Australian manufacturing is set to get its own night of nights with our first ever gala awards evening for the sector, the Australian Manufacturing Awards, slated to take place on Thursday 23rd October 2025 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Created by Industry Update and supported by St.George Bank as Platinum Sponsor, the Awards will break new ground for manufacturing in Australia, providing our industry with a long-deserved chance to celebrate its best and brightest.
There will be three Gold Awards - Manufacturer of the Year for individuals and companies, plus a Lifetime Achievement Award - as well 18 Silver Awards that reach every corner of Australian manufacturing, from supply chains and Australian Made to apprentices and tech.
Manufacturing has long been a poor cousin, and has for too long failed to celebrate itself and its contribution to Australia’s economic success.
By founding these awards, Industry Update is turning the spotlight onto the manufacturing industry and the amazing work that is done within it.
Winners will be chosen by a rigorous nomination and judging process that will include experts from across manufacturing, including representatives from business and academia.
2025 is just the beginning - there are further announcements planned for later in the year for 2026 and beyond.
“This is set to be the event of the year for the manufacturing industry,” said Industry Update owner and founder Scott Filby.
“We will go all out for the first Awards, with
Industry Update owner Scott Filby with Head of Manufacturing & Wholesale NSW Matthew Kelly of St.George
Publisher SCOTT FILBY scott@industryupdate.com.au
Editor MIKE WOOD editor@industryupdate.com.au
Sub Editor RENATA GORTAN subeditor@industryupdate.com.au
Writer LUCY JONES writer@industryupdate.com.au
Universities & Collaboration Editor DAVID SLIGAR unieditor@industryupdate.com.au
Subscription Assistant GUSTAV RHEEDER circ@industryupdate.com.au
Web Developer JINI M R
Boost for Western Sydney manufacturing as new hub delivers first project
Western Sydney’s manufacturing industry is already one of the strongest in Australia - and it received a major boost with the completion of the first project out the new Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) in Bradfield.
ways of working, will enable us to increase productivity and reduce costs. Simple changes could make a massive difference to our operations.
The new innovation hub, which is funded by the NSW Government, completed a job with Emu Plainsbased cooling tower experts Marley Flow, who came to the AMRF to streamline manufacturing processes within their business.
They managed to improve operational efficiency and, as a result, may now be able to gain six times the productivity of the business and an estimated 15-20% reduction in costs.
The project was such a success that Marley Flow are set to go around again, this time with the goal of developing and designing new products for market.
“Marley Flow Control is excited to collaborate with the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) on the first project,” said CEO Gareth Jones.
“Working with the AMRF, tapping into their engineering expertise and expert knowledge to improve our manufacturing processes and
“We see this as the beginning of a long partnership with the AMRF to help develop our product offering. We’re proud to be one of the first to access this world-class manufacturing development centre right here in Western Sydney.”
It was a superb start for what should be an enduring addition to manufacturing in Sydney’s West.
“The AMRF is a NSW Government strategy to accelerate innovation and grow businesses in Western Sydney and we’re delighted to announce the completion of our first project,” said Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison.
“Western Sydney is home to one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing businesses in Australia and the AMRF is a resource to support them innovate, grow and provide more jobs.
“With the AMRF, homegrown manufacturers have an exciting opportunity to transition to new ways of doing business or create high value components for the next generation of advanced technologies.”
Gareth Jones (left) and Ben Kitcher (right)
Registration opens for Australian Manufacturing Week 2025
Registration is now open for the biggest precision engineering manufacturing show ever held in Australia.
Australian Manufacturing Week 2025 (AMW2025) is being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from Tuesday 6 May through to Friday 9 May 2025.
Organised and run by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL), AMW2025 will host over 400 organisations taking stands to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, processes and support services.
The event, which will occupy 80%
of the MCEC, will cover every aspect of manufacturing technology, from the largest machine tools to the smallest precision cutting tools.
It will also include state-of-the-art support systems, software and accessories and the myriad services essential to any manufacturing operation.
One of the many highlights of AMW shows is the Future Solutions Speaker Program, which begins on the first day of AMW2025. The sessions have been hand-picked to cater to the industry’s varied needs to tackle challenges and stay abreast of the latest trends.
“Come and hear from the best specialists in each field,” said CEO of AMTIL, Lorraine Maxwell.
Incorporates turning with milling, drilling and tapping functionality
Reduces the need for second operation production for oneoffs and small to medium batches of components
“Our Future Solutions sessions will cover many aspects of manufacturing in Australia, as well as services surrounding and supporting our industry. We are all set for a great week.”
AMW2025 will offer a wider spectrum of technologies vital to the modern manufacturing business than has ever been brought under one roof at an Australian exhibition before.
To help visitors to the show navigate such a diverse line-up of exhibits, AMW2025 will feature dedicated areas covering a range of specialised aspects of the modern manufacturing landscape:
• Additive Manufacturing Zone
• Australian Manufacturers’ Pavilion
• Machine Tools
• Manufacturing Solutions
• Robotics & Automation
• Weld & Air Solutions
This is the main event of the year to showcase the latest innovations, technologies and equipment in the advanced manufacturing sector, allowing attendees to explore new opportunities, meet and network with industry leaders and technology experts, all under one roof at one
show.
With so much on show at such a large event, the challenge for AMW visitors is taking in everything available.
Fortunately, assistance is at hand: AMW’s organisers have teamed up with event management software experts Map Your Show to develop online tools to help you plan your visit.
There will also be an AMW App to aid you in navigating the site. More details can be found on the AMW2025 website, so you can map your movements at AMW right now.
“I think it’s safe to say that every aspect of manufacturing today will be on display at AMW 2025,” said Kim Banks, Exhibition Director at AMTIL.
“There will be something for everyone involved in manufacturing. Just ensure you set aside enough time to see it all.”
Be sure to visit Australian Manufacturing Week in Melbourne from 6-9 May 2025. This show is going to be massive!
Attendance is free and registration is required. Learn more and register today at www.australianmanufacturingweek.com.au
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AMW 2025 will be massive
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How broadening horizons can bring manufacturing success with D&D Smith
Any company successfully operating for over 55 years has to be one that recognises emerging market trends then adapts and evolves to meet those needs.
D&D Smith Metal Pressers, based in Padstow in Sydney’s Southwest, is one such company.
Established in 1969, the family-run company has serviced the sheetmetal industry with its general engineering and fabricating facilities allowing a diverse range of businesses to engineer their products from original concept to finished product.
The company took advantage of the boom in metal stamping that occurred in Sydney during the 1980s and soon became an acknowledged expert and leader in the metal-stamping industry.
From there the first CNC machine was purchased, quickly becoming a significant part of the business.
Daniel Smith, son of founder Dennis Smith, is the current owner and manager of the business.
A skilled toolmaker, he recognised that the key to longevity of the business was a continual expansion of its range of services, recognising emerging market trends and investing in new technology.
Over the years, the company has expanded into tooling, CAD/CAM facilities for intricate die manufacture, wire cutting and precision measuring equipment.
The factory is equipped with 20 presses ranging from 15 to 300 tonne capacity, with the capability to manufacture coils up to 10mm
laser cutter for themselves but still wanted the quality of cut and quick turnaround that only a fiber laser cutter can provide,” he explained.
“I chose the Yawei as it offered high performance and quality of cut at a very competitive price. Plus, the benefit of using a local supplier like Applied Machinery with its technical expertise and support was the icing on the cake.
The simplicity of the programming and the cutting speed of the Yawei allowed D&D to handle short production runs, produce custom moulds and build prototype designs of the highest quality.
“We no longer needed to invest in expensive and time-consuming tooling,” he said.
“We could just build the form part and laser cut the blank die. All of a sudden we halved the tooling expense and sped up turnaround making small runs much more viable whilst opening up niche opportunities for us.
thick, flat bars up to 30mm and forming to 300 tonnes.
The manufacturing of metal door framings, roller doors and specialist equipment for the mining industry has been a core part of the company’s product offering.
Due to the competitive nature of the industry, Daniel has always strived to ensure D&D has a clear point of difference by offering outstanding quality combined with quick turnaround.
This has established a solid customer base which includes wellknown companies Boral, Rheem and B&D Australia.
The company also has its own toolmaking facility for the design and manufacture of new tools, repair and maintenance of existing tools.
“When you’ve been involved in metal stamping/ toolmaking you get used to tight tolerances,” said Daniel Smith.
“We always go the extra mile to ensure the highest quality of the finished product. We pride ourselves on our personal service and excellent lead times - something only a true Australian business can deliver.
“This has been the key to us both retaining current customers and acquiring new ones. Once we start a relationship with a new company they tend to stay with us.”
Another emerging trend that Daniel spotted more recently was in contract laser cutting, and to capitalise on this, he purchased a Yawei HLF-1530 (4kW) model in 2018.
“Many local manufacturers and fabricators couldn’t justify a
Whilst D&D still manufactures mining and metal stamped products, the major growth has occurred within the contract laser cutting side.
Today this segment represents an impressive 50% of turnover vindicating the decision to move into this market.
It is this remarkable growth that led to his decision to recently purchase another Yawei fiber laserthis time a high powered HLF 15kW model with a 2m x 4m bed.
“I wanted to add a new fiber laser that wasn’t just faster but also cut thicker and longer - I wanted an addition not just a duplication,” said Daniel.
A significant part of the company’s contract work necessitates cutting numerous 8, 10 and 12mm thick plates.
“Because the new 15kW machine is so powerful, it just smashes through these plates quickly and easily,” explained Daniel.
My numbers over the last few months have been the biggest ever, so this new fiber laser has come just at the right time.”
Like any business, the company is only as strong as the sum of its parts and Daniel is quick to praise his staff.
“My employees are a dedicated bunch who work together to produce the highest quality products for our valued customers. That’s what will ensure we’re around for many years to come.”
D&D Smith - ddsmith.com.au
The D&D Smith Metal Pressers team
Daniel Smith D&D
‘Above and beyond expectation’: The secrets to sales success in machine tooling
Colchester Machine Tools have been at the heart of Australian manufacturing for over a century.
Longevity is the best currency in industry, and Colchester have that in spades. The latest satisfied customer is Depco Drilling, who recently purchased a Harrison Alpha CNC Lathe with the help of sales engineer Karl Winter.
They explained just how easy dealing with Colchester was - and why they’d be back in a heartbeat.
How did you find the Sales & After Sales Support when purchasing your Harrison Alpha CNC Lathe from Colchester Machine Tool Solutions?
The initial sales process was excellent, and I was never once pressured or given any form of ‘salesy’ commission breath that’s very common in the industry.
As far as after sales support, this is where Colchester has
out-performed every other supplier we’ve encountered – by far.
The immediate attention, phone support and general willingness of Colchester to bend over backwards to solve any issues has been unreal. It’s a major part of our buying decision making moving forward.
Colchester do an unreal job and go well above and beyond expectation.
Why did you purchase Harrison Alpha?
We already had purchased a second hand one and were so impressed with it we wanted another just like it – but bigger.
In that regard, we already were familiar with the brand and machine. They sell themselves. Very robust, reliable and easy to use.
What has the Harrison Alpha done for your business?
Having the two Alphas has made it significantly quicker. Our job times have reduced dramatically as
both lathes are now custom built to the style of work we do.
We have more than tripled our output since installing the pair of machines. The reliability is also key. We have had less than one week of total downtime (on both machines) since installation.
Would you invest in another Harrison Alpha CNC Lathe?
Absolutely. They are great machines and we receive world class after sales service.
Colchester - colchestermachines.au
The Harrison Alpha 1760 XS CNC Lathe in action
M ACHINERY / TOOLS
Jenera expand fabrication capabilities with high-powered laser investment
Jenera is a new name on the manufacturing scene, but don’t be fooled: they bring more than half a century of experience.
Established in 1974 and trading as Jenkin Bros Engineers until last year’s 50th anniversary, the new trading name Jenera pays homage to founders Bob and Graham Jenkin, whilst looking forward to a new era in the company’s evolution.
Operating primarily in Melbourne, Victoria, Jenera’s key services include precision CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, bending, thread rolling, folding and painting.
They can boast a dedicated finished assembly area that brings manufactured components together, providing customers with a one-stop-shop for all their sheetmetal needs.
Jenera’s machining centre features nine CNC lathes, five VMC mills and two CNC saws. On the fabrication side its equipment includes press brakes, welders and laser cutters along with brazing and painting capabilities.
The company operates under the ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system and has experience across numerous industry segments, including transport, defence, mining, construction and energy.
Its specialised products for the defence industry include vehicle roll bars, handrails, valves, brackets and pipe fittings with a commitment to ensure these projects are delivered to specifications, on-time and on-budget.
An understanding of the mining industry and the requirement for products that can endure the harshest environments has seen Jenera contracted to manufacture a number of metal engineering services including fabrication, repair and refurbishment.
However, the largest part of Jenera’s business involves metal fabrication services for specialised products within the transport and logistics industry.
As a 100% wholly Australian owned and operated company, Jenera strives to work with and
support local businesses. Evidence of this is the company’s long and successful association with Kenworth Australia – a subsidiary of global truck manufacturer Paccar.
Kenworth is Australia’s leading heavy duty on-highway truck which is built at their manufacturing facility in Bayswater.
In all, Jenera supply around 2,000 parts to Kenworth which includes body and cabin panels, chassis parts, specialist engine components, engine mounts, gear box supports, clutch levers and more.
Nearly a decade ago, the purchase of a 2.5kW CO2 laser allowed for faster cutting speeds, combined with the precision and accuracy that only a laser can offer.
It also expanded the company’s ability to do more complex and larger metal fabrication such as whole cab sections for Kenworth.
The performance of the initial machine led to the company firstly upgrading to a 6kW fiber laser, and more recently the purchase of a
high power 12kW Yawei HLF series machine.
“We did a lot of research before deciding to go with the Yawei brand and in particular a high powered 12kW HLF model,” said Senior Engineer, Kevin Youliang Yi.
“It was a big investment for us, and we wanted to ensure the laser we chose would not only satisfy our current requirements now but also in five years’ time.
“Applied Machinery took us to China to view the Yawei plant and see the fiber laser in action. It proved to us how impressive the machine was and along with Yawei’s willingness to provide an extended warranty, really gave us the confidence to proceed.
“Yawei’s very competitive price was obviously an important factor for us too. Dealing with Applied Machinery has been a pleasure. Daniel Fisher, their Sales and Marketing Manager is extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and most importantly understands things from a customer perspective.
Likewise, Applied’s technicians have been quick to respond to any issue or question – that’s one of the benefits of having a relationship with an Australian based supplier who has been around for many years.”
The number of options available for the laser source and cutting head of the fiber laser were also a significant attraction to Jenera, who opted for the German brand Precitec for the auto-focus cutting head.
“Given laser cutting is such an important part of our business, we also wanted to protect ourselves against downtime for planned or unplanned maintenance,” said Youliang Yi.
“The new Yawei gives us that security and ensures we can maintain delivery times and not let our customers down.”
After just a couple of months the new Yawei fiber laser has proven its worth, reducing cutting times, improving productivity and empowering Jenera to further expand its product portfolio and capabilities.
Over the past 50 years, Jenera has certainly made a big impact in the precision machining and fabrication sector. With a focus on customer service and investment in cutting edge equipment, Jenera’s new era is assured.
The Yawei laser provided by Applied Machinery
THAT’S APPLIED THINKING FOR 2025.
One of Australia’s leading high-end, high speed fiber lasers. World class componentry and build quality, whilst still offering excellent value for money.
6m to 12m capacity with chuck sizes from 150mm to 600mm. Small profiles through to heavy structural profiles. Bevel cutting and automation options are available to suit your requirements.
PBH Series CNC Pressbrakes.
Simply put, one of Australia’s favourite CNC pressbrakes. Precision manufacturing and high end components with hydraulic crowning compensation. Available from 50 ton through to 3000 ton capacities.
Combine the practicalities of a punch press for your forming needs, with the speed and accuracy of a laser for profile cutting of the same part. Tapping head and automation options available for your volume work.
Robotic Bending Cell.
Automate your repetitive pressbrake jobs with a smart bending cell from Yawei. Robots and accessories from Kuka, Yaskawa and Estun to suit all budgets and applications. Save time and money, whilst improving efficiencies.
For maximum return and efficiencies, utilise the speed and precision of a Yawei CNC panel folder. With sheet capacities up to 3000mm and automation options available, there’s a Yawei panel folder to suit most applications.
With every Yawei machine you get the expert advice and support that only a local supplier like Applied Machinery can provide. With over 30 years’ experience, and thousands of satisfied customers across the country, we’re here for the long term. Real Service. Real Support. Real People. That’s Applied Thinking.
Seven ways global manufacturing can deal with tariffs and supply chain disruptions
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a report that details the seven major
methods by which the global manufacturing industry can deal with potential disruptions going into 2025.
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Beyond Cost: Country Readiness for the Future of Manufacturing and Supply Chains, published by the WEF, outlined several success stories from last year and mined into why they have been able to buck global manufacturing trends.
Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Mexico, Singapore and the US were cited as major outliers in having delivered solid results in a tough time for industry across the globe.
The report ranked nations and their industrial sectors into four categories: Adapters, with limited manufacturing within a developing economy; Convergers, who had limited manufacturing but a stronger overall level of development; Connectors, whose manufacturing sector was strong within a developing economy and Scalers, who were strong in both industry and overall development.
Brazil was an example of the Adapters, the USA a Coverger, Singapore a Scaler and Bangladesh a Connector.
The seven key factors that aligned were to create a resilient manufacturing nation were
1. Infrastructure, both physical and technical
2. Energy and resources
3. Technology and innovation
4. Labour and skills, as well as labour costs
5. Regulations and economic policies
6. Geopolitics and trade policies
7. Environmental, social and
governance
Convergers, such as the USA, were able to leverage their infrastructure, ease of doing business and financial clout to attract inward investment and tech advancements. That in turn led to upticks in advanced manufacturing, especially in sustainability-first areas such as EVs, batteries and semiconductors.
A Connector such as Mexico was able to use their lower cost base and geopolitical situation to engage in nearshoring, maximising proximity to the US to their advantage in supply chains. Bangladesh did the same with its maritime location and trade agreements, especially in the textile manufacturing industry.
Singapore, a Scaler, superpowered their manufacturing from a smaller base by focussing on tech advancements, carving out a niche in the Industry 4.0 space through excellence in R&D and population upskilling.
Finally, Brazil could play its role as an Adapter by providing raw materials - traditionally in the agricultural sector - and adding heavy industry, plus leaping forwards to digital transformation.
India, also an Adapter, did this through its large service sector and economies of scale to make inward investment into its internal market an enticing prospect for foreign capital.
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Publisher Scott Filby
Welcome to another edition of Industry Update - and one with the biggest announcements in our history.
Since I launched this publication in 1995, we have been an independent voice that stands up for Australian manufacturing, a celebration of the best of industry in this country.
On top of that, we have worked hard to develop strong and strategic relationships with both the public and private sector, to bring together the most important figures in our sector for the benefit of all.
That’s why every single federal industry minister since Senator Kim Carr way back in 2008 has held a column, so that the government of the day can share their policies and ideas with industry - a privilege also enjoyed by the Shadow Minister!
Industry Update will turn 30 in June 2025 so it seems fitting that we launch our next big platform which is the inaugural Australian Manufacturing Awards.
The Awards in October will be held at the luxurious Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and, along with celebrating our best and brightest, will also be a chance for the industry to let its collective hair down.
We have pushed the boat out on an
amazing venue, one of the most glamorous in Sydney, and the fun doesn’t stop there.
Advertisers have told us time and again that they want an awards evening that is not ‘just another event’.
I assure you that this certainly will not be run of the mill: it will be electric from the moment you arrive, with superb entertainment, food, wine and an unmatched opportunity to network with peers from across the industry.
Australian manufacturing continues to evolve rapidly, and since the end of the pandemic, it has been amazing to watch our sector take on a new lease of life in Australia.
Once again, Australia is taking on major manufacturing projects and making many other products that had previously been sent offshore. The AUKUS agreement will bring unprecedented growth to industry and increase employment across the country.
It is an absolute joy to see more businesses onshoring, and the significant investment made by current governments should ensure a very bright future. It should be recognised - and it will be at the Australian Manufacturing Awards.
The awards will bring you the very best in innovation, technology and talent - a true celebration of Australian manufacturing!
Editor Mike Wood
2024 might not have been a banner year for Australian manufacturing, but things are certainly looking up to start 2025.
As ever, our sector does not exist in isolation from the rest of the economy and, indeed, the rest of the world, but despite great uncertainty, we are seeing green shoots.
The February rate cut has confirmed what many had expected late last year, which was that the economic environment was changing and for the better.
The announcement of tariffs from incoming US President Donald Trump may be damaging, but could also be an opportunity: every other competitor nation is also facing them, after all, and we actually have a trade deficit with the USA.
What will be key for Australian manufacturing is the upcoming Election. Industry Update has a proud record of working closely with governments of both persuasions, and for
making the argument for our sector.
There has been a flurry of early year announcements from the incumbent Labor Party aimed at spruiking their Future Made in Australia agenda, including huge investments in defence, mining, aluminium and AI.
From the other side, policy has been a little thinner on the ground, but we can expect more once a date is set and the campaign begins in earnest.
What is of vast importance to our sector remains what has not been said. As Editor, I speak to people across industry every day and the central issues of labour shortages, research and development investment and supply chains remain.
Australian manufacturing enters this critical stage of the year stronger than it was at the start of it, but the momentum has to continue.
As the Election hones into view, policy will be everything.
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Why AI adoption can be a transformative moment for Australian manufacturing
There are no silver bullets when it comes to spurring productivity growth across the economy.
Rapidly improving artificial intelligence and machine learning tools come close, however.
In construction, for example, we are now seeing technologies at work that can lay bricks, build walls and even 3D-print entire structures.
In healthcare, using computer vision, we are seeing robots assist with the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people as well as aiding in complex surgeries.
In agriculture, using machine learning, we are seeing field robots and drones assisting with crop and livestock monitoring – while autonomous farming has led to increased crop yields and reduced pesticide use.
AI and automation are expected to generate up to $600 billion a year
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic
efforts – the Australian Government is devising a National AI Capability plan.
To be developed by my department in consultation with industry, the capability plan will:
• Review how existing state and federal government support mechanisms work together to hinder or enable, Australia’s AI ecosystem.
• Look for ways to boost private sector innovation and investment in AI capability.
• Identify areas of research and innovation strength across universities and business for future industry growth.
• Explore new areas of comparative advantage in key sectors, for example in agriculture and mining.
• Work to accelerate AI literacy, identifying new skills, training and re-training.
It will also identify areas where sovereign capability or infrastructure is required for Australia to get the most out of AI technologies.
software development market.
So that SMEs can integrate AI across their businesses safely and responsibly we’ve set up four AI Adopt Centres which will provide free specialist services to SMEs in National Reconstruction Fund priority sectors across Australia.
The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre will support businesses to learn more about AI and robotics, and what they need to leverage AI effectively, particularly in the field of manufacturing.
For a fee, the Centre will also offer an AI-as-a-service model that is fully cloud-based and supported by the ARM Hub.
ARAIN (Australian Regional AI Network) will provide free practical AI advice, awareness and education for small business, with a focus on those operating in the forestry, agriculture, fisheries and renewable technology sectors.
towards Australia’s GDP by 2030.
This figure is dependent, of course, on AI being deployed at scale across industry.
The good news is that most industry and business and industry leaders recognise the transformative nature of AI and other critical technologies and are investing accordingly.
What’s also encouraging is that Australian firms are not just buying AI technology, they’re creating it as well.
Supported by our world-class research institutions, our innovative technology companies are winning export orders with new AI and machine learning applications.
To optimise the potential productivity gains of AI – and to create new commercial opportunities from our publicly funded research
The capability plan will complement a range of initiatives and strategies the Australian government has implemented over the past two and a half years.
The $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, for example, includes $1 billion for critical technologies like AI and has begun making targeted investments in Australian businesses.
Since its first investment in November, the NRF has announced close to $400 million in investments to support the ambitions of Australian industry, with more investments to come.
Our $392 million Industry Growth Program has just negotiated its first year of operation, awarding over $26.5 million to 20 startups and SMEs to help them develop, commercialise and market their novel ideas.
One of these firms, Userdoc, has received $250,000 to further develop an AI-powered software requirements platform for the global
SAAM (Safe AI Adoption Model) will have an online hub of free tools and practical resources to help SMEs capitalise on the benefits of AI while minimising exposure to risks.
SMEC AI (Small to Medium Enterprise Centre of Artificial Intelligence) will deliver free oneon-one consultations and short courses in AI with a focus on medical science, agriculture, renewables and low emissions tech.
Through their SME AI Studio program, the Centre is working with SMEs to develop new AI products to solve industry problems.
Fully realising AI’s massive potential means providing support in all the right areas.
The National AI Capability Plan is a crucial step in that direction.
I encourage industry stakeholders to work with my department as we develop the plan to drive further investment in our already impressive AI capabilities.
For more information, contact the Minister via artificial.intelligence@ industry.gov.au
Ed Husic speaks at SXSW Sydney
90% of global manufacturers are adopting AI - will Australia get left behind?
Global manufacturing looks set to reap the benefits of artificial intelligence, with a new survey suggesting that 90% of manufacturers think that AI will be important to the future of the industry and 77% have already implemented it at some level.
The research, the second annual State of AI in Manufacturing report commissioned by software provider Rootstock Software and conducted by Researchscape, spoke to over 350 large manufacturers from the US, UK and Canada to gain insights into their views on AI.
They found that alongside the positivity and adoption levels, 82% were set to increase their AI budget going into 2025 and 2026, backing their sentiments up with cold hard cash.
Manufacturers preferred using AI for automation purposes (57%) ahead of generative and creative tasks, though they increased to 50% from
35% in the previous year’s report.
Co-pilots were by far the most popular use case, allowing staff to prioritise time by using AI support rather than the tech taking the job entirely.
Those tasks were split across production, stock control, supply chain management and data analytics, all of which received significant support from respondents.
They’re seeing benefits, too: 49% reported improved efficiency and productivity as a result of AI adoption, and manufacturers cited improved planning and quality control on their wishlist for future AI uses.
With the growth of AI comes the need to integrate it into pre-existing systems.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) was cited as a potential growth area, with 54% of manufacturers suggesting that they were not sure how to best use the tech with their resources, something which
Rootstock Software were happy to offer solutions for.
“As AI applications mature, manufacturers are turning to ERP solutions to anchor their AI investments, ensuring seamless data flow and actionable insights across their organizations,” said Chief Product and Marketing Officer Raj Badarinath.
“This survey reinforces the need for a robust digital infrastructure
as AI becomes integral to strategic decision-making in manufacturing.
“We are witnessing a pivotal moment where manufacturers are adopting AI not just as a productivity tool but as a strategic asset.
“Manufacturers who embrace AI within a strong ERP will be well-positioned to lead in an AI-driven market.”
Automation remains the most popular use case for AI in manufacturing
FROM THE SHADOW MINISTER
The choice for Australian manufacturing is about trust
With just weeks to go before a Federal Election is called, Australians will face a choice about who they trust to take our country forward.
You also will have a choice to make about who you trust to support Australian industry.
The truth is Australian manufacturing and industry is the backbone of our economy.
You create the essential products and equipment that keeps our country moving. You employ workers in high-skilled, well-paying jobs. You are the innovators and problem solvers. And you are on the frontline of global economic competition.
Over the past three years as Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training I have been amazed by the businesses and factories I have visited.
The businesses you have built, many over decades, are world-class.
But I have been shocked as well. Because despite our world-class
businesses it feels like we have made it harder than ever for you to compete and to grow.
Just last week I went to a large exporting business that has seen its power bill double.
They have had to find ways to withstand tens of millions of dollars worth of increases on their power bill alone.
The structural increases we have seen across our economy over the past three years are killing Australian manufacturing and we are not seeing any urgency from the government to deal with it.
Anthony Albanese is going to the election once again promising a ‘Future Made in Australia’. Ironically, this is the same pledge he made in 2022.
In 2022 it was the National Reconstruction Fund that was going to be the lever to ‘rebuild manufacturing’.
In the time it has taken the NRF
Albo puts Australian Made into AUKUS with $300m in defence funding
The start of 2025 has seen the Albanese Government winding up towards an expected election in the autumn - and Australian manufacturing has been the beneficiary. With Labor looking to use its Future Made in Australia Bill as a core pillar of its campaign, it has been active in securing new infrastructure investments, with a new $61.5 million boost to our domestic defence industry only the latest in a string of funding announcements. That news came on the back of an announcement from Defence Minister Richard Marles of a further
Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training Sussan Ley
to fund just seven projects we have lost 1,383 manufacturing businesses. That is not a good ratio and nor is it a winning formula.
It is time for us to recognise that government programs, like Labor’s NRF, cannot outpace the structural issues in Australia’s economy.
I am concerned that things are not improving either and so are you.
The Australian Industry Group’s 2025 Industry Leader’s Survey found 71% of businesses believe energy prices will keep rising through 2025.
Without affordable reliable energy Australia will lose more businesses overseas. I want manufacturers manufacturing, not going cap in hand for government funds.
We need ministers who understand how to get the settings right to support the economy not control it.
As you and your communities consider your choice at the election I would simply ask you if you and your business is better off after three years of the Albanese Government? If that answer is no then the choice is pretty clear.
$262m in support for Australian manufacturing to help compete for contracts with AUKUS partners.
The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission 1, which has already been underway in South Australia and Queensland, will get a further boost from Canberra to develop and deliver integrated air and missile defence systems (IAMD) to the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).
ASCA began in mid-2023 and has formed a key plank of the Albanese Government’s commitment to defence sovereignty and, in the
process, fuelling local jobs.
While the companies and exact locations are classified, the Government did reveal that new year-long contracts had been signed with domestic manufacturers to deliver ASCA to completion.
“This investment demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting and accelerating the development of innovative technologies that meet the ADF’s capability priorities,” said Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy.
“We are proud to work with innovative Australian companies that play a critical role in developing technology that can give the ADF a capability edge over a much bigger and more powerful adversary.
“With this announcement today, the Albanese Government is not only backing local innovation but also supporting local jobs and building Australia’s Future.”
The $262m of funding for AUKUS submarines was timely given the return of Donald Trump to the White House, and was hefty enough for the Government to describe it as “one of the greatest industrial endeavours in Australian history”.
It is set to go to three key areas of AUKUS with the goal of increasing Australian Made involvement in the alliance.
Top of the list was the Defence Industry Development Grants Program, which will help businesses upskill enough to win AUKUS contracts, followed by the Global Supply Chain Program, to help Aussie manufacturers support the US and UK submarine industries.
Lastly, the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program is designed to get Australian Made products into the US submarine supply chain.
“We are continuing to build and invest in an Australian submarine industrial base capable of supporting our future nuclear-powered submarine fleet and underpinning a strong local economy over the coming decades,” said Minister Marles.
“This new AUKUS agreement now in effect will further bolster the strong continued progress the Australian Government is making with AUKUS partners to deliver Australia this vital capability. This is a further demonstration that AUKUS is happening now.
“The momentum we are building for Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine program is exemplified by the workforce we continue to build and the growing opportunities for Australian industry.”
New funding has been announced for Australian Made missiles
Designed, cast, machined, assembled and tested in the USA
• Self-priming pumps are mounted above ground for easy access and maintenance
• Designed to minimise blockages
• Pumps rags and stringy materials with ‘eradicator’ technology
• Does not require multiple personnel to maintain.
www.HydroInnovations.com.au
UPDATE AWARDS
Introducing the Australian Manufacturing Awards
superb entertainment, food, wine and an unmatched opportunity to network with peers from across the industry, politicians and academics.
“It’s a great chance to celebrate our manufacturers, and for companies to show themselves off in front of the whole industry.”
The Awards have been well-received across the sector, including in the highest echelons of government - with Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic sending his support.
“I welcome the launch of Industry Update ’s Australian Manufacturing Awards,” said the Minister.
“Revitalising our manufacturing base and growing our economic complexity is a top priority for the Australian Government.
“With our world-leading knowhow and proud industrial heritage, we have the resources to be globally competitive in manufacturing.
“These awards are an opportunity to showcase how emerging technologies and sustainable practices are transforming manufacturing in our country to take on the rest of the world.
“By celebrating the creativity and skills of our leading firms and individuals, the Awards will help
inspire more advanced manufacturing success stories.
“I look forward to learning more about the inaugural award-winners and their achievements later this year.”
Principal partner St.George Bank said the event provided the perfect chance to pay tribute to the industry.
“St.George Bank is proud to sponsor the Australian Manufacturing Awards,” said Matthew Kelly, Head of Manufacturing at St.George Bank.
“They will highlight the
excellence within the industry and showcase the innovation that we know happens, but perhaps goes unseen.
“A lot of manufacturing businesses work really hard and put their blood, sweat and tears into these businesses, but they don’t necessarily seek the recognition.
“The Awards will be a great way to celebrate all their hard work that they’ve put into the industry.
“Australia has a great
manufacturing industry that sometimes doesn’t get highlighted, so these awards will go a long way to changing that.”
St.George Bank know this better than most, as one of the leading providers of business banking to the manufacturing sector for over 15 years.
“We have a whole team that specialises in the manufacturing area, working from a banking perspective to add value to the industry,” said Kelly.
“We have been specialising in manufacturing for over 15 years. All the clients that fall within my areas of the business are manufacturing and wholesale clients, so I have a team who specialise in supporting the sector.
“They’re passionate about supporting manufacturing businesses and these Awards are a great avenue to support that and to support the wider industry.
“We see the Australian Manufacturing Awards as an opportunity to bring some recognition in the industry and to create value throughout the industry.”
Further support came from Australian Made.
“It’s great to see Australian
continues on Page 20
Please note: actual award design to be confirmed.
Husic
INDUSTRY UPDATE AWARDS
manufacturing in the spotlight,” said Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro.
“We look forward to supporting Industry Update ’s inaugural Australian Manufacturing Awards and all Australian manufacturers involved.”
The University of Technology Sydney are also on board, with Annette Dockerty, Program Lead, SME Engagement at UTS, set to sit on the judging panel.
“With a growing focus on Australian-made products and government support for local manufacturing, recognising industry leaders and their workforce is key,” she said.
“These awards highlight innovation and economic impact, motivating investment in Australia’s capacity.
“Celebrating these achievements showcases excellence, drives job creation and fosters growth in the manufacturing sector.”
The Awards will be held at a suitably opulent venue: the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Built in 1966, it still boasts the original chandeliers under which Princess Diana and the now King Charles danced on their first visit to Australia in 1983.
Connecting
Matthew Kelly
It has precedent for kicking off great awards nights, too - it was the location for the original ARIA Awards in 1987, hosted by Elton John and with the likes of John Farnham, INXS and Crowded House picking up prizes.
The venue was completely refurbished last year, and brings classic charm allied with cutting-edge technology, including advanced audio-visual facilities and three 16.5m x 3m screens.
Industry Update is offering
Head of Manufacturing & Wholesale 0412 265 197 manufacturingwholesale@stgeorge.com.au
businesses the chance to get on board early and support the inaugural awards through sponsorship, with a range of packages available. Tables are already on sale via awards@industryupdate.com.au
Venue - Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Solving BOM management using Industry 4.0
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, every detail counts - from product design all the way to delivery.
One of the most critical processes in this journey is managing the Bill of Materials (BOM).
Traditionally, many organisations manage BOMs manually or use systems that aren’t interconnected, resulting in time-consuming work and potential errors.
By integrating a BOM management platform that connects your CAD and ERP systems, you gain a streamlined, precise process that enables true collaboration and business agility.
Here’s a closer look at why implementing an integrated BOM management platform is the smarter choice for forward-thinking companies.
1. Streamlined data flow across Design and Production
In many organisations, CAD and ERP systems operate independently. CAD tools are used by design engineers to create detailed product structures, while ERP systems track production schedules, inventory and logistics.
Without integration, transferring data from CAD to ERP is often a manual process, which is prone to errors and delays.
A BOM management platform that bridges CAD and ERP enables seamless data flow, ensuring that engineering designs move smoothly into production planning.
This integration eliminates redundant data entry and ensures that everyone from engineering to manufacturing is working with up-to-date information, reducing the risk of miscommunication and costly production errors.
2. Enhanced accuracy in BOM data
Manually managing BOMs or maintaining multiple disconnected systems leads to discrepancies.
When design changes occur in the CAD system, they may not automatically update in the ERP, leading to outdated BOM data that can cause production delays or quality issues.
With an integrated BOM management solution, changes in CAD automatically reflect in the BOM data within the ERP system.
This live synchronisation ensures that teams always work with the latest, most accurate data and reduce errors.
By maintaining a single source of truth, manufacturers can operate with precision and avoid unnecessary rework and scrap.
3. Real-time collaboration and improved communication
An integrated BOM platform enables real-time collaboration across departments, keeping design, engineering and production teams aligned throughout the product lifecycle.
Engineers can create an initial engineering BOM (EBOM) in CAD, while manufacturing teams can add items or make adjustments to create a manufacturing BOM (MBOM) without disrupting the design process.
This flexibility is invaluable in complex manufacturing environments where multiple teams and suppliers may be involved in a project. The result is faster decision-making and a more efficient product development process that empowers every team to contribute seamlessly.
4. Faster product-to-market timeline
With real-time visibility into material requirements and costs, procurement teams can make timely decisions, negotiate better supplier terms and minimise stockouts or excess inventory.
Furthermore, as designs evolve, cost forecasting updates dynamically. This data provides critical insights for budgeting, helping companies to stay within cost constraints and meet profitability targets.
6. Compliance and traceability
In highly regulated industries like aerospace, automotive and healthcare, traceability is essential.
Every part and material must be accounted for, and accurate records are crucial for audits and compliance with safety standards. An integrated BOM management solution ensures complete traceability, linking part numbers and specifications from CAD to ERP.
This traceability simplifies compliance reporting and helps organisations avoid fines or penalties.
In the event of a recall, it also enables faster identification and resolution of issues, safeguarding both customer trust and regulatory compliance.
7. Adaptability and scalability for future growth
When CAD and ERP systems are siloed, the product lifecycle can drag as teams wait for information or clarification.
By automating the data flow between CAD and ERP, a BOM management platform helps streamline handoffs between design and production, reducing delays.
This integration accelerates the time from initial design to market launch, a key advantage for companies in competitive industries.
With faster, more efficient workflows, companies can bring products to market quicker, capitalise on trends and respond swiftly to customer needs.
5. Improved cost control and forecasting
Manufacturers face mounting pressure to control costs while meeting product specifications and quality standards.
A BOM management platform integrated with ERP allows for accurate material and cost tracking, starting from the initial design phase.
An integrated BOM platform offers a scalable solution that grows with your business.
As organisations expand, handling more complex products, larger teams and increased market demands, a BOM management system can adapt, providing the infrastructure to manage higher volumes of data across different teams and locations.
This adaptability supports not only current needs but also positions organisations to scale efficiently for the future.
With decades of expertise in helping the most innovative manufacturers in Australia, we now have a solution to bridge the gaps of the current way of managing Bill of materials through our cutting-edge product MaXXlink.
By bridging the gap between CAD and ERP, this solution empowers teams to work seamlessly, enables faster and more informed decision-making and creates a solid foundation for future growth.
The BOM is crucial to any manufacturing project
UNIVERSITIES & RESEARCH
“When
we took complexity out, success went up”: How SME@UTS and Brownee are simplifying sustainability
By Claire Thompson Neilsen
When Brownee co-founder Guido Toepfer joined the inaugural Decarbonising Australian SME Advisory Group at UTS, he expected to learn about and contribute to the most promising pathways to net zero for small businesses.
What he didn’t expect was to encounter a wealth of new growth opportunities courtesy of a chance meeting with SME@UTS. This concierge-style service connects emerging businesses to UTS innovation programs and facilities, as well as to a vast ecosystem of university and industry partners.
“I met Annette Dockerty, Program Lead of SME Engagement and she said, ‘I love your brand. Can you show me the product?’ And so I did,” said Toepfer.
That product was Brownee, a tech platform that Guido had started to build together with his co-founders Kate Bennett, Renate Crollini and Dr Jill Rathborne. Brownee demystifies sustainability for small businesses by providing a cost-effective end-to-end solution that empowers users to win tenders, attract customers, get funding and achieve certifications. Within days, they go from feeling lost to confidently sharing their sustainability credentials to win in business.
Annette immediately saw Brownee’s potential and started referring people from her expansive business network - “she’s been an incredible multiplier for us,” said Toepfer.
But she could also see that as an early-stage SME - at the time, the company had made it to market and was starting to build a customer base - Brownee could benefit handsomely from the wealth of opportunities on offer via SME@UTS.
“Over the last three years, SME@ UTS has connected with over 330 unique SMEs through the delivery of complimentary digital transformation workshops, innovation masterclasses, tours of R&D and testing facilities, student-led projects and site visits,” said Dockerty.
“These engagements have provided vital insights into the needs of SMEs. After learning about the Brownee platform, its sustainability positioning for building success and the low-cost to access to a plethora of tried and tested action plans, it
was clear that we were in an exciting position to help them turbocharge their growth.”
Accessing the right skills at the right time
Not long after that first meeting,
Annette invited Guido to present on the topic of Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) Strategies for Success as part of a UTS masterclass, giving him access to the extensive SME@UTS industry and partner network.
Next, she invited the team at Brownee to participate free of charge in the Executive MBA (EMBA) Strategic Design Studio (SDS) led by Dr Lars Groeger within the UTS Business School. The focus is on developing entrepreneurial and innovation strategies, drawing on knowledge of strategy, design thinking, data analytics and start-up methods. Framed as an innovation strategy consultancy, EMBA student teams investigate a strategic challenge and create innovative solutions and strategic recommendations
For Brownee, that challenge was market positioning - while the product offering was unique, the Brownee team was yet to fully establish a clear market niche that differentiated their business from those of their competitors.
“Being a start-up, being cash constrained and bootstrapped rather than venture funded, our go-to-market strategy is obviously crucial,” said Toepfer.
“We’re talking to small businesses — there are millions out there, but how do you reach them? We’d come up with what we call a partner strategy, and the students helped us narrow that down and define what features
our partners would need in order for them to sell our brand successfully.”
The partner strategy was focused on connecting with other businesses, industry associations and consultants working with small businesses who needed help with sustainability.
First, according to Toepfer, they wanted confirmation that this approach was the right one to support Brownee’s growth; next, they needed to figure out how to get those partners to connect them to a steady pipeline of clients.
Tapping into industry-standard expertise
The Brownee team was paired with three students, Harshy Premarathne, James Graham and Krisabel Nimenzo, who were supported throughout the project by executive business coach Daniel Lohrmann. As Executive MBA students, all three had extensive business and leadership experience.
The students started by defining and validating the potential of the partner strategy to drive Brownee’s expansion. Next, they conducted a deep dive into the Brownee business model, go-to-market strategy, platform features, pricing and other elements to identify barriers to growth.
This research revealed three core opportunities to operationalise the Brownee partnership strategy: creating content that partners could use to keep the topic of sustainability alive within their networks, developing a ‘challenge dashboard’ that would get small businesses setting targets that Brownee could help them achieve, and designing an activity tracker that would help partners monitor and encourage sustainability progress among the SMEs in their network.
The students then took the ideas and tested them in the market, gathering customer insights and feedback to refine the concepts before presenting the findings to Brownee and delivering recommendations for future actions.
To say that the Brownee team is pleased with the outcome would be an understatement:
“The end result far exceeded our expectations. The professionalism was exceptional and the engagement, the dedication and the motivation were huge. It was a really fabulous, fascinating and fun collaboration,” said Toepfer.
An investment in future growth
The Strategic Design Studio findings represent the next stage of Brownee’s development, and the team is currently working to bring all three recommendations to life. In the meantime, they’re taking advantage of the other opportunities that have come their way via SME@UTS. These include introductions to industry groups, such as Central Cost Industry Connect and the AI Group Practice Network, that can help spread the word about Brownee.
They are also exploring the opportunity to participate in the Software Development Studio, another student-led project at UTS. The goal here would be to leverage the Studio’s AI capabilities to amplify Brownee’s marketing efforts, further increase brand awareness and help convert growing interest in Brownee into measurable sustainability outcomes.
There’s a lot to be excited about, not only for Brownee but for the company’s future clients. If customers are increasingly demanding adherence to good sustainability practice, then delivering on their requirements can only be good for business.
“If you think sustainability is about reporting, you’re doing it wrong. Done right, it’s the best growth engine you can imagine,” said Toepfer.
“Sustainability is increasingly important in every area of business, so investing in it shows that you’re listening to your customers, listening to your staff and your suppliers and the people around you. And if you take from that what makes sense, you’ll do well.”
SME@UTS can help businesses supercharge growth.
‘Outstanding Australian’ named as new Chief Scientist
Australian science has a new name at the top after the announcement of internationally-renowned oceanographer and chemist Tony Haymet as Chief Scientist.
He takes over from Dr Cathy Foley, the physicist and former CSIRO Chief Scientist, who ended her stint in December. Haymet will also serve a three-year term.
Alongside his expertise in science, Haymet is a well known figure in the manufacturing industry, having founded MRV, a marine robotics company.
His academic career has included 177 publications as well as roles at the University of California, San Diego and CSIRO and chairing positions at the Oceans Council at the World Economic Forum, the Antarctic Science Foundation and the ATSE Climate Change Working Group.
“Tony Haymet is an outstanding Australian, who will make an exceptional Chief Scientist,” said Ed Husic,
Minister for Industry and Science.
“With a scientific background spanning several disciplines, along with the commercial runs on the board, Tony’s lived and breathed the value of scientific collaboration.
“He will make a powerful advocate for our world-class science and research community, with experience on the international stage as an advocate only adding to his stellar research career.
“Our new Chief Scientist has also been a fierce advocate for action on climate change, healthy oceans and the public value of science.
“I am confident he’ll do an excellent job in providing advice to government and being a vocal champion of Aussie science.”
Haymet was delighted to take up the role.
“I’m delighted to be appointed as the new Chief Scientist of Australia, it’s the role of a lifetime and I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” he said.
“Throughout my term I will be emphasising the importance of measurements, of data and scientific facts.
“My role is to support the scientists out on the farms, the deserts and oceans – it’s measuring what’s happening to our land, water and atmosphere.
“Another thing I learnt from working across the globe, is that kilo for kilo Australian scientists and engineers match it with the very best in the world.”
Tony Haymet is Australia’s new Chief Scientist
How St.George Bank helped an Aussie foundry change hands -
and go to the next level
ABC Castings is a name many in Australian manufacturing will know, with over 40 years in the industry and a strong reputation across aluminium, brass and other forms of non-ferrous metal casting.
They entered a new era last year after founder Bob Hansberry retired, but the commitment to servicing Australian industry remains.
ABC take raw materials from Tasmania and elsewhere in Australia, use their on-site tech and experienced staff - including the only automated green sand moulding machine for non-ferrous metals in Australia - and then sell on to largely Aussie customers, including our domestic mining, agriculture and transport industries.
The new boss, Wayne Barton, showed Industry Update around ABC Castings’ Riverwood foundry in Sydney’s south, and explained just how many uses their work had around the manufacturing industry.
“Aluminium typically goes to signage and train parts, with a lot to Sydney Trains, as well as other heavy machinery, while the high-tensile brass is typically in electrical engineering, for heavy duty, high voltage plugs in mining, as
it doesn’t spark or overheat, making it a much more inert part for underground environments with coal dust in the air,” he said.
At the heart of it all has been St.George Bank, whose decades of experience in small business and manufacturing finance helped ensure the takeover of ABC went smoothly.
“When we were negotiating the purchase, we had to acquire the business, the building and the equipment - and St.George really came to the party with us,’ explained Barton.
“They helped us structure the deal so we could get the business and the property together, which made it attractive - we could take over a successful manufacturing company and become our own landlords, too.
“In my experience, it’s very rare to have the same bank manager for 20 years.
“You have a relationship with people who understand what you do, how you go about it and what you look for in business metrics.
“You’re happy to share that with them, and they’re happy to support you. That relationship is unbeatable. You’re not getting that elsewherethey’re a true business bank.”
Barton has underlined not only
can help us, they will,” he said.
“One thing the bank helped us with when we purchased the property was to ensure that we had the cash flow.
his commitment to keeping the best of the business going, but also embracing the next generation of ABC Castings by adding to their existing machinery with technological solutions.
“We look at new tech and how we can implement it,” said Barton.
“Take 3D printing - we can see how it could support our business and help us get into new spaces where we’re not currently playing.
“A lot of what we make is about repetition, we make many multiples of things very consistently.
“If we can 3D print a mould, we could reduce prices on that side from maybe $100,000 to $5,000 and be able to do smaller runs of parts.
“There’s a lot of parts that people need, but they might not need hundreds of them, and they’re currently expensive.
“If you can do smaller runs of things - and can do them cheaperthen we can move forward.
“We could get 3D models made up, use it for QA, and from there, we could use augmented reality goggles to help find visual cues.”
When the time comes for investment, Barton knows that St.George Bank will be there to assist.
“I’m confident that, if the bank
“We worked out a deal with some vendor finance with help from the bank, so we could have a proposed cash flow and a position on where we wanted to travel.
And at the end, that will help ABC move forward, keeping things Australian Made along the way.
“It’s very important for our customers,” said Barton.
“For example in coal mines, product quality is everything. There’s always a failure rate, but ours is less than 1%, so if someone orders they need to get a product they know they can rely upon.
“Our big customers have tried sourcing this from overseas, but they can’t produce the quality that we can. That we’ve done it for years, worked out all the nuances, provided consistent product on time all the time, means something.
“And with big clients, such as Transport for NSW, they’re big on it. They want Australian-sourced product, and we have to prove that with chain of custody documents.
“We’re about to do parts on the Sydney Harbour Bridge for Australian Made brass - we had to move a few things around to make that happen, but we got it done.” St.George Bank - stgeorge.com.au
ABC Castings deal in aluminium, brass and other metals
Wayne Barton, ABC Castings
Why the 2025 Beyond Bitumen Rally is set to be bigger than ever
The Beyond Bitumen Rally is set to take to the road for the tenth time this May - and will be bigger than ever, raising money for Beyond Blue across two states.
The car rally will be held from March 27-31 and will take in Taree, Grafton and Armidale before finishing up in Port Stephens.
And, for the first time ever, a second rally will be held, with the Victorian leg to travel around Bendigo, Mildura, Horsham, Ararat and Ballarat over the 22-26th May.
Founded in 2015 by Peter and Trish Fehon, the rally is both a fundraiser for mental health charity Beyond Blue and a chance for participants to check in on their own wellbeing and that of their mates.
The 2025 edition will commemorate not only a decade of the rally but also the 20th anniversary of the tragic death of their daughter, Beth.
“We wanted to try and make an impact to hopefully save other people from experiencing the pain
and anguish that we went through in losing a child,” explained Peter.
“We got together with a few mates and said ‘Let’s go for a four day drive around the countryside, see some sights and raise some money along the way - and to come along on the rally, you needed to raise $1,500 per vehicle for Beyond Blue.’
“Those mates had a lot of fun, so they told their mates. The first year was nine cars, the second year was 20 and it’s just grown from there. Now, we normally get 80 or 90 cars each year.”
Plenty of companies now get involved through participation and sponsorship - including business banking experts St.George Bank and Sydney-based contractors Fugen Masonry.
“Through the rally, we’ve touched a lot of people,” said Fehon.
“One of them was Matthew Kelly from St.George Bank, and one of his banking clients is Fugen.
“They’ve been supporters of mine ever since the first day, and Matt now comes along as a participant as
part of that Fugen group.
“He and 250 other people go for a four day drive around the countryside, having real conversations about real issues.
“That’s the beauty of sitting in a car for four days: you’re looking out the windscreen and the guy next to you is looking out the windscreen, so you don’t have to eyeball him and you can talk about stuff.
“There’s a lot of guys that come on the rally that are first responders or ex-Defence personnel, a lot of people who suffer from PTSD in some form.
“This is a really safe, comfortable event for those people, and they can be real about what’s going on in their life, rather than just having this bravado of ‘everything’s all right, and I’m doing okay’.”
The rally is all about bringing people together, which extends to fundraising.
“Everyone reaches out to their networks to spread the load and support the cause,” said Fehon.
“We’ve got big corporates that come and bring a big chequebook, but we’ve got others come with a big network of suppliers.
“It’s the old story of a lot of little amounts that add up to something decent.
“We raise about $500,000 a year, some are $20 donations and some of them $2,000 donations across all those vehicle, it adds up. It really does make a difference for Beyond Blue, and helps fund their 24/7 call centre.”
SCAN HERE TO DONATE
Matthew Kelly
Head
Peter and Trish Fehon
Managing interest rate pressure: A guide for manufacturing business owners
By John Spender, Partner, William Buck
With interest rates remaining higher in recent months, manufacturing businesses face numerous challenges in managing the impact of higher interest charges on their business. Understanding how interest rate changes affect your profitability and cashflow is crucial for maintaining its performance and planning for the future.
In this article, we look at how interest rate pressure impacts profitability and cashflow. From this, we suggest strategies which can be used to mitigate these impacts and ensure business success for 2025.
Impact on profitability
Increased Borrowing Costs
When interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases. Manufacturing businesses that rely on loans for capital equipment or overdrafts for operational expenses will see higher interest payments, which can reduce overall profitability.
Higher Operating Costs
Manufacturing businesses are also vulnerable to rising operating costs, given their reliance on raw materials and energy.
Interest rate hikes can perpetuate these increases as suppliers may pass on their higher borrowing costs
down the supply chain. This can squeeze profit margins further, especially if businesses are unable to pass these costs onto their customers.
Impact on cashflow
Strain on Cash Reserves
Higher interest payments can strain cash reserves, making it more challenging to cover day-to-day operational expenses. This can lead to cashflow issues, particularly for manufacturing businesses with tight margins.
Delayed Investments
With increased borrowing costs, manufacturing businesses may delay or scale back on planned investments in growth initiatives, such as expanding operations, investing in costly machinery or technology or automation. This can slow down business innovation and growth, affecting long-term plans and goals.
Prolonged Accounts Receivable Periods
In a high-interest-rate environment, customers may also face financial pressures, leading to payment delays. This can increase the days outstanding of your accounts receivable period and further strain cashflow
diversifying their markets or exploring new products to offset reduced demand from specific sectors or regions affected by high interest rates.
4. Cost Control Measures
as businesses wait longer to receive payments for goods and services provided.
Strategies to mitigate interest rate pressure
1. Review the mix of your debt
Consider your business’s debt mix and forecast your debt requirements for the next 12 months. If you find the business consistently maintaining an overdraft, consider seeking a more medium-term debt option that may come with reduced interest rates compared to the overdraft.
2. Improve Cashflow Management
Enhance your cashflow management practices by closely monitoring cash inflows and outflows. Implement strategies such as offering early payment discounts to customers, negotiating better payment terms with suppliers and maintaining a cash reserve to cushion against financial shocks.
3. Diversify Revenue Streams
Diversifying your revenue streams can help mitigate the impact of reduced consumer spending. Explore new markets, develop new products or services and consider online sales channels to reach a broader customer base.
Manufacturers could benefit from
Implement cost control measures to maintain profitability. Review your expenses regularly, identify areas where you can cut costs without compromising quality and negotiate better terms with suppliers.
5. Financial Planning and Forecasting
Regular financial planning and forecasting can help you anticipate the impact of interest rate changes on your business.
Use financial models to project future cashflows and profitability under different interest rate scenarios and develop contingency plans to address potential challenges.
Interest rate pressure is an inevitable part of the economic landscape, but with careful planning and management, businesses can navigate these challenges. By understanding the impacts on profitability and cashflow and implementing proactive measures, you can ensure your business remains resilient and positioned for long-term success.
While most manufacturers are subject to these uncertain economic changes, leveraging these strategies can help your business remain agile in adapting to cost pressures and rising interest rates.
If you need assistance in building models to forecast your cashflow for the next 12 months, contact your local William Buck advisor.
William Buck - williambuck.com
John Spender of William Buck on interest rates and manufacturing
William Buck can help provide vital financial guidance
Besa Deda: ‘Slow and steady wins the race’ as manufacturing reacts to rate cut
By Besa Deda, former Chief Economist at Westpac Group
The Reserve Bank has delivered its first rate cut in over four years, cutting the cash rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.10%.
This marks a significant shift in the economic landscape, signaling the central bank’s move to support growth while maintaining a restrictive policy stance to keep inflation in check.
A faster-than-expected slowdown in underlying inflation growth at the end of last year paved the way for this decision.
The trimmed mean measure of underlying inflation slowed to 3.2% in the December quarter, just above the top part of the Reserve Bank’s inflation target band. Notably, over the second half of last year, the annualised pace of underlying inflation fell to 2.7%, landing within the 2-3% target.
Now, attention turns to how deep and fast this rate-cutting cycle will be. Current consensus suggests a shallow and gradual approach.
Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock reinforced this notion in her press conference, emphasising a cautious approach and warning that victory over inflation is not yet secured.
With seven more Board meetings scheduled this year, a recent
predicts two additional rate cuts this year, bringing the cash rate down to 3.60% by year’s end.
While inflation is easing, some upside risks persist, particularly in the services sector. The RBA has revised its inflation forecasts, now expecting inflation to reach the target band a year earlier than previously projected.
its cycle low of 3.5% in late 2022. Some labour indicators even point to further tightening. The U.S. Federal Reserve paused its rate-cutting cycle after three consecutive reductions due to persistent labour market strength - a scenario that could play out in Australia as well.
Global uncertainties add another layer of complexity. Trump 2.0 has reignited trade tensions, heightening uncertainty over the global outlook.
However, the forecast horizon no longer has inflation returning to the middle of that band, hinting at a shallower cutting cycle.
A major question confronting the Reserve Bank is the resilience of the labour market. The Australian unemployment rate remains histori-
The extent and permanence of new tariffs and the response of other countries remain uncertain.
While the direct impact has been modest so far to Australia, prolonged trade disruptions could weigh on business investment, supply chains and global trade, potentially affecting Australia’s economic outlook and currency.
Federal election, due by 17 May, adds another element of uncertainty.
Current polling suggests a minority government is the most likely outcome.
Public spending remains high, particularly in infrastructure, and is expected to stay elevated regardless of which party wins. Meanwhile, consumer spending is showing signs of recovery, including in per capita terms, though the rebound has been tepid.
Ultimately, the Reserve Bank is easing off the brakes cautiously. Its next moves are heavily dependent on data, especially quarterly inflation, wages growth and unemployment.
Indeed, a key indicator will be the next quarterly inflation report in April - confirmation of further disinflation could set the stage for another cut in May.
For now, the RBA appears committed to the mantra: slow and steady wins the race. But as always,
Besa Deda
Iron manufacturing set for bonanza with $1 billion in federal funds
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic have doubled down on their funding of domestic industry with a new $1 billion fund to kickstart green iron manufacturing in Australia.
At the same time as an announcement that they were to pump $2.4bn
into keeping the Whyalla steelworks alive, the Prime Minister revealed the $1 billion Green Iron Fund, designed to give Australian manufacturers a headstart in the path towards net zero in the iron industry.
Half of that is already earmarked for Whyalla, where transformation is set to take place to more
green production, with the other half available for projects across Australia.
Our domestic iron ore production is the highest in the world and it is estimated that 100,000 Australians are employed in the iron industry.
With this fund, Labor intends to kickstart the net zero transition and
5 manufacturing priorities for both parties laid out as Australian election looms
Australian manufacturing, like the rest of the country, is gearing up for an early year Federal Election - and one of the leading peak bodies in the industry has come out with a list of priorities that political parties should focus on to deliver economic success.
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has released its Boosting Australia’s Innovation report, crafted in consultation with figures across business, government and academia, to discern the most important challenges facing the nation’s manufacturers and science-based businesses in this election year.
Its recommendations centred around four key aspects:
• Improving mechanisms for SME collaboration with researchers
• Boosting R&D investment to 3% of GDP
• Improving support for start-ups from the financial sector
• Improving how success is measured to help investors
If these can be implemented, Australia could make serious enhancements in innovation, according to ATSE CEO Kylie Walker.
“Australia has all the building blocks for a thriving innovation ecosystem, and so much potential to
keep first mover advantage within Australia, linking that production capacity with new tech and investment.
“Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australia to make more things here,” said Albanese.
“That’s why my Government is delivering $1 billion for our Green Iron Investment Fund.
“We’ve got the resources, the workers, and the know-how – the only thing we don’t have is time to waste.
“This investment is good for Australian workers and good for Australian business.”
The fund will involve existing and new production facilities, with bids judged by an expert industry panel. Iron and steel production is currently estimated at 8% of all emissions globally, with iron forming the vast majority of that.
If Australia can get ahead on decarbonisation in that area, it can be of huge economic benefit.
“The Australian Government is backing in our green metals producers as the world moves towards net zero,” said Husic.
“The Green Iron Investment Fund will enable Australia to take advantage of our existing iron ore supply chain, renewable energy potential, world class research and high-skilled workforce.
“Through this $1 billion Fund we’re supporting industrial diversification, productivity and economic growth, for a Future Made in Australia.”
grow our impact, our wellbeing and our economy,” she said.
“Better systems and structure to connect and empower researchers, investors, startups, policymakers and innovators can provide fertile ground for lucrative new national industries to flourish.”
“Australia has what it takes to lead the world – across areas like battery technology, sustainable building materials, clean mining methods and responsible Artificial Intelligence and more.
“A fully maximised and thriving innovation ecosystem will create new industries, solve health problems, invent exportable technologies, safeguard our environment and support
R&D will be crucial for Australian manufacturing
our workforces of the future.”
“We can and should implement the extraordinary solutions and exciting opportunities our researchers and developers create.
“Every step we take to empower Australian knowledge and invention to thrive and build bridges across the economy will be repaid many times over in the new industries, jobs, products and opportunities we create.”
Iron ore is a key export for Australia
Safety specialists Global Spill bought out by US safety giant
One of Australia’s leading manufacturers of safety equipment, Global Spill and Safety, has been taken over by Justrite Safety Group, a leading American safety group. Kestrel Manufacturing has also been bought as part of the deal.
Justrite have more than a century of manufacturing expertise and facilities around the globe, and Global Spill can look forward to adding their products to their Australian offering, with customers able to access a greater range of safety options.
Robert Watson and Brad Lowson, Managing Directors of Kestrel Manufacturing and Global Spill & Safety respectively, will continue in post under Justrite.
“Joining forces with Justrite Safety Group presents an incredible opportunity for our team and customers,” said Lowson.
“We look forward to leveraging Justrite’s extensive portfolio of safety products, resources and global reach to further advance our mission of creating safer and more
sustainable workplaces.”
Justrite have significant financial muscle behind them thanks to their ownership by Audax Private Equity, who have an estimated $19 billion USD in assets under management, as well as an established track record of growing their businesses.
“We are thrilled to welcome Global Spill and Safety into the Justrite family,” said Ankush Kumar, President and CEO of Justrite Safety Group.
“Their expertise and portfolio of safety products complement our existing offerings and align well
with our mission to protect people, assets and the environment.
“This acquisition significantly expands our footprint in the Australian market and reinforces our commitment to providing safety solutions to our customers worldwide.”
Global Spill - globalspill.com.au
Industrial Door SolutionsClearly
INDUSTRY NEWS
CeMAT Singapore set to be 2025’s leading destination for Aussie manufacturers
CeMAT Australia is one of the first dates circled on the calendar by manufacturers in the intralogistics, robotics and automation, warehousing, supply chain management and materials handling sectors.
Their sister event, CeMAT Southeast Asia, has also become a fast favourite with businesses that deal extensively with our near neighbours to the north, with 2024’s edition the most popular yet among those that travelled to Singapore.
The good news is that the event is returning for 2025 in the same location, going for a second year straight in Singapore after previously using Mumbai and Jakarta as locations.
The event will be held at Singapore EXPO from 19-21 May 2025, with registration for exhibitor stands now open.
According to Mike Nissen, Commercial Director at organisers Hannover Fairs Australia, Singapore is the obvious place for such an important manufacturing meet-up to be held.
“Singapore is the hub of logistics
in Southeast Asia,” he explained to Industry Update
“It’s the benchmark in automation, intralogistics and supply chain for that region, and while you do have emerging markets like Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam they generally look to Singapore.
“You’ll find a lot of the APAC headquarters for the large integrators and supply chain suppliers in Singapore.”
Singapore is one of Australia’s major trading partners, a nation known for its ease of doing business and, crucially, a favourite with our manufacturing sector going back decades.
“Australia generally has very good trade relations with a lot of those Southeast Asian countries,” said Nissen.
For Singapore, in particular, Australia has a long history of free trade agreements. CeMAT Singapore was very well received in 2024 at our first show there.
“We had about 7000 visitors, but it was the quality of visitor that attended the event that stood outwe had a lot of what we call our tier
“You’ve got this burgeoning trend where China is looking to manufacture outside of their borders, and Southeast Asia is one of their key markets,” said Nissen.
“The whole supply chain and logistics side is also upskilling to go with that, with automation coming in. Where once that would have been factory or warehouse workers, now it is automation and robotics.
“The critical point, particularly with Southeast Asia and especially Singapore, is space.
“Whether it be manufacturing or warehousing and distribution, space is a considerable issue.
Australia, for example, is rather urbanized, but Southeast Asian countries and cities are incredibly densely populated and require maximum space utilisation.
“That’s where I think the automation side in these tighter space are really coming into fruition. It’s an opportunity to use space to the maximum.
“There’s AI-backed technology that will get into every centimetre of a facility space and make sure that efficiency is 100%.
“Another aspect is the cold chain. Being Equatorial countries, there are goods like in pharmaceuticals and Food & Beverage that need temperature-controlled environments.
one exhibitors. They were suitably impressed, they supported the event and so it’s here to stay.”
CeMAT Singapore presents a chance for Australian manufacturers to interact with the huge Chinese sector that is increasingly making things in Southeast Asia and to learn about the huge advances in supply chain management that are taking place in the region.
“Singapore basically doesn’t grow anything, essentially, because there’s no space too - so they’re very good at cargo, and they need to be in these dense, temperature controlled facilities.
“Then there’s green offsetting, too - you’re looking at really sophisticated technology for facilities that have a reduced carbon footprint along the supply chain.”
CeMAT South East Asia cematseasia.com
CeMAT Singapore returns in 2025
CeMAT Singapore will feature a comprehensive programme of speakers
Radical overhaul at Safework NSW as Minns moves to split off regulator
The New South Wales government has instigated a major shakeup in how workplace safety is regulated in the state by splitting Safework NSW off into a standalone operation.
Once a part of the NSW Government’s Department of
Customer of Service, Safework NSW will now operate independently, a move that Chris Minns’ Labor Government said would empower the regulator to enforce laws more vigorously.
The move had been foreshadowed by an independent review, carried
CeMAT SOUTHEAST ASIA
out in 2023 by the Hon Robert McDougall KC, which raised questions about the ability of Safework NSW to do its job.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis accepted the report’s findings and, now, has begun the process of splitting the
regulator out into its own executive agency with, in time, its own Commissioner.
The proposed legislation also included provisions for an Advisory Council to support the Minister and SafeWork NSW in dealing with both employers and employees, with representatives from business, unions and sector experts.
“Every worker has the right to go home safely at the end of the day,” said Cotsis.
“By creating SafeWork NSW as a standalone agency, the NSW Government is strengthening our ability to enforce WHS laws, support businesses to meet their obligations and drive cultural change to prevent workplace harm.
“The NSW Government is committed to establishing SafeWork NSW as a strong, robust and responsive WHS regulator.
“Through the establishment of the SafeWork Advisory Council and the SafeWork Commissioner, we will ensure SafeWork NSW can secure safer and healthier workplaces for all workers in NSW.”
CeMAT links up with manufacturing hub to supercharge new trade show
Two of the biggest names in Australian manufacturing have joined forces with leading trade show organisers Hannover Fairs and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) inking a strategic partnership ahead of the 2025 edition of CeMAT Australia.
The trade fair, which is to be held
at The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park from 22-24 July 2025, will feature a brand new sister show, Industrial Transformation Australia (ITA), and the AMGC collaboration is designed to add value to exhibitors and attendees of that show.
AMGC and Hannover Messe - the parent company of Hannover Fairs
Meet the manufacturer
helping to keep an Australian icon flying
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is an Australian icon, a national symbol beloved by all. It’s a lifeline for people living, working and travelling across Australia’s vast and isolated regions - and over just the past two years, this essential service has delivered a staggering:
• 97,000 occasions of care, providing urgent medical assistance to those in need.
• 80 emergency evacuations, saving lives in critical moments.
• More than 8,200 telehealth consultations, connecting patients with expert care no matter how far they are from a hospital.
Healthcare in the Outback is not about quick fixes. It’s about sustainability, ensuring that as populations shift and their needs grow, medical services remain strong and accessible.
The RFDS continues to evolve,
stay at the forefront of technological and process developments, and the best way to do this is to get out and network at events like this,” said Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director at AMGC.
“Industrial Transformation Australia will bring to life AMGC’s philosophy that ‘Advanced manufacturing is not about what you make, but how you make it’, allowing manufacturers to see the latest technology in action and speak to those that have deployed it in daily operations.”
AMGC was recently included in the Albanese Government’s Industry Growth Program, and will use that to the benefit of manufacturers at ITA through advisory services, tech expertise and access to resources.
“This strategic alliance reflects our shared commitment to usher the region’s manufacturing industry into its next era,” said Mike Nissen of Hannover Fairs Australia.
Australia - have plenty of experience working together at their global show in Germany, and are excited to bring that to bear on what will be one of the biggest meetings of manufacturers in Australia this year.
“In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, manufacturers need to continuously advance to
“AMGC’s involvement in Industrial Transformation Australia 2025 strengthens the event’s promise to actively help drive the growth and competitiveness of the industries it serves.”
CeMAT - cemat.com.au
providing cutting-edge training for medical professionals and advanced equipment to improve patient outcomes. For over six years, Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse has stood behind the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), contributing nearly $200,000 to support its life-saving mission. From funding critical avionic upgrades and training mannequins to donating forklifts and five portable ultrasound machines, Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse has played a key role in ensuring uninterrupted, world-class healthcare for remote communities.
One of the most impactful donations has been the portable ultrasound machines. These allow RFDS
doctors to make critical diagnoses in the field, offering faster and more accurate treatment decisionsespecially vital when patients are hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital.
The donation of training mannequins - for both adults and children - has enhanced medical training, ensuring RFDS teams are always prepared for real-life emergencies.
Through their generosity, Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse is helping
sustain the future of Outback healthcare.
Their commitment ensures that whether it’s a medical emergency, routine consultation or vital health education, the RFDS can continue delivering world-class care to every corner of the country.
Hare & Forbes machineryhouse.com.au
CeMAT is back in Sydney in 2025 with an additional show attached.
The RFDS is an Australian icon
South Australian manufacturing gets big boost thanks to new SEW-Eurodrive site
SEW-Eurodrive is a global leader in drive technology, committed to delivering engineered solutions and reliable products locally across Australia.
They have long been committed to delivering a high standard of excellence in their products and solutions to the mining, food and beverage, manufacturing and the transport and logistics industries.
With seven Assembly & Service centres across the country, SEWEurodrive are proud to add to their offering a new Drive Technology Centre in Wingfield, South Australia.
Opened in late 2024, the new facility offers expanded assembly capabilities for geared motors as well as a huge range of spare parts and accessories and a dedicated space for servicing of industrial gear
solutions for local industry.
Rudran Kathiarasan, Sales Manager for SEW-Eurodrive in South Australia and the Northern Territory, told Industry Update that the new facility was a major step forward for the state and the company.
“It provides our customers with local access to SEW-Eurodrive’s range of geared motors and drive technologies, along with our expertise, engineered solutions and service offerings,” he said.
“Additionally, there is enhanced access to locally available spare parts.
“The primary role of the Wingfield facility is to enhance support for local industries with a new and improved presence here in South Australia.
“Essentially, we’re bringing the support, supply and services to our customers so that they can benefit from the faster response and delivery times.
“The objective is to increase operational efficiencies and decrease the
Facts:
• 6500sqm space in new facility
• Local presence to support local industry
• Sales, Engineering and Service support
• Motor, Gear unit and Gearmotor assembly
• High Torque Gearbox servicing capabilities
• Load tester with 1 megawatt of power
• Extensive stock holding of spare parts
• Variable Speed Drives and accessories
costs for our customers.
“We have a larger local presence now, including expanded inventory, that we can assemble locally, then test and dispatch in a very short time, reducing the impact of equipment breakdown by limiting downtime.”
SEW-Eurodrive
sew-eurodrive.com.au
AUSTRALIAN MADE SAFETY CABINETS
Global Spill & Safety’s range of safety storage cabinets are proudly made in Australia using advanced modern manufacturing techniques to
• Options for storing common dangerous goods such as flammable, toxic or corrosive substances
• Range of sizes to suit different storage needs
• Made to the requirements of relevant Australian Standards
The new SEW-Eurodrive facility in South Australia
Why WHSS is the only show in town for manufacturers serious about health and safety
Every year, the importance of workplace health & safety only grows and grows for businesses. That’s not just in the manufacturing industry - it is every workplace, everywhere.
Health and safety is a non-negotiable skill for employers and employees alike, but the industry changes just as fast as any other and thus keeping up with best practice is a challenge.
That’s where trade shows like the Workplace Health & Safety Show (WHSS) can be so important.
Their NSW show in October was their best ever and, with events lined up for 2025 - 21-22 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and 22-23 October, back at The Dome in Sydney - Industry Update sat down with Portfolio Director Stephen Blackie to look both back and forwards.
“We were delighted when we saw a near 300% increase in the attendance to the show, but also that we really pushed the seniority of that audience, too. It was very much the decision makers and influencers coming along,” he told IU.
“We also grew the exhibitor selection. There were 50% more suppliers at the show, so the audience got to get their hands on more product than ever before.
“We secured a vast array of incredible speakers. These were people that you would pay more than $1000 to hear if you went to a conference, and here they were
presenting free of charge.
“There were three summits that we created from scratch for the show: a Construction Safety Summit, a Wellbeing Summit and a Leadership and Culture Summit. We had the Who’s Who of industry speaking on those programmes.
“There was also the opportunity for delegates to get Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the education seminars they were attending, and we updated the content on what had been existing before that through the Knowledge Hub and the Spotlight Stage.
“Knowledge Hub featured key industry leaders, everything from risk to compliance and AI,
“The Spotlight Stage gave a platform to the vendors and suppliers themselves to come and talk about the solutions they have and the
problems they are solving.”
The 2024 edition saw a major uptick in bluechip attendees, with major players such as SafetyCulture - next spotted sponsoring the Australian Open tennis - holding court in the middle of the room at Sydney Olympic Park.
For Blackie, that side of the show is vital to success, and will only grow going into 2025.
“Of course, the education piece attracts delegates to shows, but the suppliers in the room matter massively too,” he said.
“It’s what’s new, what’s next, what’s happening in the industry. Those big bellwether brands like SafetyCulture, Duress and Ideagen are great to come and see, but also new brands.
“We had AllStore in 2024 and, now, they will be showing for the
first time at this show in Melbourne, after a really successful Sydney event in October. It’s another new product that people will come along and get the chance to see.
“There were 4,900 attendees last year but we’re expecting 6,500+ this time around for the Melbourne show. It’s really significant growth.
“That means more opportunity for delegates to come and to network, to rub shoulders with other people in their role who really understand their problems and pain points.
“It’s meeting the best in class and sharing those experiences with peers, as well as the opportunity for exhibitors to engage with more products and generate higher sales opportunities.”
The product piece is vital to this, with first-hand demonstrations that can only be experienced by attending in-person shows such as WHSS.
“At the Melbourne show, there will be more live demonstrations happening than ever before with new safety technologies and products that really will make a difference in the industry,” said Blackie.
“From all spectrums of the world, too: there’s lots that you can learn outside of manufacturing, from transport, from construction or even from retail.
“You get this crosspollination happening across the visitors, because they’re all safety professionals in attendance from all walks of industry.”
Health and safety has never been more vital to the operations of modern businesses, making knowledge of the sector essential for all companies - whether manufacturing or otherwise.
“If you employ one employee or more, you absolutely have to be at this show, because you have an obligation to your workforce that they can arrive to work, do a job well and leave home safe at night,” explains Blackie.
“There are no excuses for not attending. You have to be at the show to really understand those safety challenges, to be given the best tools and frameworks, to understand the experiences of others on how to be best in class.
“We’ve got it all covered with the show, as well as over 180 suppliers to explain and demonstrate the latest tech available in the safety industry.”
The Workplace Health & Safety Show was a huge hit in 2024
MANUFACTURING TRENDS
Can new standards solve ongoing forklift safety issues?
The proliferation of forklift-related accidents in the workplace was one of the biggest stories of 2024 in Australian manufacturing.
It was sparked by a SafeWork Australia report that named machinery operator and driver as the most dangerous job in the country.
37% of all worker fatalities found in that occupation, at a rate of 8.3 per 100,000 workers, over six times the average and nearly twice as much as the next worst, labourers.
Those numbers which were backed by their Victorian equivalent later in the year which revealed that one worker per week was injured in a forklift accident in the state.
According to analysis of SafeWork’s data, the number of machinery operator and driver deaths in Australia has remained static for around 15 years, varying between 65 and 75 fatalities per year.
It is a challenge that, in 2025, the safety industry is seeking to meet. At the forefront of that is pedestrian barrier specialist A-SAFE Australasia, a global leader in polymer safety equipment.
They are one of the pioneers of the PAS 13 Code of Practice, which is designed not only to keep humans and forklifts apart in warehouses, but also to rate the strength of barriers in the event of an accident.
“One of the issues we have at the moment is that the Australian Standards only states that the rating on a barrier is 600 Newtons, which is the equivalent of a human body falling against the barrier” explains Mark Collins, A-SAFE Australasia director.
“It’s not designed to stop a forklift, its only purpose it to stop the pedestrian from stepping into the path of moving machinery.
“When looking for a suitable barrier, owners should be looking at the impact from the forklift side and for a barrier that has a rating suitable to the weight, speed and impact angles of that machine. Only then will you find a barrier that is fit for purpose.
“That’s if the barrier is even there. One of the things we always say when we talk to our customers is that a painted line doesn’t stop a forklift.
“As crazy and as simple as it seems, with some of the legislation, you can have painted walkways - but a painted line doesn’t stop a forklift
from entering the pedestrian zone.
“You really need to separate pedestrians and forklifts by physical means.”
In the UK, where A-Safe is headquartered, approximately 50 people a year are killed and 5,000 injured in workplace accidents involving vehicles.
That figure prompted A-Safe to sit down with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE)as well as a range of other companies including Jaguar, DHL and Nestleto come up with a solution.
The result was PAS 13, a safety impact barrier resilience code of practice, against which all A-Safe barriers are now rated.
“The most effective way of
ensuring pedestrians and vehicles move safely around a workplace is to provide separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes and where necessary use barriers, rails and signage to prevent pedestrians crossing at dangerous places,” it reads.
“PAS outlines the current good practice traffic management procedures for a workplace and provides a standard for the safety barriers within them.”
Collins explained that A-Safe encourages people to think of the forklift safety from multiple angles: that of the pedestrian, the machinery been operated and from the other side of the barrier.
“PAS 13 was developed because there’s no standard as far as impact ratings imposed on barrier systems
in warehouses from forklifts or moving machinery,” he said.
“Yes, there are road and highway standards in place, but they are dealing with motor vehicles and not a warehouse environment.
“Everything they talk about is regarding separating the pedestrian from the forklift, but that isn’t always the right way around.
“People know not to walk in front of forklifts, but that isn’t the only source of accidents in the workplace.
“We hope that people look at a barrier system that is rated, rather than one designed simply to stop people walking in front of forklifts.”
A-Safe - asafe.com
A-SAFE are setting the standard for polymer barriers
Did you know that there are currently no o icial safety standards for the use of safety barriers within a workplace? This means that company owners can take liberties with the levels of site protection they o er there employees. This can seriously impact on the safety of workers in those facilities, as well as creating potential risks to infrastructure, assets, and production itself.
That makes the need for safety standards even more important. PAS 13 is the first step towards creating legal guidelines for workplace safety, to better protect workers and companies from potential hazards. ASAFE is incredibly proud to have been part of the steering group that helped make PAS 13 possible – and we continue to strive for more accountability and transparency in the world of workplace safety. asafe.com
MANUFACTURED. TESTED. CERTIFIED. Our barriers are fully compliant with PAS 13. RIGHT PRODUCT, RIGHT APPLICATION. We only recommend solutions that are FIT FOR PURPOSE for specific environments.
STANDARDISED PERFORMANCE RATINGS. PAS 13 testing standardises barrier impact ratings, giving performance transparency and allowing like-for-like product comparison. WE PERFORM OVER 1,000 TESTS ANUALLY That equates to more than 10,000 tests since creating our in-house test facility EVERY PRODUCT WE TEST, IS CERTIFIED BY A HIGHLY REPUTABLE AND INTERNATIONALLY RESPECTED INDEPENDENT CERTIFIER, TÜV NORD.
Email : sales@asafeau.com | Tel : +61 (0)2962 58927
M ANUFACTURING TRENDS
Put quality control on autopilot thanks to Applied Robotics’ deep learning
Quality control remains a critical factor in the race for manufacturing excellence, and deep learning vision systems are streamlining this crucial process.
Deep learning vision systems are advanced tools that use neural networks to analyse images and make decisions about product quality.
Unlike traditional machine vision systems that rely on pre-programmed rules, deep learning systems can learn from visual examples and adapt to new situations, making them ideal for complex quality control tasks in manufacturing.
Essentially, they learn whether or not a specific product or component looks correct based on a database of labelled training images that inform its decision-making.
Ryan Hart, Solutions Development Manager at Applied Robotics, explains the fundamental difference between traditional machine vision and deep learning systems.
“Deep learning doesn’t require rules at all. It learns by example and gets better over time,” he said.
“A traditional vision machine looks at a part and says, ‘Does it meet all the criteria we’ve programmed and strictly imposed?’
“A deep learning system says, ‘Does the live image we’re looking at right now more closely resemble the images database trained as ‘good’, or does it look more like images we trained as examples of ‘bad’?’”
“For example, consider the ageold question: ‘How long is a piece of string?’
“Would any group of people agree to the exact strict definition? There is no absolute answer. The same reasoning applies to a scratch on a door panel: How do you define a set of rules for every variation?
“The scratch can mean something different to each subjective viewer because every scratch is unique.
“Deep Learning, on the other hand, can be trained on a reference library of scratches of different sizes, shapes, colours and contrasts.
“Then, when it sees a brand new scratch that doesn’t look exactly like the others, it can still infer that it is, in fact, a scratch based on the examples.”
The more data you train a deep
learning system on, with human experts helping along the way, the better it gets.
The deep learning systems’ judgement is a ‘best guess’, but it is extremely accurate because, unlike a human brain, it literally references every single previous example it’s been trained on before producing its decision.
Maybe some rare people with a photographic memory can do that, but can they do it at 30+ parts per second? This is the power of using deep learning inspections on a production line.
The more data you train a deep learning system on, with human experts helping along the way, the better it gets.
It’s an iterative process where you continue to increase the dataset that each image library is looking at, and then, every day, you will get significant improvements.
Once trained, there are significant long-term benefits include:
• Adaptability
Handle new product variations and unexpected defects without reprogramming.
• Improved accuracy
Outperform traditional systems over time in detecting subtle defects.
• Reduced false rejections
A better understanding of product variability minimises false positives.
• Handling complexity
Excel in scenarios with diverse product lines, blurry margins of error or defects that are challenging to define explicitly.
• Continuous improvement
The system learns over time as it’s exposed to more examples.
Real-world applications
In automotive manufacturing, deep learning vision systems detect subtle paint defects and ensure proper assembly.
Food and beverage producers use them to inspect packaging integrity and product consistency, for example to detect organic defects like bruises and insect marks on fruits and vegetables.
In electronics, these systems catch microscopic flaws in circuit boards and components. Even in pharmaceuticals, they’re ensuring
• Staff preparation Train personnel to oversee and work with the new process.
Deep learning in action
AI-powered industrial packing robots cut freight volumes by 50% for Capral Aluminium
Problem
With an ever-changing range of 6,000 unique aluminium profiles plus customisations, Capral Aluminium faced challenges trying to efficiently and safely sort, pick, pack and load orders for distribution to thousands of worksites.
Solution
Applied Robotics delivered a turnkey solution integrating the software, AI deep learning vision systems and robotic machinery that intelligently and precisely sorts products into compact packages to cut freight volumes by 50%, accelerate output and power local jobs.
Implementation considerations
Implementing deep learning vision systems for quality control requires careful planning, including:
• Diverse dataset
Provide a large, varied set of images for training.
• System integration Integrate the new software with existing systems.
• Iterative improvement Set up processes for continuous system refinement.
• Human-AI collaboration Establish workflows for human experts to verify and provide feedback on AI decisions.
Initially, quality control professionals manually classify a large set of product images as ‘good’ or ‘defective’, teaching the system to recognise various types of defects.
As the system begins making decisions, humans verify its accuracy and provide feedback, helping AI refine its understanding.
This collaboration between human expertise and machine learning is key to developing a reliable, highly accurate quality control system.
However, the potential benefits of improved quality, reduced waste and increased efficiency make it a compelling option for manufacturers looking to stay competitive in today’s market.
“Incidentally, this is exactly why you wouldn’t want to train a robot to be a Terminator,” joked Ryan Hart.
the correct shape, size and colour of pills and capsules.
An Applied Robotics robot at work.
Australian manufacturing may have reasons to be cheerful in 2025
Boost for Australian manufacturing as key trend indicator suggests uptick due in 2025
Areport from Westpac and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has offered hope for 2025 for the Australian manufacturing industry with tentative signs of green shoots across the sector.
The December edition of the Westpac-ACCI Actual Composite Report found that the manufacturing sector was broadly static in size - neither growing nor contracting - but offered hope for industry in that a key indicator, the Expected Composite, was at a height not seen in over two years.
Expected Composite reflects the perception of future prospects among manufacturers, and is now at the level it was in September of 2022.
Westpac said that the reason for optimism lay in staffing, with 5% of those surveyed reporting growth in head count after years of struggling to find labour, and in a wider improvement in economic prospects beyond just manufacturing.
The growth in staff was also attributed to a more positive view of demand, with manufacturing businesses looking to get ahead in
advance of orders growing in 2025.
While the sentiment was that things are looking up for next year, the current situation remains much as it has been over the last 12-18 months in the sector.
Cost pressures are stubbornly high and, while easing, a net 34% of respondents reported a rise. Units costs continue to fall and remain well above pre-pandemic levels.
Staffing, while improving, remains a major pain point with a net 16.1% reporting that it was hard to find labour, more than Q2 of 2024, while overtime for current staff also dropped.
“The Westpac-ACCI Actual Composite lost some momentum during the final months of the year, easing from a reading of 55.3 in September to 50.0 in December,” said Ryan Wells, who edited the study for Westpac.
“Currently spot on the breakeven threshold, the latest survey suggests that conditions in the manufacturing sector are neither expanding nor contracting.
“Compositionally, the December survey reported a pull-back in new
orders, a decline in overtime and a modest expansion in output and employment.
“Encouragingly, manufacturers expect this ‘soft patch’ to be relatively short-lived.
“The Expected Composite lifted from 53.3 in September to 57.4 in December, the highest level since September 2022, reflecting a much greater degree of optimism around the outlook for demand and output.
“That a net 5% of firms reported an increase in head count in December – following two years of flat-to-weak growth – suggests manufacturers are seeking to increase the size of their work force in anticipation of an expected recovery in demand over the period ahead.
“This optimism was also reflected by the considerable improvement in the mood about the general business outlook for the next six months.
“The number of firms expecting an improvement outnumbered those expecting a deterioration by a net 2% in December, the first positive reading since September 2022 during the reopening ‘burst’ of activity.”
M ANUFACTURING TRENDS
Inside the future of 3D printing
Additive manufacturing was once among the fastest developing sectors in Australian manufacturing, hitting the market at a rapid rate and kicking on quickly thereafter.
Now, 3D printing has been established as a vital part of the sector, both in Australia and globally, functioning both as a manufacturing facility and as a key solution for logistical problems - one on which entire industries, from supply chains to research and development, lean heavily.
The last few years have been about evolution rather than revolution, and at the forefront has been Bilby 3D, one of Australia’s leading providers of 3D printers.
To kick off the year, Industry Update spoke to founder and CEO Chris Bilby to get his thoughts on the major trends within the additive manufacturing sector in 2025starting with how it ended last year.
“2024 was a tumultuous year, both globally and locally,” said Bilby. “I’m hoping that settles down.
“We’ve had a very slow 12 to 18 months, but things have been picking up in the last quarter of ‘24 and I see that continuing in ‘25.
“I think the hype bubble of additive manufacturing has burst, and part of the promise with the industry is that we need to achieve scale.
“You need to be selling enough machines and materials for things to be sustainable, and that means moving into manufacturing, not just prototyping and design phases.
“We’re all going to be focused on industries where additive manufacturing makes sense.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense for mass manufacturing, because injection moulding is mostly going to be cheaper, so it’s all about bespoke manufacturing, which Australia is particularly good at.
“We’re going to see continuations of dental, medical and orthotics, where things are custom built for patients.
“I’m seeing more interest in onshoring and setting up new products: tooling, jigs and fixtures is big, and something we’re getting into heavily is large format, 3D printers.”
Bilby added that the additive manufacturing industry can help Australia, especially as the post-Covid era move to onshoring continues.
“Pre-pandemic, 40% of our sales were to education,” he explained.
machine.
“Something interesting I came across the other day that I hadn’t really thought about is people also using additive manufacturing, not just for a small run of something, but as excess capacity.
“If they’ve got a full production line that’s running flat out and they need a bit more capacity to push out a bit more product, rather than setting up another production line, which is going to take a lot of time and money, they can use their printers to produce some extra parts.”
The industry has more always prioritised innovation and tech advancements, and in 2025, that can be expected to continue.
“We’ve always been pushing for more reliable printing and higher success rate,” said Bilby.
“You’ve always got a failure rate, but is it 5% or is it 25%?
“Now we’re starting to see technologies come through that are going to monitor the printer more carefully and they’re going to calibrate it more accurately so that the amount of product you get out is going to be higher with lower scrap and a lower failure rate.
“Then COVID happened, and all the schools and unis closed, so that market was gone - but we still grew 26% because of the amount of onshoring going on.”
“That was several years ago now, and I would have expected that trend to slow down, But talking to other people in the industry, not just in 3D printing but in other forms of manufacturing equipment, they’re still seeing products that were being manufactured overseas being set up here.”
Additive manufacturing has previously suffered from a lack of awareness from within manufacturing on the solutions that it can provide, but that has changed in recent years and according to Bilby, more and more within the sector are availing themselves of the benefits.
“Australian manufacturers are pretty familiar with CNC, and the additive manufacturing machines are just another type of CNC machine,” he said.
“They still work on G codes, but the capabilities are different. They have their limitations and they can’t do everything, but they can do more things, more flexibly than a CNC
“We’re seeing things that will detect when a printer has failed. We’ve got a machine that’s got 25-28 sensors on it, and it can tell you whether or not there were any fluctuations in temperature or material deposited during the process.
“That makes it easier to qualify the part at the end as well.
“Materials have been the limiting factor for several years. Machines were really good and the hardware was great, but you needed the materials. Now the machines can print faster, but the materials haven’t been able to keep up.
To get that throughput and that production, we needed better materials. They have started coming out in 2024 and there’s more coming out in 2025 that print faster and more reliably, as well as having a greater tolerance to variations in temperature during printing.
“I don’t think we’re going to see a lot of movement on nylons, which are pretty standard material, and we’ve had carbon fibre and kevlar fibres in those for years, which is going to continue.
“We’re a more mature industry now, so we’re seeing more incremental change rather than revolutionary change.”
Bilby3D - b3d.com.au
Additive manufacturing is set for a huge year in 2025
M ANUFACTURING TRENDS
Can forklift safety unlock efficiency and solve staffing issues in 2025?
If there are two buzzwords in Australian manufacturing going into 2025, they would be safety and tech. OK, a third: staffing.
If there was an area that showed these three issues in microcosm, materials handling - and, specifically, forklifts - might be it.
Machinery operation remains the deadliest job in Australia, a problem that is not helped by just how hard it remains to train and retain forklift drivers. Throw in the uncertainty around new plant equipment and you’ve got a perfect storm.
But in 2025, that might be about to change.
Combilift, one of the leading suppliers of materials handling equipment worldwide, are in a good place to judge the global state of the industry, and according to co-founder and CEO Martin McVicar, Australia is at the forefront of making those alterations.
The Irish forklift experts have been in business for 26 years and now sell to over 80 countries worldwide, but as McVicar told Industry Update, Australia leads the world.
“If you look at the markets for Combilift, there’s three that come to mind where safety is a big priority in forklift trucks: the United States, the UK and Australia,” he said.
“When it comes to actually implementing it on the factory floor,
Australia comes out on top.
“Since September last year, we launched a new safety system option on our vehicles called Combi Safe-Lift.
“It’s an optional feature available where we fit a strain gauge, a mechanical device on the mast of the truck, which measures the stress in the mast to detect if the operator is overloading the forklift.
“It’s more difficult to find skilled forklift operators today than it was five years or 10 years ago, and we’re expecting them to lift a load and to know the weight of the load and the load centre.
“When you think of forklift truck safety, it’s not just the weight of what you’re lifting - it’s how far it’s out on the fork. The load center really affects the stability of the forklift truck and of the load also.
“With the Combi Safe-Lift, it’s a very simple system. We attach it to the back of the mast and, as it is under stress to bend forward, there’s an overload device, an interlock.
“It’s not standard in the forklift industry, but when you look at the construction industry, a site crane already has this technology.
“If the crane operator extends the crane too far, there’s a safety interlock to stop it from tipping over. We took the technology from the construction industry and developed
this option for our forklift trucks.”
“Australia has had the highest uptake on this product over the last few months.”
Beyond the safety in traditional forklifts, Combilift are also seeing Australians lead the world in ordering pedestrian machines to help reduce accidents.
“If you think in a manufacturing or distribution environment, where you have employees in the vicinity of forklifts, there are two options,” explained McVicar.
“People will try to segregate the pedestrian by putting in barriers, but in many cases, that’s not easy.
“They’re working in tight, confined areas, and they want to remove sit-down forklifts from the manufacturing plant and go towards pedestrian-operated forklifts such as walk-behinds.
“We’ve seen a big growth in our demand for pedestrian equipment from the Australian market.
“For Combilift, we have a patented feature where we can move the pedestrian vehicle with the tiller arm to the side, so it operates in a smaller area, and the operator does not have to be behind the vehicle.
“A big trend we’ve seen in Australia is the growth in pedestrian equipment. It’s there across several markets, but Australia definitely stands out.
“There is a real drive to move sitdown forklifts away from areas where employees are working or where the general public are in a facility.
“Then there’s the staffing issue and the training requirement. For a pedestrian forklift, it’s far lower than with a sit-down.
“It’s less investment for businesses. There’s a lot of transition for operators, so it’s a big investment in training them, but with a pedestrian model, it’s easier to operate as they’re going at walking speed.
“You’re in the vicinity of where the vehicle is, so you’re constantly checking with 360 degree vision because you’re standing, and because you’re on foot, you’re going to be more cautious.
“It’s safer for you as the operator and for the people around as well.”
Safety is key, but efficiency is also vital.
“Manufacturing companies want to keep ahead of the curve. They have to be more productive, and the only way they can do that is through investment in tech,” said McVicar.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s laser cutting or machining or materials handling - time is money.
“Particularly in Australia, we know it’s not the cheapest economy to manufacture in, so the cheaper you can make operations without compromising on safety, the more competitive you’re going to be.”
Combilift - combilift.com
Combilift’s pedestrian forklifts have been popular in Australia.
20% of jobs will ‘fundamentally change’ by 2030, says major report
One of Australia’s biggest industry peak bodies, the Australian Industry Group (AIG) has released commentary on a new report suggesting that as many as 20% of current jobs could be ‘fundamentally changed’ by 2030.
The Future of Jobs Report, created by the World Economic Forum, cited AI, green transition, fragmentation and uncertainty within the wider economy and demographic changes as the central drivers of change.
With that change will come growth, however, with an expected increase of 7% globally in new jobs created, centred around tech roles and frontline workers in care-giving, construction and agriculture.
For manufacturing, there was an expectation that disruption would come from global supply chain issues, which are vulnerable to economic uncertainty and geopolitical changes, but that job opportunities
would remain largely static rather than rising or falling dramatically.
“The report reveals a tangled mix of global drivers transforming jobs globally and in Australia, resulting in skill disruption, new and evolving skill demands, particularly in technology-related fields, and a substantial need for reskilling and upskilling,” said AI Group CEO Innes Willox.
“It demonstrates the importance of building the capability and size of Australia’s workforce now and over the coming years.
“63% of employers globally said skill gaps are the biggest barrier to business transformation.
“While they are making considerable effort to diversify, upskill and support their workforces, this must be complemented by effective public jobs and skills policies in the next five years.
“That must include strategies to
UNLOCK EVERY INCH OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE!
build talent for new and emerging roles; funding for, and provision of, broad reskilling and upskilling; and strategies to support diversity, equity and inclusion, and displaced and mature-aged workers.”
AI for the ADF as Australian defence manufacturer announces new deal
Aleading Australian defence manufacturer is set for a strong start to 2025 after announcing a multimillion dollar deal with German company Rheinmetall to produce key equipment for the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).
Advanced Navigation will produce FOG INS - fibre-optic gyroscopes (FOG) to go in inertial navigation systems (INS) - that are key components for Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) used by the Australian Army.
The tech in the FOG INS in Advanced Navigation’s own proprietary AI system and can deliver navigational data which can then be used by the CRV, a form of tank widely used around the world.
Advanced’s tech is fully compatible with the CRV built by Rheinmetall and, the last time a deal like this was struck, 200 were immediately purchased by the ADF. They are one of just four companies worldwide that can produce these components.
“Precise navigation is paramount to the survivability of armoured vehicles. It provides the situational awareness and ability to coordinate with other units needed to stay operational in challenging environments, where GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable,” said Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw.
“In Australia, Rheinmetall is the largest supplier of military vehicles to the country's armed forces.
“Our PNT solution equips the Boxer CRVs with accurate and
robust navigation independent of satellite signals, ensuring they maintain tactical advantage in all conditions, even in electronic
Major coup for Australian Made defence as Redarc inks deal with global giant
Australian Made manufacturer Redarc is celebrating after sealing a deal with global defence giant Kongsberg to extend their production of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System (CDS) command and control consoles.
Kongsberg Defence Australia announced that they had won the export contract last month, and, after this deal, it has been confirmed
that Redarc will play a vital role in the manufacturing of the missiles onshore in Australia.
The partnership cements Redarc Defence & Space as a major force on the international defence
warfare scenarios.
“It is a huge honour to be selected as their partner, in a time of rising geopolitical conflicts.”
manufacturing scene and a key part of the Australian sovereign defence industry.
The South Australian manufacturer recently delivered a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) for Norwegian company Kongsberg, who designed the system alongside American counterparts at RTX, formerly Raytheon, back in the 1990s.
It is in high demand globally, having been used extensively in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as well as forming a key component of defence strategies for the US military.
“We are incredibly proud to be contributing to Kongsberg Defence Australia’s success in securing this important export contract,” said Scott Begbie, Executive General Manager at Redarc Defence & Space.
“This partnership builds upon our strong foundation of collaboration, beginning with our successful delivery of critical components for the NASAMS Fire Distribution Centre (FDC).
“Earning the trust of Kongsberg Defence Australia to support their international endeavours is a testament to the quality, reliability and innovation of Redarc Defence & Space’s Australian-made products.”
Redarc are a major player in Australian defence manufacturing Advanced Navigation’s INS component
Australia has started the new year in style with the announcement of a $100m deal to produce extra tanks for the Australian Defence Forces, removing redundancy threats to staff.
The Bendigo-based defence firm
will deliver 40 new Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMV)which have been used extensively in Ukraine - on top of a previous order of 130 that have been manufactured in the last 24 months.
The deal is a major turnaround for Thales, who were in danger of
AUKUS links paying off as defence manufacturer inks US Army deal
The start of 2025 has been a turbulent time for relations between the Australian manufacturing sector and the United States, with tariffs top of the political agenda and much uncertainty about how they might filter through over the next few years.
However, one light has shone through that: our ongoing defence collaboration through AUKUS. Moreover, the ability of Australian Made products to access the lucrative US market, providing domestic manufacturing jobs, continues to grow.
RACU, which stands for Rifle Accessory Control Unit, provides the user with access to information from all devices on their person, both body-worn and attached to
The latest announcement to underline this comes from Kord Group, who have agreed an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the US Army to supply their cutting-edge RACU System Technology.
their weapon.
According to Kord MD Dr Peter Moran, it enables soldiers to focus on their tasks with a centralised system.
“Think of it as a simple, common
capability for the Army, demonstrating a commitment to modernising the Australian Defence Force,” said Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery.
“We need to deter anyone who has any thought of threatening Australia. The best way of doing that is to let them know we have the weapons and the range to strike back.
“It’s the best armoured truck in the world. We’ve seen it save lives in the Middle East and it’s saving lives in Ukraine right now.
“We’re expanding the Australian Army and equipping it with longrange strike capability. We’re moving the army from having a range of 40km to having a range of over 500km.
“We’re rapidly building up our missile stockpiles and expanding our Australian Army.”
winding up their Victorian plant after a horror few years that saw them struggling for orders in 2022 and subsequently embroiled in a corruption scandal.
“The Bushmaster vehicles will contribute to the acceleration of a land-based long-range strike
The announcement removes uncertainty over 250 skilled regional jobs, which will now be protected through to 2026.
“This additional investment will support hundreds of jobs, underscoring the Albanese Government’s commitment not only to the people of the Bendigo region but to building Australia’s future,” said Conroy.
remote for the soldier, which gives them quick, easy and intuitive control,” he said.
“It’s a force multiplier, simple to learn and rugged. It allows soldiers to keep head up, eyes on target and hands on weapon.”
The deal, which is worth an initial $11m AUD, is ongoing and plugs the Canberra-based manufacturer into the lucrative American military infrastructure.
“This is more than just about securing a technology contract,” said Moran.
“It’s a wonderful example of the collaboration between Australia and the US across militaries, innovation and industry for the benefit of both countries.
“We’re proud to advance our AUKUS agreement goals and continue to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.”
Thales Bushmaster MR6
Australian Army Soldier testing a 5-button Vertical Controller
HANDLING
Why plastic trumps steel for shipping heavy objects
Many businesses that have been using steel strapping for years often wonder if plastic strapping would suit their products, and if so, what would the advantages of changing be.
While it is true that steel strapping generally has a breaking strain advantage, PET strapping can still perform as well and has additional benefits.
Let’s assume that you are shipping heavy railway sleepers and are using 19mm x .56mm steel strap.
There are 200 metres on the roll, it has a breaking strain of 880 kilos and it is a single strand width roll weighing 15 kilos. The cost of that steel roll would come in at approximately $60.00 + GST.
The most appropriate plastic strapping option is 19mm x 1mm PET (polyester). That comes in a ribbon wound roll with 800 metres on it, weighing 17 kilos with a breaking strain of 710 kilos. The cost of that PET roll would come in at approximately $60.00 + GST.
The plastic is $60.00 cheaper,
with one roll of plastic equal to four rolls of steel, while also being a fifth of the weight.
While there is a trade-off in breaking strain (BS) - 880 kilos with steel versus 710 kilos with plasticseveral questions arise.
How much breaking strain do you need? How many straps will you use? Is the load actually being constrained?
Will 880 kilos of lateral pressure be exerted on the side of the load every time the truck brakes? If so, then dilute that pressure per strap by the number of straps to be used.
The next obvious question is flexibility. Steel is not flexible at all, and if the load shifts or settles, the strap can come loose. Do you need 880 kilos of BS if it isn’t even touching the load?
PET has some give. It is a stiff strap, unlike polypropylene (PP) which has a lower BS and is also more flexible - not ideal for heavy loads.
Plastic strap is far safer to use. It has no sharp edges, is simpler to
thread and conforms more easily to shapes. Furthermore, it does not scrape or cut into the goods as steel can.
An argument could be made around security. It is true that plastic strapping can be cut with a knife, but portable disc cutters are in every tradesman’s tool box these days.
We can move on to the method of securing the straps.
Steel crimpers use the cut and deform method to create notches in the sides of the two steel straps once they have been tensioned together.
Plastic strapping crimpers use a compression method to crimp the seals to the two straps.
It has three options for sealing: manual, using crimped seals as above; battery to tension, seal and cut; and air (pneumatic) to do the same.
Battery and air tools do not use a tensioner, crimper or seals, so represent an initial up front saving plus a longer term saving on seals.
In years of experience, I have found an air strapping tool to be far
superior to battery in every way.
Provided you have a 100 psi air line available, it will do the same job as a battery operated unit, but additionally has no batteries to recharge or replace and no electronics that can go wrong.
An air strapper is far less complex to use, with no screens and no dial ups, and is easily used with gloves on as it includes just two levers, one to tension and one to seal, then cut.
The friction sealer is also much less problematic and less prone to jamming up.
Air strappers are four times cheaper to buy and far easier to maintain with only a drop of oil and air to clean the roller area.
While air is not always practical or available, if possible, I’d go for it every time. The same goes for plastic wrapping - and, as evidenced by the choices of other companies across the industry, I’m not the only one.
By Ron Mileham, Pack King
Plastic trumps steel, according to Pack King
E-Drive your way to success with Tente’s mobility solutions
Safety is always a paramount concern for manufacturerswhich is why products such as Tente’s E-Drive Optima are so vital.
The E-Drive optima is suitable for demanding applications that require additional safety, mainly due to the deceleration function when the handle is released.
Another advantage this drive unit offers is its compact space-saving concept, as the control and drive units are not two separate pieces but one combined module, which improves ease of installation.
The compact E-Drive Optima model has a maximum thrust of 25* daN (decanewton) with a single set-up and a maximum of 50 daN* with a twin set-up.
The E-Drive works like a fifth wheel and offers perfect directional stability, especially when using four castors.
The system is activated via the hand control unit, and once the drive unit is lowered, it is ready for use. The stepless speed regulation (forward and backward) enables optimal use.
The required energy is supplied by a powerful, rechargeable battery. In the lifted position, it can be flexibly moved crosswise in confined spaces. There are different ways to position the E-Drive under your application but, no matter which position you choose, E-Drive assures high directional stability.
Features include:
• Assisted stop button
When the operator presses the assisted stop button (red) on the handle, E-Drive Optima decelerates to a standstill and then lifts up. This feature ensures the safety of the users
• Adjustable speed and slowdown assist
The force applied to the thumbwheel controls the speed in forward and backward directions.
In the neutral position, the system decelerates to help the operator stop the trolley.
• Flexible use
The lifting motor makes it easy to turn the device on and off as
required. No ground contact in standby position.
• Practical system solution
Due to its extremely compact design, the system solution can be easily integrated into existing transport devices.
• Accelerated processes
Faster start-up with heavy loads to accelerate operating processes.
• Ergonomic operation
Ergonomically designed hand control unit with system and battery status LED display and one-button operation.
• Optimal ground contact
High contact force between the wheel and the floor with a compensation function for uneven floors.
• User-friendly assembly
The hand-held control unit can be attached flexibly in a vertical or horizontal position.
• Reliable electronics
Infinitely variable speed regulation (forwards and backwards) through safety-tested drive switches.
• Optimised steering mechanism
The fifth wheel allows for improved steering in both curved and straight line paths over long distances.
• Quiet operation
Soft wheel version for a quiet working environment
Tente - tente.com.au
The Tente E-Drive Optima
The shocking new statistic on forklift safety that every manufacturer should know
WorkSafe Victoria has published new guidance designed to help manufacturers avoid forklift accidents in the workplace - including one shocking stat that should make the industry sit up and take notice.
After stunning figures from Safe Work, the national body, revealed that machinery driving was the most dangerous job in Australia, further work from the state level has shown that, on average, one Victorian worker a week is struck by a forklift or by a falling load from a forklift.
Starting the week of December 9, WorkSafe Victoria will launch a new safety drive with guidance around separating workers from forklifts as much as possible, with a focus on physical barriers, exclusion zones and signage.
They will also send inspectors out with a forklift safety remit, focusing
on the manufacturing, warehousing and postal sectors.
According to further data, eight people - three of whom were pedestrians - have been killed in Victoria in forklift accidents since 2019, while around 41% of all accepted WorkSafe claims were related to forklift safety.
“Forklifts are an important piece of machinery for many Victorian workplaces, however, if not used and managed safely, they also have the potential to cause serious harm,” said Dr Narelle Beer, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety.
“Through measures such as this new guidance and the work of our inspectors, WorkSafe is ensuring employers are taking proactive steps to ensure their workers and others are safe around forklifts.”
WorkSafe reiterated that they would not hesitate to issue fines
Forklift safety is a major concern in Australia
and undertakings should workplace safety be found to be deficient. They have been proactive in the space in the last year, settling the first workplace manslaughter prosecution in 2024 with a company fined $1.3 million following the death of a
worker in a forklift accident, part of a grand total of $2.4m that has been dished out in penalties.
WorkSafe Victoria worksafe.vic.gov.au
POWERED FLOOR CRANES
Small additions, big differences in materials handling
REDUCE MAINTENANCE COSTS ON OVERHEAD CRANES
LOAD LIMITERS
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Lifting heavy things in the workplace is hard - even if you have the best equipment possible.
Manufacturers will invest thousands in overhead cranes, and the smartest know that keeping those big assets working safely and profitably is vital.
That’s where companies like Liftco come in. They offer vital components for cranes, such as the Side Pull Preventer, which can go a long way to extending the life of an overhead crane as well as ensuring safety for workers.
“Overhead cranes are designed to lift vertically, however, some people pull sideways on the hook,” explained Merilyn Glenn of Liftco.
“If they take something out of a shelf, for instance, sometimes they drag it out with the crane and then try and lift it up.
“What that does is put pressure on the rope side. Our Side Pull Preventer, as the name implies, prevents that from happening. It keeps the crane lifting vertically.
“It protects the rope guide, which is important because they are quite expensive. A side pull preventer will cut out the crane when it detects it
pulling abnormally.
“The rope guides keep the rope going into the slots on the rope drum - it guides them into the slots.
“If it is pulled sideways, it can jump out and break the rope guide, and if that happens, you’re up for $4-5,000 for a replacement.
“A side pull preventer ensures the ropes stay vertical, which is why they’re also called rope guide protectors, as both names explain what it does.”
One of Liftco’s other key products is a Load Limiter, which similarly can work to save money and time for manufacturers using lifting cranes.
“That prevents the crane from picking up a weight that it is not designed to lift,” said Glenn.
“If the crane is designed for five tonnes, a Load Limiter will stop it from picking up more than that. We normally set it 10% over, but after that it will cut out, and what the user has to lower the load and go again.
“That stops the crane from breaking, but also improves safety as it protects any workers beneath.”
Liftco - liftco.com.au
Liftco provides safety products for overhead cranes A
QUALITY
THE FIRST STEP
Make the first step towards your fully integrated automation system with high quality modular conveyor systems from Adept Conveyors.
HANDLING
Making 10 year cranes a reality with Bonfiglioli
Cranes are a key piece of infrastructure in distribution centres (DCs) and warehouses, ensuring items are handled correctly and safely, and dispatched quickly.
The average crane consists of multiple moving parts and relies on a geared motor drive to keep it working optimally.
For companies like Bonfiglioli, providing solutions that can handle these loads and extend the life of these drives is central to satisfying market demand.
“The service factor on these gearboxes is high and so far, we haven’t had a single failure in the last 25 years with this product,” said Harry Singh, National Sales Manager for Bonfiglioli Australia.
“The HF series was developed
for cranes with 500kg to 7 tonne capacities and is ideal for small warehouses and factories.
“It boasts a unique double safety feature - a motor with a brake inside it as well as the option to add a secondary brake at the back of the drive.
“This year, we’ve doubled turnover on this product locally.”
Bonfiglioli have been active in some of Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects, most notably the WestConnex tunnel in Sydney, where their tunnel cranes have been used to move frames that support the tunnel shaft, making it possible for heavy machinery to move through the tunnel and to remove the excavated material out of the tunnel and onto trucks.
“This work requires larger
100-tonne cranes capable of fast speeds, and 550-tonne units for slow speed tasks,” said Singh.
“Most customers typically request a gearbox with a lifespan between two to three years for a tunnel project, or a maximum of five years.
Why scale is important for those weighing up conveyor automation
What if your automation system could grow as your business grows, rather than demanding a massive upfront investment?
Many small businesses struggle to invest in a fully integrated automation system due to high upfront costs and uncertainty about future growth.
At Adept Conveyors, conveyor systems are built with a modular framework.
This allows the system to be updated and expanded as your business grows, which spreads one large up-front investment out over a much longer period of time.
It also ensures that each update suits the current direction of your
business, rather than having to change a full system if you change direction.
Many small businesses, particularly those in the warehousing and logistics spaces, have found that conveyors and automation systems are a necessity of operation.
Many other businesses are also facing the same challenges in their industries, and they all have a difficult decision to make.
Do we make a large upfront investment in a fully integrated automation system that will suit the direction we are planning for growth?
Do we invest in a smaller conveyor system that suits our current needs but will have to be replaced once we have outgrown it in a few years?
Both options have their pros and cons - and it is easy to see that there is a high risk of wasting money and resources in both options, whether it be now or in the future.
Thankfully, there is a much more sensible option available for small businesses who are struggling to justify spending their limited budget.
A modular conveyor and automation system can be built small to suit your current requirements and budget, with the ability to easily add to it in the future as your business grows.
This option easily saves you from making a large upfront investment when your budget is tight, but also means that there is no need to discard and replace your whole conveyor
“However, we design everything with a minimum lifespan of five years. This service life can easily reach 10 years if the crane is maintained properly with regular maintenance and oil changes”.
Bonfiglioli - bonfiglioli.com
system when the time comes to upgrade.
Instead, new modules can be added to the existing system when needed.
As we all know, businesses in this day and age can be faced with twists and turns, both in the form of sudden external changes such as Covid-19 and internal changes in long-term direction.
No one can predict what the future will bring with certainty, so the fear of making a large investment that will be made obsolete due to unpredictable changes is a valid worry.
With a modular conveyor and automation system, updates can be made based on current business direction and predictions. This means there is less risk of sudden changes in direction as you are only looking forward to what you can safely expect.
At Adept Conveyors, the design and consultation teams ensure they understand your current plans for the future so they can design a system that is easily adjusted to your expected future needs, while allowing for unpredictable changes.
Adept Conveyors is dedicated to supporting growing businesses with conveyor and automation solutions. We understand that it shouldn’t have to be an “all or nothing” decision.
Modular conveyor systems make it easier to take the first step towards your future goals.
Adept Conveyors adeptconveyors.com.au
Bonfiglioli solutions for cranes
Adept’s modular conveyor systems
Using economic, energy-efficient Permanent-Electro Magnet Systems from from Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete and Serpent & Dove.
Modular, Engineered Systems for Plate, Tube, Bundles, Coils, Billets, Blocks and most steel lifting.
Ford utes set for 4 ton towing extensionand it’s Australian Made
One of the biggest towing manufacturers in Australia, Lovells Automotive, have announced a key new piece of kit for Ford Rangers that can raise their towing capacity to more than 4,000 kilos - and it’s Australian Made, too.
The Lovells 4000kg BTC Upgrade represents a major uplift in capacity for Ford Ranger utes that already have a Lovells Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade installed, and will be sure to catch the eye of heavy industry operators, especially in high value fields such as mining, farming and transportation.
The 4,000kg product works across both Double-Cab and Double-Cab Chassis configurations,
can be fitted in less than two hours and is rated to either two-year or 40,000km warranty.
It includes a heavy duty, stainless steel tow hitch and pillar, a tow bar assembly specifically designed for the Ford Ranger and a 1200lb weight distribution hitch kit.
Lovells, based in the Hunter Valley, are proud to manufacture, design, engineer and test all their components in Australia, with their standards recognised across the nation with both Federal and statelevel compliance approvals.
Lovells Automotive lovellsauto.com.au
The new Lovells 4000kg BTC Upgrade in action
Australian Made logo a customer positive, say
80% of manufacturers
It is well known that the Australian Made logo means a lot to businesses in this country - and now, new research has proven just how much.
Australian Made, the group behind the logo, surveyed their licensees to record their views on the famous green and gold kangaroo, and the results more than backed what the campaign is doing.
A massive 80% of respondents said that it was a positive influence on purchasing decisions, with 77% also agreeing that they said it was a benefit in promoting their products.
“It’s always great to get encouraging responses when you’re asking those that use your brand,”
Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro told Industry Update
“We’re particularly excited by the
positivity from our licensees, given the challenging environment that all businesses find themselves in.
“The Australian Made logo is an effective marketing tool that is adding value to Australian manufacturers. It is part of the solution.
“Aussie manufacturers are doing it tough right now. There’s the cost of energy, the cost of labour, and generally, the high cost of doing business in Australia. We want to provide them with a valuable sales and marketing asset that can help strengthen and grow their businesses.
“It is pleasing to see Aussie manufacturers are finding value in the Australian Made logo.”
Further research from Roy Morgan revealed that 93% of Australians trust and 99% recognise the Australian Made logo, making it one of the most
recognisable in Australia.
Lazzaro said that his focus was on turning that recognition into a value add for licensees.
“All businesses have different consumers,” he said.
“If you’re selling in the B2B market and bidding for local supply contracts, there might be procurement requirements to have Australian content.
The Australian Made logo makes that connection very quickly and easily.
“If you’re selling your product in a retail environment, then having the Australian Made logo on your product, whether it be on an e-commerce platform or in a brick-and-mortar store, conveys that message really quickly and easily.
“We know that consumers want to buy Australian. Overwhelmingly, the research says that they have a
preference for Australian-made products.
“Aussie manufacturers need to make sure they are highlighting their Aussie credentials to their consumers on all platforms: on products, on their website, on social media. The Aussie Made logo helps businesses do this.”
Of course, the marketing angle is just one of the benefits of Australian Made, with significant gains in supply chains, customer service and business support available from buying locally.
“Not only will shipping generally more reliable, but also you’ve got local representation for aftersales care and support. It gives consumers confidence knowing the organisation that sold the product has a local presence,” said Lazzaro.
In an election year, Australian Made welcomed the ongoing drive to get more things made in Australia, and Lazzaro hoped that it would continue.
“We support any policy decisions, regardless of who’s in power, that champion manufacturing. We want to see policies that support domestic manufacturing, that see it grow, and that make it easier to do business and make things right here in Australia,” he said.
“It’s pleasing to see that there’s a lot of activity in the Government space, whether it be through grants or on-shoring of projects that perhaps weren’t done before, like those in those in the defence industry.
“It’s great to see, and we hope it’s not just a moment in time. We hope that’s a consistent approach to local manufacturing as we move forward.”
Australian Made australianmade.com.au
Australian Made remains a benefit for manufacturers
AUSTRALIAN M ADE
How an modular approach to storage brought about 50 years of success
BAC Systems has been manufacturing industrial steel storage in Australia for close to 50 years.
In that time, the heart of BAC’s range of storage solutions has been a drawer storage cabinet that is now in use on all seven continents.
Alongside, they have offered products such as pallet racks, shelving, toolracks, retractable storage platforms, vertical drawers and many other elements of hybridised and customisable storage for all kinds of applications.
After nearly five decades of manufacturing storage, BAC can confidently state that a properly integrated storage solution needs to be modular.
Modular has become a buzz word that means many things to many people but, for BAC, it boils down to two things: a common structure and a range of interchangeable elements to fit within that structure.
Looking firstly at the structure in question, long-time BAC users will not be surprised to find out that this refers to the BAC Storage Module.
That means a cabinet structure that is fully enclosed and independent from the cabinets around it but still interacting with them when installed in tandem.
BAC Modules vary based upon footprint dimensions and height, but are otherwise exactly the same as every other housing.
These modules are strong with a clean appearance, they are
functional when placed in any environment and are able to be bolted in stacks, either one on top of another or side-to-side.
A BAC Module then becomes the building block for a much larger storage system, creating efficiencies and many life-cycle benefits.
The interchangeable elements refer to what most people immediately think of when they hear the word modularity: different elements can be taken out or put in depending upon user preference.
Within a BAC Modular Housing unit, the end user can specify many different storage solutions to be included.
The most common solution chosen by consumers is to outfit their modular BAC Cabinets with partitioned drawers and shelves.
These can be of varying heights with a fully flexible choice of internal partitioning layouts, or with a personalised selection of shelf separators, all of which can be adjusted at a later date to adapt to inventory changes.
In addition to drawers and shelves, the BAC range also allows for BAC Modules to be fitted with many kinds of frame drawers and brackets to store both specific or irregular items with ease.
BAC Systems has produced many other storage solutions, such as the Australian Design Award-winning BAC Rack, the timeless BAC Combi Shelving and the exciting BAC 77 hybrid storage system.
While strong and effective, their
There were also limits to how flexible these items could be when adapting to each different environment encountered by the BAC Team. By using modules, BAC storage is easier to transport and set up, will interact with all of the other BAC Storage items surrounding it and is better suited to change over many decades of service.
Available in 14 different footprints and up to 11 different heights, there is a BAC Module for almost any storage application.
Whether it is to support a benchtop, outfit a toolroom or as a multilevel warehouse structure, the BAC Modular Storage range is flexible, strong and reliable.
With shelves from 500mm width up to 2300mm in width and drawers from 60mm to 720mm in height, plus large load capacities for each, BAC can almost certainly find a way to store just about anything.
racking structure (a braced frame or vertical panel with shelves stretched in between) limited their ability to interact with the rest of the BAC Range.
To find out more about how the BAC Module Range can transform your stores and workshops, please contact the BAC Technical Sales Team – bacsales@bacsystems.com.au
BAC Systems - bacsystems.com.au
BAC Systems Modular Storage
Why Pilot Air’s Australian Made roots remain the heart of their story
Staying true to your roots of loyalty and reliability is part of the Australian psyche - and those values resonate throughout Australian families.
It’s why loyalty and reliability are at the core of the Pilot Air culture, and why the company has remained independent, a fully Australianowned and family-owned business for the past 50 years.
Pilot Air has never deviated from its mission to provide the highest quality compressed air solutions to the Australian industrial market.
Over the journey, we have resisted the temptation to diversify and have used our R&D to continually develop the most powerful, reliable and digitally integrated air compressors available in Australia.
Our investments in onshore training and establishing two design, manufacturing, servicing and maintenance hubs, plus a comprehensive
network of industry partners enables us to deliver outstanding results and long-term relationships with our industrial customers.
We place high priority on assessing the needs for our clients using advanced software diagnostics and future-proofing operational growth through our compressed air solutions.
We import the highest quality Italian pumps and never compromise on materials or the integrity of every unit we sell.
We possess advanced technical expertise, full life cycle service and maintenance, spare parts and invaluable service and after sales support.
Our team members are experienced problem solvers and relationship builders. We work hand-in-hand with every customer to ensure the most successful compressed air solution for their immediate needs and build in future-proofed planning that enables customers to scale with confidence.
across all industrial applications: manufacturing, water treatment, automotive, agriculture, construction, hospitals, pharmaceutical, theme parks, food and beverage distribution centres and material handling to name a few.
Our experience in large-scale and complex installations makes us highly regarded within the industrial sector and our reputation for quality, service and longevity cannot be beaten.
As a specialist in advanced and customised rotary screw air compressor solutions, Pilot Air is the air compressor solution company of choice for many iconic Australian brands. When scale and integration are important to your business, contact the team today and experience the Pilot Air difference.
Pilot Air - pilotair.com.au
Pilot Air works
Pilot Air are proudly Australian Made
Australian made first as domestic manufactured space vehicle set for lift-off
Australia’s largest space manufacturer Gilmour Space is set to send a rocket into orbit after being granted a licence by the Australian Space Agency - the first Australian made craft to be given such a permit.
The decision means that 2025
should see a domestically -manufactured orbital launch vehicle take off for the first time from a commercial launch site.
Now, a launch can be organised for early in the year, with Gilmour’s facility in Bowen, Queensland to host a landmark event for Australian
manufacturing and our domestic space industry.
“With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil,” said Adam Gilmour, CEO and co-founder of Gilmour Space.
“Our team is assessing the conditions of the permit and will advise on the anticipated launch date for Eris TestFlight1 in the coming weeks.”
Gilmour Space was given a licence for their Bowen Orbital Spaceport by the Federal Government in March of 2024, but had been sweating over approval on the vehicle itself.
It passed a test in September that saw the vehicle go within ten seconds of launch, proving capability sufficiently for the authorities to allow Gilmour to progress to the real thing.
“The launch approval marks an incredible milestone for Bowen and the Whitsundays region,” said Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins.
“The team at Gilmour Space have been fantastic to work with, and their commitment to engaging Bowen residents in this journey is a model of proactive community involvement.
“Success here isn’t just about reaching orbit—it’s about positioning Bowen as a key player in Australia’s journey to space. This is just the beginning.”
Gilmour Space - gspace.com
Australian made in space? It’s happening thanks to Aussie genius
We’re proud of our local market here in Australia - so much so that we go out of our way to buy products with the little green and gold kangaroo on them.
We’ll shout about our pride in Australian Made all over the world, and, thanks to a new technology announced by CSIRO, in space as well.
That’s thanks to a new technology announced by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy (ICRAR) in Perth, which can ‘sift’ through space to search for objects.
The project, undertaken by Curtin University, is known as CRACO and operates by detecting bursts of radio and other signals from space.
As a result, they have been able to discover two new neutron stars and more accurately locate a further four pulsars, as well as 20 additional radio bursts.
“CRACO is enabling us to find these bursts better than ever before,” said
Dr Andy Wang, who led the research and tested the CRACO technology.
“We have been searching for bursts 100 times per second and in the future we expect this will increase to 1,000 times per second.
“Once at full capacity, CRACO will be a game changer for international astronomy.
“We’re also detecting long-period transients, which remain mysterious objects within our galaxy.
“Both fast radio bursts and these transients were first discovered in Australia, so it is great that we’re continuing the path of discovery with this impressive technology.”
CRACO uses the ASKAP radio telescope in Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, a remote location 125km from Murchison and over 700km north of Perth.
“CRACO taps into ASKAP’s ‘live’ view of the sky in search of fast radio bursts,” said Dr Keith Bannister, an
astronomer at CSIRO and one of the developers of CRACO.
“To do this, it scans through huge volumes of data – processing 100 billion pixels per second – to detect and identify the location of bursts.
“That’s the equivalent of sifting through a whole beach of sand to look for a single five-cent coin every minute.”
CSIRO’s ASKAP telescope in remote Western Australia
ROBOTICS / AUTOMATION
The future of warehouse automation and intralogistics
By Dan Ulmamei, Managing Director, Swisslog Australia and New Zealand
As we enter 2025, warehouse automation and intralogistics continue to be shaped by technological innovation, evolving consumer demands, labour challenges and space scarcity and a continued drive to optimise performance and efficiency.
Organisations are increasing investments in proven automation technologies and unlocking new efficiencies through software orchestration and artificial intelligence.
These advancements are transforming the intralogistics landscape and setting the stage for industry changes. Let’s explore four key trends expected to shape the industry in 2025.
Brownfield warehouse automation and the importance of scalability
With industrial land prices continuing to rise in Australia and New Zealand, particularly in and around major cities, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to make the most of their existing space with retrofits, modernisations or upgrades to new technologies that bring greater efficiencies.
There are numerous reasons for modernising or upgrading a warehouse automation system, typically centred around optimising current operations and investing in
Hub-and-spoke models are particularly popular with top grocery companies, where freshness and efficient deliveries are paramount.
Automated MFCs allow companies with or without a brick-andmortar footprint within a particular area to move fulfillment closer to customers in order to reduce transportation costs and enable shorter delivery times, benefitting both the retailer and the customer.
Companies can either build a micro-fulfillment centre as a standalone facility or bolt one on to an existing location to expand fulfillment capacity.
The mutual benefits of MFCs are likely to drive their continued expansion this year, as supply chains look to further increase their efficiency and profitability.
For consumers, it is all about increased choice, shorter delivery times or the ability to order online and arrange curb-side pickup as quickly as possible. For grocers and retailers, it is a more efficient method of order fulfillment.
This means, for example, that an operator can access any pallet within the automated warehouse, and can make changes to that pallet directly –such as sending it to the reject station, or to a clearing station to be checked if something doesn’t look right.
Artificial Intelligence and robotics
Just about every industry is talking about artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. There are some tangible benefits in the intralogistics industry, which has been using these tools for years already, and they are only getting smarter and more capable.
AI-powered systems can enable accurate demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, real-time inventory management and seamless integration with warehouse automation solutions.
These insights streamline order fulfillment, optimise material flow and boost overall supply chain performance, enabling warehouses to meet increasing demands with precision.
enhancements that are cost-effective and deliver long-term benefits.
Upgrading to the latest warehouse technology or software can deliver immediate benefits to energy efficiency, safety, data acquisition and utilisation, and maintenance schedules, particularly for equipment nearing end of design life, which may be harder to maintain.
Scalability is crucial when considering any automation investment, because if business expands, you want your warehouse to be able to handle additional or different SKUs, and greater volumes – and the quicker it can adapt, the quicker the business can reap the benefits of its growth.
Micro-fulfillment and huband-spoke strategies
Micro-fulfillment centres (MFCs) are the next step in creating a harmonious omni-channel supply chain, and have been growing in popularity particularly in the past five years, with the trend continuing in 2025.
A MFC model is a form of huband-spoke strategy whereby a centralised fulfillment centre (the hub) stores a large amount of stock, and then each spoke holds some stock that is replenished efficiently from the hub. The spokes are often stores themselves, but can also be straight to home delivery centres, for example.
It reduces labour and transport costs, avoids clogging retail stores with pickers and supports higher order demand levels. In other words, MFCs create a more efficient supply chain.
Software orchestration
For warehouse automation and intralogistics systems to perform at their peak, and deliver maximum return, the right software can make a big difference.
For both greenfield and brownfield warehouse automation projects, companies looking to take operations to the next level in 2025 will use software orchestration to optimise performance.
Swisslog’s SynQ Warehouse Management System (WMS), for example, covers the full spectrum of an organisation’s supply chain needs to optimise warehouse operation in the era of Industry 4.0. It is the smart conductor of the orchestra that synchronises people, processes and machines for efficient operations.
SynQ software performs not only WMS tasks, but also Material Flow System (MFS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS) functions as well.
To take it to the next level, SynQ also has proven interfaces for other systems including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and can be customised to interact with companies’ proprietary systems too.
SynQ modules can include realtime monitoring and full 3D visualisations of the warehouse, with “click-and-solve” functionality.
Sophisticated WMS and data analytics tools will provide realtime insights on inventory levels, order patterns, and operational bottlenecks.
By leveraging machine learning, AI, and advanced algorithms, these data-driven solutions can identify patterns, accurately predict demand, optimise resource allocation and streamline processes for maximum efficiency.
Moreover, predictive maintenance capabilities enabled by data analytics will minimise equipment downtime, further enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costly disruptions.
To complement AI and software, robots are taking on tasks such as picking, packing and maintenance, highlighting the growing inclination among forward-thinking companies to leverage automation for process optimisation and efficiency improvements.
In 2025, advancements in Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) will continue to transform dynamic warehouse operations.
ASRS technologies will also help companies maximise their floor space, which is particularly helpful in driving ROI for sectors like grocery and retail.
Conclusion
Swisslog is seeing these trends not just across Australia and New Zealand, but globally as well.
Swisslog can draw upon its
extensive local and global knowledge to design and implement solutions in our region that are fitfor-purpose and designed to deliver optimum returns.
As we continue to deliver optimised solutions in 2025, Swisslog will be focusing on key areas, including:
• The human side of automation, and seeing where robotics, automation, and software can make people’s jobs easier and more efficient – or where they can deliver greater benefits to people. This company-wide strategy emphasises Swisslog’s commitment to placing people at the forefront of our mission.
Through expertise and collaboration, Swisslog colleagues become an extension of our customers’ teams, sharing their aspirations, challenges and successes.
• Lifetime customer support, beyond project implementation. A warehouse automation solution is an important long-term investment, and one that can be continually optimised, maintained and adapted as a business grows and changes. Swisslog’s model is to support our customers for the
entire lifetime, in a true partnership, not to just sell the technology and move on.
• Sustainability, which is a key focus for most Australian and New Zealand companies, as they seek to meet key Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) goals, reduce their footprint, and minimise their impacts on the environment. Both Australian and New Zealand governments have goals to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050, and industries like intralogistics can play a part in this transition. Electric automation technologies, like robotics, are energy-efficient, using as little as 0.1 kW per hour, and can be powered by renewable sources.
With these strategic approaches in mind, Swisslog will enable Australian and New Zealand companies to embrace trends like brownfield automation, MFCs, software, AI and robotics, to futureproof operations and gain a competitive edge. Intralogistics is evolving rapidly, and companies that adapt to these trends will thrive in an era of futuristic, highly optimised warehouses.
Swisslog - swisslog.com
ROBOTICS
How automation is revolutionising the factory floor in 2025
The industrial automation landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing demand for interoperability, interchangeability and portability.
At the forefront of this revolution is the adoption of open-source technologies, ranging from Raspberry Pi-based industrial controllers to Linux edge devices. This shift reshapes how industries approach automation, offering unprecedented flexibility and innovation potential.
The rise of open-source in industrial settings
Open-source solutions are gaining traction in industrial environments because they can be customised for specific needs.
This adaptability is particularly valuable in complex manufacturing processes where off-the-shelf solutions may fall short.
By Brandon Lewis for Mouser Electronics
By adhering to open standards, these solutions ensure that different components of an automation system can effectively ‘speak’ to each other, regardless of their origin.
Improved security through transparency
Contrary to the misconception that open-source software is less secure, the transparency inherent in opensource projects often leads to more robust security.
The community’s ability to scrutinise code allows for quicker identification and resolution of vulnerabilities. This collaborative approach to security is precious in industrial settings where system integrity is paramount.
Vendor independence
The community-driven nature of open-source projects accelerates innovation, allowing for faster development cycles and collective problem-solving.
One of the most compelling advantages of open-source automation is its cost-effectiveness.
By reducing dependency on proprietary systems, companies can significantly lower their initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs.
This accessibility democratizes access to advanced automation technologies, which is particularly beneficial for smaller enterprises or those with limited budgets.
Benefits of open-source automation
Open-source automation tools provide numerous advantages that make them ideal for complex industrial environments. From enhanced interoperability to greater vendor independence, these benefits have transformed how companies approach automation.
Enhanced interoperability
Open-source solutions excel in promoting seamless communication across diverse devices and protocols.
This interoperability is crucial in modern industrial settings, where equipment from various manufacturers must work in harmony.
One of the most significant advantages of open-source automation is the freedom from vendor lock-in. Traditional proprietary systems often tie users to specific vendors for upgrades, maintenance and support.
Open-source alternatives provide the flexibility to choose from a wide range of service providers or even develop in-house expertise, ensuring long-term support and adaptability.
Several open-source projects also aim to provide software-based alternatives to traditional hardware PLCs.
The future of open-source automation
As we look to the future, the role of open-source in industrial automation is set to expand further.
Advancements in IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will likely drive innovations in open-source automation solutions, offering even greater flexibility and intelligence in industrial processes. The adoption of open-source technologies in industrial automation represents more than just a technological shift - it’s a fundamental change in how industries approach control and optimisation. By embracing openness and collaboration, the industrial sector is positioning itself for a future of unprecedented innovation and efficiency.
ELECTRONICS
How IoT is transforming the supply chain in Australia and around the globe
and future orders.
Robotics for automation
Advanced robotic systems can perform tasks along the supply chain with greater precision and complexity.
By Kelsie McMillin, senior technology marketing specialist, IoT, DigiKey Tech is revolutionising supply chains
The supply chain has transformed significantly in the last decade, and the recent integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) has impacted it dramatically.
Beyond tracking a package or product, the ability to monitor specific details has become a game changer in the Australian supply chain landscape.
Connected devices and sensors enable real-time monitoring of production processes, facilitating predictive maintenance and improving overall efficiency.
The proliferation of IoT has also driven some of the most innovative sensor technologies on the market. IoT continues to drive sensor technology and connectivity for, ultimately, a richer product.
All these advancements benefit manufacturers and engineers through warehouse efficiency, optimisation and more.
Sensors for visibility
A successful supply chain starts with a smooth warehouse experience. Sensors play a significant role in improving visibility, efficiency and successful management of materials as they move through production, storage and distribution.
Utilising IoT sensor data allows manufacturers to make well-informed decisions in the warehouse or remotely monitoring the system.
Though the type of connectivity may vary depending on the range needed and the location of the sensor, many facilities use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) or cellular.
Sensors can ensure that environmental factors are stable, including temperature or humidity, to provide real- time tracking data or even monitor predictive maintenance needed on warehouse machinery.
Further, positioning sensors like accelerometers and gyroscope sensors can track a product’s position and orientation.
Tapping into IoT sensors allows data to be stored, analysed and interpreted. This can identify areas for improvement or solutions for issues that may arise.
Asset trackers and sensors are becoming less expensive and more widespread in manufacturing and warehousing facilities.
With the increasing number of sensors available, data management becomes more critical.
Sensors for traceability
IoT sensors play an essential role
Collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) will all continue to grow in popularity to optimise the supply chain’s efficiency.
AMRs can work around tight spaces where toxic chemicals and heavy machinery can harm humans.
Utilising sensors, machine vision and artificial intelligence, AMRs can navigate surroundings accurately and are entirely independent of human control.
AGVs are a great solution for material handling in warehouses and distribution facilities. They move on pre- programmed paths through software programming and using sensors such as LiDAR. AGVs are designed to handle basic tasks such as moving pallets or removing trash.
Cobots are robots designed to work alongside their human counterparts. They handle menial and even dangerous tasks to free up people to work on more complicated tasks.
in inventory management and traceability. These include sensors connected to barcodes that automatically log items in and out to ensure reliable stock levels.
Barcode scanners with image sensors from suppliers like Onsemi also provide valuable, real-time visibility throughout a product’s journey through the supply chain.
In the past, camera sensors were only utilised to take pictures, but now they can be used to track objects, monitor for quality control and ensure accurate orders. With the addition of IoT to warehouses, sensors and the corresponding data can be sent to the cloud and stored for future needs in case of possible defects or recalls.
Advanced traceability solutions are essential for a well-developed supply chain and optimised warehouse functionality.
With enhanced scanners and camera options from suppliers like Omron Automation, customers can improve their warehouse capabilities for full operational transparency and traceability.
Traceability scanners minimise manual checks and add efficiency by viewing multiple items simultaneously, aiding in quality control, packaging and accuracy for current
Cobots are equipped with an array of sensors to detect the presence of people or obstacles. Utilising laser scanners, cobots will reduce speed by predetermined zones to ensure the worker’s safety.
With IoT, all the information collected can be sent to the cloud and analysed by anyone anywhere. This ensures that advanced robotic systems function at full capacity and perform as intended.
Enhanced connectivity
With the development of new technologies, manufacturing and warehouse processes will continue to be enhanced and improved. More effective data transmissions are possible through 5G and the latest Wi-Fi and BLE.
Further, product size reductions allow for adding connectivity in more spaces than ever before.
Enhancing connectivity across warehouses assists in efficient data collection, automatically bringing it to one place for a cohesive view of what is happening and when.
The future of the supply chain depends on real-time data collection, predictive analysis and end-toend visibility, all of which rely on a strong connective platform across the supply chain.
DigiKey - digikey.com.au
ELECTRONICS
Everything manufacturers need to know about screened cables and EMC protection
By Simon Pullinger, Managing Director, LAPP Australia
It’s difficult to find or create a product or industrial plant without modern cabling technology.
Parts of these processes are managed or controlled by frequency converters, transformers, electrical switches and communication devices.
However, these kinds of switching processes always involve the risk of interference. Precision and the selection of the right components are needed to keep the machine running perfectly.
The aim is for all processes to function smoothly and without errors. This is because something that’s just a bit disruptive like interference on the radio can have far more dramatic consequences in the context of manufacturing machinery or medical technology, for example, if the system fails.
This is why industrial environments need ever greater safety against electromagnetic interference through products with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
How does EMC work?
An electromagnetic interference always originates from an interference source. This can be an item of equipment that carries a high current, such as a frequency controlled motor or a cable.
The source of interference corresponds to a disrupted piece of equipment, known as the interference sink. The interference sink can be a sensor or data network cable, for example.
When should screened cables be used?
Wherever electric motors, switches and cables are used for energy transmission, these cause electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI can have a negative influence on data cables, sensors and similar equipment.
In other words, this means that you should rely on power and control cables or data cables with electromagnetic protection through screening in all these areas that are susceptible to interference.
How are screened power and control cables constructed?
There are four different screening types for power and control cables. Three of these shields are particularly suited to use with EMC
protection:
• Tin-plated copper braiding
A common method of screening cables is braided copper between the cores and the sheaths. With a degree of coverage of around 80%, the copper braiding forms an effective barrier against electromagnetic fields.
• Copper wire wrapping
For moving cables in robotics, where the screening must withstand torsion, copper wire wrapping is often used. As the copper wires in a wrapping are all positioned parallel to each other, there is no problem with the cable torsion. However, the protection against electromagnetic interference from wrapped cables is often worse as the shield wires do not overlap.
• Aluminium-laminated plastic foil
Individual cores or all cores in the cable can be wrapped with laminated aluminium plastic foil. The plastic foil screening protects your cables and wires, especially at higher frequencies.
How are screened data cables constructed?
Data cables have essentially the same screening as power and control cables, but other abbreviations are common in product designations, including tinplated copper braiding and aluminium-laminated plastic foil. There are also two special features for data cables in terms of their screening rating for EMC protection:
• Unscreened - Data transmissions are particularly susceptible to interference, which is why data cables are generally always screened. For certain areas of application for signal transmission, there are unscreened data cables specially marked with the abbreviation “U” (unscreened).
• Twisted Pair - Another design for data cables is twisted pair cables. Individual data pairs are twisted here. The twisting ensures that field effects compensate each other.
How can cables and wires be connected in accordance with EMC?
Screening has no effect if it is not earthed. The electrical resistance
between the cable screen and earth potential must be as low as possible. For this, the contact area must be as large as possible.
If the connection between the shield and the EMC component is made correctly and, above all, over as large an area as possible, it generates no or only very low impedances even over long distances.
Skintop series cable glands are better suited for flexible cable diameters
Lapp provides these cable glands in two types. Both are characterised by quick and easy assembly and a large clamping range. The cable is centred, fixed, strain relieved and hermetically sealed in a single operation.
The flexible EMC contact spring creates a highly conductive, low-resistance contact with the cable screen in the Skintop MS-SC-M (pictured above).
Because the Skintop BRUSH series is especially suitable for flexible cable diameters, the products enable you to install them quickly and easily while at the same time providing a high clamping range for your copper shielding braid.
Your benefits at a glance:
• Thousands of ring-shaped brush hairs reliably protect your data streams from induced interference signals from outside.
• A large, variable clamping range makes assembly and disassembly
easier and faster.
• The cable is centred, fixed, strain-relieved and hermetically sealed in one step.
Why are connectors important for EMC protection?
Every system is only as good as its weakest point. LAPP connector systems have the advantage of using all the aforementioned screening connection concepts.
Very often, EMC cable glands are already integrated into the connector, offer the option of connecting a protective hose and enabling the cable screening to be contacted with the working or PE contact of the connector system.
The standard housing is powder-coated with a non-conductive seal between the housing parts, which insulates them from one another. EPIC EMC connectors offer 360-degree screening and vibration-proof screening connection.
The EMC connectors can be identified by their metallically conductive, usually nickel-plated surface.
The seals are designed to ensure that the two housing parts pressed or screwed together are in low-resistance contact with metal on metal. The same principle applies to both cable glands and the mounting wall.
LAPP Australia lappaustralia.com.au
Lapp cables are the smart solution for manufacturers
Why prevention is the best cure for energy chain systems
All manufacturers know the importance of safeguarding machinery - and too many have been stung by the cost of downtime when they have to repair or replace systems during a breakdown.
To help avoid the cost and pain of breakdowns, Treotham, one of the leading names in the automation game, are offering a new free check service to customers with IGUS energy chains to catch potential problems before they arise.
“Preventative maintenance to avoid downtime is an extremely important factor in keeping automated machines and cable systems operating at maximum capacity,” explains Michael Wood of Treotham.
“These are vital parts of a system that need to be running to avoid breakdowns.
“If the cables or the energy chain itself breaks down, you’re looking at unplanned maintenance or even a ‘critical failure’ that can cost
thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in labour, parts and downtime.
“Checking the wear of the energy chain, ensuring that all the components are secure and in working order, is something that we offer at Treotham as a service. It’s a relatively quick and easy process.
“A typical inspection involves identifying wear points and checking the tension of the cables and the brackets. We can do what we call a ‘chain fix’, which is a strain relief system that’s used on long travels.
“There’s what we refer to as ‘unsupported travel’, which is just a small stroke, anywhere from 500 millimetres to 10 metres. Once it goes above 10 meters, that’s when it is termed as a gliding application.”
Investing in keeping systems up and running is a benefit that pays for itself in the long run.
“These inspections are very cost-effective because you drastically reduce your downtime,” said Wood.
“We have regular customers that pay for the inspections every three months, the results have been
fantastic, as their downtime on the machines in relation to the energy chains has nearly reached 0%.
“We’re offering a free start, which is an initial inspection, where we’d be able to provide a checklist that’ll provide a maintenance schedule.
“From there, we can discuss systems, find out what their needs are and diagnose how often an energy chain needs to be checked, whether it is every three months, every six months or every year, depending on usage and operating hours.
“Unplanned maintenance is a considerable cost for industries. Downtime and costs can quickly spiral, especially if maintenance subcontractors or consultants need to be brought in.
“Our free checks are currently available throughout February and March in all metro areas nationwide and are available on pretty much any chain system - we can even retrofit if required.”
Treotham Automation treotham.com.au
Treotham are offering free checks on IGUS energy chains
PRODUCTS
Why efficiency is the name of the game in industrial compressors
Did you know that 70% of industrial electrical consumption is for electric motors? And that up to 20% of industrial electrical capacity is consumed by air compressors? Or that 70% of the total life cycle cost of a standard air compressor is electricity?
With demand for compressed air fluctuating significantly in 88% of all compressed air installations, there is a clear opportunity to improve productivity by making air compressors run more efficiently.
This is where Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology comes into play. VSD compressors are designed to optimise energy use by adjusting the compressor’s motor speed to match the real-time demand for compressed air.
This not only reduces the overall load on the power grid but also minimises sudden spikes in demand, leading to significant energy savings.
GA FLX: The perfect match
The GA FLX dual speed compressor is an excellent entry point into the world of variable speed drive technology.
This innovative solution is perfect for those seeking energy savings, but are not ready for a full Variable Speed Drive (VSD) system. When ready, the GA FLX can be switched to a VSD machine.
Until now, the choice was between fixed-speed air compressors and VSD compressors. The GA FLX offers a third option.
It operates at two motor speeds: one for maximum capacity and a minimum speed for reduced energy consumption when air demand is lower.
This positions the GA FLX squarely between a fixed-speed GA compressor and a GA VSD compressor.
VSD: The classic choice
The GA VSD model is the classic among compressors with variable speed drive. Compared to a fixedspeed compressor, a GA VSD model can drastically reduce your energy consumption and costs by up to 35%. Thanks to their outstanding reliability, these compressors remain a great option for operations with a variable air demand.
The GA VSD compressors offer numerous benefits, including significant energy efficiency by adjusting the motor speed to match air demand, which reduces energy wastage and lowers electricity bills. Their operational flexibility allows them to handle varying air
demands efficiently, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Additionally, the ability to operate at lower speeds reduces mechanical stress on the compressor components, extending the lifespan of the equipment and reducing maintenance costs.
VSD+: Premium efficiency
Atlas Copco’s GA VSD+ range is an engineering marvel. It features an interior Permanent Magnet (iPM) motor that further boosts the efficiency of VSD compressors.
Compared to fixed speed compressors, this can mean energy savings of up to 50%. While the initial investment can be greater than that of traditional compressors, the energy savings can quickly make up the difference.
Ultimately, the low operating expenses result in a much lower total cost of ownership for GA VSD+ models.
The entire drive train of these compressors is a closed circuit, where both motor and elements are cooled with oil, providing additional energy savings.
Another major benefit of VSD+ compressors is their flexible installation. Their vertical design has reduced the footprint of these compressors by 60%, allowing them to fit in tighter spaces.
Additionally, because there are no couplings or gears between the motor and the screw element, VSD+
Efficiency is better for manufacturers and the environment
compressors are exceptionally quiet, enabling installation outside the compressor room, at the point of use.
VSD: Next-generation savings
Atlas Copco’s GA VSD compressors are the industry’s gold standard, raising the bar in terms of efficiency, reliability, connectivity and sustainability.
This range combines decades of experience with the latest technologies, resulting in a smart, adaptable compressor that benefits your operation, bottom line and the environment.
The new Neos Next inverter, designed specifically for compressor applications, combined with the new drive train, reduces energy usage by up to 60% compared to conventional fixed speed compressors.
The efficiency of the GA VSDs series is further boosted by its Smart Temperature Control (STC) oil cooling system.
This innovative technology combines multiple parameters such as motor speed, ambient temperature and humidity to ensure the compressor always runs at the optimal temperature, eliminating the risk of condensation completely.
The STC system makes the VSDs truly unique as it is the only compressor that can measure ambient conditions and adapt its operation accordingly.
Atlas Copco VSD Heritage
Back in 1994, Atlas Copco was one of the first compressor companies to fully integrate a VSD.
The technological evolution over 30 years has showcased their vision and commitment to innovationas well as providing sustainable solutions, long before the present trend of energy savings and carbon reductions began.
That has gone beyond just VSD compressors, thanks to the development of the NEOS Drive, a technology produced in house by Atlas Copco back in 2014.
Atlas Copco’s range of VSD compressors provides a comprehensive solution for industries looking to reduce their energy consumption and improve operational efficiency.
From the GA FLX dual speed compressor as a step into variable speed to the GA VSD, which reduced energy usage by 35%, on to the GA VSD+ offering an impressive average of 50% energy savings and the FA VSDs delivering up to 60% energy savings, Atlas Copco continues to set industry standards for performance, reliability and eco-friendliness. By investing in VSD technology, companies can achieve significant cost savings and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Atlas Copco Australia atlascopco.com
Australian Manufacturing Awards
“These
Efficiency, safety, sustainability: Why decentralisation is the word of 2025 in automation
Automation is one of the biggest trends in manufacturing in 2025, but can be daunting for many businesses to approach.
When, why, how and how much are all considerations for decision makers with plenty of things on their mind and limited budgets to play with.
When it comes to automation within manufacturing facilities, few are better at it than Turck. They have operations across just about every major industry and a long track record of delivering results.
Industry Update got in touch with Ken Collishaw, Product Manager at Turck Australia in Melbourne, to talk through the state of play in 2025 - and one word was at the heart of it all: decentralisation.
“Think of it like a sailing ship - the whole point about that is there’s no one person who tells everybody what to do,” explained Collishaw.
“If you’re on a racing yacht, the people who do the sails know when they’re supposed to do what, the people who are doing the navigation don’t have somebody telling them ‘do this now’, because they don’t have time. It’s got to be instinctive.
“It just creates a faster thing if you don’t have one central control point.
“For that, we picture a major PLC in the control room of the plant. If it’s got IO going out to every machine
in the plant, telling it when to start, when to stop, when to do whatever - it’s a lot of wiring, it’s a lot of use of control and it’s also putting all your eggs in one basket.
“If you’ve got a failure on that device, everything in the plant stops. It’s making you rely on that central computer a little bit too much.
“The idea of decentralised automation is that, for either all or some parts of the operation, the logic is done on the machine itself.
“For IO modules, PLC modules, IO link masters and that sort of thing, they can sit out in the field without having to go into cabinets.
“They can just bolt up to the side of it with industrial connectors off there. It’s all very direct and very easy to see what’s going on.
“It cuts process time, cuts wiring and creates a little bit more redundancy. If one machine goes down, the others can still continue to run.”
“You can have a machine that’s running and it can communicate with the rest of the plant.
“If one’s running and it requires product from another machine, you’ve still got to be able to have communication to make sure they’re in sync - but they don’t have to all be controlled in the same spot.
“They can just be controlled in the separate local things and communicate with each other when they need to, rather than every single bit of information that goes forward in
controlling them.”
Decentralised automation is a key feature, and decentralised safety is another.
“Safety systems are a completely different product. Machinery can cause injury to people, so we’ve got all the various safety thingsscanners, safety switches, E-stops and all of that - that require the dual redundancy of all of the approved circuitry and control. There’s a lot of regulation surrounding that.
“Decentralised safety is simply the same as decentralised automation, but at that level where it can be used for personnel safety. It’s fail safe, so if anything goes wrong, it fails to the safe.
“The machine will turn off. You can have a safety controller that works just like the automation modules, bolted on the side of the machine without a cabinet, without anything more than the standard M 12 connectors going to and from your devices.
“If you need to, you can have an Ethernet that will go back and communicate what’s going on, but it doesn’t and it won’t do the safety. It will just tell people what’s going on.
“The safety itself is an internal thing. You can do central safety controllers, but again, if one thing goes wrong, everything goes down. With a decentralised safety system, you’ve got isolated spots of control rather than one huge spot.”
On both products, there is also an angle at play that can help the environment and save money for manufacturers.
“Safety and sustainability are buzzwords, and there’s been a lot of things in our market that have become subject to rules that don’t show a profit,” said Collishaw.
“If you put a safety guard on a machine, it’s protecting the operator, but it’s not making that machine any more productive, and in some cases, it’s making it slower.
“People tend to think in the same way about sustainability, where it’s something that’s going to be a cost to them rather than a benefit to them.
“The whole point of this automation of any machinery - and that’s all automation, decentralised or centralised, though obviously we think decentralised better - is that it will reduce your costs.
“What you have to do is make a machine more efficient so it doesn’t need to be set up quite as often, or so that it doesn’t waste as much material in the setup process.
“The more automation you have, the better your control over it, and therefore the less cost you have in resources and energy. All of that is actually going to contribute to sustainability.”
Turck - turck.com.au
Turck are market leaders in automation
40,000 items, limitless possibilities with LM Fasteners
Founded in 1998, LM Fasteners began as a small hardware store in Cabramatta West and has since grown into one of Sydney’s leading suppliers of fasteners and industrial hardware.
What started as a humble operation has expanded significantly over the years, and today, they specialise in offering over 40,000 different items from our warehouse.
Their product range includes fasteners, tapping tools, drill bits, cutting discs, sealants, lubricants, oils, paints, safety gear, storage solutions - plus a wide variety of tools and tool accessories.
Over that time, owner Miro Simikic has seen just about everything - and has thrived on his ability to adapt to the needs of his
customers while keeping the same core principles at heart.
“It’s changed a lot,” he told Industry Update.
“Back then, you ordered by phone, you faxed your order through. Emails were almost nonexistent emails. Most people just came over the counter, told you what they needed and you went from there.
“I’m 63 this year - a lot of guys much older than me have semi-retired or fully retired. They would have been the guys who would have barely started with an email.
“Now you’ve got online, you’ve got emails, you can text and we even do FaceTime.
“There’s so many options now, but we still do a lot of face to face because we’re old school.
“We’re trying to get into both sides of it. We’re in the process of doing a new website so hopefully, in three to six months, we’ll actually be half online.
“Order online, click and collect or pick up from the supplier.
“As long as they know what they want, I can send the photos, the dimensions, the diagrams, and from there, they just choose what they want and the quantity.
LM Fasteners take pride in offering top-quality products at competitive prices, helping manufacturers, tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts get the fasteners and industrial supplies they need quickly and efficiently - even if the way that they do that has evolved over the years.
Their expert staff are highly
New year, new catalogue for stampings and washers experts Boker’s
American precision metal stampings and washers specialists Boker’s have opened 2025 with a bang, launching a brand new global catalogue.
The new product listing showcases 25,000 non-standard washer sizes, spacers and shims, all of which are available with no tooling charges, as well as a range of made-to-order washers with outside diameters of 0.080” to 5.140” that come with a wide variety of inside
diameters.
Stamping options cover a complete range of stamping sizes up to 12” x 12” (flat) with thicknesses from .005” to .190”, dependent on the material, and draws up to 3” deep and 8” in diameter, and the catalogue also provides a convenient metric conversion chart for international markets.
“Boker’s loyal customers eagerly await the annual release of the new year’s materials,” said Boker’s Vice
trained in all types of fasteners, materials and thread sizes, ensuring that you receive the right product for your specific needs.
Located in Smithfield, central to Sydney’s metropolitan area and easily accessible with ample parking, LM Fasteners is convenient for customers to pick up their orders or load large quantities.
The basics haven’t changed, even if the methods are radically different.
“It’s moving quickly now, because you have so many options,” said Simikic.
“Before, if you faxed an order through, someone would have to fax or ring you back.
“With a lot of our suppliers, there used to be five people in internal sales, but now there’s only two or three maximum.
“The rest are just checking the sales through the app to make sure everything’s right and only if it’s not do they get back to you, like if there’s a shortage or the computers wrong.
“The biggest challenge is keeping up with the technology.”
Close behind would be supply chain management, but according to Simikic, the old school has a place there too.
“We’ve got three warehouses with 250 square metres, so 750 in total, overstocked. If we don’t have it, because we’re so experienced, we know that 90% of the time we can get something next day.
“It depends on the customer, but generally, my motto is that you can’t sell an empty shop. I’ve had that for 30 years. If you have it on the shelf you can sell it, if you haven’t then you can’t.”
LM Fasteners - lmfasteners.com.au
President, Tony Kersey.
“For many of our customers, the Boker’s calendar and catalogue play an essential role in their planning and production processes.
“A number of companies, in a variety of industries, request a set of materials for every team member’s workstation.”
Boker’s -bokers.com
LM Fasteners have a huge range
Boker’s Catalogue is back
DYNAMIC WEIGHING COVERS ALL INDUSTRIES
Weighing up the path to successful manufacturing - with an industry legend
Running a manufacturing business can often be about weighing up risk and reward. For 30-year industry veteran Nigel Saul, that works both figuratively and literally.
He has been at the forefront of the business of industrial weighing since the 1990s, building a reputation as one of Australia’s leading industrial weighing specialists.
It’s a business that cuts right across the manufacturing sector, from rocks on a conveyor belt in a quarry, scrap steel in the recycling industry, stock feed industries bringing grains and seeds into their plant, and more.
His newest venture, Dynamic Weighing Consulting, designs and manufactures equipment that weighs material in motion, specifically, products that are moving dynamically.
“Imagine your bathroom scales: you stand on it, you’re stationary and a load cell tells you what your weight is. That’s the simple side of life, because there’s no other dynamic factors involved.
“If we consider a conveyor belt, you are trying to measure the amount of product on top of that belt. To do this the product needs to bend the belt to transfer the weight down to the strain gauge in the weigh deck and measure that.
“From there, you can work out the totalised material going up the belt and the flow rate - and give process signals back to the plant so that they can blend other products in, do stock control, or just monitor the product passing.
“More so than just bending belts, we’ve got to worry about air
“I have a lot of expertise in industry, and I’ve spent the last 35 years of my life just in weighing and measuring products that are moving.
“We design the equipment using our engineering expertise to solve technical problems.
“That’s the thing that I like the most about what I do. I like the technical aspect of problem solving.
“I can go into a business, they’ll tell me what the problems are and what they’re trying to achieve, and I can advise all the different options available that allow them to do that.
“That means the economic considerations, the engineering applications, and what’s feasible. “We try to get the lowest price solution, but in doing that, there’s a specification we need to meet, and the machine needs to be functional. It needs to do exactly what the client wants.”
movement, temperature, belt speed and a whole host of other factors that come into how you can actually come up with an accurate weight.
It’s a trail that Nigel has blazed for over three decades, making his name with Active Weighing Solutions and now with Dynamic Weighing Consulting.
“Dynamic Weighing covers all industries,” he told IU.
“It’s potatoes for making chips, the malt for your beer, as well as a host of other industry applications.
“There are applications where a company sells its products to another company. Here, there’s an exchange of money.
“To do that, you need to have trade approved equipment - and we have trade-approved belt weighers and trade-approved continuous batch weighers.
“Whether you’re doing belt weighers, weigh belt conveyors, weigh screw conveyors, loss-inweight systems, gross weighers, net weighers or bulk bag filling, there’s a whole range of equipment depending on how people want to handle their product.
What he has learned most goes beyond technical ramifications - it’s about the client and what they need. Get that right and new business often follows.
“From experience, you come up with a practical solution,” he said.
“People, they’ll come to me and say: ‘I’ve been told to come to you, Nigel, because you’re the guy to do the job’.
“I’ve been known in the industry for quite some time.”
“Building relationships with people is the best part of being in business, because it gives a lot more personal satisfaction in working in a partnership with the client to find solutions.”
Nigel Saul, Sales & Service Consultant Engineer at Dynamic Weighing
A Dynamic Weighing conveyor in action
5 steps to sustainability in compressor tech with Kaeser
As businesses across Australia strive to become more environmentally responsible, the introduction of stricter sustainability regulations is set to create both challenges and opportunities.
Kaeser Compressors Australia are ready to assist businesses at every stage of their sustainability journey, whether it’s as simple as cutting back energy use or as complex as meeting international targets such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Kaeser’s philosophy is ‘More compressed air for less energy’, so products are designed to operate with exceptional energy efficiency and eco-friendliness.
Beyond this, Kaeser minimises the use of valuable environmental resources throughout production, distribution and service.
In addition to energy efficiency, they provide advanced ancillary services, including Air Demand Analysis (ADA) and K-Air remote monitoring. These services help businesses improve uptime, conserve resources and implement circular economy practices by extending product life times and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. For businesses working to reduce
carbon emissions or adopt comprehensive sustainability strategies, Kaeser’s offerings are specifically tailored to support these objectives.
To meet its commitment to sustainability, Kaeser has developed a forward-thinking, organisation-wide concept: Rethink. Research. Reduce. Repair. This approach integrates sustainability into every step of product development and operations.
From the design stage to maintenance and logistics, Kaeser ensures that environmental responsibility is embedded across the entire lifecycle of its products.
Kaeser’s world headquarters in Germany has set ambitious sustainability goals. It aims to reduce direct emissions and indirect emissions by 80% by 2030 (compared to the base year 2019).
Additionally, indirect emissions from the upstream and downstream value chain are estimated to decrease by 15% over the same period.
Kaeser also aligns itself with the United Nations SDGs, including focus areas such as energy efficiency, CO2 neutrality, environmental protection, resource conservation and fair working conditions.
Rethink
Sustainable product development requires new approaches. Kaeser equips employees with Design Thinking skills at the Hasso Plattner Institute to develop innovative, resource-efficient solutions.
Research
With over 100 years of expertise, Kaeser utilises advanced simulation, calculation tools and prototype validation to create highly efficient, dependable and eco-friendly compressed air systems.
Reduce
Recognising that the most resource consumption occurs during long-term operation, Kaeser prioritises energy efficiency to ensure minimal environmental impact. Packaging materials have also been adapted to more eco-friendly choices, such as recyclable honeycomb cardboard and biodegradable bubble wrap, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Repair
Maintenance-friendly design is evaluated and optimised by its Service Technicians to extend product lifecycles and reduce waste.
As businesses face growing expectations for responsible practices, Kaeser Compressors Australia is prepared to guide them in reducing energy use, enhancing operational efficiency, and meeting regulatory requirements.
Kaeser offers custom solutions designed to meet unique needs and support meaningful progress toward sustainability.
Kaeser - au.kaeser.com
Kaeser are leading the way in sustainable compressors
PRODUCTS
Metalmaster Power Hammer masterclass goes national with Hare & Forbes
If you’re in the business of classic car restoration, stocking your workshop with the equipment needed to fabricate rust repair sections and replacement panels is a fact of life.
It’s especially true if you’re dealing with older and rarer cars that aren’t supported by the aftermarket, as well as hot rods and custom builds.
Getting the right equipment is only part of the story, though. You also need to know how to use it. Hare & Forbes, the workshop equipment specialists, understand this. They introduced their ‘Masterclass’ training series, which focuses on the electric Metalmaster Power Hammer, but including other machinery in their range.
The first classes, conducted by master coachbuilders Vaughan Ryan and Georgio Rimi of MotoRRetro, were held in Sydney and New Zealand, and demand was such that Hare & Forbes and MotoRRetro will expand this training programme for 2025.
Classes will be held in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, kicking off in SA in mid-March and concluding in WA this August. While overseen by MotoRRetro, these new classes will include industry specialists from each city.
Buy and Learn
Purchase a Metalmaster Power Hammer from Hare & Forbes and you can take part in a Masterclass
training course. The offer applies to the following models:
• PHM-560MK2 (560mm throat depth, for 1.2mm mild steel)
• PHM-760HD (760mm throat depth, for 2.0mm mild steel)
• PHM-940HD (940mm throat depth, for 2.0mm mild steel)
For the PHM-560MK2 and PHM760HD, entry to the Masterclass adds a small fee to the purchase price, but on the PHM-940HD, the training class is included free of charge.
“Our class helps you to get the best value for money out of your purchase,” said Masterclass tutor Vaughn Ryan.
“You’ll learn the correct procedures when setting up your tooling, which material to use for various applications, correct processes and procedures, as well as the all-important do’s and don’ts, which include custom-making dies.”
Two Days, hands-on, full-on
The focus of these classes is on the Metalmaster Power Hammer, but will include time on other Metalmaster equipment such as planishing hammers, shrinker/ stetchers and English Wheels, as well as hand tools. That’s why each class covers a full two days.
Only 12 places are available for each class, ensuring proper, one-onone attention and guidance for each participant.
“The class takes in a lot, and some
“We find an intimate group works well, and we usually get the guys to team up in pairs, starting with bigger panels and sharing the one machine, which is great as they learn from each other.”
While the focus is on shaping panels relevant to automotive repair and refurb, the instructors will also demonstrate how this equipment can be used for motorcycles, light aircraft and even artistic endeavours, like sculpture.
Classes are open to beginners and experienced metalworkers. In addition to all the processes and procedures you need to use the Metalmaster Power Hammer and other equipment to get the best out of them, these classes devote time to equipment service and maintenance.
Experienced fabricators can use these classes to take their abilities to the next level, by learning how to get the most out of their tools. If you’re new to metal shaping, these classes are a great introduction, with the bonus of learning on the machine you’ve purchased.
may find the first day super difficult,” adds Ryan. “But by lunchtime on day two, the guys are flying!”
For more information on these classes, including terms and conditions, visit www.machineryhouse. com.au
The Power Hammer in use
Built to protect: Why Aletek continue to lead in mine and gas safety
Since 2006, Aletek has been at the forefront of innovation in the mining and gas compression industries.
Guided by their philosophy ‘Built to Protect’, they design and manufacture thermal insulation blankets, exhaust system upgrades and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to enhance safety, reliability and operational efficiency.
Aletek’s products are built to safeguard both personnel and machinery. Their thermal insulation blankets play a crucial role in fire prevention by protecting engine and exhaust components from extreme temperatures.
These blankets, which are made from high-grade CR6 safe materials, are durable and essential in fire mitigation strategies.
Aletek also upgrades exhaust systems with dual-wall designs that outperform OEM parts, offering enhanced durability and reducing the risk of equipment failure. This contributes to minimising costly downtime in mining and oil & gas operations.
Aletek’s diesel particulate filters
(DPF) solutions significantly reduce diesel particulate matter (DPM) in underground mining environments, improving air quality and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These filters also extend service intervals, lowering total cost of ownership (TCO).
Aletek’s commitment to engineering excellence sets it apart. Their in-house design and fabrication teams ensure each product meets the highest standards of quality and performance, while they continually improve products to address the evolving challenges of the mining industry through a commitment to R&D.
That design incorporates maintenance, meaning fitters and supervisors benefit from products that are easy to install and minimise downtime.
Reliability engineers and asset managers can rely on Aletek’s products to extend fleet life, and ongoing support if on offer beyond the initial sale.
Their expert technical assistance
3D printing giants launch new food grade filament for F&B manufacturing
Additive manufacturing specialists Markforged are set to upgrade their offering in the food and beverage sector with the release of Nylon White FS, a new material capable of being used for food grade printed products. It has been certified to NSF/ ANSI Standard 51, Food Equipment Materials, the international standard for food sanitised materials, and thus can be trusted by food professionals.
“Nylon White FS being certified by the NSF to NSF/ANSI Standard 51 can give our food and beverage customers access to previously untapped cost savings when
ensures efficient product integration, while resources such as installation guides and maintenance tips empower clients to maximise product value. Aletek’s expert support helps clients make informed decisions, enhancing operational reliability.
Aletek has earned its reputation as a leader in the mining and gas sectors by delivering high-quality,
innovative solutions.
With a focus on engineering excellence, tailored solutions and continuous customer support, Aletek remains a reliable partner in ensuring safety, performance and long-term success in these demanding industries.
Aletek - aletek.com.au
Go with the flow (conditioners) thanks to AMS’ new product
implementing 3D printing into their packaging and processing facilities,” said Shai Terem, CEO of Markforged.
“It is also well suited for machine builders who produce the machinery for food and beverage companies, allowing them to adopt 3D printing at the inception of new factories or upgrading outdated systems.”
While Nylon White FS, in filament form, is certified for food contact, there are additional considerations to account for when determining if printed parts are safe for use in food contact applications.
For example, it is important to ensure that part geometries do not trap food or fluids, have smooth and cleanable surfaces, are used within rated operating conditions and are cleaned in a way that maintains food safety.
These considerations are not exclusive to printed parts and apply to any part that is in contact with food, regardless of the method used to manufacture it.
AMS Instrumentation and Calibration have set the standard in flow conditioners for a long time, and their latest product release seems set to cement that reputation for excellence.
The VIP (Vortab Insertion Panel) flow conditioner completely neutralises flow profile irregularities caused by elbows, valves, blowers, compressors and other flow disturbances that commonly occur in piping and duct runs and cause flow meter inaccuracies.
wide-turndown and/or low flow sensitive flow meter technologies (e.g. thermal dispersion) to provide a highly repeatable flow profile during laminar, transitional and turbulent flow conditions.
The VIP has many applications in industry for process conditioning for control valves, blowers, compressors, burners and other critical process equipment with piping that have inadequate straight-runs.
The VIP provides a swirl-free, symmetric and repeatable flow profile that flow meters require for accurate measurement.
Model VIP flow conditioners marry the scientifically proven superior performance of Vortab tabtype flow conditioning technology with the installation ease and cost savings of an insertion panel design.
VIP is particularly effective with
There are many examples such as: Processes that require repeatable, symmetric and swirlfree velocity flow profiles, Flow conditioning for calibration and/or test benches and flow meters.
For pipe sizes less than 50 mm and FCI-endorsed for use with thermal dispersion gas mass flow meters.
Automation specialists Beckhoff announces new TwinCAT upgrade
Beckhoff Automation are usually at the forefront of automation technology in Australia, so it should not be a surprise that they have kicked off 2025 with a brand new product launch.
They have been Australia’s go-to place for TwinCAT products since they hit the market back in 1996, and remain so thanks to the new TwinCAT PLC++, now available.
TwinCAT PLC++ is the result of nearly 30 years of TwinCAT expertise, enriched by feedback from over 20,000 users worldwide, and represents a step forward in project performance, providing accelerated runtime and engineering while delivering on the known advantages of TwinCAT such as consistent integration, compatibility and openness.
“This release isn’t just about faster engineering,” said Ben Harrison, Application Manager, Beckhoff Australia.
“It’s about empowering
developers with tools for continuous integration, reduced cycle times, enhanced productivity, and streamlined file structures for source control, optimising development workflows.”
The TwinCAT PLC++ brings increased performance, an improved user experience and seamless integration with previous systems.
It is also almost fully compliant with pre-existing IEC 61131-3 fourth edition and thus all major international standards and compatible with other TwinCAT products.
“While TwinCAT has always been source-control friendly, PLC++ takes it to an entirely new level,” said Harrison.
“PLC++ source files are simple and clean, making it easier to view changes and handle merges effortlessly.”
New Wendy’s set for safe opening thanks to ATDC
One of Australia’s leading providers of door solutions, Australian Trellis Door Company (ATDC), is celebrating another successful installation - and at one of the biggest names in food.
Their security mobile trellis barriers now secure the entries at the new Wendy’s Australia restaurant, the first Wendy’s to open in Australia.
Construction Zone, based in South Melbourne, travelled up to manage the project, which is located at Surfers Paradise in Queensland.
The versatile trellis barriers are mobile, trackless, lockable, collapsible and re-locatable - making them a cost effective loss prevention
device ideal for securing the perimeter of premises. It can also be used as an access control device to regulate crowd control.
The barriers are available in standard heights of 2m or 2.5m, and independently operational health and safety tested both for employees and for the public.
ATDC are one of the clear market leaders in the door space, offering a full custom measure and install service anywhere in the country. They ensure that mobile trellis barrier solutions are optimised for the unique requirements of each situation and that they comply with the emergency egress provisions of the Building Code of Australia where required, as well as the dynamic impact and simulated climbing provisions of the Australian standards for temporary fencing & hoardings.
Australian Trellis Door trellisdoors.com.au
Why EBS rapid-roller doors are a blast for freezer applications
EBS Thermospeed insulated rapid-roller doors are revolutionising blast freezer applications with unparalleled control over temperatures in cold storage environments.
They can maintain temperatures between 2°C to +95°C and do not require blowers, and they are made from materials that can withstand forklift collision and resist drafts.
For over two decades, they have set the benchmark in the cold storage industry for freezer and chiller doors and more recently, their popularity has surged in blast-freezer settings.
Traditional sliding panel doors can be heavy and cumbersome and thus complicated to operate in some circumstances.
In contrast, the compact, automated Thermospeed door system can greatly increase efficiency as they require no manpower and no de-icing, and can move at 2.2 m/s for maximum speed.
The excellent thermal properties help maintain chamber temperatures during loading and unloading, making it a preferred choice for food and beverage manufacturers
who fear loss of product through temperature variation.
The product has become a favourite for upgrading and refurbishing existing blast-freezer facilities and is the top choice for new state-of-the-art applications.
One such example is EBS’ New Zealand client, Coolpack Coolstores, who recently selected a Thermospeed door system for their blast freezers at their new cold storage facility and praised its compactness, simplicity, ease of use and thermal effectiveness.
Beckhoff - beckhoff.com
The new TwinCAT PLC++ is now available.
The new Wendy’s restaurant in Surfers Paradise
Meet the no-maintenance OHS solution to isolator breakdown
It can be a challenge servicing and replacing vibration isolators, especially if they are located in confined and inaccessible spaces that pose health and safety issues.
Without fully functioning isolators – performing accurately to their original design specifications – machinery used in mineral processing, food and beverage processing and materials handling can ultimately suffer long-term damage from failing springs.
Air Spring Supply can provide support in cases like these, as Vinh Lam, Technical Product Manager, Air Springs Supply, explained.
“This can compound damage to production schedules, as maintenance staff work carefully within often confined spaces to replace beds of springs required to restart processes,” he said.
Where metal springs pose such issues, a compact and easily installed solution is being offered by Air Springs Supply to address the problem of grit, powders and damp environments wearing out metal springs over time.
Air Springs is Australian distributor for robustly engineered rubber-and-fabric Marsh Mellow springs manufactured by Firestone, which are in use worldwide in applications such as shaker screens, crushing equipment, vibrating bins, conveyors and other equipment subject to vibration.
“Warning bells should ring for operations staff when individual metal springs start to break in isolator sets, because often springs installed as a set will break down as a set, within six months or so of each other, as they collectively exceed their service life,” said Vinh.
“This means that many old metal coil spring sets that came with OEM machinery will need to be replaced completely, preferably with isolators that are easy to fit, don’t break, tolerate wet and aggressive environments and are compact and simple to replace.”
Marsh Mellows do not require upkeep and don’t need lubrication that can attract powders and grit to metal springs. They won’t suffer permanent
compression like metal springs, which reduces efficiency and performance and because of their belted rubber and fabric layer construction, they cannot crack or fragment catastrophically to bring entire processes to a halt. Plus, they are easy to install and replace.
“While no one spring design is ideal for all applications, Marsh Mellows offer considerable advantages over both conventional coils and solid rubber springs for many tasks, added Vinh.
“In many cases, Marsh Mellows are the ideal substitute for OEM actuators and isolators that have outlined their usefulness.”
Key advantages of Marsh Mellows include:
• Constant vibration isolation with changing loads.
• Greater deflection capabilities, meaning they can carry a greater load within the same overall size
• High load capacity, meaning fewer springs may be needed, reducing cost
• Lower lateral natural frequency, resulting in excellent isolation of forced frequencies in the range of 800-1200 cycles per minute (13-20 Hz).
Air Springs Supply airsprings.com.au
PIPE TO PELLETS. PELLETS TO PIPE.
Air Springs can provide safety solutions in tight areas Call: Email: Visit: 03 9706 8066 sales@appliedmachinery.com.au appliedmachinery.com.au genoxmachinery.com.au With its multi-rotor design the Genox J-series pipe shredder easily shreds HDPE pipes of all sizes. When combined with a Genox washing plant and Genox pelletising system, you can truly close the loop on HDPE pipes. Pipe to pellets. Pellets to pipe. This is the circular economy in action. Genox make world-class recycling solutions, for real-world recycling applications.
PRODUCTS
Why limitless possibilities make magnets an attractive idea in lifting
Lifting magnet technology has made great strides in recent years and, today, almost any configuration or type of steel can be safely and efficiently lifted with magnets.
A world leader in magnetic lifting technology is Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete of Italy, represented in Australia by Serpent & DoveApplied Magnetics.
The productivity gains offered by using magnets for steel handling makes them the preferred option for businesses dealing with the metal, as a solution can usually be found regardless of the object’s shape.
Options available today include permanent on/off magnetic lifters and a wide range of both PermanentElectro and Electro lifting systems,
which have configurations to suit all of the above.
It is also possible to lift steel plates from a vertical storage position to horizontal position (or vice-versa) using Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete Tilting-Beam magnet systems.
Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete Permanent-Electro lifting systems employ both fail-safe and low-energy technology favoured for today’s safety and energy-conscious industrial world.
They require no battery back-up system as Permanent-Electro systems cannot release their load in the event of a power outage.
Steel plates up to 20 metres in length and weighing 30-40 tonnes
New filtration system a breath of fresh air for SMC
SMC Corporation Australia has announced the launch of a new range of air filtration systems, with the AC-D series to replace the outgoing AC-A and AC-B version.
The AC-D series can increase productivity and connectivity for factories with air filtration or compression systems, and is of particular interest to the food and beverage manufacturing sector due to its increased food grade grease capabilities.
that it can meet the needs of even the most demanding factories,” said Robert Taylor, Product Specialist at SMC Corporation ANZ.
“As it stands, the AC-D series has been embraced by end users and leading OEMs across the country thanks to its clear benefits to industry.”
The AC-D is modular, meaning it can be adapted to differing environments, and is compatible with pre-existing control components.
SMC has a long track record in the air treatment sector, having been founded over 60 years ago in Japan, and their latest products are again at the forefront of the industry.
“We have spent the better part of two years introducing and rolling out the series and we feel confident
are well within the capabilities of these systems which can have fixed or telescopic beams.
Of course, there are many steel lifting duties which can also be performed with Permanent Magnetic
”The series is also available in an array of sizes to suit various flow requirements and to help to minimise pressure drops,” said Taylor.
“Like with the AC-A and AC-B series, we offer a wide variety of modular options for the AC-D series, including an air filter, regulator and lubricator combination, a filter regulator and lubricator combination, an air filter and regulator combination as well as an air filter, mist separator and regulator combination and a filter regulator and mist separator combination.”
SMC Corporation (Australia)smcworld.com
has units suitable for lifts from 100 kgs to 2 tonnes.
Serpent & Dove serpent-dove.com.au
Move forward without static thanks to Compressed Air Australia
The award-winning EXAIR Varistat
Benchtop Ionizer is a powerful fan-driven static eliminator engineered to neutralise static charges on surfaces in demanding industrial environments.
This ionizer delivers a consistent stream of ionized airflow, effectively eliminating static and particulates without the need for compressed air.
The Varistat is now available in 230 volts to meet the needs of industrial locations. Easily mounted on benchtops or machines, this static eliminator is manually adjustable and perfect for processes needing comprehensive coverage.
The new 230-volt Varistat sets itself apart from other fan-driven static eliminators by offering highly adjustable features and allowing for versatility.
Features like selectable voltage 115VAC/230VAC, variable fan speed and adjustable polarity make the Varistat a comprehensive solution for eliminating static in a variety of processes and facilities.
Once plugged in, the Varistat provides rapid static decay capable of reducing 1000V to 100V in 0.8 seconds.
This product features two replaceable ion emitter points and two 30 PPI foam filters to ensure optimal performance over extended periods, as well as LED lights to signify proper function.
Available from Compressed Air Australia, the Varistat is part of an extensive line of static eliminating products from EXAIR that are UL listed and CE compliant.
Products like the Intellistat Ion Air Gun, the Gen4 Super Ion Air Knife, and the Gen4 Ionizing Bar exhibit the wide range of static solutions offered and the ability to combat static in a variety of manufacturing processes.
Compressed Air Australia caasafety.com.au
Lifters too and Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete
Serpent & Dove magnets in action
The new AC-D series from SMC
The EXAIR Varistat Benchtop Ionizer
Hydro Innovations score hole-in-one to solve golf club’s water issues
Hydro Innovations specialise in finding solutions that are a hole-in-one for their clientsjust like one they found to help a local golf club to solve their water issues.
Avondale Golf Club is a private course tucked away in a hidden enclave on Sydney’s North Shore, first crafted in 1926 by Australian designer Eric Apperly and refreshed later by Ross Watson and Craig Parry.
Avondale is certified as an Audubon Society Cooperative Sanctuary for outstanding environmental management and harbours abundant birdlife.
The course greenkeeping and management use cutting edge water management systems such as nano bubble technologies and conduct their affairs in an environmentally friendly and reputable way.
They did, however, have a water issue they needed to tackle with a long, narrow dam in the base of a gorge which suffered from low dissolved oxygen [DO] and destratification, resulting in unwanted odours and poor water quality for use on the course.
Wanting to tackle the problem the right way, they employed the services of specialist consultancy firm, Permeate Partners, who specialise in assisting their clients with investigation, procurement,
operation and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure.
It was Permeate Partners who suggested the use of VenturiAerators from Hydro Innovations.
These aerators are mounted on the banks of dams or lagoons, allowing access easy for maintenance.
They require a pump to deliver flow to the inlet nozzle under pressure, where an increase in velocity uses the venturi principle to draw in atmospheric air, mix it with the water, and discharge it saturated with DO into the dam.
Venturi-Aerators are very efficient at delivering DO, but because the suction and discharge of the system can be located at any depth within the dam, they can also deal with destratification issues.
Permeate enlisted the help of local specialist pump installers, Pumpserv Pty Ltd, who were given the tough task of installing the equipment at the bottom of a steep gorge.
Two pumps were installed to deliver flow to two 4” VenturiAerators, which were set up to deliver 11.8kg of DO per hour per unit.
After running the units for a few weeks, ORP [Oxidation Reduction Potential] and DO [Dissolved Oxygen] readings were taken.
The ORP measured >125mV at all depths from 1.0m to 4.0m below the
surface. This compared to measurements that were taken [after a rain event] earlier in the year that showed ORP to be less than 60mV through the same depths.
The DO measurement showed 6.0mg/L at the surface and 7.3mg/L at a depth of 4.75m.
This compared to previous measurements of <0.3mg/L also taken earlier in the year.
“In short, results look fantastic!,” said Kurt Dahl, managing director of Permeate Partners.
“A positive ORP and higher pH will reduce dissolved metals and take load off the nano bubble system”.
Hydro Innovations will generally pair Venturi-Aerators up with Gorman-Rupp self-priming pumps to allow installation of the systems on the banks of dams and lagoons, making them safer and more cost effective to maintain.
When the right pumps are selected, oxygen transfer rates can be as high as 1.86kg O2/kWh, making good use of available power.
Hydro Innovations
Hydro Innovations’ Venturi Aerator
Why
AMW 2025 will be the best ever - and how it can
solve manufacturing’s issues
The start of the year always brings a lot of planning, and for those in the manufacturing industry, one week is the first to circle on the calendar.
The 2025 edition of Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) will be at the start of May - from the 6th to the 9th to be exact - and take place at the massive Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), where a whopping 80% of the floor space will be taken over by our industry.
That means manufacturing takes centre stage: there will be everything from machining centres and lathes, to sheet metal machines, additive and digital manufacturing, robotics and automation, manufacturing software, welding and air technology, process improvement and countless more.
This AMW is set to be larger than any previous event and will be split into six zones across the breadth of the MCEC to facilitate the massive demand.
“It’s a great chance to see all of the key manufacturing technologies all at the same place and time in Melbourne,” said Kim Banks, Exhibition Director at Australian Manufacturing Week.
“This year is going to be the biggest we have ever run. It’s a weeklong celebration of manufacturing, with a three-day curated speaker programme and one-stop shop to see all the latest in the industry.
“It is the one chance to see all
the new equipment being demonstrated, with companies from across Australia and around the world bringing tech that would never normally be available to be seen anywhere else in the country.
“On top of that, it is a chance to network, collaborate and learn from
Banks explained, the lack of young talent coming through.
“We have also got activities around the skills shortage,” she said.
“There will be a programme happening to encourage students into the manufacturing industry. Addressing that skills shortage is vital, so we are bringing student groups through to connect with employers and tertiary learning institutions.
“AMW is a place for them to learn about the different job functions and careers available in the industry, not to mention a place where manufacturers can meet new talent coming out of education.”
Once attendees are on the ground in Melbourne, they will now have tech on hand to help them navigate the show thanks to a new app.
“Closer to the event, visitors should download the AMW Expo app,” explained Banks.
“It will give you the exhibit plan and the floor listings in the palm of your hand. Registrants will be updated when the app comes online.”
“That includes the programme,
peers across the Australian manufacturing industry. This is a big country, and we don’t always get to be in the same place so events like this are vital.”
The wide range of manufacturing companies that exhibit is one reason to sign up, but the visitors to the event are another.
AMW is by and for the industry, and thus is attempting to solve some of the big problems that continue to plague manufacturing - notably, as
Upcoming Events
Avalon Australian International Airshow 28-30 March 2025
Avalon Airport, Geelong, Victoria Electronex 7-8 May 2025
MCEC Melbourne
Australian Manufacturing Week 6-9 May 2025
MCEC Melbourne
CeMAT South East Asia 19-21 May 2025
Singapore EXPO, Singapore
Workplace Health and Safety Show 21-22 May 2025
MCEC Melbourne
FoodTech 19-20 June 2025
Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre
Industrial Transformation Australia 2025: Accelerating Industry 4.0 22-24 July 2025
The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park
CeMAT Australia 22-24 July 2025
The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park
Workplace Health and Safety Show 22-23 October 2025
The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park
Australian Manufacturing Awards 23 October 2025
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
so prior to the expo, you can create a profile to connect with exhibitors and plan your visit - who you are going to see and what your priorities are with potential networking.
“And, of course, in the evenings, there are a variety of things to do.
Historically we have seen exhibitors and attendees meet up outside of show hours. With the show taking place in central Melbourne, there will always be things going on with people from across industry.”
AMW is back with a bang in 2025
AMW will feature a comprehensive programme of speakers
‘Always better’: The motto guiding Elgi Compressors
For Elgi Compressors, one phrase guides all that they do:
‘Always Better’.
It means maximising efficiency and dependability, lowering lifecycle expenses and lessening the environmental footprint of operations.
The aim is to provide customers with optimal uptime through superior reliability, durability and lowest lifecycle costs, as well as swift and effective service support when needed.
Elgi are a global air compressor manufacturer with a broad line of innovative and technologically superior compressed air systems, present in Australia with our wide dealer network.
They offer a complete range of compressed air solutions from oil-lubricated and oil-free rotary screw compressors and oil-lubricated reciprocating compressors, to dryers, filters and downstream accessories.
Elgi have consistently worked towards ensuring that customers achieve their productivity goals while keeping the cost of ownership low and the company’s portfolio of over 400 products has found wide applications across industries.
That commitment to productivity and value has seen the company focus on improving their specific power consumption (SPC) and provide improved flow (FAD).
By keeping best in class life cycle cost (including power) in mind, Elgi has developed their new air-cooled, direct drive series with Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). Elgi has upgraded its EG Series
range with the introduction of the EG PM (Permanent Magnet) oil-lubricated screw air compressors available from 11-45 kW.
The state-of-theart EG PM is poised to deliver up to 15% improved efficiency gains, aside from an incremental FAD or free air delivery of 16%.
The EG PM Series is tailored to deliver superior performance and energy efficiency providing unmatched life cycle value across varying load capacities.
It also offers customers a range of intelligent features engineered to minimise energy consumption and, as a result, reduce environmental impact.
The high-efficiency drive system incorporates a proprietary ultra-efficient IE5+ permanent magnet synchronous motor tailored specifically for Elgi airends.
The motor’s efficiencies (between 96.5% and 97.6%) are well above the IE5 levels, resulting in maximised energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.
The directly coupled system offers optimised lower motor and airend speeds, ensuring synchronous operation and optimal performance, which is particularly effective in variable speed applications.
An intelligent thermal valve with an ambient temperature sensor maintains oil at ideal operating temperatures, preventing excessive heating in colder months and resulting in improved energy efficiency.
The Neuron 4 controller offers a comprehensive solution for superior and reliable compressor operation.
Equipped with an industrial-grade 7-inch touchscreen interface and intelligent algorithms, the Neuron 4 is designed to optimise energy usage, enhance overall operational efficiency, ensure safe and controlled operations, and facilitate proactive maintenance.
Australia - elgi.com
Elgi Compressors are among the best available in Australia
Fluid Sensors with added value
Fluid+ Platform
Turck’s Fluid+ platform offers flexible installation, intuitive operation, maximum robustness and a uniform look and feel.
The IO-Link capable IP69K sensors combine functionality, convenience and usability – for detecting pressure, temperature, flow or level.
Fluid+ Ultrasonic Level Sensors reliably record levels up to 1.3mt and can withstand pressures up to 5 bar at the process connection. By entering the vessel geometry, the measured value can be displayed and outputted in user friendly formats such as volume or percentage without external processing.
