Industry News

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance is proud to participate in Australian Manufacturing Week and connect with industry leaders, employers and innovators who drive the future of Australian manufacturing. As the Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) for manufacturing, our mission is clear: to drive solutions that address the manufacturing industry's evolving skills and workforce needs. Manufacturing is at the heart of Australia’s economy, yet the industry faces ongoing challenges in workforce development and addressing skills shortages. As an industry-owned and led organisation, we work closely with government bodies, unions, employers, and training providers to find solutions to the industry's skills and workforce challenges. Our role is not just about identifying the issues—it’s about delivering practical, industry-led solutions that have a real impact. Workforce planning and training solutions We want to connect with employers and industry professionals, hear firsthand about the challenges businesses face, and collaborate on solutions that ensure manufacturing has the workforce it needs to thrive. Our work spans several key areas: Workforce planning: We provide data-driven insights to support workforce development strategies and make sure workforces are equipped with the skills to…

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…

Our cutting-edge machine tool portfolio includes abrasives, super-abrasives, grinding and dielectric fluids, and synthetic water-based coolants. With years of industry experience, our expert team ensures customers receive solutions that maximise value and productivity. Come and see us at AMW2025, at Stand MT882. We invite exhibition attendees to visit our booth to explore our latest offerings, including tool pre-setting, balancing, and measuring equipment by Speroni, industrial butt-welding machines by IDEAL Werk, and industrial cleaning solutions by Teknox. Additionally, we provide extensive information on equipment, consumables, and coolants from leading brands such as Vollmer, Loroch, Schnell Kennametal, Molemab, and Oelheld. Our team will be on hand to discuss how these solutions can enhance your manufacturing processes and help you achieve superior results. In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, precision and efficiency are crucial. Camco Cutting Tools meets these demands by providing innovative CNC solutions and high-performance consumables that help manufacturers stay ahead. We work closely with top European manufacturers to source CNC equipment that meets the highest industry standards. Our carefully selected…

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…

The Federal Government has underlined its support for Australian-Made metals in the face of Donald Trump’s tariffs by providing a new $750m boost to new technology in the sector. Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Climate Change and Energy the Hon Chris Bowen, released a joint statement to announce the funding, which will be directed towards metals development tech that aligns with Net Zero goals. As part of the $1.7bn Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund announced in the 2024/25 Budget, this new $750m in funding will accelerate innovation and enhance the development of new low-emissions technologies. It has the potential to enable commercial-scale production of green metals using Australian ores and renewable resources, paving the way for greater trade opportunities, more jobs, and reduced emissions. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), an independent body, will distribute the funds, which can be used to fund pilot and demonstration projects that can lower emissions, improve productivity, and revitalise plant and equipment. This marks the latest…

AML3D has always been at the forefront of innovation, driving the adoption of advanced additive manufacturing technology that disrupts traditional methods and unlocks new possibilities. Over the past few years, our pivot toward becoming a leading provider of Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) systems has set the stage for remarkable growth. With the development of our ARCEMY® additive manufacturing systems and proprietary software solutions, WAMSoft® and AMLSoft™, we are transforming how industries approach production and supply chain challenges. This growth trajectory reached a critical milestone with our successful entry into the US market, underscored by high-profile contracts from the US Navy via BlueForge Alliance. These engagements validate our cutting-edge technology and our strategy of aligning with key partners to address the specific needs of high-value sectors such as defence, maritime, aerospace, oil, gas and energy. Embracing the power of wire additive manufacturing At its core, AML3D's mission is to harness the potential of wire additive manufacturing to address complex industrial challenges. Unlike traditional casting and subtractive manufacturing methods, WAM builds parts layer-by-layer from a digitally designed model. This approach minimises material waste,…

At AMW2025, OneKloudX is giving manufacturers and warehouse managers the power to see every move, stay in control, and prevent problems before they happen—with NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing and 3DLogistiX. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing – See what’s really happening on the factory Floor. You don’t know a work order is delayed until it’s already impacted production. You can’t track actual costs in real time. Inventory plans are based on estimates instead of live data. NetSuite Advanced Manufacturing changes that with: Work Order Tracking: Know what’s in progress, what’s delayed, and what needs attention before it impacts production; Automated Inventory Backflushing: Material usage updates instantly, preventing shortages and errors; Routing and Labour Costing: Track and control labour expenses and resource allocation in real time; Infinite Capacity Scheduling: Adjust production schedules dynamically to maximise throughput and minimise downtime; Batch Management & Control: Ensure consistent quality and compliance in every production run; Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Guarantee that stock arrives exactly when needed—no overstocking, no delays; Shop Floor Control: Gain live insights into WIP, labour, and machine utilisation, so you can optimise production…

Automation & Robotic Technologies (A&RT) is a leading designer and integrated engineering solutions provider of automation systems in Australia.  The company is globally recognised for its high-speed picking projects and specialist robotic solutions for the food and beverage industry.  Their team of experts have provided intricate systems to support applications such as meat palletising, picking and packaging, as well as the handling of frozen foods, baked products, omelettes, food-grade oils, and even tofu. In 2025, A&RT is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in business and 14 years as an ABB Authorized Value Provider (AVP).  Mike Urban, Co-Managing Director at A&RT said, “We’re proud to supply systems to every large food manufacturer in Australia.  With the support of ABB Robotics, we’ve always been confident that we’ll meet our customers’ needs as we’re working with the best robotic technology manufacturer – the original patent holders of Delta robots and developers of the RobotStudio Suite, so we can innovatively integrate artificial intelligence with real intelligence into our work.” A long-standing partnership, A&RT were the recipients an ABB Robotics lifetime achievement award in 2019.  ABB's AVPs…

The Green Steel Alliance brings together leading research and industry stakeholders worldwide to support a carbon-neutral future in steel smelting. The initiative will foster cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint research projects to advance this transition. The Alliance engenders joint research initiatives to accelerate the development and deployment of green steel technologies. “Through the Green Steel Alliance, we’re creating a global partnership between universities and industry, offering the opportunity to transform the iron and steelmaking sector into a sustainable and carbon-neutral industry,” said Swinburne’s professor Alan Duffy, pro vice-chancellor, Flagship Initiatives. “Swinburne is excited to be part of the drive towards a greener and more resilient iron and steel industry worldwide and a more sustainable future. Initially founded with six universities renowned for their research in green steel, the alliance aims to bring industry partners and key stakeholders around the world to this platform to promote a carbon-neutral ironmaking and steelmaking future. Swinburne University of Technology experts are at the forefront of the green steel revolution, developing new methods to advance a net zero emissions future…

Although US President Donald Trump had previously indicated he might exempt Australia from steel and aluminium tariffs, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the president has finalised his decision, stating, “There will be no exemptions.” During Trump's first term, Australian steel and aluminium were exempt from these tariffs, and BlueScope was hoping for similar treatment this time. “A tariff exemption was negotiated in President Trump's first term,” stated a BlueScope Steel representative. In reaction to the tariff announcement, the steel manufacturer pointed out its $5bn investment in US operations, which currently employ over 4,000 steelworkers. BlueScope Steel serves as Australia's primary steel exporter to the US, delivering approximately 300,000 tonnes of semi-processed steel annually. This steel is utilised by its US operations to manufacture flat products such as roofs and fencing. BlueScope ranks as the fifth largest steel manufacturer in America. Its North Star mill in Ohio produces three million tonnes of steel each year, matching Port Kembla's output and proving significantly more profitable. Following the rapid…

As manufacturing environments evolve and competition increases, businesses face growing pressure to enhance precision, reduce waste, and improve production efficiency. At booth MT510, Performatec will showcase live demonstrations of state-of-the-art waterjet and fibre laser cutting systems, providing a first-hand look at solutions designed to optimise production workflows. Live demonstrations of advanced cutting systems Performatec's live demonstrations will highlight how advanced cutting technology is improving precision, efficiency, and material versatility in modern manufacturing. The display at booth MT510 will focus on two leading-edge cutting solutions: Waterjet cutting – the most versatile machine for clean, accurate cutting of thick metals including mild steel, heat soak plate, aluminium, stainless, brass, copper and composites, offering precise cutting without heat-affected zones. Fibre laser cutting – designed for high-speed sheet metal processing, delivering exceptional accuracy with reduced operational costs. These demonstrations will provide attendees with practical insights into how these technologies can be integrated into different manufacturing environments. Expert insights from industry specialists Beyond the live demonstrations, Performatec's CNC machinery specialists will be available to discuss the technical and operational aspects of integrating advanced cutting solutions. Attendees…