11 minute read
Aussie battery manufacturer charges ahead with major expansion
AUSSIE BATTERY MANUFACTURER CHARGES AHEAD WITH MAJOR EXPANSION Century Batteries’ $7 million capital investment project was focused on improving factory efficiencies, equipment utilisation and quality consistency
Demand for Australian-made batteries surged through the peak COVID-19 period as iconic Australian battery manufacturer Century Batteries readied to unveil state of the art machinery to meet future markets. Century Batteries National Marketing Manager (Automotive), Andrew Bottoms, said from May to August this year there was a 15 percent increase in the sale of Australian made batteries over the same period last year. Andrew said little did the company realise before the new machine even began test runs, that COVID-19 would create increased demand as the disease significantly changed the import landscape. “Supply chains were interrupted and with so much uncertainly at how events would play out (not to mention for how long), across the country industries were looking for homegrown products they may have previously sourced overseas,” Andrew said. “Then the next wave came as borders closed. Our retail partners reported a massive push for Aussiemade products, particularly for car batteries and then camping and leisure products as families looked to holiday and travel closer to home. “The new rotary plate making line will increase production to over 1.3 million batteries a year: the realisation of a three-year project. “Factory 2020 was dual fold in its ambitions: to improve and upgrade the factory but in doing so double down on our manufacturing footprint. That meant a commitment to Australians, that they could buy a homegrown battery, designed and made here for our extreme conditions. “We had confidence in Factory 2020, but like many companies manufacturing Australian goods we would need consumer support: research showed Australian-made was important to customers. “Our factory upgrades are also a commitment to the more than 600 people employed by Century Yuasa. Buying Australian has never been more important, especially when it means keeping fellow Australians in a job.” Century Batteries’ $7 million capital investment project was focused on improving factory efficiencies, equipment utilisation and quality consistency. The company says it puts $100 million back into the Australian economy and not only that, but it also fully supports other Australian companies. Century Yuasa General Manager of Operations, Matthieu Anquetil, said almost every component needed for the manufacturing process came from other local manufacturers. “Whether that is lead from South Australia, recycled components from New South Wales and plastics and signage from Queensland: we are invested in manufacturing in Australia,” Matthieu said. “Our factory upgrades equal any manufacturing plant around the world: allowing us to increase our manufacturing efficiency so we can compete against imported products. Manufacturing in Australia is getting tougher, so we have to become more innovative, designing batteries that better suit the Australian climate.” The factory upgrades included a complete revision of the factory layout for better efficiencies transitioning to lean manufacturing and improved safety. Lead plates are the critical components of lead batteries and the new rotary expander line replaces three existing plate making lines (reciprocated expander lines) and runs at a
Queensland Premier Annastacia Pałaszczuk was present for Century Batteries’ factory expansion launch
speed of 45 metres per minute compared with 11 metres per minute for each of the older machines. The upgrades also include four new curing ovens, designed by Century’s engineering team, with automated buggy systems controlling each step of the curing process. Century has also invested with significant upgrades and expansion of its research and development facility. Not only did the project reportedly ‘futureproof’ the business and protect current jobs, but additional permanent positions were also created. “We have over 8,000 retail customers in Australia and 3,000 in New Zealand,” Matthieu said. “And while a small percentage of products in the Century range are imported from Century Yuasa affiliated and approved suppliers, the majority of the more than two million units Century Yuasa sells every year are manufactured in the Queensland plant. “The COVID-19 crisis has shone a light on many Australian industries that are critical to our economy and for keeping our supply chain moving with increased support of local manufacturing, a standout.”
For more from Century Batteries, visit www.centurybatteries.com.au
ULTRA TUNE PROTECTS ‘PROTECTORS’
New program looks to assist those who protect our community
Ultra Tune, which says it is Australia’s leading independently owned vehicle after-sales service provider, has introduced a nationwide vehicle sanitation program to assist all “Protectors” – doctors, nurses, ambulance personnel, police, military and other emergency service providers – across the country. “Ultra Tune is in a unique position,” Ultra Tune Executive Director, Sean Buckley, said. “We have a national foot-print with more than 260 centres across the country and can deliver this unique, valuable service to the real heroes of this pandemic – our front-line Protectors.” Using Australia’s only TGA approved disinfectant AutoGuru has partnered with Ampol to help thousands of Auto Repairers process fleet work via AmpolCard. Ampol says its AmpolCard, which will be replacing StarCard over the next two years, is known for giving Australian businesses access to the country’s largest petrol and convenience network of more than 1,900 sites. The cards also provide access to exclusive savings through partnerships with local companies. There are currently over one million StarCard holders in Australia, which will become AmpolCard holders once the transition is complete. This new partnership with AutoGuru, which says it is Australia’s number one booking site for automotive servicing and repairs, expands the AmpolCard service and repair network to 5,000 auto repairers with hundreds of workshops continuing to sign up. “We are super excited about this partnership,” AutoGuru Chief Executive Officer, Eden Shirley, said. “Ampol is an iconic Australian brand and a market leader in fuel cards, and we are so pleased shown to be 99.999 percent effective against the COVID-19 virus within 30 seconds of exposure, Nanocyn will be deployed to Ultra Tune stores across the country to deliver the service at 50 percent off RRP to “Protectors.” “Every-time a Protector enters their car after a shift at the coalface fighting this virus, they run the risk of infecting their vehicles and as such increasing the risk of spreading COVID-19 to their families.” Sean said. “By offering the Nanocyn sanitation service, at a heavily discounted rate to frontline Protectors at our centres across the nation, we feel that we are doing our bit to stem the spread of this killer virus.” Other community members throughout Australia can avail themselves of the same service for $49.00. Ultra Tune notes the following key features of Nanocyn: • Australia’s only TGA approved water-based disinfectant as used by Boeing and Airbus that, unlike ethanol or quad ammonia-based disinfectants, won’t damage vehicle interiors. • Non-toxic, totally natural and non-corrosive, it
AMPOL PARTNERS WITH AUTOGURU
AutoGuru to manage Australia’s largest fuel card service and repair program
has been shown to be 99.999 percent effective to support our workshops to process AmpolCard fleet work along with some of Australia’s bestknown automotive brands.” The first phase of the partnership enables approved service providers to submit Ampol fleet work for authorisation online via AutoGuru’s Workshop Portal, or call Ampol’s maintenance approval phone line which AutoGuru now manages. The second phase of the partnership will integrate AmpolCard as a payment option into AutoGuru. Of the 5,000 repairers already signed up, roughly 40 percent are OEM Dealers and 60 percent are aftermarket with half of these being independent. Authorised AmpolCard holders simply show their AmpolCard or StarCard at any approved repairer to access a fleet discount. “This partnership aligns with our mission to enable auto repairers to transact seamlessly with customers online,” Eden said. “What we’ve built for Ampol is an industry first that enables workshops to submit fleet work online and get authorised and paid faster. “Built leveraging AutoGuru’s dynamic quoting technology, our new fleet software utilises
against the COVID-19 virus within 30 seconds of contact. • Used globally in aviation, deep school/day-care cleans, by the military, emergency services and a host of other essential services. • Unlike some disinfectants, Nanocyn is proven safe on all surfaces and will not damage your car’s interior. Ultra Tune commenced trading in 1979 and today has more than 260 stores across Australia. Ultra Tune is independently, Australian owned, and has been rated ‘Best in Category’ three out of the last four years by Canstar Blue.
For more information about Nanocyn, visit www.microsafe.com.au/nanocyn For more information on Ultra Tune, visit www.ultratune.com.au
manufacturer repair times and OEM and aftermarket parts pricing to deliver a data driven method of quoting and authorising fleet work online. “My goal within six months is to automate 60 percent of maintenance pre-auth processes to deliver faster approvals and payment for auto service providers.” AutoGuru says it continues to be at the forefront of digital innovation, most recently claiming its third successive inclusion in the Australian Financial Review’s BOSS Most Innovative Companies Awards. Any auto service provider that is interested in processing AmpolCard fleet bookings can do so without becoming a member of AutoGuru.
For more information, contact 07 5612 5347 or email success@autoguru.com.au
AUTOMECHANIKA SHANGHAI 2020 UNITES INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC MARKETS
The show will be held across December 2 to 5
As the automotive industry transitions alongside fairs this year, companies are recognising the the backdrop of COVID-19, show organisers say brand building opportunities that Automechanika Automechanika Shanghai navigates these new Shanghai presents. Through their digital booths, roads through its innovative hybrid event. onsite exhibitors can further increase their The show commences from 2 to 5 December at exposure, image and visibility in the market, the National Exhibition and Convention Center as well as host launches to reveal their latest (Shanghai), while players across the world will products, technologies and services. be able to tune in digitally from 30 November to Live streamed onsite events and activities 6 December. Australia’s Burson Auto Parts has celebrated another major milestone in its almost five-decade history. Burson Auto Parts says it is Australia’s preferred trade supplier of parts, tools and equipment. Its 190th store has opened at the large Victorian rural town of Kilmore, located conveniently on the main street at Shop 7, 84 Sydney Street in Kilmore. This new Burson Auto Parts store services the major Northern Victorian regional centres of Kilmore, Wallan, Wandong, Broadford and Seymour. Despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Burson Auto Parts has opened an additional seven stores during 2020, taking the total number of new Burson Auto Parts stores joining Australia’s preferred trade network to 20 over the past two years. Burson Auto Parts says its targeted geographic growth ensures that automotive repairers across the country have access to vast stocks of parts with prompt deliveries, keeping their businesses operating effectively throughout these regional centres and their surrounding rural communities. Automechanika Shanghai will host an impressive Burson Auto Parts says the highly experienced management and staff of its Kilmore store combine multiple decades of direct involvement in the automotive parts and repair industries, ensuring that their customers are provided with the highest level of service. Committed to supporting local automotive businesses, Burson Auto Parts Kilmore is stocked with a huge range of parts tailored to meet local repairer demand and specific rural vehicle requirements. The Kilmore store also has a fleet of Burson Auto Parts delivery vehicles to ensure prompt deliveries. This new Burson Auto Parts store reportedly increases the already unparalleled footprint of the Bapcor Group, Australasia’s largest automotive aftermarket specialised company, further emphasising the local company’s commitment to Australia’s automotive repairers. “Our strategic growth continues to ensure that automotive repairers have access to large stock holdings of parts, tools and the latest diagnostic equipment along with prompt and knowledgeable customer service,” Burson Trade Executive General Manager, Craig Magill, said. “Over the years, Automechanika Shanghai has line-up of fringe events running concurrently with built up a strong global network synonymous to the online platform. The 50-strong programme its highly influential reputation in the market,” will see an expected 215 speakers sharing their Messe Frankfurt (HK) Deputy General Manager, insights on current and future market trends, as Fiona Chiew, said. well as touch upon the aftereffects of COVID-19. “In light of current challenges, the show is an For the first time, the Automotive Aftermarket important hub for innovation and collaboration; Summit is going hybrid. During one of the highly it will continue to unite players from all corners anticipated panel discussions Ricky Wang, AASA of the world through its new hybrid platform AMS CAF Vice Chairman, Vice President and General Live and support industry development along the way.” Manager of APAC Brake Parts Inc, will discuss the impact of the pandemic in the aftermarket To illustrate, show organisers say as one of the with onsite and remotes speakers from various few chances to take part in automotive trade countries and regions. Elsewhere, prominent industry players guiding global OEMs and suppliers through supply chain trends and challenges during the AIAG Auto Parts Purchasing Leadership and Suppliers Summit 2020. Automechanika Shanghai will feature approximately 3,900 exhibitors across 280,000 sqm of space and at the same time, its new platform AMS Live will allow overseas players to connect with onsite exhibitors through key features for live streaming, video calls, live chats and more.
For more information, visit
190 BURSON AUTO PARTS STORES AND COUNTING
www.automechanika-shanghai.com
“Our growth also provides new local employment opportunities ranging from store staff, delivery drivers and local store management, which is particularly important during this very challenging year for so many people.” Burson Auto Parts now heads towards 200 stores nationwide, heralding a decade of immense strategic growth for this proudly Australian company.
Kilmore and surrounding regional area automotive repairers and service centres can contact Burson Auto Parts locally by calling 03 5742 8065 or by emailing kilmore@burson.com.au For more from Burson Auto Parts, visit www.burson.com.au
