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A new $60m Biosustainability Hub at The University of Queensland will use synthetic biology to help the world’s biggest businesses transition to net zero. Funded by government, industry, and UQ, the Biosustainability Hub aims to be a one-stop shop for big companies to transform their production practices and create carbon-neutral, economically viable products and materials. Hub director Professor Esteban Marcellin from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology said the facility is the first in Australia and co-locates research groups and industries that share a vision to transition society to net zero. Professor Marcellin is a synthetic biologist who uses carbon monoxide, CO2 and methane to feed microbes in biomanufacturing to produce products. “The Hub brings together cutting-edge research projects and some of the world’s biggest companies to find solutions to challenges like climate change, biodiversity, mining sustainability and future food production,” Professor Marcellin said. “We will be using the process of synthetic biology, which develops new materials, fuels, foods, chemicals, or medicines from waste using biological processes. “By changing production practices from those dependent on fossil fuels to biomanufacturing, we are…

Manufacturing today depends on efficient software performance to keep production running smoothly and minimise costly interruptions. However, traditional monitoring systems often need more complete visibility manufacturers need, which leads to inefficiencies and delayed problem-solving. Unified observability addresses these issues by gathering data from software, hardware, and networks into a comprehensive view. This approach helps manufacturers pinpoint potential issues early to prevent them from growing into larger problems. Some of the greatest benefits of unified observability include: Gain full visibility across IT and operational systems to optimise production Traditional monitoring tools often operate in silos, providing visibility only within specific systems, which leads to slow problem resolution and production inefficiencies. Unified observability breaks down these silos, integrating IT and operational data into a single, cohesive view. This full visibility empowers manufacturers to detect issues early and identify the root causes of recurring inefficiencies, whether in software performance or operational workflows. For example, slow response times in machinery may be traced back to misaligned IT systems, which, with this level of observability, could be noticed. By…

Sevaan Group has announced that it has expanded its manufacturing services to include additive manufacturing (AM). The addition of 3D printing capability will provide greater choice for customers regarding parts manufacturing, and the opportunity to attain tangible benefits that can help improve their productivity and revenue. Sevaan already provides a unique integrated capability, an end-to-end workflow from design, prototyping and testing through to the production, assembly and finishing of precisely manufactured metal parts, for its customers. The inclusion of AM into its service mix brings further key customer deliverables. “They will now benefit from more choice when purchasing manufactured parts,” explained David Green, Chief Executive Officer, Sevaan Group. “Our customers can choose to have their required parts manufactured via either traditional processes or 3D industrial printing. “For certain components and production runs, 3D printing can offer specific benefits including rapid prototyping, a faster production turnaround, enhanced quality and cost savings, making it a desirable manufacturing option. “Thanks to AM, customers who only require a small number of parts or perhaps longer-lasting components now no longer need to wait for parts to come…

A new generation system from European-based inspection equipment manufacturer Antares Vision Group allows customers to select individual inspection modules and integrate them into one machine. Food manufacturers can select what they need to suit their specific production line. Modules include X-ray, check weigher, leak detection, seal, code, and label inspection. All the modules are designed specifically for the food industry. The machine’s hygienic construction features quick-removal conveyors and a completely washable structure. “Antares Vision Group’s ‘ALL-IN-ONE’ inspection machine is a game changer for the food industry,” said Phillip Garro, Enmin’s Sales Manager (Inspection & Packaging). “Multiple processes can be combined into a single machine providing a solution that fully guarantees the product’s compliance in an extremely reduced footprint,” he added. “Plus, all the modules can be controlled through a single control screen for maximum convenience and efficiency.” A popular combination of modules is X-ray, checkweigher and leak detection. This configuration provides a comprehensive product inspection by these three powerful modules. Firstly, the innovative LDS module checks the package's correct sealing, detecting micro-leaks. Then, a state-of-the-art X-ray inspection system…

The urgent global focus on decarbonisation and clean energy is driving the unprecedented emergence of new technologies, creating a new era of demand and development for a wide range of minerals, including copper. Copper continues to have a foundational role in modern society and its diverse applications are integral to the transition to a clean energy future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that the global capacity for renewable energy saw an unprecedented 50% increase in 2023, the fastest growth in two decades. With the acceleration of technological advancements and electrification, copper demand remains strong and resilient. Predictions are that 115% more copper must be mined in the next 30 years than has ever been mined historically. Exploration and discovery are crucial to expand or develop mines and provide the primary copper supply. Despite growing investment in copper exploration, the industry faces various challenges. The discovery rate for all economic deposits globally has halved in the last decade, and the average cost of discovery is…

Emerson has launched its AVENTICS™ Series XV pneumatic valves. These valves are designed with interoperability in mind to provide machine builders across multiple industries and factory automation applications with a flexible and cost-effective valve platform. The new valves are ideal for global machine builders and end users, with universal threads and other features supporting regional standards and global availability. Series XV valves provide higher flow rates in a compact valve package, enabling more efficient and flexible pneumatic system performance for factory automation, automotive and tyre, and food and packaging applications. This helps manufacturers boost productivity and allows them to offer products customised for specific markets and customer preferences. “In all industries, manufacturers need high-performance technology that gives them the agility and flexibility to stay ahead of rapidly changing market demands,” said Wolf Gerecke, director of product marketing for Emerson´s machine automation business. “The new AVENTICS Series XV pneumatic valves deliver that performance with optimised flow, a wide range of valves and an extensive portfolio of accessories.” Series XV valves include the XV03, which provides flow volumes of…

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), postal and courier pick-up and delivery service charges rose 5.7% in the June quarter, driven by rising fuel costs and labour market volatility. That’s why it’s more important than ever for SMEs to ensure they pack and ship their stock cost-effectively. Seemingly insignificant mistakes, such as incorrectly labelling or sending one large package exceeding the shipping dimension compared to separate smaller boxes, could result in business owners being charged 150% more than the original cost. “Mistakes that lead to surcharges can significantly increase the original shipping price by up to 150%,” Interparcel CEO Steve Zammit said. “A courier charge might initially be $10, but something done during the manufacturing process could add a surcharge for special or manual handling ranging from $12 to $70, depending on the weight and any special handling requirements.” Zammit lists nine packing mistakes that every business owner should avoid, from the manufacturer stage to business expansion. Shipping seven costly…

Injectronics, Australia's leading automotive remanufacturing and repair specialist, has launched an innovative 48-hour turnaround service designed to help workshops clear bays faster and get cars back on the road. This new service guarantees rapid, reliable, and cost-effective repairs for various electronic components, allowing mechanics to speed up repairs and minimise delays for customers across Australia and New Zealand. Workshops are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency and minimise inflationary costs. Injectronics’ latest offering fills a critical market gap for high-quality, fast repairs. This service aims to support mechanics by providing customers with a more reliable and affordable alternative to new components. A key highlight of this new 48-hour turnaround is Injectronics’ recent move to a state-of-the-art facility in Keysborough. This facility is four times the size of its previous Hallam operations, allowing the company to increase its capacity significantly. Alongside this expansion, Injectronics has invested in modernising its processes with cutting-edge technology to automate the repair process. This advanced setup enables rapid diagnostics and remanufacturing of components and ensures the highest standards of quality and precision in…

The importance of integrating engineering data with other enterprise systems cannot be overstated for engineering and manufacturing firms. Imagine your CAD models, drawings, and BOMs flowing seamlessly between departments without constant manual effort. This type of integration streamlines the entire design-to-production process, making it more efficient. As a CAD engineer, you can concentrate on your designs. At the same time, routine tasks like file management, revision control, and data synchronisation are automated, giving you more time to innovate and solve complex challenges. Autodesk Vault is a leading data management solution designed specifically for engineering teams. It provides secure storage, version control, and easy access to CAD data. When integrated with other enterprise systems, like ERP and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Autodesk Vault transforms into a powerful engine for streamlined workflows and enhanced data synchronisation across departments. Integrating Autodesk Vault with ERP unlocks advantages such as increased data accuracy, streamlined processes, and faster time to market. coolOrange tools—powerGate and powerSync—are designed to maximise these benefits, ensuring seamless communication between Autodesk Vault, ERP, and ACC. With these solutions, your team gains a…

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has opened a $6.8m facility in Clayton, Victoria. The facility is dedicated to bringing its printed flexible solar technology out of the lab and into the real world, helping to meet the growing demand for renewable energy across sectors. CSIRO’s flexible solar cells are printed on thin plastic films, unlike traditional silicon solar panels. This makes them lightweight and portable, making them suitable for various applications in urban construction, space, defence, mining, emergency management, disaster relief, and wearables. CSIRO Executive Director, Digital, National Facilities and Collections, Professor Elanor Huntington, said the cutting-edge CSIRO Printed Photovoltaic (PV) Facility is the newest addition to CSIRO’s suite of critical infrastructure that enable the industries of tomorrow – in this case, a thriving Australian flexible solar manufacturing industry. “Through CSIRO’s new Printed PV Facility, industry partners can access both researcher expertise and specialised equipment to improve and apply flexible solar technology in novel ways, anywhere there is sunlight,” Professor Huntington said. “It’s exciting to see the techniques that enabled another great CSIRO invention…

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing more than $60m over five years to establish the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle. Both the Albanese Government and Minns Labor Governments are investing $28.1m, with a further $5.27m in federal funding to support the centre. This will accelerate the development of a Higher Apprenticeship model focused on the advanced skills required for net zero manufacturing. The upgraded Centre will play a pivotal role in building up new skills for workers across the Hunter, investing in their future. “The Hunter region is a powerhouse for energy and manufacturing,” said Premier of NSW, Chris Minns. “We are proud to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver this training centre, so the local community and industry have the skills needed to benefit from the energy transition. “We are getting on with the job of delivering three TAFE Centres of Excellence in NSW, a key part of our commitment to provide fully subsidised training to an additional 1,000 apprenticeships a year in advanced…

The Australian Government has legislated changes that tightened restrictions under the thin capitalisation provisions. In this article, we explore what this could mean for Australian manufacturers. What is thin capitalisation? Thin capitalisation rules aim to limit Australian debt deductions, such as loan interest, line fees or other borrowing costs. The overarching policy intends to avoid profit shifting by multinational entities through excess debt deductions in Australia. For manufacturers, we see that these companies constantly grapple with thin capitalisation: Australian manufacturing companies that are expanding and have overseas subsidiaries Australian manufacturing companies that are foreign-owned and growing in the Australian market, or a combination of the above. The thin capitalisation provisions are commonly triggered when one of the above entities has total debt deductions exceeding $2m in a tax year. If the total debt deductions of the company and all its associates for that year are below $2m, these rules do not apply. Before the recent changes, our experience was that many Australian manufacturers relied upon a ‘safe harbour’ ratio test. This broadly allowed debt deductions to…

Since a group of local private investors purchased the MaxiTRANS trailer business in September 2021, the company has focused on setting the business up for long-term sustainability. “We embarked on a significant transformation journey when we purchased the trailer business, to create a new era for the future of the company and the trailer manufacturing industry in Australia,” said Greg L’Estrange Freighter Group, Executive Chairman. “The journey started with a $50m investment into our Ballarat site. This investment has seen the introduction of a range of state-of-the-art equipment and an expansion of the facility's overall footprint, transforming it into a modern manufacturing environment. Completing the upgrade puts the business in a position to continue evolving with the changing needs of our customers long into the future.” This is a new era for our business. Changing our name to Freighter Group better reflects who we are as a business and our vision for the future. As the preeminent trailer brand in Australia, Freighter has a rich history, with origins dating back to 1946, and has continued to build a strong…