Industry News

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…

The Future Made in Australia Production Tax incentives constitute a significant step toward boosting the production of renewable green hydrogen and critical minerals in this country. The Federal Government's Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2024 passed to Parliament in February this year, a big step in making Australia indispensable to the global net zero transformation. The legislation provides tax offsets for producing renewable hydrogen and critical minerals and expands Indigenous Business Australia’s role and scope. Jointly announced by the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, Minister for Resources, Madeline King; and Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia, Senator Tim Ayres, the legislation establishes two tax incentives: A Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive worth two dollars per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced between 2027–2028 and 2039–40 for up to ten years per project. A Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive worth 10% of relevant processing and refining costs for Australia’s 31 critical minerals, for critical minerals…

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…

Australia’s manufacturing sector performance improved at an accelerated pace in March. Rising new orders supported a renewal of production growth. Job creation also resumed, aiding the clearance of backlogged orders. Meanwhile, purchasing levels were increased for the first time since September 2022, contributing to a significant rise in inventory of purchases. On the prices front, average input prices continued to rise at a steep rate in March, but output charge inflation eased despite reduced optimism regarding future output. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Australia Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index™ (PMI®) increased to 52.1 in March, up from 50.4 in February. Remaining above the 50.0 neutral mark for the third consecutive month, the latest data indicated that conditions in the manufacturing sector continued to improve in March. Furthermore, the latest headline index was the highest recorded since October 2022. Contributing to the increase in the headline index was manufacturing production, which expanded at its fastest pace since October 2022. The recent acceleration in output growth was driven by rising new business inflows and increased capacity. Australian manufacturers reported receiving new orders at the…

Rob and Christiana Colquhoun established Prebuilt in 2003 to deliver innovative design in the modular home manufacturers market. They built on their collective backgrounds in development, construction, and asset management and their passion for intelligent architecture. Prebuilt has constructed and installed hundreds of residential and commercial projects offsite, with budgets ranging from $250,000 to over $20,000,000. Prebuilt started by focusing on high-end residential homes and later expanded into commercial projects. The company has a strong in-house design and engineering team that works closely with architects and other consultants on projects. Sustainability and environmentally friendly design are important considerations, especially for commercial projects. “Prebuilt has successfully delivered projects nationwide, adapting to various client requirements and regulatory frameworks,” said Mal Batten, CEO of Prebuilt. “Whether it's modular McDonald’s stores in Western Australia, educational facilities in New South Wales, or residential clients in Queensland, flexibility and expertise ensures seamless execution across the states.” Prebuilt operates under a Certified Quality Management System, ISO9001. This…

Weld Australia and HERA call on Indigenous artists from Australia and New Zealand to submit their welded artworks for inclusion in the International Institute of Welding (IIW) 2025 Digital Collection Welded Art Photographic Exhibition: Progressing Biodiversity. This global exhibition will highlight the deep cultural significance of biodiversity through Indigenous perspectives, showcasing welded artworks that explore heritage, traditions, and the relationship between people and the natural world. The collection will be launched at the IIW Annual Assembly in Genoa, Italy, from 22 to 27 June 2025, providing artists with an unparalleled international platform. According to Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, this is a rare opportunity for Indigenous artists to share their culture and stories with a worldwide audience. “Welding is so much more than a trade—it is an art form, a tool for storytelling, and a way to connect with history and culture. This exhibition is about celebrating Indigenous creativity and showcasing the powerful connection between welding, culture, and biodiversity,” said Crittenden. “The IIW Digital Collection provides a truly global stage for artists to share their work. Not only…

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, innovation is not just a luxury – it is a necessity. As global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and shifting market demands place increasing pressure on the industry, innovation in equipment manufacturing and farming practices must work hand in hand to drive progress. Modern machinery is no longer just about efficiency; it must also enhance sustainability, improve soil health, and optimise productivity. This synergy between engineering innovation and smart agricultural practices is shaping the future of farming, ensuring long-term viability for farmers worldwide. KELLY Tillage, a company deeply rooted in the Australian farming community, has consistently pushed the boundaries when manufacturing agricultural machinery – responding to evolving industry challenges with smart solution innovation. The company’s forward-thinking approach and grassroots understanding have cemented KELLY Tillage as a respected brand name on the global stage. No mean feat for a family born business from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. From their beginnings on the farm as KELLY Engineering, KELLY Tillage has remained committed to providing farmers with equipment…

Steel fabricators may not think much about corrosion after completing their work. However, major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines, and tanks is constantly threatened by corrosion, which, if it takes hold, will make them unsafe. Traditionally, phase control cathodic protection (CP) systems were used to protect infrastructure, but these come with several challenges, such as the high cost of copper cabling and associated power loss. These issues become even more significant for asset owners who must address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Here, David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments while simultaneously reducing costs and enhancing maintenance capabilities. At the core of any impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system is a transformer-rectifier unit (T/R), which provides the essential electrical current for ongoing protection. There are two primary types of T/R that can be employed to supply current for an ICCP system: phase control and switch-mode. While both technologies are hugely important to the global CP market, it is not always clear which is…

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…