INDUSTRY NEWS Current news from the Industry

Australian Manufacturing Week 2022 open for exhibitor bookings

The Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) has announced the opening of space bookings for Australian Manufacturing Week 2022, to be held in Melbourne next March.

Proudly owned and operated by AMTIL, Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) is Australia’s premier manufacturing solutions event. Co-located with Austech, AMTIL’s longstanding advanced manufacturing and machine tool expo, the inaugural edition of AMW will take place at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 8-11 March 2022. As the largest event covering manufacturing and engineering scheduled to be held in this country, AMW 2022 promises to be an unmissable highlight of next year’s Australian manufacturing industry calendar. With significant advanced interest from industry since AMW was first announced last July, the opening of bookings marks a major milestone in preparations for the show. Organisations considering participating are strongly advised to contact AMTIL promptly to secure their place. “We are excited to announce that Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) is now open for stand bookings,” said Kim Banks, AMW Exhibition Manager and Head of Events at AMTIL. “With a strict cap on available space for 2022, exhibitors may find themselves jostling for a position as the postponement of several exhibitions in 2021 increases demand for stands.” AMW was announced in July 2020, following the decision by Reed Exhibitions to cease operation of National Manufacturing Week (NMW), which had been held in co-location with Austech for 20 years. With NMW’s discontinuation, AMTIL saw an opportunity to build on the consistent success of Austech and broaden its events portfolio, developing a comprehensive showcase that would highlight the full extent and diversity of Australian manufacturing today and the technologies, processes and innovations shaping its future. “AMW is the natural new home for exhibitors who have participated in NMW in the past,” Banks added. “Australia is a complex marketplace for metalworking trade shows or machine tool expos, so to have one single event that showcases Australian manufacturing in its entirety is something we believe the industry will value and benefit from. Our ambition is for AMW to become not just an exhibition, but the focus of a week-long celebration of manufacturing and its value for Australia today.” Exhibitors at AMW 2022 will have the opportunity to present their products and services to some of the most influential customers from across Australian manufacturing. AMTIL prides itself on the high calibre of visitors it attracts to its events. Visitors to AMW will represent industries such as: aerospace; defence; automotive; marine/shipbuilding; medical, biotechnology & pharmaceutical; petroleum, coal & chemicals; plastics & rubber manufacturing; materials handling & warehousing; recycling; electronics; and telecommunications & IT. With AMW covering the entirety of modern manufacturing, and with such a diverse array of visitors in attendance, the exhibition will feature a number of dedicated Product Zones covering specific segments or aspects of the industry. These specialised areas will help visitors to AMW find the products and services of most interest to them, while giving exhibitors the option to choose the AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING WEEK

AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS EVENT IS COMING TO MELBOURNE

most suitable location for their stand. AMW 2022 will include the following Product Zones: • Austech. AMTIL’s longstanding showcase of state-of-the-art machine tools and ancillary equipment. • Additive Manufacturing. The latest advances in 3D printing, featuring exhibits from users, suppliers and supporters of additive manufacturing. • Digitalisation (IoT). Exploring how developments in digital technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) are ushering in a new era of smart, connected manufacturing. • Air Technology. Highlighting a range of cutting-edge compressor systems and associated technologies. • Engineering Solutions. Engineering plays a vital role in modern manufacturing – this pavilion will display equipment and tools for a broad cross-section of engineering disciplines. • Manufacturing Solutions. Optimised solutions to the most common challenges experienced by manufacturers, from materials handling and warehousing to integrated manufacturing solutions. • Manufacturing Safety. The latest technologies, products, and services to improve occupational health & safety (OH&S) standards and compliance and reduce safety expenditure. • Robotics & Automation. Featuring the latest cutting-edge equipment and processes for the optimisation and automation of manufacturing operations. • Weld Solutions Zone. Highlighting advanced welding processes, with high-quality interactive experiences that demonstrate new developments and applications in the welding sector. • Australian Manufacturers Pavilion. First launched at

Austech 2013, this area showcases the capabilities of some of

Australia’s precision engineering and advanced manufacturing businesses. “There’s definitely going to be a lot going on at AMW next year, and we’ll be making further announcements over the coming months,” said Banks. “Keep an eye on the AMW website (www. australianmanufacturingweek.com.au) or follow our social media channels to stay up to date. And if you are thinking of exhibiting, don’t hesitate to get in touch – you don’t want to miss out.”

For any inquiries about Australian Manufacturing Week 2022, please contact Kim Banks, AMW Exhibition Manager. T: +61 417 146 102 E: kbanks@amtil.com.au www.australianmanufacturingweek.com.au

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IMCRC tops $200 in research investments

Investment in collaborative R&D projects catalysed by Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC) has exceeded $200m.

The $200m investment, leveraging cash and other contributions from industry, research organisations and the Federal and State Governments, has financed more than 40 transformative and industry-led projects that will help increase the global competitiveness of the Australian manufacturing industry and incentivise others to similarly invest. Of the 40 projects commenced, six projects have been completed so far, allowing the businesses to evolve and strengthen their positions in their markets: • SPEE3D “Machine vision for Industry 4.0 high-speed 3D printing” as well as the follow-on project “Automated part repair using 3D scanning and supersonic 3D deposition” • SuperCool “Smart electric compressor for refrigeration and air conditioning on electric vehicles” • BluGlass “High performance normally OFF GaN High Electron

Mobility Transistors (HEMT)” • RUAG Australia “Application of additive metal technology to operational aircraft” • Mineral Technologies “Revolutionising Mineral Separation using

Additive Manufacturing” IMCRC also acted as a catalyst for broader sector spin out investments including the $18m Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub in Brisbane, QLD, which was born out of the IMCRC co-funded Design Robotics project between Urban Art Projects (UAP), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and RMIT University, and the $10m Line Zero – Factory of the Future manufacturing accelerator at Tonsley, SA. IMCRC chair Ian Macfarlane reinforced IMCRC’s dedication to propelling Australian innovation and technological advancement: “It has never been more important than it is today for Australia to invest in homegrown R&D and to do this through effective collaboration. As Australia’s CRC for innovative manufacturing, we were pleased to see the Government acknowledge and prioritise, through its Modern Manufacturing Strategy, the need for Australian manufacturers to scale up, collaborate and commercialise. IMCRC has established a unique and now proven business model for helping and creating pathways for manufacturers to assess and explore emerging technologies, create new materials, and adapt techniques to manufacture new products and service new markets. I am delighted to be part of an organisation doing such important work within the manufacturing sector.” IMCRC Chief Executive and Managing Director David Chuter noted that COVID-19 has accelerated the pace of change of business, underlining the importance of investing in R&D: “Our industry and research partners have remained firmly committed to their projects despite the disruption created by the pandemic. It is a testament to the transformational nature of the projects they are investing in. IMCRC has been actively supporting manufacturers through these disruptive months, including through the rapid design of ‘IMCRC activate’ – a new project fund we have created for Australian businesses across all sectors to invest in shorter term R&D projects with reduced barriers and financial commitment. Through our ‘activate’ program we are stimulating new ways of thinking and helping businesses adapt to a rapidly changing environment.”

UoS, GE boost Australia’s advanced manufacturing agenda

GE Additive and the University of Sydney have entered into a strategic five-year agreement to advance Australia’s manufacturing capability.

The agreement will establish capabilities in metal additive manufacturing technology at the Sydney Manufacturing Hub, a space for training specialists and academics working in additive manufacturing, and the incubation of small to medium manufacturing enterprises. Located at the University of Sydney’s Darlington campus, the Sydney Manufacturing Hub will enable advanced alloy design and applications to support a range of sectors including aerospace, defence, medicine and agriculture. Following a memorandum of understanding signed in 2018 and GE Additive’s agreement with the New South Wales government to develop additive manufacturing capabilities in Western Sydney, the parties will work together on developing the broader advanced manufacturing agenda within NSW and Australia. Sam Maresh, Country Leader at GE Australia, said: “This is a breakthrough for Australia’s advanced manufacturing industry. Via the Sydney Manufacturing Hub, Australian manufacturers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) will now have ready access to GE’s own production-grade additive technology.” University of Sydney Director of Core Research Facilities and Faculty of Engineering academic, Professor Simon Ringer, said the COVID-19 crisis had exposed the country to vulnerabilities due to dependence on complex, ‘just-in-time’ supply chains – something that can be improved with additive manufacturing. “Pre-COVID-19, a national focus on manufacturing resilience was generally regarded as a nice thought,” said Ringer. “We have long believed this needs to be a critical national priority, and COVID-19

Sam Maresh, Country Leader for GE Australia, and Professor Simon Ringer, Director of Core Research Facilities at the University of Sydney.

has raised the stakes. GE Additive and the University of Sydney, working alongside government and Australian SMEs, will be at the forefront of delivering this capability.” “A manufacturing renaissance is coming and for Australia to lead in this space, there must be an investment in skills. Through the use of a smart facility, the University of Sydney is best placed to develop them and bring forward a new era of innovation. Our commitment to this area is backed by a recent report released by the NSW Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer, outlining the significant economic return our world-leading research infrastructure provides to the state and nation.”

Jane O’Dwyer to lead CRC Association

Jane O’Dwyer has been appointed as the new CEO of the Cooperative Research Centres Association (CRC Association).

O’Dwyer joins the CRC Association having previously served as Vice-President (Engagement and Global Relations) at The Australian National University. She succeeds Tony Peacock, who led the CRC Association for the past decade. “We are delighted to have Jane join us after what was a highly competitive process,” said CRC Association Chair, Belinda Robinson. “Her leadership skills, energy and unique experience across peak bodies, industry, academia, media and politics, make her an ideal fit to lead the organisation in its next chapter. Along with my colleagues on the Board, I’m looking forward to working with Jane to support and represent our members and advance the benefits of cooperative research in Australia. “I would also again like to thank Tony and recognise the tremendous work he has done for the CRC Association and the Australian innovation community. He has been very well respected by our members and stakeholders and I would like to wish him and his wife Ros the absolute best for his next chapter.” O’Dwyer takes on the role after a career of more than 25 years that has spanned Australia, Japan and the US. Commencing her career as a political advisor, O’Dwyer held key roles in the Australian Local Government Association and Sports Medicine Australia. She joined ANU more than 15 years ago after four years in Japan, and has been a close and trusted advisor to three consecutive ANU Vice-Chancellors across media and public affairs, policy, international relations and global engagement. She spent three years in the US, where she established the ANU North America Liaison Office attached to the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. “I’m delighted to join the CRC Association and know I follow in the footsteps of a highly respected and active CEO in Tony Peacock,” said O’Dwyer. “Cooperative Research Centres are a great Australian success story, and a testament to the profound national value of industry-university research cooperation. “I relish the opportunity to work with the Board to write the next chapter for the CRC Association at a time when research and the development, and retention, of a highly skilled research workforce that can transition between universities and industry, will be essential to emerge from the impacts of COVID-19. Cooperative research is critical to Australia’s future.”

New report exposes VET, technologies education “crisis” for Victorian students

A new report has highlighted “an education crisis” affecting Victorian students that could have an impact on Australia’s ‘comeback strategy in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Entitled Why Victoria needs high-quality VET and Technologies Teacher Education, the report from the Campaign for VET and Technologies Education (CVTE) lays bare an array of issues for schools, students and students’ future careers. It argues for reintroduction of vocational education & training (VET) and Technologies initial teacher education (ITE) programs following the closure of the sole program in Victoria producing secondary qualified VET and Technologies teachers for Victorian schools. According to the report, secondary schools are now unable to offer the high quality of education needed due to long-standing skill shortages of secondary qualified VET and Technologies teachers. Moreover, now that the only course producing secondary qualified VET and Technologies teachers for Victorian schools closed in 2020, the full impact is yet to be realised. This confluence of events will see many schools become unable to offer Technologies programs and many applied learning programs and pathways are in jeopardy. This holds serious implications for Victorian schools and their capacity to fulfill ‘highquality’ teaching and learning obligations. This situation will also impact secondary schools’ capacity to nurture, engage and kindle student’s curiosity for technical and engineering futures. “A skilled workforce does not just fall from the sky,” commented Greg Chalker, Corporate Services Manager at the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), in response to the report’s findings. The report also argues that the unfolding crisis will not only affect the future careers of young Victorians, but could potentially undermine Australia’s post-pandemic recovery strategy. Without appropriate courses to prepare and qualify VET and Technologies secondary teachers, Commonwealth and Victorian state government efforts to convince tens of thousands of young people to engage with apprenticeships, traineeships and technical careers will be weakened, potentially derailing manufacturing- and construction-based recovery initiatives. The report calls for the reintroduction of undergraduate VET and Technologies teacher education programs in Victoria. “If we do not act now to re-establish teacher education programs to generate secondary-qualified VET and Technologies teachers, young Australians will pay the price,” said Dr Karen O’ReillyBriggs, a lecturer La Trobe University in Melbourne and one of the reports co-authors. “Australian governments are depending more than ever on secondary students wanting to embark on apprenticeships and traineeships to become the tradespeople, technicians and engineers needed to resource a swathe of major infrastructure and big build projects created to drive the nation’s comeback. Many professionals, technicians and tradespeople made unemployed during the COVID recession would welcome the chance to enter the teaching profession.”

www.campaign-vet-tech-education.com/report

Allyn Beard appointed to chair Australian Made Campaign

The Board of Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL) has appointed a new Chairman in Allyn Beard, Director of Sydney-based mattress manufacturer AH Beard.

Beard succeeds outgoing Chairman, Glenn Cooper AM, Chairman of Coopers Brewery, who retired from the Board after 13 years as a Director. Beard, along with his brother, heads AH Beard, with manufacturing facilities in every state of Australia. The family-owned business employs more than 400 dedicated and highly skilled people to produce up to 10,000 mattresses every week – sold in Australia and around the world. “As an Australian manufacturer, it is a great honour to take on the role of Chairman of AMCL,” said Beard. “I am passionate about creating jobs and keeping jobs in Australia, and a healthy manufacturing environment is essential to doing that. I look forward to supporting Australia’s manufacturers and growers and further strengthening the iconic green and gold kangaroo brand. “The Australian Made logo really is a valuable asset for Australia’s makers and producers seeking to make the Australian connection both domestically and overseas. It’s never been more important to buy Australian Made than right now. It is crucial we continue to support our Aussie makers and help consumers identify genuine Aussie products to aid Australia’s economic recovery.” The Board also appointed AMCL Director Nicki Anderson to the position of Deputy Chair. Anderson has held key leadership positions at numerous Australian manufacturing businesses within the food and beverage sector and is a director of a number of ASX, private family and not-for-profit companies. Paul Jensen, Chairman of the Watarrka Foundation, was elected as Treasurer, replacing former Bank of Queensland Chairman Neil Summerson AM, who retired from the AMCL Board after 18 years of service. Jim Sturgess, CEO of Crimsafe Security Systems, also joined the Board as a Director. Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said that the strategic direction provided by its Board of Directors had been instrumental to the logo’s success. “AMCL is privileged to have such a strong board of talented individuals with diverse business backgrounds,” said Lazzaro. “AMCL’s Directors don’t get paid a cent for their work – they do it because they are passionate about promoting Australian Made. “The Australian Made Campaign is particularly grateful to Glenn Cooper and Neil Summerson who have both volunteered their time as Directors for more than a decade, driving the establishment of critical policies and providing invaluable insights over the years.”

Toolcraft takes inaugural 2020 Australian Space Award

South Australian precision manufacturing company Toolcraft Australia has been awarded the prestigious ‘Manufacturing Business of the Year’ in the 2020 Australian Space Awards.

The Australian Space Awards program is an initiative of Space Connect part of Momentum Media, a marketplace and information platform for the space economy. “The Australian Space Award is great recognition for more than 12 and a half years of hard work by our team,” said Craig Holland, General Manager – Operations at Toolcraft. Established in 1979, Toolcraft is a highly experienced precision aerospace manufacturing and technology development company that is 100% Australian owned. The company is an integral member of an advanced manufacturing group that produces and exports an extensive range of commercial products and technologies. With more than 40 years of experience Toolcraft has positioned itself as a highly skilled yet agile organisation capable of producing and integrating high and low volume quality precision parts, components and assemblies. Toolcraft has been approved as a Defence Ready Level 1 supplier by the Department of Defence, has NCAGE procurement classification, and is AS9100 accredited for aerospace. Its customers include the who’s who of high end international companies with such names as Northrop Grumman, Sikorsky, Boeing, Thales, BAE Systems, BHP Billiton, Lockheed Martin, Mayne Pharma, Siemens and many more. It is an experienced defence sustainment contractor producing components for Black Hawk, Collins-Class and Wedgetail. Dean McCarroll, Managing Director of Okuma Australia, congratulated Toolcraft on its award: “We congratulate Toolcraft Australia on being recognised as ‘Manufacturing Business of the Year’ in the Australian Space Awards for 2020. Competitive precision manufacturing is so important to Australia particularly in defence and aerospace contracts. Okuma CNC machines are synonymous for achieving continuous high precision machining over long periods coupled with the highest level of harmonious control which will continue to enhance these capabilities.”

Greg Stevens, General Manager – Innovation, and Craig Holland, General Manager – Operations at Toolcraft Australia.

Holland added: "Toolcraft is a long-term customer and user of Okuma leading-edge precision machines of more than 30 years. Our first machine is still in operation and is almost bullet proof. The service we receive from Okuma is outstanding and the consistent precision output of the machines is all important to us in this industry. Our engineers love the machines and there is always a queue when a new machine is commissioned. Being familiar with the easy operating systems allows us great flexibility to move engineers from machine to machine with ease.”

AMGC opens up COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register to the world

Australian companies are set to gain new export opportunities with the potential to create new jobs, following the opening up of the COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register to international buyers.

The Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) introduced the online Register in March, so local manufacturers and suppliers of crucial products such as personal protective equipment (PPE) could support the national response to the pandemic. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said that, having stepped up to support domestic production, manufacturers can now take on new markets and sell their products overseas. “By opening the Register to international buyers, Australian companies will be able to utilise the skills and supplies they have developed and keep people in jobs, while helping in the fight against COVID-19 overseas,” Andrews said. “The Register has been very helpful in matching manufacturers and suppliers of COVID-19 related products to areas of demand. “It has enabled businesses, hospitals, GPs and community groups to find suppliers of PPE, including masks and gowns, and hand sanitiser. The Register has fostered impressive collaboration between companies and accelerated the development of such products as ventilators and relief beds.” AMGC Managing Director Jens Goennemann said the addition of international buyer access to the Register would benefit local and international businesses alike. “Australia’s effective response to COVID-19 has meant that local demand for these products has reduced, but there is still high demand overseas,” Goennemann said. “The Register has helped link buyers and sellers, forged collaborative efforts and helped build new onshore capabilities – such as invasive ventilators. Now, with the addition of international buyers, the Register will serve to broaden the positive impact Australia’s manufacturing industry is having in response to the pandemic. “Australian manufacturers supply world-class products and international demand for these will benefit local businesses and help bolster onshore manufacturing endeavours.” The use of the COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register is free for all parties. The purpose of the platform is to enable buyers and sellers to meet. Producers can upload a profile and product description and buyers search for what they need. Overseas entities can register as buyers but not sellers. Once a contact is made, AMGC has no further involvement. Any business deals are conducted between interested parties off the site. The Register also allows buyers to search for products registered with the Australian Made Campaign and with relevant Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approvals.

For more details on how to use the COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register go to: www.amgc.org.au/ covid-19-manufacturer-response

CSIRO supports SMEs with new tech to drive industry resilience

As the focus of COVID-19 shifts to one of economic recovery, a new program by CSIRO is helping SMEs adopt worldclass technology, digitally transform and drive Australia’s recovery.

The Early Adopter Program (EAP) aims to accelerate technology adoption among SMEs in a range of industries. The program provides technologies that are easily adoptable, translatable and reasonably priced to deliver fast ROI. The first of this tech being made available to SMEs is Wildcat. Developed by CSIRO’s Data61, the technology enables ground robots and drones to autonomously map and navigate complex environments, such as mines. The EAP is part of a push by CSIRO’s Data61 to make low-cost, easily adoptable technologies available for SMEs in sectors including manufacturing, supply chain, mining, energy and construction, to trial and integrate into their business, as part of the EAP initiative. The EAP builds on CSIRO’s focus to power SME growth in Australia by improving access to research and development (R&D). Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic was largely dependent on Australia’s ability to develop and harness technology. “There is no business as usual in the post-COVID-19 economy,” Minister Andrews said. “Our success as a nation relies on our ability to unlock the potential of industry to create high-paid, lasting jobs. By harnessing our world-class science and technology in fields like AI, robotics and automation, we can open up new markets and take more of our products to the world. Initiatives like CSIRO’s Early Adopter Program have the potential to help small and mediumsized businesses to create new value, enhance productivity and grow more high-paid jobs to boost recovery.” CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the pandemic presented a moment in time for small businesses to ride the digital transformation momentum. “At this pivotal time in our history, the inclination is to batten down the hatches and postpone investments, when actually small business who double down on innovation can be part of driving our recovery from this pandemic-led recession and land us back in a much stronger position," Dr Marshall said. “COVID-19 has disrupted every element of our lives, and while the devastating loss of life can’t be understated, we have an opportunity to determine the new kind of Australian economy we want to emerge from this crisis – one driven by innovation. Just as science and technology have been guiding our health and emergency response, so too will they drive our economic response and recovery from this pandemic.”

Small and medium enterprises interested in learning more about EAP, or the range of SME services offered by CSIRO, should contact: EnquiriesTeam@csiro.au