from work. Employees must carry the worker permit and should carry photo identification when travelling to and from the workplace. A worker permit can be shown electronically to authorities such as a photo, or scanned copy, on a mobile device. Further details, as well as templates for permits, can found at: www.justice.vic.gov.au/permitted-worker-scheme The Permitted Worker Scheme…