Industry News

Explore the manufacturing revolution in our "Unlocking the Future of Manufacturing 4.0 in Mining" webinar – a cornerstone of our "Change Makers" Executive Series, featuring industry leader CADDS Group. With over 30 years of excellence in multidisciplinary drafting services and design consultancy groups, CADDS Group has been the preferred choice for industry giants like Rio Tinto, Alcoa, BHP, and Kerman Contracting. Webinar Highlights: Management Insights: Join Pip Smith and Norbert Babooram for candid conversations on pivotal decisions, strategies, and technologies shaping success in the mining industry The 3D’s Digitalisation, Decarbonisation and Diversification: Based on hard data from Australian Industry Groups future map NetZero diagnostic tool, David will share insights about how industry can navigate the opportunities and challenges relating to digitisation, decarbonisation, and diversification to restart Australia’s productivity agenda. Virtual Smart Factory Walkthrough: Take a live virtual tour of a cutting-edge smart facility, showcasing the impact of AI, robotics, and additive manufacturing. Application Spotlights: Delve into real-world case studies highlighting efficiency gains and innovation opportunities through additive manufacturing. 11 April (Thursday) 10AM AWST / 12PM AEST…

A new collaboration between Monash University and Coates Engineering Solutions is using high-strength steel, common to the automotive industry, to develop a lightweight high-capacity propping solution for temporary construction works. The innovative solution, called Quadshore, has undergone rigorous destructive and non-destructive experimental tests at material, component and system levels, under Australian Safety Standards, to demonstrate the durability and superior performance of the product. Lead academic researcher, Associate Professor Amin Heidarpour, from Monash University’s Department of Civil Engineering said high-strength steel has not been efficiently utilised in temporary structures due to its limited plasticity. “Quadshore contains hybrid components that creatively maximise optimum use of both high-strength and mild-steel to create lightweight, high-strength structural elements and boltless connections,” Associate Professor Heidarpour said. “The unique experimental facilities and lab environment at Monash’s Civil Engineering Department allowed our team to undertake the experimental tests on this product that replicated its behaviour in real-world settings.” With a working load limit of up to 170 tonnes, it is the lightest heavy-duty structural propping system available anywhere in the world. Over the past ten years research…

Aurecon has committed $200,000 in funding and in-kind support as a Principal Partner of the $16.5m ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub to Advance Timber for Australia’s Future Built Environment, administered by the University of Queensland. The hub aims to develop the resources, enablers, and drivers to advance timber, as a natural resource, to be the material of choice, leading towards a net zero future for Australia’s built environment. Aurecon is involved in various nodes including Performance of Building Components, Manufacturing Innovation, Towards a Low Carbon and Circular Economy and Building Performance for Occupants. Aurecon’s Major Project Director, Ralph Belperio, who is on the Hub’s Executive Board and Hub Partner Investigator, said that Aurecon has identified that timber has a key role to play in decreasing both embodied and operational carbon as we move towards a net-zero future. “Several of the research nodes that the Hub is tackling are directly relevant to the decarbonisation pursuits of many of our key clients,” Belperio said. “We have assembled a team of our most eminent practitioners to focus on each of the…

Apart from the high performance, productivity and precision of Mazak machines, Aldus Engineering’s decision to invest in another Mazak was heavily influenced by the applications and service support behind each Mazak machine delivered by John Hart. John Hart has a thorough understanding of the importance of providing timely, reliable and skilled support. That’s why the company boasts an Australia-wide Mazak service network with a team of highly experienced and qualified application, mechanical and electrical engineers, and a comprehensively stocked Mazak Spare Parts Department, enabling John Hart to provide the best overall support of any machine tool company in Australia. John Hart engineers also have a thorough understanding of the unique applications of machine tools and technologies required to process various components from titanium, heat-resistant super alloys, aluminium, or stainless steels. John Hart engineers are available to discuss specific part challenges and how Mazak technologies make machining these complex parts easier and more efficient. The latest Mazak addition The Mazak Quick Turn 200MSY CNC turning centre with multi-tasking capability brings together advanced technology, productivity, and value to deliver…

The wait is almost over!   It’s not too late to register and gather all your key exhibitors, stands, people and attractions. Registrations are still open for Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2024), held at the ICC in Darling Harbour in Sydney. Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2024 will occupy more than 6,764 square metres of exhibition space at the ICC, with over 270 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes, and support services. If you haven’t done so already, REGISTER NOW online to visit Australian Manufacturing Week in Sydney and plan your days on the My Show Planner. After registering to visit AMW2024, you can log in and tap through to My Show Planner. The My Show Planner online tool has everything you need to make the most of your time at AMW2024 in Sydney. My Show Planner is the AMW2024 visitors-side view of Map Your Show. You can connect with Exhibitors online, set up appointments and plan your time so you don’t miss a thing. There is…

Laser Automation Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (LAE) is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming AMW Sydney 2024 exhibition, marking a significant milestone in our 30-year history of innovation and excellence. As a beacon of advanced engineering solutions, LAE, in a joint venture with Smartlink Engineering Sdn Bhd., has garnered international acclaim for our precision machining, aerospace engineering, and manufacturing process. At AMW 2024, our exhibition stand will spotlight our expertise in delivering a wide array of services, including precision machining, manufacturing of tools & dies, jigs & fixtures, wire & diesinker EDM, bending & welding, parts fabricating, and electrical & mechanical module assembly. With state-of-the-art facilities encompassing conventional turning & milling, surface & cylinder grinding, CNC turning & milling, and CNC 5-axis milling centres, we are equipped to meet the diverse needs of industries ranging from automotive and semiconductor to medical technology. Our international footprint extends to collaborations with clients from Switzerland, the US, Japan, Italy and beyond, underscoring our adaptability and proficiency in providing tailor-made solutions that propel the advanced manufacturing industry…

Edge computing and AI are driving an inevitable transformation in the industrial sector. Industrial needs are evolving rapidly and therefore necessitating advanced solutions that provide a consistent platform to simplify the complexity of deployment. With edge-enabled platforms, the industrial sector is bringing data processing to the data source, simplifying the complexity of industrial systems. This is just one-way manufacturers are breaking down the barriers between their information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) infrastructure. The gradual blending of IT and OT in industrial systems goes hand in hand with the need for more efficient manufacturing. Over time, bringing together IT and OT delivers lower operating costs and accelerated time-to-market with quality, reliable and secure solutions for manufacturers. However, as manufacturers race to realise the potential of these innovations, data management is now more critical than ever in providing business insights and supporting real-time control over processes and operations. Unlocking the full potential of advancements such as AI and edge computing requires the transformation of the underlying…

SOCO, a leading digital transformation specialist and IT solutions provider is excited to announce its second annual industry event scheduled for Tuesday, 14 May 2024, at the Microsoft Sydney Office. Titled “Breaking down the hype around AI and CoPilot for Manufacturers”, the event offers a unique opportunity for manufacturing leaders to explore the paradigm-shifting potential of CoPilot and AI, diving into the possibilities that CoPilot and AI offer in transforming processes for manufacturers and accelerating growth strategies. This event is designed to help participants unlock the potential of modern ERP solutions integrated with AI and CoPilot features, exemplified by Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The event agenda includes keynote addresses on upcoming manufacturing tech trends and practical insights into leveraging CoPilot for greater efficiency, culminating in a roundtable discussion format that allows participants to gain actionable strategies, enhance visibility, optimise workflow, and foster informed decision-making in a collaborative environment. Donna South, Director of Membership at Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) commented: “Embracing innovation is essential for the sustainable advancement of the…

Here I have outlined five impacts of increasing WorkCover premiums and its effects on businesses, employees, and the broader economy. Financial Strain on Business Rising WorkCover premiums can impose a substantial financial burden on businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. Increased premiums directly impact a company's bottom line, reducing profitability and hindering growth opportunities. This financial strain may force businesses to allocate funds originally earmarked for expansion, innovation, or employee benefits towards covering insurance costs, thereby impeding their ability to invest in crucial areas essential for long-term success. Deterrent to Employment Higher WorkCover premiums may act as a deterrent to employment, particularly for businesses operating in labor-intensive industries. Employers facing escalating insurance costs may be reluctant to hire additional staff or expand their workforce, fearing the added financial strain of increased premiums. Consequently, job creation could stagnate, exacerbating unemployment rates and impeding economic…

In the dynamic world of metal fabrication and engineering, Jenkin Bros Engineers, from the outer east of Melbourne, have remained one of the few companies to display resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment to quality, being rewarded with 50 years of operation. Founded in 1974 as a family business, Jenkin Bros Engineers was producing parts for a local milk factory when an opportunity arose to produce parts for Kenworth Trucks who had begun to assemble vehicles in Australia. It was a very entrepreneurial approach to business that also saw International Harvester approached for opportunities to produce and assemble parts. Quality, consistency and smart investment in people and machinery remained the hallmarks of growth throughout the 1990s, and saw Jenkin Bros Engineers well positioned for increased demand in the early 2000's from stalwart clients Kenworth and International. Around the same time in 2004, a restructuring in the form of a purchase from senior staff further laid the foundations for a strong administrative base to complement the production side of the business. Through significant change during the GFC, adaptability was key to scaling to the needs of…

Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW2023) is approaching fast! It’s not too late to register to be a part of the action. So many companies will be there to show their best and brightest, their latest and greatest products. REGISTER NOW ONLINE The Future Solutions Speaker sessions for Thursday will begin with a quick-paced run of speakers focussing on the skills and workforce development challenges facing manufacturers Training and Workforce Development support options available for the NSW Manufacturing sector Presented by Stacey Mitchell Bales - Manager and Claire McGregor - Senior Project Officer at Workforce Development, Training Services, NSW Government Future-proofing NSW Manufacturers Presented by Annette Dockerty, Program Lead, SME Engagement The 3D’s Digitalisation, Decarbonisation and Diversification Presented by David K Martin, Ai Group's Director of Emerging Industries and Innovation Training solutions for Industry 4.0 and ESG Presented by Laura Mabikafola, Executive General Manager, SkillsLab and Embedded Expertise (SAGE Group) Sustainability and TAFE NSW training offerings, learnings from Sustainability fellowship Presented by Peter Schreiner,…

Around 22 AMTIL members, many driving out from Sydney, others from further out and indeed some others coming up from Melbourne, attended the tours of Komatsu, and on to Eilbeck Cranes in late February. The first stop was down in Moss Vale for a tour of Komatsu. These companies have been manufacturing mining machinery for the last sixty years. After a business overview presentation, safety briefing, PPE fitting and a run-through of the housekeeping, the group visited the many subassembly areas that collectively make up the underground mining machinery that Komatsu manufactures. The immense workshops were filled with mining equipment being fitted with gear for their next descent into the coal mines around NSW and QLD. Hosted by Moss Vale Site Manager Ben James, and assisted by Senior Business Unit Manager, Bill Turner and National Procurement Manager, Scott Hogan, we were directed into many areas to experience some of the shearers, room and pillar/entry development equipment, including continuous miners, bolting systems, haulage systems, feeder breakers, and many sub-components. We also had the opportunity to view a conveyor system…

The Federal Government has introduced a new round of business grants to startups and SMEs aimed at assisting the renewables and low-emission practices in projects. Minister for Industry, Science and Resources Ed Husic, said recently that companies were invited to submit proposals for ideas that address key challenges in increasing energy efficiency of commercial fishing operations; producing safe drinking water for remote First Nations communities; and researching alternative packaging for the Australian wine market. “We want to challenge small and medium businesses to make a strong contribution to Australia’s circular economy,” said Minister Husic. “These grants are an opportunity to bring Australian know-how to solve some of our most pressing economic and social issues, including renewables and low emission practices.” Funding is also available at a State level to help high-emitting manufacturing and mining facilities in NSW develop and deploy decarbonisation projects, from feasibility studies through to commissioning. Grants of up to $305,000 for high-emitting industries are available. Funding for instance will help NSW achieve significant and sustained industrial emissions reductions by 2030, in line with NSW’s target of net…