Member News

Few people would disagree that we live in difficult and uncertain economic times. According to AMW exhibitor TXM Lean Solutions, this is not the time to stop focusing on improving business performance. Instead, businesses need a renewed focus on Lean and improvement to stay competitive and prepare themselves for recovery when it comes. TXM has identified three areas where businesses can focus to make gains when the financial going is tough. Reduce lead time Reducing lead time allows businesses to become more responsive to customer demands, particularly during economic slowdowns when customers have more options. The faster a business can fulfil orders, the more competitive it becomes, whether the economy is up or down. Shorter lead times also free up cash by reducing the time between spending money on raw materials and receiving payment from customers. A key tactic for reducing lead time is to work with suppliers to shorten order lead times, ultimately lowering your inventory. Start by mapping your end-to-end process using tools like the Manufacturing Agility Process® to identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to reduce lead…

The Navigating Defence: Industry Handbook has been created in conjunction with BAE Systems Australia’s Navigating Defence Series training and education program to support the development of Australia’s defence industry. It is designed as a resource for leaders of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are starting their journey in the defence industry and wish to understand the requirements and available support. We recognise that the Australian Defence sector offers a unique yet challenging opportunity for businesses of all sizes to succeed. Navigating the complexities of supply can be daunting for small businesses, particularly those unfamiliar with the industry's unique requirements, regulations, and restrictions. Businesses often confront intricate and lengthy procurement processes, strict regulatory compliance, certification and security clearance requirements, and export controls, which create high barriers to entry and can complicate efforts for businesses to enter the sector. However, securing defence contracts can offer long-term and far-reaching benefits for businesses, providing substantial, multi-year revenue streams, an enhanced reputation in non-defence sectors, and opportunities to supply and operate in new international markets. This comprehensive Industry Handbooks will provide…

A new Swisslog AutoStore grid-based automated warehouse solution is delivering uptime and energy-efficiency benefits to Komatsu’s new spare parts warehouse in Tarneit, Victoria. The new purpose-built warehouse is designed to store small-to-medium parts for machinery used in the construction sector, a major market for Komatsu in Victoria. “Construction is a demanding sector, so we required a system with high levels of uptime. Seeing AutoStore deliver 99.9% uptime globally, and Swisslog’s local projects regularly seeing higher numbers up to 99.99% gave us the confidence that we will be able to serve our customers at all times best,” said Komatsu General Manager, Warehousing, Hendrik Van Der Merwe. The Swisslog AutoStore solution for Komatsu has achieved Highly Commended recognition at the 2024 Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Award (ASCLA) in the Supply Chain Management category. This award category recognises an organisation that has demonstrated significant achievement or improvement within a section or across their entire supply chain. In addition to the construction sector, Komatsu provides essential equipment, technologies, and services to the mining, energy, government, waste, and quarry industries. The company’s purpose…

If you’ve been under a rock lately, you won’t know that the USA has imposed a minimum 10% tariff on all Australian exports. While this is a disappointing development for Australia, its manufacturing sector, and its producers, it is a stark reminder of the importance of championing and supporting Australia’s sovereign manufacturing and growing capability. “It’s never been more important to support our Aussie manufacturers, growers, and primary producers,” said Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro. “These sectors have faced numerous challenges recently, becoming more challenging for some. More than 90% of Australians prefer Australian-made products, so let’s turn that preference into purchases.” AMCL has also welcomed the government’s recently announced policy measures to address the tariffs, including strengthening Australia’s anti-dumping regime and financial support for exporters to access new markets. These measures, combined with the government’s commitment to support Aussie manufacturers with its ‘Buy Aussie’ policy for government procurement and contracts, provide some positivity in the wake of these challenging international trade barriers. “A strategic approach to ‘buy local’ initiatives, incorporating consumers, businesses…

A milling operation exposes multiple cutting edges to rapidly changing intermittent loads. Success in milling requires milling-specific choices and considerations. Whenever a milling cutter is employed, its cutting edges consistently enter and exit the workpiece material. The loads on the milling teeth vary from zero before entry to peak values during the cut and then return to zero at exit. The goal is to manage the intermittent loads of the milling process, thus maximising tool life, productivity, and process reliability. Essential factors for successful applications include cutter positioning, entry and exit strategies, and the control of chip thickness. Approaching the workpiece The loads on the milling tool are primarily determined by how the cutter and its cutting edges engage with the workpiece. In conventional or “up” milling, the cutter rotates against the direction of the workpiece feed. In climb or “down” milling, the cutter moves in the same direction as the feed. As a result, in conventional milling, the cutting edge enters the workpiece at minimum chip thickness and exits at maximum chip thickness. Conversely, the cutting edge in climb…

Registrations are now open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2025), held at the MCEC on Southbank in Melbourne, 6 – 9 May 2025. Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2025 will occupy more than 12,000 square metres of exhibition space at the MCEC, with nearly 400 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. Don’t miss out!  REGISTER NOW Online! What would be better than having a mobile app with you on the AMW2025 show floor with all your selected companies, their stands, where they are and what they are showing? First of all, Download the AMW Expo mobile app for your device from your preferred store, and log in using the same details you used to create your MyShowPlanner profile as the show approached. You can now log in to the App, and everything will be available on your phone, networked iPad, or tablet. Search products that are of specific interest to you. View the entire Exhibitor list. Research your relevant Product Zones. Navigate the Show Floor Plan to find…

Wheelchairs for Kids Australia (WFKA) is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisation that provides the transformative gift of mobility to children in impoverished and under-resourced communities in Australia and around the globe. Founded in 1998 by the Scarborough Rotary Club in WA, teams of volunteers gather daily in a purpose-built factory to manufacture and build wheelchairs based on an Australian design and following World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. WFKA has transformed the lives of children in over 80 countries by providing mobility, access to education, improved health outcomes, and a greater sense of inclusion within their families and communities. The final product is delivered to disabled children around the globe. Without our all-terrain wheelchair, these children would face limited mobility, a lack of education, and no hope of a standard, fulfilling life. Under the guidance of volunteer Factory Manager Br. Olly, a former metalwork and vocational teacher, the wheelchair design has evolved through nine model changes. A breakthrough came in 2010 with the development of a ‘rough terrain’ wheelchair to comply with a new World Health Organization…

South Australia’s wine export industry is thriving, contributing significantly to the country’s $2.39bn wine exports in 2024. According to Wine Australia, exports surged by 34% in value between January and September 2024, with shipment volumes climbing 7% to 643 million litres—the highest volume seen in years. Leading the charge, South Australia accounts for 52% of the nation’s wine production, followed by New South Wales (24%) and Victoria (15%). In 2024 alone, South Australia crushed 1.43 million tonnes of grapes, a 9% increase from the previous year. “Maintaining a competitive edge while meeting growing demand means embracing new solutions,” said Darryl Blackeby, Regional Sales Manager for sensor technology leader ifm. “Automation is the key to scaling up and staying ahead in such a dynamic industry.” Why automation matters While larger wineries are already adopting automation to meet rising demand, many smaller producers hesitate. They often hold back because of concerns about cost, downtime, and disruptions to their artisanal processes. “There’s a misconception that automation takes away the craft of winemaking,” Blackeby noted. “But the truth is, the right systems…

Steel processing specialists and integrators seek versatile, high-performance solutions that can effortlessly manage diverse project requirements and integrate with advanced automation systems. To meet these needs, Kraftech developed the X-Calibre™, a pioneering robotic plasma coping machine that combines precision, speed, and adaptability to accommodate a wide range of steel profiles. The X-Calibre provides a comprehensive solution capable of performing layout marking, scribing, four-side processing, cutting holes, coping, slotting, weld preparations, mitres, and bevels—all within a single unit. Kraftech’s ambitious development was powered by Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology, which offered the seamless integration, communication flexibility, and safety features required to bring this innovation to fruition. Kraftech is a premier provider of heavy-duty robotic equipment. Recently relocated to larger premises in southern Sydney, it collaborates with some of the globe’s most innovative industrial machinery manufacturers. With expertise in CNC machinery, plasma and oxy cutting systems, robotics, and fibre laser cutting machines, the company is dedicated to engineering state-of-the-art steel processing technologies. Engineered to excel in heavy-duty environments, the X-Calibre is customised for demanding projects that require precision and reliability. Designed for mass…

Colterlec has been delivering quality-engineered electrical product solutions for over 25 years across a range of industries, including mining, transport, and energy, with a strong focus on manufacturing, food and beverage, and packaging. Colterlec is proudly Australian-owned and operated and continues to be a leading distributor of electrical product innovations and solutions around Australia. We have a committed and skilled team to support you at every stage, along with partnerships with leading global suppliers to help you find the right product solution. Colterlec will showcase a comprehensive range of manufacturing and automation solutions from leading industry brands, aimed at enhancing productivity and safety in manufacturing. From Moxa, we will present industrial networking and automation connectivity solutions. These smart digital technologies are designed to optimise manufacturing operations and transform industrial processes, enhancing control across essential infrastructure. Next, Phoenix Contact features its Complete Cabinet Confidence of Power Reliability solutions, including connectivity, switching, and conversion technology, designed for dependable integrated systems that enhance operations and minimise downtime. Grace Technologies will showcase its electrical safety products and predictive maintenance solutions to enhance safety…

As organisers of Australian Manufacturing Week, 6-9 May, AMTIL proudly announces a collaboration among government entities and leading manufacturers to promote Australian manufacturing, particularly in the Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Technology sectors. REGISTER NOW! The Victorian Government is leading the charge, supporting AMW2025 as a Major Sponsor of the Future Solutions Speaker Program which will take place from 6 to 8 May at AMW2025. The Queensland Government is sponsoring the AMW VIP Breakfast, and the NSW Government is sponsoring the Additive Manufacturing Zone. Three C Financial is sponsoring the Machine Tool Zone, Smenco will sponsor the Robotics and Automation Solutions, and PFM Works is sponsoring the Manufacturing Solutions Zone. Kraftech is the lanyard sponsor, OKUMA Australia is sponsoring the showbags and this newsletter is sponsored by the Australian Made Campaign. Kraftech and the Australian Made Campaign returning as sponsors only reiterates their trust and belief in what AMTIL and the AMW trade show is achieving for Australian Manufacturing. AMTIL is very thankful for this support, as it would be near impossible to bring this endeavour to its successful fruition without…

Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new network under its auspices, the Australian Additive Manufacturing Network (AAMN or the Network), to drive the development of additive manufacturing (AM) in Australia. AAMN is industry-led, driven by volunteerism, and committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability within the AM industry. The Network will continue the work that was previously associated with the AM Hub, which ran from 2018 and concluded in 2023. AAMN builds upon AM Hub, expanding both its reach and relevance. AMTIL members formerly involved in AM Hub are welcome to participate with AAMN. An alliance between the Network and AMTIL provides a boost to AMTIL’s work with developing and supporting the Australian AM industry. In kind, AMTIL will assist the Network with governance and secretariat support and to host events and other industry development initiatives. The Network will encompass the AMTIL Membership, while expanding this reach well beyond current members. AAMN exists to unite industry professionals, researchers, and government stakeholders to create a vibrant community focused on advancing additive…

Sweet dreams and a sustainable night’s sleep are now a reality following the launch of Australia’s first bed base made from 100% recycled plastic under the brand ‘Circular Beds’. Made in Victoria, the pioneering bed base contains about 22kg of recycled consumer plastic (enough for a king single) from items such as milk crates, garden pots, storage containers, and buckets. It is completely recyclable at the end of its life. The concept of a 100% recycled plastic bed base had its genesis in a question from Tracey Pryor, Director of Innovation at the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC), to Dr John Stehle, Inventor and Director of ROBOVOID, being ‘how can we redesign bed bases to keep them out of landfill and make them truly sustainable?’ ROBOVOID subsequently developed the concept into a prototype with the support of Swinburne University, GT Recycling and the ABSC, with $300,000 in grant funding from Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government. According to ROBOVOID Director, Scott Olding, bed bases are typically constructed from low-grade virgin timber, bolted or stapled together, and covered in fabric with…