MM Jul 2021

manmonthly.com.au

MANAGEMENT >> TECHNOLOGY >> SOLUTIONS

JULY 2021

Controller and display instruments for 4… 20 mA level sensors Compact controller and display instrument for level sensors VEGAMET 141/142 ▪ Complex programming of control tasks is no longer necessary ▪ Simple and safe setup and diagnosis of measuring points via smartphone carrier rail mounting switching cabinet

▪ Easy control of the measuring point by graphic display, even in the dark

Built-in controller and display instrument for level sensors VEGAMET 341/342 ▪ Complex programming of control tasks is no longer necessary front panel mounting built-in

▪ Simple and safe setup and diagnosis of measuring points via smartphone ▪ Easy-to-read display from a distance, even in sunlight and darkness

Robust controller and display instrument for level sensors VEGAMET 841 ▪ Clearly arranged, readable from a distance and individually programmable display wall/pipe mounting outdoors

www.vega.com

▪ Complex programming of control tasks is no longer necessary ▪ Easy-to-read display from a distance, even in sunlight and darkness

manmonthly.com.au

MANAGEMENT >> TECHNOLOGY >> SOLUTIONS

JULY 2021

WHY SKILLING UP MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

Official Industry Partners

INSIDE >>

Print Post Approved PP100007882

28

38

30 Creating the future manufacturing workforce

IBSA takes the lead on manufacturing education reform

Soft skills to future proof your employees

>>

manmonthly.com.au twitter.com/Manmonthly facebook.com/Manmonthly

Inside­­

For daily news visit manmonthly.com.au

JULY 2021

linkedin.com/showcase/manufacturer’s-monthly/

CEO: John Murphy

36

Publisher: Christine Clancy Group Managing Editor (Northern): Syed Shah syed.shah@primecreative.com.au Journalist: Caroline Tung caroline.tung@primecreative.com.au Production Coordinator: Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au Art Director: Blake Storey Design: Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty Sales/Advertising: Danny Hernandez Ph: 0431 330 232 danny.hernandez@primecreative.com.au Subscriptions Published 11 times a year Subscriptions $140.00 per annum (inc GST) Overseas prices apply

26

Ph: (03) 9690 8766

Manufacturers’ Monthly Contents Copyright

6 Editor’s Note

30 Upskilling

36 Machining

8 Comment

32 Sensors

37 Servo Drives

16 News

33 3D Printing

38 Innovation & Learning

26 Lubricants

34 Compressors

40 What’s New

28 Skills & Training

35 Manufacturing Strategies

42 The Last Word

Manufacturers’ Monthly is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Manufacturers’ Monthly is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

The opinions expressed in Manufacturers’ Monthly are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated. © Copyright Prime Creative Media, 2019 Articles All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

Behind the cover

manmonthly.com.au

MANAGEMENT >> TECHNOLOGY >> SOLUTIONS

JULY 2021

Head Office

South Melbourne VIC 3205 P: +61 3 9690 8766 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.primecreative.com.au Sydney Office Suite 3.06, 1-9 Chandos Street Saint Leonards NSW 2065, Australia P: +61 2 9439 7227

Printed by: Manark Printing

Never before have skills and training played a more crucial role in Australian manufacturing. As the sector continues to play a part in generating economic growth, business owners are realising the importance of upskilling themselves and their employees to survive and stay relevant.

This edition of Manufacturers’ Monthly is dedicated to informing readers of changes that will take manufacturing education to the next level. From the endorsement of

new apprenticeship curriculum by skills and training ministers, through to thought leadership articles by key manufacturing associations, and companies like yourselves, we share their ideas and the latest developments.

Embracing the need for innovation means creating a better pathway between tertiary institutions and the “real world” of manufacturing – a journey that leaders and young people are embarking on with much hope and enthusiasm.

Controller and display instruments for 4… 20 mA level sensors Compact controller and display instrument for level sensors VEGAMET 141/142

▪ Complex programming of control tasks is no longer necessary

▪ Simple and safe setup and diagnosis of measuring points via smartphone

carrier rail mounting switching cabinet

▪ Easy-to-read display from a distance, even in sunlight and darkness

WHY SKILLING UP MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

Robust controller and display instrument

INSIDE >>

▪ Easy control of the measuring point by graphic display, even in the dark

Built-in controller and display instrument for level sensors VEGAMET 341/342

▪ Complex programming of control tasks is no longer necessary

front panel mounting built-in

▪ Simple and safe setup and diagnosis of measuring points via smartphone

Official Industry Partners

for level sensors VEGAMET 841

28

▪ Clearly arranged, readable from a distance and individually programmable

38

display

wall/pipe mounting outdoors

www.vega.com

>>

▪ Complex programming of control tasks is no longer necessary

▪ Easy-to-read display from a distance, even in sunlight and darkness

Print Post Approved PP100007882

11-15 Buckhurst St

30 Creating the future manufacturing workforce

IBSA takes the lead on manufacturing education reform

Soft skills to future proof your employees

28 Dingley Ave Dandenong VIC 3175 Ph: (03) 9794 8337

4 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

manmonthly.com.au

Virtual Reality Training Pioneering virtual reality solutions for Australia’s fluid power industry.

This cutting-edge technology enables students and trainers in different locations to come together in a bespoke, virtual space, with the training facilitating direct interaction with equipment, real-time instruction and feedback, verification of skills, and much more.

Find out more

www.hydac.com.au 1300 449 322

Comment

SYED SHAH – Managing Editor, Manufacturers’ Monthly

Some skills just don’t change

A

LONG while back, it used to be a pair of hands, strong back and committed work ethic that were the most important skills for enjoying a career in manufacturing. You could say that generations of Australians in the manufacturing industry used these hands-on skills for decades when the industry thrived.

However, in the past few decades, there has been a transition from the assembly-line style of manufacturing to the technologydriven manufacturing of today – that has changed the face of hiring in Australian manufacturing. Most of the assembly-line work has been offshored despite the best efforts to slowly bring it back. Saying this, it is a reality for those who still choose to remain this industry. Hence, a wider scope of skills is needed to be successful for manufacturing workers today.

With Industry 4.0’s advancements taking shape on the factory floor, a lot more high-end technology equipment is installed. When that happens, you might be surprised to know that some traditional innate skills are still applied, but more acutely than ever.

Today’s manufacturing employee must be a critical thinker. This means troubleshooting small problems as they arrive – for example, when detected remotely on a device. The day’s issues are no longer given individual attention by supervisors because they focus on larger plant management issues.

In this respect, recruiters for manufacturing companies seek out employees who can make sound, inthe-moment decisions in response to unforeseen issues.

No matter where anyone works, communication is a great skill to possess, but in manufacturing, it is hugely beneficial to be good at it today. It is not surprising that employers need workers that can quickly cooperate with coworkers to troubleshoot issues in a technologically intensive environment and achieve the 6 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

greater goals of the company.

Strong communication skills help an individual to show that he or she is a team player who’s committed.

The McKinsey Global Institute recently predicted up to 800 million workers worldwide – or one-fifth of the global workforce – will lose their jobs by 2030 and be replaced by robotic automation and advanced manufacturing. And now, with the current economic climate and COVID, manufacturing companies are looking to invest more into these technologies to streamline workflow. In the manufacturing sector, the McKinsey report notes machine operating and production line jobs as two areas more susceptible to automation.

It says that workers will need to adapt, as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machine.

Employers love to hire those who have an interest and aptitude in technology. Technology is constantly evolving and changing the way manufacturing workplaces operate.

Not too long ago, the smartphone altered the way manufacturing operated, and today, drones are all over the place. And even now, there are already prototype artificial intelligence systems on the factory floor.

That same McKinsey report also describes how training can be improved. It mentioned that to achieve good outcomes, policy makers and business leaders will “need to embrace automation’s benefits and, at the same time, address the worker transitions brought about by these technologies”.

It also mentions that mid-career job training will be essential, as will

enhancing labour market dynamism and enabling worker redeployment.

These changes will challenge current educational and workforce training models, as well as business approaches to skill-building.

And now, with so many different job tasks involved in manufacturing, an employee who has been, or can be cross trained, would be valuable to the company, especially when it is getting competitive in the marketplace. The reason is because things happen. People get sick, people take vacations, and some workers simply don’t show up.

If an employee is trainable in numerous functions, supervisors need not worry that much.

Also, employees that can perform numerous job functions become fantastic leaders and in-house trainers themselves down the line. manmonthly.com.au

Implementing the new Manufacturing and Engineering trade qualifications

Comment

GEOFF CRITTENDEN – CEO, Weld Australia

Federal Budget fails the next generation of welders

T

HE recently announced 2021-2022 Federal Budget has failed the next generation of welders, with a noticeable lack of funding allocated to TAFE, and vocational training more broadly. This is despite the serious skills shortage facing Australian industry, exacerbated by border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The welding industry is facing a looming skills crisis—the skills required to complete complex infrastructure, defence and construction projects are already in short supply. And yet, the Federal Government refuses to take action.

The Federal Government has repeatedly failed to invest in our TAFE system, and to implement the recommendations outlined in the Joyce Report, handed to them almost eighteen months ago.

What will it take for the Federal Government to listen to, and act upon, the concerns of industry?

The 2021-2022 Federal Budget The Government claims to be “building skills for the future” 8 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

in the 2021-2022 Federal Budget. $6.4 billion will be invested over the next two years “to build the skills that Australia’s economy needs to thrive in a post‑COVID‑19 world”.

The Federal Government demonstrated a serious lack of understanding in the way that complex skills like welding are developed. The Government pledged $2.7 billion to extend the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program, without allocating any funding for the fundamental TAFE courses required to undertake an apprenticeship and become trade qualified.

As any aspiring welder can tell you, an apprenticeship is only one step on the journey to becoming a qualified and competent welder. You need to complete the Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM30305) as well. If the very institutions that offer this training are under-funded, the “pipeline of skilled workers” the Government claims to be developing simply won’t materialise.

Failure to fund TAFE The 2021-2022 Budget is not the first time TAFE has been overlooked by the Federal Government. This Budget represents only the latest in a string of failures for the TAFE system. Since 2013, TAFE has suffered over $3 billion in funding cuts, according to the Australian Education Union.

These cuts have had a devastating impact on TAFE. TAFE was once a vital and high-functioning part of Australia’s vocational education sector. The TAFE system of the 2000s was wellfunded, publicly accountable, and delivered excellent training across a range of disciplines. TAFE utilised innovative methods and skilled teaching staff to prepare the next generation for the workforce.

But the introduction of the marketised delivery system – a ridiculous and profoundly damaging policy experiment – has led to the gradual downfall of our successful TAFE system. Nationally, funding for the entire vocational training sector has declined from highs of $7.6 billion in 2012 to $6.1 billion

in 2019. TAFE is now forced to compete with private providers for student dollars, creating the situation where the institutions have become increasingly outdated and unable to provide high-quality training to students.

TAFE graduates aren’t ready for the workforce It is a national shame that TAFE graduates of some welding programs enter the workforce without the skills or knowledge required for the industry. Welder training in Australia is woefully outdated, teaching skills that are not relevant to current work practices. Figures show employer satisfaction with training has fallen nearly 10 per cent in the past decade alone.

The TAFE welding course and curriculum has not been updated or revised since 1998. Generally speaking, TAFE graduates cannot read a welding procedure, set up a welding machine, or weld according to Australian Standards. It is a wonder that new welders complete their training, based as it is on theory and textbooks which hardly manmonthly.com.au

relate to the work they hope to make into their career.

Welding is an exciting, innovative, and dynamic industry – but the training offered to aspiring welders is dry and static.

This is not the fault of TAFEs, or of TAFE teachers; they are at the mercy of the funding merry-go-round. TAFE requires proper funding to invest in new technology and equipment to better prepare graduates for the workplace. Graduates should be taught skills for the future of the industry, like automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing processes. Instead, they are being taught processes that became largely redundant years ago.

All of this results in young welders that lack complex, high order technical knowledge and skills – or workers that do not meet industry demand. The government is not creating a pipeline of skilled workers. It is blocking the pipeline with workers who require more supervision and training to safely operate within the workforce, or worse, who won’t be employable at all.

Shortage of skilled workers: crisis in the making Welders are more in demand than ever with several large-scale, high-value projects on the horizon, from the Federal Government’s $90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Program, through to major infrastructure projects such as the $12 billion Sydney Metro project, and the $5 billion Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

Attracting and retaining younger talent through engaging, well-funded training and apprenticeships is critical to combatting the severe skills shortage.

A shortage in skilled welders is not a problem unique to Australia. Globally, the numbers of welders with the skills required for complex work does not meet demand. By 2025 Australia will need an additional 25,000 qualified welders to complete defence and manmonthly.com.au

The Government pledged $2.7 billion to extend the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program, without allocating any funding for the fundamental TAFE courses required to undertake an apprenticeship and become trade qualified. infrastructure projects. The cost to the economy of not addressing this problem will run into several billion dollars.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the number of qualified welders is decreasing.

Tradesmen identifying as Welding Trades Workers fell from 75,800 in 2014 to 69,600 in 2019. This is despite the consistent need for skilled welders in a wide range of industries and the ongoing requirement for welders to contribute to large scale projects.

Even the number of welders identified by the ABS is misleading.

Small business surveys reveal that 75% of this cohort, or 52,200 welders, are unable to pass a basic welding test to either Australian or International welding standards. This is the minimum qualification required for structural steel welding.

For years now, Australia’s major infrastructure, mining and other projects have relied on the work of overseas welders. With the ongoing border closures due to COVID-19 – the Budget suggests a further twelve months before international travel will resume – utilising majority external labour is no longer an option. The lack of foresight to develop a highly skilled local industry of welders will spell disaster for Australian industry, and for the very infrastructure projects the Federal Budget is investing in.

and Training System, also known as the Joyce Report. The report recommended strengthening the vocational education and training (VET) system to ensure it delivers the appropriate skills for students, job seekers, employers, industry and businesses.

Of the 71 recommendations included in the Joyce Report, none have yet been implemented.

Despite the looming skills shortage for industry projects, the lack of funding in our TAFE system, and the worrying paucity of knowledge in welding graduates, the Government continues to sit on their hands.

Weld Australia has requested that the Federal Government implement the ‘Early Actions’ recommendations of the Joyce Report without further delay.

These include disbanding the existing infrastructure for developing training packages and qualifications and replace it with industry led Skills Organisations; strengthening quality assurance by introducing independent student assessment to international standards; introducing vocational pathways in schools as part of the STEM program; and establishing a National Skills Commission to generate skills demand forecasts and realistic pricing models.

Additionally, Weld Australia wants the Government to increase diversity within the welding industry, and to bring more people into the trade. We have requested that they implement an affirmation action policy for women and indigenous Australians in welding, as well as welder training and pathways for Correction Institutions and for the unemployed.

The situation may be dire.

But, with proper funding and a systematic overhaul as recommended in the Joyce Report, there is a brighter future for TAFE and skills development in Australian industry. We just need the Government to make it happen.

Implement the Joyce Report recommendations now On 2 April 2019, the Australian Government released the final report of the Expert Review of Australia’s Vocational Education

The Federal Government needs a better way of understanding complex skills like welding, according to Weld Australia.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 9

Comment

SHARON ROBERTSON – CEO IBSA Group

The need for a more skills focused industry

S

HARON Robertson, CEO of the IBSA Group, shared her thoughts with Manufacturers’ Monthly about the renewed focus on manufacturing in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic and how skills will be playing a critical role in moving the economy forward within the sector.

MM: Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19 has been hinted by PM Morrison to be a resources-led one but perhaps there can be more on it being a manufacturing-led Australian economic recovery and where upskilling in the sector can make sure it is a priority?

SR: Our recent discussions with over 450 manufacturing industry participants, as part of IBSA’s Developing Modern Manufacturing through a Skilled Workforce report, revealed a lot of confidence that manufacturing will play a considerable role in Australia’s economic recovery and adapt to the changing domestic and international environment This confidence and adaptability were evidenced in the early days of the pandemic when there was significant disruption to supply chains. We were given examples of cases where firms had pivoted production to address the immediate needs that existed, such as the production of PPE and components for ventilators.

This goes to the core issue of ensuring that we retain our sovereign capability and, with that, comes the need to ensure we are very competitive and efficient. Skills development is critical to achieving this. There are various State and Federal initiatives supporting modern manufacturing and these provide additional opportunities to ensure manufacturing plays its role in economic recovery.

The IBSA discussions began with Senator Michaelia Cash, the former Skills Minister, talking about a ‘skills-led recovery’ 10 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

There was confidence and adaptability in the industry in the early days of the pandemic when there was significant disruption to supply chains. and continuing throughout the extensive consultations there was overwhelming optimism for the manufacturing sector.

MM: How does IBSA works together with IRCs for standards setting for skills training in the manufacturing sector?

SR: IBSA supports six Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) These committees’ cover: manufacturing engineering; aerospace engineering; textiles; furnishing; sustainability and process manufacturing, recreational vehicles and laboratory operations. The members of the IRCs come from a range of industry backgrounds. The committees, supported by IBSA, are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications related to their sector are up-to-date and relevant with respect to the alignment of the skills and knowledge required to achieve qualifications and contemporary jobs roles.

MM: Could you give a clearer understanding on how IBSA supports the nine training packages.

SR: In addition to providing a secretariat service to the six IRCs, IBSA has a research and analysis team which looks at the labour market, and industry trends more broadly, to inform decision making regarding qualifications.

As an illustration, the Australian Government’s ban of the export of waste, has had an impact on production processes and the way work is undertaken. As a result, IBSA has developed changes for consideration by the IRCs, that will flow into amended or new units of competency and qualifications being developed.

Another example is the comprehensive review of all qualifications in the Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) Training Package from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma. IBSA has worked with the MEM IRC and now most of

the trade qualifications have been updated and endorsed by Skills Ministers. The focus is now moving to advanced welding units and technician qualifications.

MM: Could you give a more indepth dive into the key findings and recommendations of the report, the overview of priorities and a couple of findings – like the need for manufacturing to be seen as the good career that it is?

SR: As described earlier, the consultation series as part of the Developing Modern Manufacturing through a Skilled Workforce revealed a strong positive attitude towards the opportunities that existed for manufacturers in Australia. Maximising those benefits will require initiatives that will ensure there is a workforce able to support those opportunities. First and foremost, there is a need for a multifaceted workforce strategy. manmonthly.com.au

Specific recommendations seen as priorities include: • a need to upskill and reskill the existing workforce to ensure that the benefits from new technologies that support the production processes can be maximised. This will need a mix of public and private investment in existing worker skill development • apprenticeships being crucial to ensuring ongoing skilled labour supply and the decline in apprentices commencing and in training is a matter of major concern. Some of the solution rests with a new approach to careers education that promotes manufacturing opportunities.

There was a widespread call for apprenticeships to be established in new areas and for Diploma level qualifications.

• a system of micro credentials that allow for effective recognition of all relevant skills and knowledge held by workers, needs to be developed as a priority.

This need to enhance the

capability of the workforce must be complemented by greater collaboration between all parties.

In particular, the creation of greater synergies between VET and higher education was seen by many participants as critical to improving the performance of manufacturers.

MM: To react positively to crisis situations and opportunities, manufacturers need to be convinced that they are “enabled” in terms of resources and skills. What are your thoughts about the idea of having a sovereign capability – while the facts are clear why we should onshore manufacturing, besides encouraging with grants and training packages, what can we do to deter manufacturing from offshoring?

SR: Participants in the series supported the need, and ability, to increase sovereign capability to ensure that Australia is not exposed to external shocks like those experienced in early 2020. Obviously, workforce development is central to achieving

This need to enhance the capability of the workforce must be complemented by greater collaboration between various stakeholders in the industry. this, but it also essential that firms are extremely efficient and minimise waste. There was strong support for building sustainable work practices to ensure that critical production remains in Australia, because it is efficient to do so.

The textile industry is a good example of this. Having borne the brunt of offshoring, many of the leading players are now realising the economic benefits that improved sustainability practices bring, rather than just the environmental ones.

SULLAIR AUSTRALIA HAS ALL OF YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDS COVERED WITH 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT. Do you work outside traditional business hours?

Sullair is here to help.

MMHPH0221

Call 1300 266 773 to talk to a support specialist – day or night.

MAPMM0620

With 24/7 breakdown service, our factory-trained technicians will travel country-wide for repairs and part replacements.

manmonthly.com.au

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 11

Comment

VONDA FENWICK – CEO, South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance

Local content – the good, the bad, and the ugly The Good At both the federal and state levels there are various policies and guidelines for government procurement which enshrine the intent to support manufacturing, and the economy more broadly, by requiring various levels/percentages of local content.

At the federal level, the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPR) are the basic rule set for all Commonwealth procurements.

The CPR govern the way in which Commonwealth entities including the Department of Defence undertake their procurement processes.

Additional guidance has been developed, which require officials to consider the economic benefit of a procurement to the Australian economy when determining value for money.

In Victoria, the Local Jobs First Policy encompasses the Victorian Industry Participation Policy. The policy documentation advises that VIPP is an industry development policy designed to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises are given full and fair opportunity to compete for Victorian government contracts.

Under Local Jobs First, local content refers to Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) value-added activity reflecting: • goods produced by local industry, • services supplied by local industry, • construction activities carried out by local industry.

In practice, the local content of a good, service or construction activity is determined on a cost basis and is the part of a product, service or activity once the cost of the international component has been subtracted. It can be expressed by the following equation: “Local content = total cost of the good or service less international content”

The Bad Despite the promoted intent of the local content policies at various levels of government, SEMMA’s manufacturing members frequently advise us that they have lost out to 12 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Domestic manufacturers are the most affected in the construction supply chain, according to research from the University of Melbourne.

overseas competitors for government contracts. So, perhaps the devil is in the detail?

The VIPP policy documentation explains that “The content of a good, service or construction activity may include: • manufactured goods • service provision (e.g., engineering, design, ICT, planning, testing and analysis certification, commissioning) • direct capital costs (e.g., equipment, machinery) • freight, transport and warehousing • fees, taxes (excluding GST), margins and insurances – up to 10 per cent allowable of a project’s local content.”

In his PhD research at Melbourne University into the impacts of government procurement policy in the construction sector, Chigozie (Victor) Ndukwe, identified that “domestic manufacturers are the most impacted in the construction supply chain. Major challenges they face include (project) price pressure, import competition and high labour cost”. In fact, the majority of local SME manufacturers surveyed for Chigozie’s research reported that the LJFP has not made a significant impact in their businesses. He reported that some manufacturers are yet to be involved in a Local Jobs First project.

Dr Toong Khuan Chan, Senior

Lecturer-Construction, Melbourne University Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning advised that their focus has been primarily on the construction industry. He stated that, “While all the construction companies we spoke to have clearly articulated their preference to procure domestically, they are under severe competitive (pricing) pressures to win jobs” with margins sometimes as low as 3 per cent.

Interestingly, a senior government representative familiar with the requirements of the VIPP, confirmed that at the Tier 3 and 4 levels this preference to procure locally exists but Tier 1/prime contractors, seem willing to bypass the requirements when it suits them. It seems that the relevant authorities need greater resources to audit and enforce compliance to reign in maverick behaviour.

The Ugly and what can be done More worrying is many of the anecdotal reports coming from our manufacturing members.

Michael Harrod, General Manager of McKinna, advised, “We helped a large Tier 1 company with the design of a compliant building sector product for a notable building in the city as part of broader issue of recladding.

Unfortunately, the original agreed price was deemed unacceptable prior

to the job commencing. Compromising on quality seems to be an accepted practise and using local companies for technical expertise to meet compliance prior to offshoring the work appears to be becoming the norm”.

Another SEMMA member reported a case where the successful supplier was an international company.

The 50 per cent local content was made up of overhead cost (project management), freight cost (air, sea and local) and profit margin. There was no local or Australian based direct labour involved in the product they supplied.

Frequently, manufacturers reporting similar cases – including substitution after their own product has been specified - are reluctant to be identified because they fear being ruled out of future tender opportunities.

Chigozie Ndukwe believes that “The first challenge is the definition of local content which includes labour, materials and professional services. Thus, the local content of a project can be achieved by maximum use of domestic labour and professional services with minimum use of domestic materials. To provide a solution to this challenge, it is recommended that local content be redefined to maximise the use of domestic materials”. SEMMA endorses this recommendation. manmonthly.com.au

Comment

HANNAH NIEDERBUCHNER – Cluster Manager Health, German-Australian Chamber of Industry & Commerce

Health industries weathering the storm of a global pandemic Almost 18 months after Australia identified the first COVID-19 cases, the country has shown resilience and undergone many fast-paced developments in the health sector.

W

ITH Australia’s borders still closed and key industries struggling with the impact of missing cross-border movements, the Australian economy weathered the storm, increasing by a steady 3.1 per cent / 3.4 per cent in the last two quarters, with growth rates across various health segments.

For example, there was an increase of 2.7 per cent in telehealth services, 5 per cent in pharmaceuticals manufacturing, and 4.7 per cent in medical equipment manufacturing.

The Australian Health Sector is worth approximately $5.7 billion.

Healthcare is the largest employing industry in Australia, with 1.7 million employees. Health expenditures per capita equalled $7,485 in 2017-18, making Australia one of the world’s top 10 countries in terms of per capita expenditure.

Notably, Australia relies heavily on imports to cover the market demand for medical technology products: 85 per cent of medical technology devices are imported, with Germany being one of the main suppliers.

Despite non-negligible struggles and disruptions such as forced pauses of clinical trials, COVID-19 also accelerated change across the health ecosystem and sped up adaptation to a new global reality.

The Australian society faces internal pressures driven by: - rising chronic disease rates, -an aging population, - inequitable access to services, - gaps in the highly casualised workforce, infrastructure and across the clinical supply chain, - and gaps in the highly casualised workforce, infrastructure and across the clinical supply chain.

However, the pandemic response has highlighted opportunities in manmonthly.com.au

Pharmaceuticals manufacturing has increased by 5 per cent since the COVID-19 pandemic. the Australian Health Industry, particularly telehealth and virtual care, leveraging technology to support patients and practitioners.

A temporary change in the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) for telehealth arrangements has enabled widespread adoption, welcomed with broad support from the Australian public. A study by the University of Sydney found that 62 per cent of respondents rated their telehealth experience as good as or better than traditional in-person medical appointments.

At the end of last year, the German Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, in cooperation with Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), held a webinar exploring the significant opportunities in Digital Health, with guest speakers from Coviu and our Premium Partner SAP. The online event highlighted the positive impact of telehealth platforms and digital applications in the health and hospital setting.

Federal funding made available by the Modern Manufacturing Initiative, open for medical product manufacturing projects as one of the National Manufacturing Priorities, further supports developments in the industry. Furthermore, to name just a few examples, the

Entrepreneurs’ Programme grant stream recently awarded matched funding to two innovative Australian medical manufacturers, helping them complete clinical trials and establish local manufacturing facilities. Governmental funding and grant programs are continuously strengthening Australia as a lucrative target market for industry players.

Another boost to the industry came from the Federal Budget 2021, with Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announcing funding for essential services, including mental health, disability support and providing $17.7 billion to overhaul and reform the aged care sector. In addition to that, another $503 million will go into transforming digital health in Australia.

The remarkable diversity and continuous innovations highlight the resilience and fast adaptation of the sector, leaving us excited for the future of Health in Australia.

The German-Australian Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead in fostering the bilateral relationship.

The Chamber is reinforcing ties with its Australian member companies and promoting the Australian Health market to German small and medium-sized enterprises across the pharmaceutical,

biotechnology and life sciences, medical equipment and devices, aged care and Hospitals sectors.

Following our vision to be a trusted partner, enabler and accelerator of sustainable business relations between Australia and Germany, we are creating value for our members, customers and government stakeholders by increasing bilateral business opportunities.

This comes as a part of the Chamber’s new strategy to focus on four key industries that were identified as especially promising for both countries: clean energy, mining and resources, food and beverage, and health.

By establishing these four clusters, the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce exercises a targeted approach to encourage bilateral industry-focused projects, further support our members and facilitate market entry for German companies.

Our members benefit from our increased industry activity and policy advisory work, presenting a widereaching network. Furthermore, we facilitate topical events as well as targeted brand exposure and provide dedicated key account management.

Alongside our four industry clusters, the Chamber has a dedicated customer success team focusing on key markets like automotive, machinery and equipment, construction, Smart City, waste and water management, to only name a few. We combine membership benefits and market entry to create bilateral value for the Chamber-wide network.

This strategy allows us to develop growth initiatives in the strategic overlap of both countries and foster ample opportunities for manufacturing industries.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 13

Comment

DR JASON COONAN – Chief Operating Officer at the Innovative Manufacturing CRC

Why short-term, high impact manufacturing R&D is important for fuelling Australia’s innovation ecosystem

B

Y now we are all acutely aware of the impact that COVID-19 has had on our manufacturing industry, including our innovation pipeline.

As we adapt to our “new normal”, kickstarting the industry’s recovery and innovation ecosystem is more important than ever before.

According to CSIRO’s 2021 report, Enablers and barriers to industry-research collaboration, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be critical to these efforts. As the backbone of the Australian economy, they make up more than 99 per cent of Australian businesses, employ 68 per cent of our population and contribute to more than half of the country’s GDP. The SME founders of today will be our future business leaders, and transformative innovation is needed for them to survive and thrive.

At the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), we work with SMEs who are transforming their businesses through collaborative research partnerships with Australian universities and the CSIRO. Through the uptake of advanced technologies and new business models, these SMEs are ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of their businesses, as well as their ability to adapt to future uncertainty and change.

There is a major opportunity for Australian science and technology research to produce high value, innovation-led growth solutions.

So, how can we help SMEs begin this journey?

We know from speaking with business leaders that SMEs are well aware of the benefits of innovation.

Yet not many SMEs are in the position to embark on large scale, high budget, long-term research and development (R&D) projects.

Back in 2020, when businesses started to emerge from the effects

14 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

The SME founders of today will be our future business leaders, and transformative innovation is needed for them to survive and thrive. of COVID-19, we identified a need to offer a more accessible and costeffective way of accelerating their recovery through shorter-term, high impact research collaborations.

Through the unique design of IMCRC’s activate program, we launched a new initiative that offers manufacturing SMEs matched cash funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 to participate in a collaborative research project with an IMCRC partner university or the CSIRO. As with all IMCRC projects, this investment is safeguarded through IMCRC’s proven project governance framework, which sees industry and research participants actively involved in agreeing, up front, project research milestones and corresponding intellectual property ownership and commercialisation strategies.

Projects are up to 12 months in length, with IMCRC’s stage-gated design ensuring that participants are aligned at each step of the project before proceeding onto the next. This shorter time commitment is not only more approachable in terms of resourcing and planning, but also lends itself to solving time critical problems such as those presented by COVID-19.

Through the IMCRC activate program, we have seen shorterterm projects lead to a pipeline of future partnerships that produce

commercial outcomes. To date, we have already approved and invested more than $2 million in 20 innovative manufacturing and Industry 4.0 related activate projects spanning multiple industry sectors, including medical products, building and construction, clean energy and minerals.

As an example, one of the first IMCRC activate projects was led

by Alcolizer, in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). The project focused on developing a testing device to support the health response to COVID-19. In under four weeks, Alcolizer moved from applying for the program to starting the project. Based on the success of the research collaboration, Alcolizer will create multiple high value jobs, including several UTS researchers who have relocated to Perth to join the growing business. Yet more importantly, the project is delivering a game changing solution to rapid, accurate COVID-19 testing.

Another IMCRC activate project with great commercial potential is the collaboration between FormFlow and Deakin University. This project will establish an Industry 4.0 enabled manufacturing cell. The cell will be equipped with smart vision technologies that will trace, evaluate, and continuously monitor forming loads and the profile shape of corrugated steel strips before and after bending in FormFlow’s unique process. By applying smart technologies, the project is expected to allow FormFlow to upscale their manufacturing capabilities and expand their business model globally.

A third example of what can be achieved in a shorter timeframe is the partnership between BiomeBank and RMIT University.

In 12 months, the project team will develop a new bioreactor technology that would allow the

manufacture of artificial super stool, forming the base for a new generation of microbial therapies that can replace donor-derived faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The researchers hope to establish and optimise a bioreactor that mimics the human gut. Seeded with stool from a healthy donor and fed prebiotic fibres, the bioreactor will produce an engineered stool with the gut microbial composition comparable to that of healthy “super donor”. The 12-month project builds on the team’s previous success in developing technology to produce multiple strains of probiotic bacteria in a single bioreactor.

The new technology will help expand the diversity of microbial strains that can be cultivated simultaneously and cost-effectively, offering new pathways for new medical treatments.

Ultimately, these IMCRC activate projects, each falling under an area of strategic importance in line with the Government’s National Manufacturing Priorities, are demonstrating that there is a place for shorter-term, high impact innovation initiatives in the manufacturing industry, and that effective collaboration delivers results and return on investment.

At IMCRC, we strongly believe in providing more accessible R&D opportunities to Australia’s SMEs. The pandemic has created a platform for the manufacturing industry to demonstrate its agility and creativity, and SMEs should be at the forefront of our recovery.

IMCRC activate is currently welcoming new applications with matched cash funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 available per project. For more information visit https://www.imcrc.org/activate/.

Dr Jason Coonan is IMCRC Chief Operating Officer and has been integral to setting up and fostering the IMCRC activate program. manmonthly.com.au

Comment

MICHAEL GROGAN – State director, Victoria, Tasmania national director skills & training, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre

Investing in manufacturing skills is just as important as equipment

R

EWIND to this time last year and the vision of lines, hundreds of metres long, snaking their way down roads and around the blocks of Centrelink offices is still etched in my memory.

Fast forward to today and the lines are now of prospective employers looking for skilled staff.

Much like the significant swing of the past 12 months, the pandemic has accelerated several new ways of working – Zoom anyone? It has increased other trends, too – one no more evident than finding and retaining skilled staff.

Before the pandemic, Australia’s manufacturing industry skill squeeze was impacted by talent being enticed overseas, a growing mismatch between graduates’ skills and the industry’s need, and a general lack of consideration for what manufacturing offered as a career.

The closed international border that has largely protected us during the pandemic has highlighted our reliance on skilled migration – which effectively stopped, overnight. As a result, fierce competition for our finite onshore skilled staff has intensified. According to the ABS1, before the pandemic, manufacturing suffered from some of the highest rates of skills shortages in the labour market at just over 17 per cent.

While there is no quick fix to skills shortages, there are some steps we can take now to ensure the industry has the staff it needs to grow and the first step is relatively easy.

It starts with you. We need to ensure that everyone you know understands what manufacturing is today, the opportunities it offers and banishing the outdated view that manufacturing is commanded by sparks from withing large, dirty production sheds.

The talent needed in manufacturing today, and into the future, is not just clever hands and

manmonthly.com.au

Before the pandemic, Australia’s manufacturing industry skill squeeze was impacted by talent being enticed overseas, a growing mismatch between graduates’ skills and the industry’s need, and a general lack of consideration for what manufacturing offered as a career. a strong back, it includes men and women from diverse backgrounds with interpersonal skills, creativity, decision making, flexibility, adaptability, and information synthesis and analysis.

I highlight the last four because the pace of change in manufacturing is so rapid, that our future workforce needs to think differently than those before them. The advent of digital technologies has seen manufacturing evolve at the quickest rates since the industrial revolution and as such, so too are the jobs it sustains.

I will labour the point, manufacturing today is more than production. The entire manufacturing process consists of seven steps: research and development, design, logistics, production, distribution, sales and services – we know it as the manufacturing value chain or the ‘Smiley-Curve’. It is the pre-and postproduction activities that broaden the scope of occupations within the manufacturing industry.

In the pre-production phase, Australian manufacturers are innovating, refining, and developing niche products that deliver improved performance. As a result, this requires more scientists, designers, engineers, and technicians to be involved in the early stages of manufacturing.

In the post-production phase, Australian manufacturers are realising the value that can be generated in value-adding services,

requiring marketing managers, skilled sales people, and client relations managers to deliver “manufacturing as a service”.

With the manufacturing industry undergoing significant transformation, including diversification across the value chain and rapid adoption of advanced technology, it is little wonder that the makeup of the workforce is undergoing significant change as well.

Employers and employees need to be prepared for life-long learning.

This will enable employers to invest and reinvest in their staff, while staff up-skill or reskill along the way. As a result, the stickiness of an employee to an employer is crucial.

As the headline suggests, skills are just as important an investment as equipment.

This “smiley-curve” view brings with it opportunities to better engage with educational and training institutions to match curriculum and practical experience delivering job-ready staff. There are factors that are under the direct control of the manufacturing industry which could improve the situation – and it should start early, and start now.

The early development of STEM skills is critical in future-proofing the Australian manufacturing industry. Think of it as a funnel, without a flow of an eager workforce into the mouth of the funnel, we will never cultivate the staff of the

future coming out the other end.

Many employers are taking steps to promote STEM skills and qualifications, and to engage with the next generation of workers. I would suggest you take the time to read how Sydney-based company L&A Service is working with local schools to develop talent early.

The case study can be found in our recent Ten Ways to Succeed in Australian Manufacturing report.

Diversification and innovation in manufacturing often depend on manufacturing companies collaborating with other organisations and research institutions, such as universities and organisations such as the CSIRO, to bring together different skills and experiences across the Smiley Curve – in just the way that AMGC’s projects foster collaboration.

Manufacturers need to understand how the next generation of workers thinks, so they can better engage. In return, students need to understand what the manufacturing industry is all about so that it becomes a viable career choice.

Education providers play a critical role to understand what skills and specialised traits graduates should have to enter the workforce and there should be better integration between TAFE and Higher Education. We must acknowledge the pace of change and advocate for a Nationally recognised “micro credentials” program to top up professional skills.

It is heartening to see that skills and training at the forefront of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 recovery response. To ensure that the graduates of today are the skilled workers of tomorrow, Industry must have a place in the education system. We should be making it easier for our future leaders to access the education they want and to ensure that the skills they graduate with are the skills the industry needs.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 15

News @MM Moon to Mars grants boost Australian supply chain capabilities The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants between $250,000 and $1 million.

Two local companies have received funding from the federal government to improve technical capabilities in Australia’s growing space sector, enabling a future role in NASA’s Moon to Mars project.

The second round of Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants follows the allocation of more than $1 million in the first round of grants in March.

The grants were designed to get more local companies involved in international supply chains and create new jobs as part of the government’s $150 million Moon to Mars initiative, minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said.

“These grants will support the two local businesses to develop their work and tap into national and international space supply chains, helping grow skills and capabilities in the Australian space industry,” he said.

“We are helping Australian companies be part of NASA’s plan 16 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

to return to the Moon and prepare for missions to Mars, at the same time as strengthening our own space manufacturing base.

“This funding complements our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy which is supporting the space sector as one of the government’s six priority areas,” he said.

The two recipients of the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants are Crystalaid Manufacture and Fleet Space Technologies.

Crystalaid Manufacture, a hightech electronics manufacturer from Queensland, has received $461,118 to replace and modernise their vacuum oven technology.

This upgraded oven will help enhance their ability to supply electronics components to the international space industry.

These components could be used in satellite electronics systems and will help Crystalaid meet new supply chain opportunities. This grant will also help Crystalaid grow

the skills and capability of their manufacturing team.

Fleet Space Technologies, a nanosatellite company from South Australia, has received $386,770 to help the company and its partners SA Power Networks and OZ Minerals to improve their ability to monitor remote critical infrastructure and environmental factors.

This includes collaborating to miniaturise and strengthen sensors in their network. This partnership enables Fleet Space to pursue commercial supply chain opportunities and illustrate a terrestrial application of space technology and hardware, which can be extended to Moon to Mars activities.

These companies demonstrated the high quality of work being produced in Australia, according to Australian Space Agency head Enrico Palermo.

“These grants encourage the best in our local companies,

helping them develop cutting-edge technologies, create partnerships and link into national and international supply chains,” he said.

“This strengthens Australian space manufacturing industry and helps build a high-tech workforce that can make a significant contribution to the national economy.

“Support from the Moon to Mars initiative and other government programs, combined with the talent and innovation of local space manufacturers, is strengthening Australia’s national space capability and enhancing Australia’s ability to compete in the international space economy.”

The $150 million Moon to Mars initiative is part of over $700 million being invested by the government into the Australian civil space sector towards the goal of tripling the sector’s size to $12 billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030. manmonthly.com.au

News @MM Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program to fund north QLD businesses

Three Far North Queensland manufacturers have been awarded state government grants.

Queensland’s Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program will provide three Far North Queensland manufacturers with over $930,000 between them.

This will enable the adoption of new technology, create local jobs and grow the businesses.

A manufacturing powerhouse, with support the region can secure and deliver a high volume of manufacturing jobs, according to minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher.

“The Palaszczuk government’s plan for economic recovery means working with our manufacturers every day; on their shopfloors and in their supply chains, to innovate, create a skilled workforce and adopt world best practices,” he said.

“Our Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program is helping to create 142 jobs in regional Queensland over five years and I am delighted three more regional companies are beneficiaries.”

Cleaning product manufacturer Northern Chemicals will receive a $127,590 grant to install a 2,000L Ribbon Blender to automate its chemical production line. It will also increase supply and retain employees, according to member for Cairns Michael Healy.

“Northern Chemicals produces a well-respected brand of chemical products,” Healy said.

“During COVID-19 times, the company provided an essential manmonthly.com.au

service to many industries and the local community with the manufacture of hand sanitiser gel.

“It is the only manufacturer of specialised cleaning products in the region and a vital part of the supply chain.”

This type of practical government support will allow Northern Chemicals to grow and sustain its business, while imbuing confidence in the local economy, according to Northern Chemicals’ managing director Barry Cooper.

“Cairns is ideally placed to expand and diversify its manufacturing industries and the Queensland Government’s Cairns Manufacturing Hub is proving to be a great facilitator in this regard,” Cooper said.

“This grant has enaled Northern Chemicals to increase its workforce by two and we will be looking to further increase that number by two more this year.”

The Queensland government has also given high-tech signage company Status Signs a $134,461 grant to install a suite of equipment. This includes a CNC routing machine with camera eye registration, CNC Cutting table and Laser Cutter, a UV Printer and automated software.

The new equipment and software will improve the company’s cost competitiveness, efficiency and performance. It will also enable Status Signs to keep providing opportunities for future growth,

Status Signs managing director Rhys Carmody said. “This latest automated technology will help to maximise our current and future client requirements, employ five additional staff and provide upskilling opportunities to our current workforce,” Carmody said.

“Furthermore, precision, quality and output will be increased through this new automated system that will link our production line.”

Partnering with the private sector to strengthen the manufacturing industry is an important part of the state government’s economic recovery plan.

“Steel fabricating and shed building business, Atherton Metaland will receive $673,978 to purchase and install state-of-the-art machinery, specifically an all-in-one multitasking CNC beam line, so it can compete more effectively, increase market share and enter a new market or export,” Butcher said.

This will allow the company to process steel components more efficiently and help the company to move forward, keep manufacturing and employing staff.

“Locally owned and operated, Atherton Metaland specialises in the design, supply and construction of small and large commercial and

industrial structures, such as farm sheds and the hangars completed at Mareeba Airport and Herberton Fire Station,” Pitt said.

“I am proud to support Atherton Metaland with a manufacturing grant and wish the company every success with its relocation to a nearby purpose-built facility later this year.”

The new equipment would enable the business to expand, Atherton Metaland director Murray Lammert said.

“The grant will help us to transform our current work practice into an advanced manufacturing enterprise, service a greater area and increase staff numbers by up to 15 whilst also protecting the jobs of our current skilled staff,” Lammert said.

“Since January 2020, the Palaszczuk government has invested over $7M in 25 regional manufacturers through the $13.5 million Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program.”

“It is exciting to see the practical application of the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program by our regional manufacturers,” Butcher said.

“Our Cairns Manufacturing Hub alone has invested over $4 million in 13 companies, supporting the generation of 76 new jobs, while protecting 459 jobs.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 17

News @MM MCi awarded $14.6m to transform CO2 into manufacturing products Australian cleantech developer Mineral Carbonation International (MCi) has been awarded a $14.6 million federal government grant.

The funding will accelerate MCi’s technology for transforming CO2 emissions into advanced manufacturing and consumer products.

As one of six individual grants from the $50 million Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) fund, the grant will go towards constructing a mineral carbonation mobile demonstration plant in Newcastle, NSW. MCi CEO Marcus Dawe said the grant will fast-track MCi’s plans to help the hard-to-abate industries towards the transition to net-zero.

“The steel, cement, aluminium, mining and chemical industries

need technologies that help with the transition,” he said.

“This is a key focus not only in Australia but also in the world-wide race to zero emissions.”

The “MCi Carbon Plant” will be built on Orica’s Kooragang Island site within two years and have direct access to around 250,000 tonnes of captured CO2 from manufacturing operations.

Once final pilot studies and engineering designs are completed this year, the scale of the plant will be determined. It is expected to convert and remove several million tonnes of CO2 in any industrial site.

Using carbon engineering processes, MCi transforms captured carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources into solid materials, or “carbonates,” used to manufacture

building and construction products.

This includes building materials, chemicals, cements, concretes and consumer products.

This process is called Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and presents a key opportunity for the circular economy to reduce emissions.

“By creating products from CO2 that are more valuable than the cost to build and operate carbon plants, the benefits are substantial,” Dawe said.

“In the future, MCi Carbon Plants will create high quality permanent carbon credits, create a financial return for funders and lower the carbon footprint from the products that use the carbonates; replacing existing high carbon-intensity materials like cement, limestone, gypsum and many other mined and

processed bulk materials.”

CSIRO is anticipated to publish a CO2 Utilisation Roadmap in July 2021, the first significant independent analysis conducted on the CCU field.

It is likely that mineral carbonation will be showcased as a solution.

“In the near future there will be vast volumes of captured carbon dioxide that need to be used or stored,” Dawe said.

“There are many technologies that are being developed and scaled to meet this US$6T global emerging carbon product market and all will need to be assessed if we are to meet Paris Agreement targets.

“The awarding of six projects under the $50m CCUS Grant is a great signal that Australia can play a leading role in the emerging carbon capture utilisation field.”

MCi transforms captured carbon dioxide from industrial sources into solid materials for construction.

18 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

manmonthly.com.au

News @MM Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences to trial mRNA manufacture The Victorian government has confirmed it will invest $5 million to support Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) to manufacture doses of the mRNA vaccine for trials, due to start within months.

The novel mRNA-based vaccine will enable a Victorian manufacturer to develop critical manufacturing capability of mRNA vaccines for clinical trials, a level of expertise which is currently unavailable in Australia.

“Making COVID vaccines in Victoria will create jobs and save lives – and it’s exciting these trials will be getting underway soon,” Victorian acting premier James Merlino said.

The investment is the first to be made from the Victorian government’s landmark $50M fund to develop the state’s mRNA manufacturing capability.

“We’re serious about developing our mRNA manufacturing capacity and doing it quickly as we can, because it will save lives,” Victorian minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said.

The collaboration between Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical

Sciences and the Doherty Institute reinforces the strong mRNA sector in Victoria.

The MIPS candidate is Australia’s leading mRNA vaccine candidate, delivering next-generation vaccine support for ongoing COVID protection and future pandemics.

It will also research capabilities for new drug and medical research breakthroughs.

The Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences vaccine has previously received $3M from the Medical Research Future Fund to cover the costs of the Phase 1 clinical trial.

The development of mRNA capability is revolutionising medical research globally and has the capacity for broad-based application in HIV, cancer and other treatments.

“The investment by the Victorian government into establishing Victoria’s mRNA manufacturing capability presents exciting opportunities to develop lifesaving vaccines and therapeutic treatments for all Australians,” Monash University professor of Pharmaceutical Biology Colin Pouton said.

Around 150 people will be

The novel mRNA-based vaccine will enable a Victorian manufacturer to develop critical manufacturing capability of mRNA vaccines for clinical trials.

involved in the clinical trials that are due to begin in October, with preliminary results expected to be available in the first half of 2022.

“Our message to Victorians today is get vaccinated if you are eligible to do so – for the sake of yourself, your family, your friends and your community,” Victorian minister for Health Martin Foley said.

Achieve your business goals - through your people.

Enquire about our world-class sales, leadership and team training solutions.

manmonthly.com.au

mRNA Victoria’s Scientific Advisory Group – led by Victoria’s lead scientist Dr Amanda Caples and including American luminary Dr Barney Graham and Victorian infectious disease experts such as Doherty Institute professor Sharon Lewin and Burnet Institute professor Brendan Crabb – endorsed the Monash investment.

+61 3 9752-1891 hello@innovatelearn.com.au www.innovatelearn.com.au Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 19

News @MM $34m federal fund to modernise Australian Defence Force vehicles The upgrade of Australian Defence Force vehicles and Royal Australian Air Force vehicles will create many local jobs.

Approximately $34 million will be invested in the delivery of vehicle workshops, hardstands and shelters in Swanbourne, Western Australia to support modernisation of the Australian Defence Force and Royal Australian Air Force vehicle fleet.

Lendlease will deliver fit-forpurpose facilities and infrastructure to sustain the new fleet of trucks and trailers being procured for the Australian Defence Force, according to minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price.

The project will have an anticipated peak workforce of 50 20 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

people per day during the threeyear construction.

“This is part of a larger, $150 million national infrastructure project that will deliver supporting infrastructure for the sustainment and maintenance of the Australian Defence Force’s next-generation defence logistics vehicle fleet,” Price said.

“This vehicle fleet is capable of supporting combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and training to ensure the Australian Defence Force is prepared for both current and

future operations.

“The construction at Campbell Barracks at Swanbourne will benefit the local economy by providing opportunities to local suppliers and subcontractors.

Lendlease is committed to achieving a target of 85 per cent local workforce participation for the works being delivered at Campbell Barracks,” she said.

The project will also provide a boost for the local economy, Federal member for Curtin, Celia Hammond said.

“I am pleased to see this project take shape in the electorate,

supporting local jobs and local businesses here in Curtin,” Hammond said.

“This particular part of Western Australia is well-positioned to improve our national defence capabilities and support our ADF personnel,” Price said.

“As a result of the Morrison government’s investment, not only will the Western Australia benefit from a sovereign defence industry – but so will our nation.”

Work on the Campbell Barracks, delivered under the Land 121 Stage 5B project, is expected to be complete by mid-2024. manmonthly.com.au

News @MM $1.84bn Queensland Jobs Fund supports manufacturing industry The Queensland state government has launched a new flagship program, the Queensland Jobs Fund, with $1.84 billion to boost state-wide job creation.

The Queensland Jobs Fund will give industry support to establish and grow its businesses, premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“This will support new jobs across the state as we keep delivering Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19,” she said.

“People and businesses are moving to Queensland in droves because they know it is one of the safest places in the world to live, work and raise a family. We have a strong track record of creating jobs, in defence with Rheinmetall, aerospace with Boeing and biomedical with the likes of Vaxxas and Anteotech.

“These funds will allow us to do much more and create even more jobs across Queensland,” she said.

The Queensland Jobs Fund includes a new $350 million Industry Partnership Program and existing programs that support job-creating industries like renewable energy, hydrogen, resource recovery, business, manufacturing and catalytic infrastructure.

The fund will provide a coordinated approach for business, including funding, land and planning approvals, according to deputy premier Steven Miles.

“The Queensland Jobs Fund is the government’s next step toward Queensland’s continued economic recovery,” Miles said.

“It’s not just about helping businesses get back on track, it’s about making sure we leverage the opportunities that we’ve created in Queensland off the back of our world-class pandemic response and recovery.

“Now we will have a single concierge for businesses who want to move here or grow here and employ more Queenslanders here. I want manmonthly.com.au

everyone to know the Queensland government is ready to facilitate industry growth through investment and jobs,” he said.

The Industry Partnership Program will support mature industries to adopt new technologies, assist rapidly growing sectors and emerging industries.

“The Industry Partnership Program will create at least 2,800 jobs across the state,” Miles said.

“This industry program will provide tailored assistance packages to strengthen local supply chains and grow the footprint of Queensland’s industries, while creating jobs.

“We have an incredible opportunity in Queensland thanks to our health response. Companies from around the world are looking to Queensland to expand. We want to help them,” he said.

“We’ll work together with business, industry and research institutions to create assistance packages that fit each project.”

The jobs fund covers planning certainty, access to land, fiscal incentives such as payroll concessions, tax reimbursements and relief from fees and charges.

It will supercharge Queensland’s investment attraction competitiveness, treasurer Cameron Dick said.

“Queensland’s economy is leading the nation’s recovery from COVID-19, which is translating to strong investor interest,” Dick said.

“The Jobs Fund will put Queensland in the box seat to capitalise on the economic recovery to transform our economy into a jobs and investment powerhouse.

“It will support the full spectrum of private sector opportunities from equity investment, investment attraction, business retention and expansion in our priority industry sectors,” he said.

“The Jobs Fund programs will attract contestable major private investment projects to the state

and create ongoing jobs in priority sectors and related supply chains.

“The Palaszczuk government has already driven delivery of over $2.5 billion in capital investment, and up to 4,100 new jobs in the private sector via the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund (AQIAF) and the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund (JRGF),” Dick said.

“Further announcements about the Jobs Fund will be made as part of the 2021-22 State Budget.”

The $1.84 billion Queensland Jobs Fund will include: • Hydrogen Industry Development Fund • The new $350 million Industry Partnership Program • Renewable Energy Fund • Made In Queensland • Manufacturing Hubs • Building Acceleration Fund • Resource Recovery Industry Development Fund • Backing Queensland Business Investment Fund

The Industry Jobs Fund will support a number of industry sectors, including manufacturing.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 21

News @MM TRI to receive $20 million for new vaccine manufacturing facility The Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland medical research facility, will receive $20 million from state government towards development of a new Translational Manufacturing Institute for the manufacture of vaccines.

The project is the first to be announced under the Queensland government’s flagship $1.84 billion Queensland Jobs Fund.

“The $1.84 billion Queensland Jobs Fund is the next evolution of Queensland’s approach to industry development and jobs creation,” premier and minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“People and businesses are moving to Queensland in droves because they know it is one of the safest places in the world to live, work and raise a family.

“My government will provide up to $20 million to expand the existing TRI to include a new state-of-the-art Translational Manufacturing Institute called ‘TMI@TRI’,” she said.

“This will accelerate development of one of the State’s most important health-research precincts and ramp up Australia’s capacity to develop our biomedical industry and manufacture vaccines. It will also support an estimated 500 jobs over 10 years.”

The project is also the first to be announced as part of the government’s new $350 million Industry Partnership Program, within the Queensland Jobs Fund.

Queensland could be a vaccine manufacturing location for the whole country, according to deputy premier Steven Miles.

“The Queensland Jobs Fund is the government’s next step toward Queensland’s economic recovery,” Miles said.

“What better project to kick it off than an investment in biomedical manufacturing that will create high-skilled jobs in Queensland and could lead to the development of life saving vaccines.

“I want Queensland to lead 22 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

The Queensland government will provide up to $20 million to expand the existing TRI.

the country in vaccine research, development and manufacturing and I’ve been talking to leading biomedical experts about how to do this. TMI@TRI was one of their strong recommendations,” he said.

“We want to keep growing the state’s biomedical sector, which already employs more than 10,000 people across more than 1,200 companies. From the very start of the pandemic, Queenslanders have shown the world the capability of our biomedical research and development.

“Scaling up manufacturing is the next frontier for us.

Imagine Queensland becoming Australia’s leading vaccine manufacturing location, right here at Woolloongabba,” Miles said.

Under the $1.84 billion fund, the government will work to supercharge the economic recovery, according to treasurer and minister for Investment, Cameron Dick.

“Our strong health response to COVID-19 has enabled us to accelerate the recovery of our economy, which is now larger than what it was pre-pandemic,” Dick said.

“We’re now ready to drive that next phase of economic growth.

Queensland’s COVID19 economic recovery plan is unashamedly focused on growing Queensland jobs and our

state’s manufacturing base.

“The Queensland Jobs Fund will help us unlock private sector investment to achieve this. If there is one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it is that we need to manufacture more things in Queensland, by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders,” he said.

“This includes manufacturing more medical equipment, personal protective equipment and vaccines right here in our backyard. We want to work with investors on high impact projects will create a new generation of jobs now and well into the future.”

The Translational Manufacturing Institute will support the local retention of start-ups to advance the commercialisation of their products.

It will help the industry realise economic and export opportunities, TRI CEO Scott Bell said.

“The provision of fully operational Good Manufacturing Practice cleanrooms will also see up to 100 people gain hands-on training in cleanroom processes and advanced manufacturing annually, creating a highly skilled workforce for the medtech industry,” Bell said.

Due to Australia’s limited manufacturing capability for biological products in the 1970s, the cervical cancer vaccine was unable to be tested and manufactured locally,

Gardasil vaccine for cervical cancer co-inventor Professor Ian Frazer said.

“This meant that large-scale clinical trials were conducted overseas. This remains the case today,” Frazer said.

“I’ve recently contributed to the development of two research products, a potential treatment for COVID-19 and an immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. These were manufactured overseas, because we lacked the capacity to produce them here.

“I would like to see Queensland help Australia to develop the capacity and capability to manufacture products like these here and TMI@ TRI can help us achieve this,” he said.

TRI has sought Federal government funding under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) for this expansion at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Precinct.

The Queensland state government is prepared to support TMI@TRI with up to $20M within the boundaries of the MMI funding guidelines and is encouraging the federal government to support it.

The TMI@TRI project aligns with the government’s Queensland Biomedical 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan to make Queensland a globally competitive Asia-Pacific biomedical hub by 2027. manmonthly.com.au

News @MM Orion Industrial Park built for manufacturing, logistics business Orion Industrial Park in Perth is set to create more than 450 local construction jobs with 28 hectares of its strategically located land released to market.

“With ongoing growth and the McGowan Government’s investment in the nearby world-class Australian Marine Complex, Orion Industrial Park will play a vital role ensuring we can meet the requirements of industry in the years ahead,” lands minister Tony Buti said.

Stage 1 at the new estate in the Latitude 32 Industry Zone offers a total of 20 General Industrial lots sized from 3,300 square metres up to 3.5 hectares. Over 850 ongoing jobs will be generated on completion of this stage.

Once fully built and operational, Orion Industrial Park is expected to

manmonthly.com.au

contribute $325 million each year to the Western Australian economy.

“There is an increased demand for quality industrial land in this area,” Buti said.

“Since 2018, Development WA’s Industrial Lands Authority has seen the creation of an estimated 8,270 construction jobs and more than 15,000 ongoing jobs.

“These numbers continue to grow as the McGowan government facilitates innovation and economic diversification in industrial areas and technology parks across WA,” he said.

Located midway between Fremantle and Kwinana, Orion Industrial Park will service the world-class Australian Marine Complex and offer general industrial land

The new industrial zone will contribute $325m yearly to WA.

suitable for manufacturing and logistics industries.

Sited on a former limestone quarry, the industrial park will be connected to key transport routes and provide access to: • the Australian Marine Complex • Kwinana Industrial Area

• Rockingham Industry Zone • the planned outer harbour.

Orion Industrial Park is anticipated to attract up to 100 additional businesses in the area.

Expressions of Interest in Stage 1 at Orion Industrial Park close on August 5, 2021.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 23

News @MM ACT government released tender for its first electric buses The buses are an important step towards achieving zero emissions in public transport.

The ACT government has released a tender to lease the territory’s first electric buses, beginning the transition to zero emissions public transport.

This will see the highest emitting Renault buses retired from the fleet, as an important first step towards reducing emissions from public transport.

The leasing arrangement will cover a total of 34 electric buses.

Procurement will be assessed based on providers’ ability to deliver buses with enhanced accessibility, lower 24 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

emissions operations and associated charging infrastructure.

The procurement will add an initial minimum of eight zero emission buses to the fleet, with the opportunity for industry to offer more depending on market capacity.

It is an important step towards achieving zero emissions in public transport, ahead of government’s permanent procurement of 90 of these buses, which is currently at the market sounding stage according to minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.

“These leasing arrangements will ensure we are able to retire the oldest diesel clunkers from our fleet as soon as possible and get on with rolling out smoother, quieter and more comfortable zero emissions buses,” Steel said.

“We recognise that the ACT government has to take action to cut our own transport emissions, alongside working to help Canberrans cut those from the private vehicle fleet. This is a transition we want to make as rapidly as possible, in light of evolving technology and a growing

number of suppliers in the market.”

The procurement will be released as three packages, enabling industry to offer solutions incorporating both buses and charging infrastructure.

“Industry may wish to bid for one, two or all three of the packages depending on their interest and organisational capabilities,” Steel said.

“We’re also encouraging industry to develop consortia, so we can implement a holistic solution that includes the necessary supporting infrastructure like charging.

“By leasing these buses, we can meet the operational needs of our public transport network without purchasing more diesel buses that would remain in the fleet for another 20 years. This is an example of the strategic approach we are taking to driving a rapid transition to zero emissions public transport,” he said.

“Replacing the old buses will also mean that every ACT government bus and light rail service will be accessible for Canberrans using a wheelchair or travelling with prams, which is a great boost for access and equity on our public transport network.”

The new buses are expected to join the Transport Canberra fleet in late 2021, subject to the procurement process.

Also, the government is currently undertaking formal market sounding to deliver on the election commitment to purchase 90 battery electric buses and supporting infrastructure, training and skills development.

Over 100 industry representatives have participated to date. Through this process, the ACT government will identify solutions to successfully transition more of the fleet to zero emissions.

The formal procurement for the 90 buses is intended to commence in the third quarter of 2021, with the first of these vehicles to arrive in 2021-22.

The final vehicles will be supplied by 2024. manmonthly.com.au

News @MM Australia to supply critical minerals for manufacturing processes A new report from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources has indicated an opportunity for Australia to help meet a growing global demand for critical minerals and crucial rare earths elements, used in modern technologies.

The Outlook for Selected Critical Minerals Australia 2021 report anticipated growing demand for these minerals up to 2030, with opportunities for Australian production and investment in downstream value-adding processes.

This report, from the office of the chief economist in the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, outlines the potential for further growth in Australia’s critical minerals sector.

“Australia is blessed with abundant resources and a highlyskilled workforce which is ready to transform these minerals and elements into the kinds of products the world needs,” minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said.

The report examines the outlook for rare earth elements and minerals such as cobalt,

graphite and vanadium, which have conventional applications in steel making. They are also essential for battery and electric vehicle production.

The market for these minerals is promising, with consumption growth for electric vehicles and the battery storage sector expected to outpace production growth. Earth elements including neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium are also forecast to see consumption growth.

“Australia has long-established supply chains and is well placed to provide raw materials and potentially refined products to the world,” Pitt said.

“Australia is already the world’s top producer of lithium and the government’s Critical Minerals Facilitation Office is supporting the development of other resources, downstream processing and helping to diversify global supply chains.

“Australia also has a stable investment environment and stable governance arrangements that make Australia an attractive location for critical minerals investment and development,” he said.

Best new technologies to meet tomorrow’s challenges services

ent system m

sport, ications,

We currently provide for over 50 units of heliport to offshore and connecting bases worldwide.

Major for ship building includes: • Special marine type alloys in prefabricated modules (decking panels, T-bars, etc) • Tailor-made units and living cabins for offshore platforms • Any fabrication enquiries from general CNC machining to Friction Stir Welding (FSW) • Certified by Classification Society Certifications of CCS (China), ABS (America), DNV (Norway), BV (France), and NK (Japan).

• Capable of development and production capability for 5xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx Aluminium alloy series

manmonthly.com.au

Australia is blessed with abundant resources and a highly-skilled workforce.

Devoted to meeting the industry’s best standards through technology and quality. Flexibility, standing side by side, and being involved with our customers’ needs is our promise.

PMIT provides customers with the best-in-class services and products because we use the following: 1) ISO / TS 16949 automotive quality management system 2) ISO14001 environmental management system 3) ISO45001 occupational health and safety management system 6) OA paperless office platform 7) SAP ERP information management system In addition, we support other industries like transport, building, renewable energy, computer, communications, consumer-electronics, and many others.

Time to check for something new. pressmetal.com.cn

Australia | Malaysia | China wilson@pmaa.net.au yumi.lin@pmitech.com.cn

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 25

Lubricants Not just cutting the grass Fieldquip’s mowing and slashing equipment are designed for Australian outdoor conditions. When time came to choose gear oil for their equipment, the company chose an Australian brand: Gulf Western Oil.

A

ROUND 17 years ago, Stephen Millar and a few other family members commenced Fieldquip in Oakey, Queensland. Today, Fieldquip is a preferred supplier of tractor implements to major tractor brands.

Fieldquip’s mowing and slashing equipment are distributed through reputable tractor dealerships in Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific Island countries.

Apart from manufacturing, Fieldquip also distributes a wide range of agricultural products from global brands such as Wiedenmann from Germany, Major from Ireland and RhinoAg from the USA. In 2014, Fieldquip was acquired by an international company the Alamo Group from Texas USA, further broadening its range of products and its market presence.

Products manufactured and supplied by Fieldquip are used to Fieldquip general manager, Stephen Millar.

26 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

maintain turf and vegetation across many and varied applications, from high profile golf courses and sporting arenas to agricultural fields and roadsides. Fieldquip’s grass cutting and vegetation management equipment cover widths from 4 feet to 40 feet. Stephen states that Fieldquip has the widest range of vegetation management equipment offered here in Australia.

Stephen says Fieldquip’s products were all designed with the customers’ requirements in mind. That is the approach the company follows to date.

“It’s not just cutting the grass,” he says.

“A macadamia farm, an avocado orchard and a vineyard vary in the widths and size of mowers, mulchers, and slashers they require. Then, depending on whether you want the clippings discharged under the trees or discharged at the rear

Gulf Western Oil Gear Lube. of the machine or mulched, there are multiple variations for each situation. We continually update our products as required. We are also always on the lookout for new and innovative ideas.”

Stephen commenced his working life as a carpet layer, when asked about how he moved from carpet

laying to manufacturing agricultural gear, Stephen responds humbly with: “I guess it’s always been an interest of mine.”

“Even though I personally did not have a background in farming or manufacturing, my wife’s family had been involved in farming for many years. Back in 2004, we identified a need for a local agricultural equipment manufacturer, so we started by designing our first rotary grass cutting slashers. To date, slashers, finishing mowers and toppers are the main products that we sell.”

As Fieldquip’s equipment were designed originally for Australian outdoor conditions, it was only natural that when the time came to choose gear oil for their equipment, the company chose an Australian brand: Gulf Western Oil. Stephen says he wanted to make sure the lubricants in Fieldquip machines stand the high ambient temperature whilst working in the demanding Australian conditions, so they consulted their suppliers at BSC. “BSC had been supplying bearings for our machines for as long as we have been in business. We told them manmonthly.com.au

Lubricants we needed a reliable oil that would give a good life to the gearboxes.

BSC recommended Gulf Western Oil, which met our requirements for longevity and high pressure,” says Stephen.

All Fieldquip’s slasher gearboxes are pre-filled with Gulf Western Oil Gear Lube 85W-140, which is a high-performance gear oil based on sulfur phosphorus extreme pressure technology.

Moreover, when any Fieldquip customer seeks the company’s advice to replace their gearbox oil, Stephen says they always recommend the Gear Lube 85W-140.

As Fieldquip grows, Stephen says having suppliers such as BSC by their side will help the company even further.

“As we grow, our demands [for bearings, lubricants and other spare parts] will also grow, so I would expect that we will be working with BSC even further.”

Stephen says Fieldquip prides itself on being an Australian

manmonthly.com.au

manufacturing company.

“Building a range of Australianmade products that have come to be respected by prominent tractor brands nationally and internationally is our biggest milestone. Becoming part of the Alamo Group, which supplies slashers across the world, has also been a big leap forward for us.

The Alamo Group manufacture slashers and mowing equipment across Europe, America, in the UK and now they also have a presence in Australia.”

“Australia is very diverse in agriculture, and of course is a land of drought and flooding rains, which means demand for our products can fluctuate from year to year. Luckily, we are not limited to agriculture.

Our machines are used by different market segments. From golf courses to sporting fields, from horticultural and viticultural applications to improving pastures, wherever there is a need for grass cutting, we have it covered.”

Fieldquip’s range of Cyclone Mowers are used in forestry margin management and sensitive environmental scrubland control.

Gulf Western Oil Gear Lube: Gear Lube 80W-90 and 85W-140 are multipurpose, shear stable high performance gear oils based on sulfur phosphorus extreme pressure technology.

Features and benefits: • excellent extreme pressure protection;

• minimise scuffing; • superior protection in high load applications; • suitable for use in gear boxes, manual transmissions, final drives, hubs and transfer cases; and • not suitable for limited slip differentials.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 27

Skills & Training Staying relevant through learning and training Manufacturers’ Monthly caught up with Rod Beath, head of product, compliance and assurance learning (Australia) for SAI Global to find out more about the importance of training for the future.

I

F Australian manufacturers are going to embrace technological advancement on the factory floor – creating a workforce to compliment a flourishing industry is going to be important.

Since pre-COVID times, enterprise centres across the nation are there to give engineers hands-on experience with disruptive technologies and methods that require an upgrade in skills for existing personnel.

Needless to say, with the industry numbers bouncing back in small pockets thanks to the many relief packages handed out, transferring traditional manufacturing into a high-value, cutting-edge generation of creation requires re-evaluation, retraining, reskilling and a fresh new generation of ready-skilled workers.

According to Rod Beath, head of product, compliance and assurance learning (Australia) from SAI Global, manufacturing in Australia does have quite a bit to do in terms of a skill restructure.

“Manufacturing in Australia has been in decline for several decades, so any move to reverse that trend will need to address those challenges as new (often younger) people are brought in to rebuild that workforce,” said Beath. “We are fortunate in Australia to have, generally speaking, well-evolved safety cultures supported by robust legislation which has good alignment with the ISO 45001 WHS Standard. However, risk management and cyber security have not been as front of mind in many manufacturing businesses, particularly the SME’s which make up a large proportion of overall manufacturing in Australia.”

How training fits into the bigger picture From an SAI Global perspective, the Australian Government has been doing a lot to redress the lack of local manufacturing and the 28 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

The Australian Government has been managing the lack of local manufacturing and the reliance on overseas imports.

reliance on overseas imports. This has been especially stepped up since the impacts on supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A major part SAI Global’s client base is in the manufacturing sector, so any expansion within the sector, it sees it as a positive thing.

“Many of our offerings are designed to meet requirements that are either driven by legislation, standards or industry codes of practice,” said Beath. “As a Certification Body, SAI Global certifies many manufacturing businesses to internationally recognised standards such as the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Standard which came out of the manufacturing industry.”

Beath explained that as a Registered Training Organisation that is also internationally accredited to credential auditors, quality managers, practitioners and leaders, SAI Global’s training takes centre stage in filling skills gaps and ensuring people are equipped with the necessary training to competently and safely take Australia’s

manufacturing industry forward into the future.

“We deliver courses that cover several key areas of manufacturing in Australia as well as some which are not specific to any single discipline,” Beath explained. “For example, we deliver food specific courses like Food Safety Supervisor, HACCP (hazard analysis critical control points) as well as Lead Food Safety Auditor and Internal Food Safety Auditor training.”

“We also deliver training in those more transportable skills like the Certificate IV and Diploma in WHS. Work Health and Safety is relevant across all industries, but is critical to any manufacturing operation,” he added.

Courses on offer and what’s the most relevant?

SAI Global offers foundation skills training, implementation and auditing of Quality, OHS, Environmental and Information Security Management Systems – management systems are highly relevant to the manufacturing sector.

“As an example, in the food sector, HACCP teams are a requirement for all but very small food manufacturing businesses. SAI Global trains HACCP team members in the CODEX Alimentarius and then provides ongoing refresher training every three years,” Beath explained. “Any manufacturing business that follows the pathway to certification will need internal auditors, so SAI Global trains individuals on how to conduct such audits and our training also puts the individual on a personal development pathway towards Diplomas in Quality Auditing, Leadership and Management and Work Health and Safety.”

“So, in short, the value to the manufacturing business is assurance that their people are trained, that their business is compliant and the value to the individuals is ongoing personal and professional development with the added bonus of Nationally Recognised qualifications.”

Beath said that there are many courses that those in the manufacturing industry can take but one which has become increasingly relevant to all industry is cyber security.

“SAI Global has an affordable course as an introduction to Information Security Management Systems as well as implementation and auditing of the same,” said Beath. “This first course will take participants through the fundamentals of systematically protecting their valuable IP and personnel records and will lead to developing a process to implement and then audit their own Information Security Management System which can then be subject to Certification for ISO 27001.”

To learn more about how SAI Global helps manufacturers remain competitive, visit: saiassurance.com.au/manufacturing-andengineering manmonthly.com.au

Skills & Training Focused on solving complex machinery skills deficit Manufacturers’ Monthly finds out why hydraulics education is important and the role HYDAC plays here.

H

YDAC, a certified regional training centre for AsiaPacific, has a comprehensive range of training options available from standard programs through to fully customised solutions as well as virtual reality (VR) training.

The company’s courses on a variety of topics span the basics of hydraulics to thermal optimisation, filtration, electronics, and predictive maintenance/Industry 4.0. This has grown to a complete portfolio of training courses and systems integration, with the service side a focus point.

HYDAC also has online learning courses in the pipeline, particularly in relation to hydraulic and electrohydraulic technology. This is despite the fact that historically it has predominantly executed its training face-to-face in view of the requirements of the nationally recognised system in the engineering discipline.

“COVID-19 happened and that kind of changed everything,” HYDAC technical training manager Paul Marley pointed out.

“From HYDAC’s perspective we’re keen to meet learner requirements for easily accessible training via the web that doesn’t require any form of travel or being locked into specific time periods.”

Complex fluid power equipment skills shortage HYDAC is committed to fluid engineering equipment training in various formats to balance out the lack of know-how in this field, which plagues many industries and end users, HYDAC managing director Mark Keen says.

In fact, the operation, maintenance, and repair of complex fluid power equipment skills shortage relevant to just about every Australian industry is well known.

Keen emphasises that more student and technician training on manmonthly.com.au

HYDAC’s training is not product, but competence-oriented and wellsuited for different learners.

advanced – and ever more complicated – and potentially dangerous fluid equipment is required.

Dearth of educational training facilities and courses Keen highlights that in HYDAC’s experience there is a lack of educational facilities and trainers to meet the skill deficit, including at Victoria’s “top five” universities.

He says educational institutions do offer mechatronic courses in a basic way but that the mechatronic student out of university is a blank sheet of paper most of the time. “There is little or no exposure to hydraulic systems in university training,” he emphasises As to TAFE colleges, he points out that the few he has visited often feature equipment dating back 20 to 30 years.

In this regard HYDAC aims to challenge the current education systems as to why hydraulics is not taught and why it has been deleted from the educational system when the construction industry, power generation, mining and almost all other industries from food processing to defence are highly reliant on hydraulic equipment.

“And who can deliver training better than the people who designed, built and applied the systems? Coming from our background, we are able to give training at a much higher level, with very good feedback coming through,” Keen highlights.

requirements HYDAC offers a skills matrix, which is a form of skills assessment.

The skills matrix links into HYDAC’s comprehensive range of standard training options selectable from its training calendars for courses running on standing programs through to fully customised programs as well as virtual reality (VR) training, which it is ever expanding in line with industry requirements.

HYDAC’s training options

HYDAC training courses

Students learn not only in the classroom but also have the opportunity to handle company equipment such as electrohydraulic training and cooling systems rigs, Marley says.

Customised training solutions for companies can be based on specific requirements such as at times having customers bring their equipment to the company’s Altona carpark to onsite training programs where HYDAC develops its own technology tools to enable faster customer access to knowhow. “HYDAC’s training is not product, but competence-oriented, in a variety of contexts,” Marley says.

Technicians and trainers can also make use of HYDAC’s VR training and soon-to-be released augmented reality (AR) training, with options for direct field service support.

Keen points out that HYDAC equipment and training solutions are geared for Australia because the market and terrain are different to that of Europe.

“HYDAC Germany understands and supports this because in Europe another town is a few kilometres away if hydraulic equipment needs servicing whereas this is not the case in Australia where equipment is often located in remote, rugged, heavy-duty and hot locations.”

Basic Hydraulics 1 course Altona North, Melbourne: 6-9 July, 20-23 September, 9-12 November Bayswater, WA: 17-20 August, 28 September to 1 October, 7-10 December Banyo, QLD: 20-23 July, 7-10 September, 16-19 November

HYDAC’s skills matrix

For more information on HYDAC training courses please visit www.hydac.com.au/training.html

To ensure hydraulic training meets learner and “work readiness”

Maintain Hydraulics 2 course Altona North, Melbourne: 21-22 July, 28-30 September, 23-25 November Bayswater, WA: 4-6 August, 23-25 August, 4-6 October, 13-15 December Banyo, QLD: 13-15 September, 22-24 November Maintain Hydraulics 3 course Altona North, Melbourne: 26-28 July, 6-8 December Bayswater, WA: 9-11 August, 8-10 September Banyo, QLD: 1-3 December Maintain Hydraulic Systems 4 course Altona North, Melbourne: 18-20 October Banyo, QLD: 6-8 October Electro-hydraulic Control Systems 5 course Altona North, Melbourne: 30 August - 2 September, 29 November - 2 December Banyo, QLD: 11-14 October

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 29

Upskilling It is important that skills keep pace to meet the future needs of industry.

Critical manufacturing trades qualifications are being updated Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Reference Committee chair, Kristian Stratton, speaks with Manufacturers’ Monthly about the latest skills for apprenticeship training to meet industry needs.

W

ITH the increasing development of a modern manufacturing industry and the increasing skills issues being faced by business in Australia, it is essential that skills keep pace to meet the future needs of workers, employers and industry.

The latest qualifications in the Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) training package represent the biggest change since 2005 and cover some of the country’s most critical trades including fitters, sheet metal workers, welders, and boilermakers.

These changes come after an extensive consultation and engagement processes undertaken by the Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Reference Committee (MEM IRC), with support provided by national workforce skills developers IBSA Manufacturing.

MEM Release 2.1 has been endorsed by Skills Ministers and is available on the national VET Register and is part of a series of qualification updates that are being released over the coming months.

30 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

The MEM IRC determined that it was essential for there to be extensive practice in the workplace, and demonstration of competence in workplace settings for the qualifications to be achieved and to ensure that they align with contemporary job roles in manufacturing.

The latest release impacts a range of skills in the metal, engineering, manufacturing engineering and associated industries, and includes 18 qualifications that range from Certificate I through to Diploma level, with 13 of those being Certificate III trade qualifications designed for apprenticeship training.

The update removes ambiguity and reflects more accurately how skills are used in the workplace, and the direct relationship between skills and industry occupations.

Most importantly, it gives critical trades more qualifications that

will fit with industry current and future needs.

The MEM IRC has been heavily involved in the redesign and the new qualifications have been determined through the IRC analysing the job roles in detail, and consulting extensively with industry and other interested parties, so they feed into industry’s vision for developing a modern manufacturing workforce.

MEM IRC Chair, Kristian Stratton, said that one of the biggest changes to the package was the inclusion of workplace interaction.

“The MEM IRC determined that it was essential for there

Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Reference Committee chair, Kristian Stratton. to be extensive practice in the workplace, and demonstration of competence in workplace settings for the qualifications to be achieved and to ensure that they align with contemporary job roles in manufacturing,” he says.

“Given the nature of these jobs and the scale of investment in plant and equipment at stake, it is essential that people can demonstrate workplace competence on an ongoing basis.” manmonthly.com.au

Upskilling Stratton says the consultation activities showed industry strongly supported the need for workplace practice and the value of apprenticeships to ensuring people did develop the skills necessary in a workplace context.

Now the new qualifications have been endorsed by Skills Ministers, the next step is to communicate them clearly to stakeholders and ensure they are implemented

by December 2022 when the transition period ends.

“We need to ensure everyone understands the changes and knows how to implement them correctly,” he says. “We’ve already run a series of webinars with key stakeholders to inform them of the implementation plan and timelines. The next stage will be a national roadshow across regional and capital cities which is scheduled to begin late July and run throughout August.”

When asked about the help available for industry and training organisations to make the transition,

Stratton says in addition to the webinars and roadshow, a suite of materials has been developed for the National VET register. These include a Companion Implementation Guide and an Essential Features Guide which outlines the new changes and how to best incorporate them into training delivery.

Stratton said that it was very positive that many TAFE Institutes and other training organisations approved to deliver these qualifications have already commenced delivery.

“We believe it will support industry through ensuring workers have the most up-to-date skills as part of their trade qualifications,” he says.

The MEM IRC is now focused on rolling out further updated MEM qualifications. These include advanced welding and technician level qualifications.

For more information, please visit www.ibsa.org.au/MEMRelease

MEM Release 2.1 has been endorsed

by Skills Ministers and is available on the national VET Register.

If you’ve got If you’ve the opportunity, got the opportunity, Banjo Loans Banjo will Loans help transform will help it transform it If you’ve got the opportunity, into an outcome. into an Our outcome. local experts Our local experts Banjo Loans will help transform itto help your will find the will right findloan the to right help loan your into an outcome. local experts business take business theOur next take step. the next step. will find the right loan to help your So if you’re So ready, ifthe you’re we’re ready, ready. we’re ready. business take next step.

So if you’re ready, we’re ready.

1300 22 65 65 |1300 banjoloans.com 22 65 65 | banjoloans.com

manmonthly.com.au

1300 22 65 65 | banjoloans.com

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 31

Sensors From simple to complex With new pressure sensors and level switches, VEGA becomes a full-range supplier for level and pressure in pharmaceutical applications.

T

HE special challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry result from the wide diversity of its processes.

Success depends on the consistency and continuity of the production processes – whether it be mixing, filling, autoclaving or CIP and SIP cleaning.

This makes it all the more important for operators to be able to rely fully on the measurement technology deployed on the plant.

Level and pressure sensors from VEGA have made a name for themselves over many decades for their reliability and longevity.

Robust, versatile and easy to use: even under extreme conditions or strict regulations, they provide important impulses for greater plant safety and efficiency.

Complete supplier for level and pressure VEGA now completes its measurement portfolio for pharmaceuticals production with two new compact instrument

series comprising of pressure sensors/switches and point level switches. The product families VEGABAR and VEGAPOINT prove that automation can be quite simple and highly efficient at the same time, without compromising on reliability, hygiene or accuracy.

The new measuring instruments are perfectly tailored to standard applications that nevertheless require high quality. Their standardised hygienic adapter system provides the flexibility needed to keep installation effort and parts inventory to the minimum. The process fittings can be interchanged and adapted to local requirements.

The new VEGABAR compact pressure sensors with switching function and VEGAPOINT capacitive level switches are tailored to standard applications.

At a glance: 360° switching status display Thanks to the all-round status display, all sensor states can be easily seen from any direction.

This illuminated ring, which can be customised from a choice of 256 different colours, remains clearly visible, even in daylight.

At a glance, the user can see if the measuring process is running, if the sensor is switching, or if any, sensor management required.

There is a lot of sensor intelligence built into the new compact series: the standard IO-Link protocol ensures both universal and simple communication. This means that, via the standardised communication platform, this enables seamless data transfer and simple system integration.

Everything’s easier with wireless operation

The universal, flexible hygienic adapter system of the new instrument series reduces not only the amount of work involved, but also the spare parts inventory.

32 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

VEGA has also integrated wireless communication into its new VEGABAR and VEGAPOINT measuring instrument series. The sensors can connect via smartphone or tablet. Especially useful in environments such as clean rooms, where physical access involves a lot of effort, it means setup and

The new measuring instruments are perfectly tailored to standard applications that nevertheless require high quality. operation become considerably easier.

The new VEGABAR pressure switches/sensors and VEGAPOINT level switches represent an important milestone for VEGA, combining key elements of reliability, flexibility and accuracy for pharmaceutical processes.

Now, users not only get an entire range of level and pressure measurement technology from a single source, but also hygiene-optimised instrument designs that are extremely easy to install and use.

More information available at www.vega.com/pharmaceutical manmonthly.com.au

3D Printing Creating superior quality with 3D printers Manufacturers’ Monthly finds out how Markforged 3D printers are improving business operations at Queensland-based mill relining technologies manufacturer Russell Mineral Equipment.

R

USSELL Mineral Equipment (RME) was founded in 1985 by Dr John Russell, a mechanical engineer who had led maintenance at the Mount Isa Mines copper concentrator.

Relining mills for crushing ore was a difficult, slow, labour-intensive and dangerous job, which put up to 10 workers in a confined space.

Since its beginning, RME has pioneered reliner machines and associated equipment, which has made liner changes easier, safely moving plates up to 7,250 kilograms in weight, saving time and money.

The company leads this niche globally, and its machines are in use at the world’s biggest grinding mills.

It exports about 80 per cent of what it makes, has won many awards, and entered in the Australian Export Awards Hall of Fame in 2009.

RME is headquartered at Toowoomba, about 90 minutes’ drive west from Brisbane, where around 330 of the company’s global workforce of 450 are employed.

International customers are serviced through subsidiaries in Chile, the United States and South Africa.

RME has contributed innovations to its industry including through feed chute technologies, liner lifting tools, and Thunderbolt Recoilless Hammers, which remove mill plating.

The challenge Around 90 of RME 330 staff at Toowoomba are in technical roles, and the company is an enthusiastic adopter of technology to maintain an edge.

RME’s group manager – research and development, David Brander, says the company had dabbled in 3D printing for a while.

Their desktop units were mainly for prototyping, with the company hesitant to print any end use parts.

Anything that required more manmonthly.com.au

for the first production trial, followed by fine-tuning.

“This is a good, standard vanilla 3D printing application, nothing groundbreaking, just a perfect example where we have a customer and we can respond very quickly,” says Brander.

The future

Relining mills for crushing ore was a difficult, slow, labour-intensive and dangerous job, which put up to 10 workers in a confined space. precision or a better finish was outsourced to a local bureau.

“It sort of interrupts that process, and your iteration might only take a couple of hours and then you’ve got to wait another two days,” he explains.

The solution The quality of what was possible in-house – and the workflow disruptions from using a third party – led Brander’s team to examine upgrades. It eventually invested in a Markforged X7 machine in May, 2020, impressed by the possibility of printing parts with superior properties to those machined out of aluminum.

RME uses its X7 regularly to create production prototypes, rather than functional prototypes. Onyx filament on its own is used in maybe 80 per cent of all jobs, with about 15 per cent using continuous carbon fiber when a boost in strength is necessary, estimates Brander.

The remaining 5 per cent use glass continuous fiber.

The dimensional accuracy and material quality are big improvements on what they were used to.

“The materials get more expensive than consumer level plastic, but the cost of the material is outweighed by the saving of engineering time and labor,” he says.

Besides prototyping, there is a wide array of end-use parts produced.

One application is custom guides for the fiber optic cables used in RME’s seven- and eight-axis robotic reliners.

“It allows us to actually print an adaptor or a bracket or a holder or a path which would be impractical to machine from either solid plastic or from aluminum or from some other materials, and we can print it within a matter of hours,” says Brander.

Printed mounts for cameras and radio controllers find their way onto the company’s machines.

One client wanted custom RFID tags for users to tap on or off on their machines. To get them cast would mean a week for toolmaking, a week

RME is approaching its fourth decade. It is eager to continue its supply of innovations to the mining industry, and equally eager to adopt whatever technologies will enable this.

When it comes to 3D printing, it is very closely watching metal-based technologies and opportunities these might unlock.

Brander says right now the company is looking at getting more value out of AM through applications like custom tooling for its workshop.

Then there are new ways to keep old customers with old machines happier.

“Obviously we have a large part of our business which supports and services equipment, which has been in the field and in the field for more than 20 years for some of these parts,” he adds.

RME operates at low volumes, with around one reliner produced every fortnight. They are on track to deliver their 500th in November 2021.

Their machines are also famously reliable, with the second and third oldest are still in service after more than two decades. lot of work for the company involves support and servicing, and it is not always easy to locate casts for parts that are maybe a decade or two old.

“Sometimes it’s easier that we simply either pull up an existing design or we redesign for 3D printing a component to supply to that customer,” says Brander.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 33

Compressors The benefits of a preventive maintenance plan Sullair Australia’s Shael Esler explains the importance of having an preventative maintenance plan and how transformative it can be for a business.

A

NY instance of downtime – planned or unplanned – is costly for a business.

Knowing you have the best, most reliable equipment is one thing, but without ongoing care and service of that equipment, your business is constantly at risk of expensive reactive maintenance or repair shutdowns.

Preventative maintenance planning ensures even the highest quality products, designed and purpose built for their application and environment are given the utmost care and attention, throughout their life cycle. It also adds an extra layer of protection beyond just having a fully warranted plant and regular scheduled shutdowns. A preventative maintenance plan pays specific consideration to individual pieces of equipment, in the context of shutdowns, but also with regard to their constant ongoing care – 24 hours a day, all year round.

What is preventative maintenance?

True planning means care of your equipment is available whenever you need, on the phone or on site, wherever you are. There are some misconceptions around this kind of planning, with tailored plans often thought to be lock-in contracts, with legally binding implications.

Suppliers that excel in service

delivery understand that preventative maintenance is a critical component of their customer service. Reliability should refer to more than just the products – it must be inherent in the after-sale service and support that is offered and delivered.

Preventative maintenance planning for Sullair comes in the form of their Customer Care plans, customised for the individual business and covering all makes and models, around the clock and nationwide. Powerfully, preventative maintenance planning enables a business to build their annual budget around the operations of the equipment – factoring in cumulative hours of running time, and the ongoing costs to maintain the unit, in advance.

One of the key benefits of this kind of forward-planning is cost reduction, with plans set at fixed pricing enabling a customer to accurately forecast servicing within OPEX budgets. Customer Care plans also come with built in savings around priority part selection, and opportunities for reduced cost on listed spare parts, providing benefits to the customer against retail pricing.

Another significant advantage is the reduced administration of service needs, with set prices for 24 months allowing instant purchase order generation prior to works. This means no time consuming back and

True planning means care for equipment when you need. forth administration around quotes and adjustments.

Shael Esler is National Service Business Manager for Sullair Australia, and she is passionate about how transformative preventative maintenance planning can be for a business.

“When we look at the hours they’re running, the equipment they have on site, the hours the equipment runs, and then forward plan what we anticipate is going to be due in that year, it really has a positive impact on customers building their budgets,” explains Esler.

Ideally the maintenance can be slotted into the customer’s pre-existing shutdown blocks. “By looking at estimated run hours and forwardplanning maintenance they have a better chance of scheduling within planned shutdowns rather than at greater cost outside of that.”

Sullair’s Customer Care plans

A preventative maintenance plan pays specific consideration to individual pieces of equipment.

34 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Sullair has a three-tier preventative maintenance program in place, available to all of their customers and typically applied to Sullair or Champion products. The care also extends to competitor equipment, and to whatever branded equipment or parts are incorporated into the Sullair customers’ compressor solutions (depending on the plan).

The entry level plan is Customer

Care, which is a standard service agreement. The next level plan is Customer Care Plan Plus, including component service kits and some other additional features. The top level of care is Customer Care by Design and as the name suggests, it’s designed for your needs, catering to specific requirements away from the norm.

The plans are inclusive of all parts, labour, travel and consumable service parts (conditionally), can be combined with extended warranties for ultimate cover, and ensure the compressor system is serviced on time to its required schedule.

The three levels of care provide economical fixed price servicing for all compressors, with slight differences between each plan. For a general breakdown of each, please contact your service representative.

Most importantly, the level of care plan a customer has in place, is a clear indicator to Sullair’s service and support team of the true scope of work that’s going to be required. They can then be responsive, providing whatever is needed to the customer, within the parameters of their care plan.

Interested in finding out more?

For more information, please contact the Sullair Customer Care Plan representative nearest to you or www.sullair.com.au/contact-us. manmonthly.com.au

Manufacturing Strategies Research finds smes set for growth, ready to drive up revenue Guy Callaghan, CEO of Banjo Loans shares his thoughts with Manufacturers’ Monthly about growth strategies for SMEs following the pandemic.

M

ANY small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have come out of a horror year feeling positive about the road ahead, with almost 7 in 10 expecting an increase in revenue over the next 12 months.

Looking back at 2020, the majority of SMEs had to restrict their operating capabilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 1 in 3 having to either temporarily close or overcome significant restrictions on their ability to operate.

More than half (54 per cent) didn’t achieve their revenue targets in 2020 and close to 1 in 3 (29 per cent) decreased headcount in response to the pandemic.

In the next 12 months, nearly two-thirds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are planning to borrow to drive growth for their businesses. But there are still too many pain points around getting the appropriate funding.

A broad cross-section of over 500 SMEs across Australia were surveyed for the Banjo SME Compass report 2021. While the researchers found that many SMEs are feeling positive about the year ahead and planning for growth, some barriers still remain, and a surprising number are lagging in getting their businesses online.

Top factors that helped drive SMEs’ revenue Not surprisingly, just a quarter of SMEs say they exceeded their revenue targets last year.

There was a common factor among the 25 per cent who recorded strong performance: all of them invested for growth by implementing new technology, improving products and buying new assets or equipment in 2020. Those who leveraged debtor or supply chain finance were significantly more likely to exceed revenue targets. manmonthly.com.au

Nearly two thirds of the 1.2 million SMEs in Australia intend to borrow in 2021.

Many businesses are poised for growth With close to one third of SMEs having let staff go during the pandemic, employment prospects are also set for growth with just under half intending to increase their headcount in 2021.

However, many have a lot of catching up to do in online business.

Currently only 28 per cent of SME revenue is generated online, and businesses are more aware than ever that on the back of pandemic restrictions, online needs to be a key component of their growth strategy.

More than half of the survey respondents plan to increase the proportion of their sales generated through online channels in 2021. For 14 per cent of SMEs, this year will mark the first time they begin to earn revenue online.

Based on this research, and the upswing Banjo is seeing in demand, lending to the SME sector is expected to increase by around $5 billion between now and the end of the year.

But many businesses experience barriers when trying to borrow to fund their growth.

Nearly 6 in 10 SMEs say onerous lender requirements are challenging.

The most common pain points are lenders who: require property or assets as security; and take weeks or even months to approve or reject a loan.

The opportunity cost of not being able to secure funding when a business needs it – now – is too big to ignore.

After interest rate, SMEs value ease of application as a lender’s most attractive feature.

Drawn-out approval processes are certainly common in some parts of the banking sector. However, business lenders like Banjo who have the right technology, can give a small business owner an answer either way, within 24 hours. And it doesn’t need reams of paperwork. The sustainable EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) of a business is key to our lending decision.

Your accountant, whether external or internal, can be key to helping put together the right information to give to the lender.

Women business owners take a different approach Female business owners are much less likely than their male counterparts to borrow to fund growth, preferring to self-fund from operations. This is in large part because they are more averse to providing personal assets as security – regardless of how large or small their business is. There is also the question of where to turn for funding.

Mergers, acquisitions and expansions Acquiring another business (or being acquired) to grow is on the cards for 42 per cent of those surveyed. SMEs chiefly turn to business advisors/consultants and accountants for advice on M & As, with other advisers coming a distant third or later.

Where expansion is concerned, NSW is the target for most.

Interestingly, Queensland is on par with Victoria as a target, despite having a much smaller SME footprint than the southern, more heavily populated state.

Find out more in the Banjo SME Compass report 2021, please visit www.landing.banjoloans.com/ sme_compass_report

Demand for funding – and what SMEs need right now With nearly two thirds of the approximately 1.2 million SMEs in Australia intending to borrow in 2021, this means approximately three quarters of a million businesses will be seeking funding.

The sector had $146 billion of funding lines in June 2020, which declined during the pandemic to $141 billion in March 2021.

Business lenders like Banjo, who have the right technology, can give a small business owner an answer either way, within 24 hours.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 35

Machining Arts Centre Melbourne redevelopment, supported by local manufacturing Manufacturers’ Monthly finds out how Townley Drop Forge – a trusted Australian manufacturer of high-quality lifting and rigging components for more than 100 years – is assisting in the redevelopment of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.

O

NE of Australia’s most iconic venues, the Melbourne Arts Centre and Precinct, is being transformed into one of the great creative and cultural destinations of the world.

As part of the 2020/21 Victorian State Budget, more than $1.46 billion will be provided to re-develop and add to Melbourne’s distinguished arts precinct. Upgrades of existing infrastructure and expansion of new buildings including the construction of Australia’s largest contemporary art and design gallery is a part of the first phase of the project.

The centrepiece of phase two in the project is the redevelopment and expansion of Arts Centre Melbourne. An estimation of over 5000 construction jobs will be created during the life of the development, but what is often not spoken about is the positive economic impact these major infrastructure projects have

on secondary and tertiary businesses as well as their employees.

As most of the publicity is often directed, rightfully so, at the overall community benefit these projects give to the people, it is easy to miss those working behind the scenes and how these local businesses can enable a city’s identity in major projects such as this one.

As part of the various works within the Arts Centre, a contract was issued to upgrade the State Theatre’s flying system. This system involves over 112 battens holding lighting, speakers, equipment, scenery, and personnel.

With over 35km of wire rope operated by a new high-level control and hoist system, it moves at speeds of up to 1.6 metres per second. The system is world leading.

To successfully deliver a cuttingedge system in such an iconic setting required local expertise and Australian made quality. Vertex Engineering The centrepiece of phase two in the project is the redevelopment and expansion of Arts Centre Melbourne.

36 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Design, as a part of Waagner Biro’s bid to upgrade the system, was the heavy lifter in the works tasked for the removal of the old system and installation of the new. This was an immense logistical challenge.

When great challenges are presented, intuitive engineering generally prevails. As part of the many challenges faced by the designers and installers including that of how to attach and finely adjust the 112 battens to 35km of wire rope. Townley, a local Victorian manufacturer, with over 100 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise, provided their support.

Through close collaboration, the engineering team designed a product that the entertainment industry had not yet seen. As part of the journey to creating this product, Townley assisted with concept development, prototyping, testing & verification in their NATA accredited laboratory.

Once approved for the project, Townley manufactured more than 650 bespoke forged entertainment rigging screws all in line with the stringent Australian Standards and entertainment industry rigging guidelines.

The great advantages of these major projects are that it provides opportunities for which the whole industry will benefit from. The Arts centre project has in-turn enabled Townley to create an entertainment specific product range which will not only benefit future Victorian projects but also projects across Australia and the world. A great example of how prosperity is generated through the funding of local Australian projects.

To have one of the great creative and cultural destinations of the world requires engineers, managers, directors and governments to have a support-Australia-first approach

Townley manufactured more than 650 bespoke forged entertainment rigging screws in line with the stringent Australian Standards.

to major projects. Evidently, local manufacturing has the strength, capability and expertise to provide for these projects which are amongst the best in the world.

Supporting Australian is the support for local businesses and job creation. This will ultimately improve our economy and transcend Australia’s identity.

Support your local. Support Australian Manufacturing. manmonthly.com.au

Servo Drives Making sound decisions through good partnerships Managing director of West Packaging Services, Jeremy West, shares his experience about finding the right partner when he needed quick and reliable replacements for his packaging machines.

W

HEN a critical machine goes down and even the original manufacturer just wants to sell you a new replacement – who you gonna call?

This was the issue that Jeremy West had when one of his key packaging machines had a serious servo drive problem. After contacting a number of people, he tried the original supplier for repair help – they didn’t want to know. A replacement servo drive was not only going to be a major cost, but also the receivable time was just way too long.

“I spoke with a variety of potential repairers and in the end the name DataFactory came up, so

Datafactory knew exactly how to identify and fix the problem with a complex unit.

manmonthly.com.au

I googled them and gave Darius a call,” Jeremy said. “From the outset, he seemed to quickly grasp the issue and was very knowledgeable about the problems my servo drive was having”.

This was a seven-year-old unit and finding someone with the knowledge of how to repair it was difficult.

Until DataFactory became involved.

It is a very complex unit as it has to control a large packaging fabrication machine, capable of producing large format pouches, for example, 600 x 600mm aluminium bags.

“A replacement unit was more than US$15,000 and Darius repaired our existing unit for significantly less than that. Been nearly two months now and no problems”. He went on to say, “I am so glad we found DataFactory, we have 13 packaging machines, and they are now looking at even more complex equipment within our factory,” Jeremy said.

For some six weeks, West’s Packaging realised that they couldn’t continue with one of their critical machines being down. Of all the people they contacted, just finding someone with the knowledge and understanding of the issues of repairing this servo drive unit, seemed impossible.

“I can’t recommend Darius enough,” Jeremy continued, “He has both knowledge and technical skills to really get us out of trouble in both a timely manner and at a competitive cost.” West’s Packaging and DataFactory are now in a secure relationship.

DataFactory is a highly qualified electrical engineering workshop, capable to repairing and rebuilding the most complex servo drives and circuit boards. They are time conscious and deliver their services on a national level. With more than 30 years’ experience in this highly technical area, Darius

Replacing a servo drive is not only a major cost, but also the receivable time can take a long time.

DataFactory is a highly qualified electrical engineering workshop, capable to repairing and rebuilding the most complex servo drives and circuit boards. They are time conscious and deliver their services on a national level.

Kowalewski, is a professional electrical engineer with degrees in Power Electronics and Digital Communication Protocols. He has extensive knowledge of servo drives and complex control systems. Many which have been manufactured some years ago. He is fully equipped to test and repair a wide range of electrical equipment, even the rebuilding of the most complex servo drive units.

Generally, a first phone call will help to establish the essence of the problem and the quality and reliability of their work is testimonial of their many longterm clients. Darius understands the cost/time issues and as in many cases, a machine’s down time must be reduced as fast as possible. Often the replacement parts are far more expensive than a DataFactory repair.

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 37

Innovation & Learning Five soft skills to future-proof your people Managing director of training company Innovate Learn speaks with Manufacturers’ Monthly about five important soft skills of employees to succeed. cause a business to fall behind its competitors, or in extreme cases, be the root cause of its failure.”

Stewart spoke to Manufacturers’ Monthly about these crucial soft skills.

1) Communication

Innovate Learn managing director, Hazel Stewart.

I

F the last year has taught the manufacturing sector anything, it’s that there is no such thing as “certainty”. Australia can no longer rely on global supply chains – it’s time to bring manufacturing home.

With reshoring in the spotlight, employers are increasingly looking inward and re-evaluating the capabilities of their local employees.

“When Australia went into lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and businesses had to adjust their business models, many in leadership roles had to think long and hard about where their teams were excelling – and where they were failing,” explains Hazel Stewart, managing director of Melbourne based training company Innovate Learn.

Stewart shares that while this was a valuable chance for employers to measure how well their employees executed their tasks, many leaders focused purely on technical skills. They neglected to evaluate their employees’ “soft skills” - the character traits and interpersonal skills that help to define their relationships with other people.

“This is an understandable oversight as manufacturing is traditionally a highly technical sector, with emphasis placed on product and processes,” says Stewart. “However, there are five soft skills in particular that, if continually neglected, could 38 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Working in silos is a common challenge faced by businesses today. While it is ideal for everyone in a company to share a common goal, the bureaucratic systems, procedures and micro-cultures within departments can lead to a lack of communication, slower sales or production cycles, miscommunication, and even the loss of a sale or a potential partnership.

“If your employees seem constantly out of sync with each other and it feels as if directions are consistently not followed correctly, there’s a high chance that the fault lies in a communication breakdown,” says Stewart.

She recommends speaking with each team member individually to identify which missing skills might be leading to the communication breakdown, such as a lack of confidence in expressing oneself or the inability to correctly interpret another person’s message. “Once the gaps have been identified you can begin to build these skills.”

2) Listening “Believe it or not, effective communication is often more about the ability to listen than it is about the ability to talk,” says Stewart. “ ‘Active’ listening – has become even more important since virtual meetings have become the norm ¬– things can very easily get lost in translation.”

Training employees to actively listen means giving the speaker their undivided attention to uncover the subtext of what they are saying. In cases of virtual communication, this can help employees to overcome the challenges of not being able to read body language or establish clear eye contact during virtual meetings.

“Active listening allows you to not only take in what was being said but also why (and how) it was being said,” says Stewart.

3) Problem-solving This is another skill that is important for businesses to keep absolutely front of mind. The ability to quickly devise solutions and think outside the box is arguably more crucial than ever in business today. Customers have expectations that their business issues will be heard, understood and actioned by employees at all levels – from the manufacturing plant to the C-Suite.

“The key to strengthening your employees’ problem-solving skills begins with a perspective change – start viewing unexpected challenges as learning opportunities, rather than obstacles you need to get past as quickly as possible,” she says.

“Regularly devise hypothetical problem-solving scenarios so that employees can learn and improve on their skills. Think of problem-solving as a muscle that needs to be regularly stretched.” If mistakes are made in the problem-solving process, Hazel adds that it is important for employees to discuss why they made the mistake and what they learned from the process while it is still fresh in their minds.

4) Adaptability In these highly unpredictable times, manufacturing businesses might be required to make rapid, drastic decisions to continue operations and remain competitive – they need to be resilient and adaptable. In order to do this, a company needs employees who are similarly able to adapt and shift gears as needed.

“Train your employees to not only expect but embrace uncertainty, and reward them when they perform tasks that may be outside their usual scope of work but are needed in the instance of unexpected challenges,” says Stewart. “Building your employees

adaptability skills will improve their overall performance, as well as their confidence.”

5) Culture Company culture refers to the shared values, attributes, and characteristics of an organisation, reflected by the attitudes and behaviours of its employees.

“Culture influences every action a team member makes, from the way they interact with one another to their decision-making process,” says Stewart.

“A strong company culture needs to be deliberately cultivated by an organisation’s leadership.”

Each of the previous soft skills discussed: communication, listening, problem-solving and adaptability influence overall company culture.

If any manufacturing employer need further convincing of the importance of strengthening these skills and capabilities, research has shown that a strong company culture leads to higher revenue,” she says.

Finally, Hazel emphasises that when this is firmly in place, employees understand the expected outcomes and behaviours and act accordingly, and every aspect of the business is improved.

About Innovate Learn Innovate Learn is an Australian company based in Melbourne, offering a unique combination of local expertise and research-based Best Practice solutions from Wilson Learning Worldwide. Innovate Learn brings 20+ years of business experience across a wide range of industries. The company provides targeted solutions that support strategic initiatives, create a productive and engaging work culture, and drive business outcomes. Programs are supported by best practice facilitation and coaching services.

For more information please visit www.innovatelearn.com.au manmonthly.com.au

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING MANUFACTURING AWARDS

NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW WWW.ENDEAVOURAWARDS.COM.AU

2021 SPONSORS

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

What’sNew Australian made rare earth magnetic head pulleys designed by MSA Magnetics MSA Magnetics first created the Magnetic Rare Earth Head Pulley in 2008.

This highly unique technology has helped several industries revolutionise their metal separation to levels not known in the past. The Magnetic Pulley is used in the mining and recycling industry to effectively separate tramp iron and ferrous metal pieces from the underside of the product stream while increasing the value of processed products and preventing damage to expensive downstream machineries such as shredders, crusher, mills, pulverisers, and grinders.

In recent months, MSA has upgraded the design of the Magnetic Pulley featuring replaceable wear cover plates. This means that in abrasive environments such as Glass Recycling plants where high abrasive wear is a factor, spare cover plates are available to reduce potential downtime and protect your investment in the Pulley. The magnetic elements of our Pulleys are fully sealed and encapsulated to prevent oxidisation caused by moisture ingress.

This prevents degradation of the internal Rare Earth magnets meaning that your magnet will last longer and be an even more cost-effective solution that will pay for itself again and again during its lifespan.

Being Australian Made and assembled using live Rare Earth magnets, our Pulley features a very extensive IP design, including axial and radial magnet pole circuitry. This enables the magnet to provide incredible burden coverage and a higher likelihood of retaining tramps compared to typical ceramic/ferrite options.

The MSA Rare Earth Pulley has more ability to retain smaller tramp iron that is less magnetic, which is more easily missed by conventional ceramic Pulleys using decade-old designs.

With local support and expertise, you can count on our quality and

availability of our locally manufactured Magnetic Pulleys along with replacement parts - customised to suit your needs. MSA can also convert your standard non-magnetic Pulley to reduce costs further and increase the value of your product with effective Metal Separation!

Company: MSA Magnetics Phone: 1800 466 246 Website: www.msamagnetics.com.au

New Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Brumby compressor The CAPS Brumby range of rotary screw air compressors has now been extended to include variable speed compressors to compliment the current fixed speed range. Units are available in sizes ranging from 5 to 15 kW. A Variable Speed Drive compressor will use a variable speed, or VSD drive, which allows the motor to actually ramp up and down, allowing for power consumption savings. Properly sized for the same end use, a VSD compressor can yield power savings upwards of 35 per cent in some cases.

Energy is always a significant cost to any business and the inverter in the VSD system performs a “soft” start operation by ramping up the motor speed slowly, which reduces the high draw peaks that are typical when a fixed speed motor is started. This also helps protect electrical and mechanical components from the starting mechanical stresses that can shorten the life of an air compressor.

So, overtime, choosing the variable speed option will save you up to 35 per cent in power cost but will also make your installation last longer and avoid downtimes.

Other features include: • Extra air storage capacity for spikes in air demand and longer cycle times • Integrated refrigerated air dryer and filtration package • National coverage, local support Company: CAPS Australia Phone: 1800 880 878 Website: caps.com.au

40 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

manmonthly.com.au

Brought to you by

Qorvo QPQ1298 high-performance BAW filter for sub band 41 5G network infrastructure Mouser Electronics, Inc., the industry’s leading New Product Introduction (NPI) distributor with the widest selection of semiconductors and electronic components, is now stocking the QPQ1298 bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter from Qorvo. The QPQ1298 is a high-performance BAW 5G filter designed for sub-Band n41 uplink and downlink in base station infrastructure, small cell, and repeater applications.

The Qorvo QPQ1298, available from Mouser Electronics, features low insertion loss and high attenuation, vital for coexistence of 5G cellular bands and Wi-Fi operation in high-data-capacity rural, suburban, and dense urban areas. The QPQ1298 offers single-input and single-output operation in the 160 MHz bandwidth, with frequency ranges from 2515 MHz to 2675 MHz, to address n41 design challenges with bandwidth and Wi-Fi rejection, with no external matching required.

Its three-pin 2.00 mm × 1.60 mm × 0.73 mm SMT package also provides engineers with a small-form-factor solution to simplify assembly.

Also available from Mouser is the QPQ1298EVB evaluation board, which features a pre-mounted QPQ1298 filter along with two 50Ω SMA connectors for RF in and RF out. The evaluation board provides an example application circuit, allowing rapid prototyping when incorporated into existing designs.

Company: Mouser Electronics Phone: (852) 3756 4700 Website: au.mouser.com

BST presents iBase’s MRT-7000R EN50155/EN45545 railway computer system Backplane Systems Technology presents iBase’s MRT-7000R, which is EN50155/ EN45545 certified fanless railway computer system that is powered by a 2.6GHz 7th/6th Generation Intel Core i7-6600U processors.

Purposely built for various rolling stock applications such as train control and management, passenger information, entertainment, communications, and surveillance, the rugged MPT-7000R computing solution provides an optimal combination of high performance with low power consumption. It is equipped with ruggedised, lockable M12 connectors for firm I/O connections in the course of train travel and silently operates at temperatures from -20°C to +55°C. In addition, these platforms undergo numerous tests to follow EN50155/EN45545 standards and protect them against shocks, vibration, humidity, temperature variations, and excessive voltages.

The MPT-7000R is available in two models, one for 24VDC input (MPT-7000R) and the other for 72/110VDC input (MPT-7000RHV). The M12 Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0, and power input connectors are on the rear, as well as a PCI-E (x4) socket. For easy access and maintenance, the front panel comes with a CFAST socket, a 2.5” drive bay, two SIM sockets, two USB 3.0, and four antenna connections.

• • • •

rich I/O interfaces for wireless, SSD, GPS, WWAN, and add-on card expansion ignition power control wide-range voltage GPIO interface one PCI-E (x4) expansion

Company: Backplane Systems Technology Phone: (02) 9457 6400 Website: www.backplane.com.au

Key Features: • EN50155 and EN45545 certification • fanless and ruggedised design • robust M12 connectors for Dual GbE, USB, and power input • dual SIM sockets supports WWAN redundancy • two removable 2.5” device bay and CFAST socket manmonthly.com.au

Manufacturers’ Monthly JULY 2021 41

The Last Word

INNES WILLOX – Chief Executive, Ai Group

Moving forward with an open mind

I

WOULD like to share some perspectives with you as we enter the new Financial Year and what will hopefully be our last year of closed international borders as we move towards living with COVID. Also, as generally happens at this time of year, businesses like yours need to be aware of policy and regulatory changes which came into effect on or after 1 July.

What we are hearing from many of our members though, is that the stronger-thanexpected return to growth is also intensifying the difficulties businesses are experiencing in filling positions – particularly for skilled occupations and in regional areas.

Skill shortages The positive employment numbers reported in June were another reinforcement of the economic turnaround Australia has experienced since the middle of 2020. What we are hearing from many of our members though, is that the stronger-than-expected return to growth is also intensifying the difficulties businesses are experiencing in filling positions – particularly for skilled occupations and in regional areas.

The extent of the recovery was highlighted in the most recent labour force data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics recording a 115,200 jump in employment in May, bringing the total increase in employment since the end of 2020 to 256,000.

While that is quite a recovery, what is perhaps more telling is that the number of people in employment in May 2021 was 160,000 above the level of December the previous year before the pandemic hit.

On its own, this sort of labour market growth would normally bring with it the prospect of a sizable spurt of activity fuelled by the rise in household incomes; an associated boost in business confidence; and a renewed emphasis on business investment.

However, it is clear that general tightness in the labour market is being greatly exacerbated by the departure of more than half a million visa holders together with the drying up of the pipeline of new arrivals.

I know of one business that 42 JULY 2021 Manufacturers’ Monthly

currently has 5,000 vacancies nationally that they are struggling to fill.

We will continue to call for more and better training that is more aligned to the skills that businesses need but, as you would appreciate, the demand is right now. Our recently launched Centre for Education & Training is leading advocacy to government on the need to address the extent and depth of skill shortages. The Centre’s first report, Skills Urgency, captures the issues in detail.

More ambitious goal needed for border opening International border exit restrictions also mean that businesses are missing out on opportunities overseas at a time when many of our competitors are in countries that are opening up to the world.

The Prime Minister has set an open border target of mid2022. Our view is that this goal is too conservative given that all Australians will have an opportunity to be vaccinated by the end of this year. We will continue to argue in favour of dialling the clock forward to a “living with COVID” approach including a more rapid border reopening consistent with strong health outcomes.

Damaging state lockdowns and border restrictions We are pressing all state and territory governments to adopt a proportionate and targeted

approach to COVID cases in the community. The Victorian default approach of imposing lockdowns, domestic border closures and overly complex restrictions has hit confidence in the State to the detriment of both the local and the national economy and is contributing to considerable stress across the community.

Common sense must eventually prevail, and we will keep the pressure up.

The end of the financial year also signals several important changes that you should be aware of for your business.

Annual wage review decision Last month the Fair Work Commission handed down its Annual Wage Review decision.

National minimum wages will be increased by 2.5 per cent.

For most awards the increase is operative from the first full pay period that starts on or after 1 July 2021. This increase was on the high side, but we successfully argued against the 3.5 per cent called for by the unions. We also succeeded in delaying the rise to September and November this year for awards that apply in several industries.

Super Changes to take effect on 1 July 2021 The Superannuation Guarantee will rise from 9.5 per cent to 10 per cent from 1 July 2021.

The cap on concessional super contributions made into employees’ super funds will rise from $25,000 to

$27,500 per annum from 1 July 2021.

Also, on this same date the Superannuation Guarantee maximum contribution base will increase to $58,920 per quarter and $235,680 per year. Employers who do not pay beyond the maximum contributions base will need to be conscious of the higher amount.

Passage of Your Future, Your Super Bill We were disappointed with the passage of the Your Future, Your Super legislation in Canberra but fortunately Ai Group was able to help moderate some of the excessively intrusive precedents that would have been established.

As part of this legislation, there will be a major change to superannuation arrangements in respect of new employees. These will apply from 1 November this year (rather than 1 July as was originally proposed) and will apply only in respect of new employees who do not actively choose a superannuation fund.

From 1 November, employers will need to check with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whether a new employee already has a superannuation fund and, if so, will be required to pay super contributions into the existing (“stapled”) account. Employers’ default accounts will only be relevant if the ATO confirms that employees do not already have a superannuation account.

Federal election policy change opportunities With a federal election to be held late this year or early 2022, we will have many opportunities on behalf of employers to influence and contribute to the development of government and opposition policies in the months ahead. We’ll be working to ensure 2021/22 delivers a living with COVID strategy and that we emerge stronger and with a more diverse economy than when we went in. manmonthly.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2021 – COMPRESSORS, PUMPS & HYDRAULICS At the core of any manufacturing operation, are the working parts that keep the plant running.

In September 2021, we will look at the latest advancements in compressors, pumps, and hydraulics that are limiting downtime, and ensuring efficient operations.

In every edition of Manufacturers’ Monthly, we’re proud to work with our commercial partners on content that helps connect you with your future customers.

Booking deadline: 04 August 2021

To book contact DANNY HERNANDEZ now danny.hernandez@primecreative.com.au | 0431 330 232

Bolster Your Competitive Edge Streamline business processes, improve business performance and demonstrate your ability to meet customer needs with SAI Global.

As Australia's largest and most trusted JAS-ANZ accredited certification body, SAI Global have local teams throughout Australia to support your certification and training needs. Certification enables: New business opportunities

Tender & contractual compliance

Improved risk management

Minimise operational disruption

Contact Us For more information, or to find out how SAI Global Assurance can support your organisation, visit saiassurance.com.au

LET’S ROLL

2021 • EDITION 03

australian industrial businesses

FOOD AND FIBRE PRODUCTION with Simplicity

L

ike the namesake, Simplicity Australia’s equipment is designed to simplify agricultural practice.

And they do. Simplicity’s seeder machine is dubbed ‘Australia’s Favourite Air Seeder’ and the native manufacturer is a wellrecognised leader in its field, offering the largest range of air seeders in Australia and employing over 80 people.

Simplicity Australia’s name also reflects its humble beginnings. The first Simplicity air seeder being built in a backyard shed in the small town of Jandowae, Queensland

06

BRENTWOOD SHREDDING AWAY ALL BARRIERS The Shell LubeAnalyst service is playing an important role in preventive maintenance for Brentwood.

in the late 1970s, using a simple augertype metering system. That business was purchased by David Law in the early 1980s and it grew from the ground up in a very modest way, says General Manager, Troy Law, “with a core focus to design and manufacture high-quality planting equipment.”

It’s an approach that has been successful, and one that Troy attributes to his father.

“My father, David Law worked tirelessly to continuously develop our product and the manufacturing process to meet the diverse

08

DALBY BUSINESS LEADS ON TROMMEL TECH Timken SNT plummer blocks offer single solution for this trommel manufacturer in Dalby.

needs of Australian farming. The original little air seeder sold in our local area and into Central Queensland. Over time, that expanded to a national presence, which required a wide variety of machine sizes and capability” explains Troy. “Our product strength is based in focusing on quality, reliability, innovation and product support.

Today, our portfolio of planting equipment is extensive, and to my knowledge we offer the largest range of this type of air seeder in the world, with machines going from 1,500L through to 30,000L in many different formats.”

16

ON-DEMAND SEAL MACHINING Seal Innovation’s Interseal division provides on-demand and customised seal production.

AGRICULTURE

Detail of a small seed box on an air seeder

While air seeders and planting equipment are designed to complete the important planting process efficiently, they must also be robust and reliable to handle the varied conditions and critical timelines that modern broad acre farming demands. To ensure the machines they manufacture are both in line with their commitment to quality and reliability, Simplicity Australia relies on the expertise and supply of bearing and drive equipment provided by CBC. “We treat CBC as a company who specialise in bearing and drive systems.

When it comes to purchasing products in that field, CBC is a go-to for us because they supply a large spectrum of products and have quality brands in their portfolio,” Troy expands. “In particular, we have a long history with Warren Beale, who is currently the CBC OEM Manager, and someone we have consulted with for decades. When it comes to developing a product with a specific bearing or drive train requirement, CBC is at the top of our list in terms of who we contact.”

One of the key components Simplicity Australia trusts for use on its air seeder, is an NTN bearing.

“We use an NTN bearing within our metering system. This is where the product (seed or fertiliser) is metered out into the airstream,” elaborates Troy.

“Longevity and quality in a bearing is very important for us in that regard, and the NTN bearing is a good fit. Many years ago, we developed a sealing system in the metering unit in order to prevent damage from contaminants and erosion of the bearing in this application.”

Warren Beale, who runs the CBC OEM program, and works closely with Simplicity Australia, provides additional detail on this application.

“The main application of the NTN bearing solution is on the metering box. It’s a trailerlike assembly with a massive bin attached – the bin is full of seed and fertiliser and trails behind the tillage equipment. The seeds are blown out and the metering

PAGE 2 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

Longevity and quality in a bearing is very important for us in that regard, and the NTN bearing is a good fit. unit acts as a dosage system,” explains Warren. “This can be adjusted to suit the size of the seed, how often you want to seed, and at what distance.”

In conjunction and packaged with the Simplicity air seeder is their range of ground-engaging equipment, including the Allrounder, Territory and the SD-400 – which is a single disc planter. According to Troy,

supplying a world-class planting package is very important to Simplicity, in order for the company to compete on a domestic and international front.

“Our goals are kept simple by the awareness that our customers are constantly seeking the best farming practices and technology for their business. Their viability and profitability rely on efficiently and accurately planting their crop,” he says. “Understanding that drives us to continually develop our product, our manufacturing processes and our operational methods.”

It’s also meant that the Simplicity Australia machinery has been in high demand, particularly after a bumper season in 2020. As such, the company needs to ensure it has a ready and secure supply of componentry stock to meet their manufacturing needs. Warren makes sure this is the case.

“I’ve been working with Simplicity Australia for over 30 years and have an excellent understanding of everything they use, as well as a list of products and purchase

history that I maintain and refer to in our meetings,” explains Warren. “We meet regularly to discuss what is upcoming, how many machines are being built, and how many bearings will be required and then we schedule out stock that way.”

Our goals are kept simple by the awareness that our customers are constantly seeking the best farming practices and technology for their business.

Moreover, CBC take forward orders and help manage an inventory so that Simplicity Australia always have surplus supply to draw on.

“We regularly speak with their purchasing officer regarding theirs and our stock holdings of critical components for their manufacturing plant,” Warren expands.

“These are high volume sizes, and in some cases, they are unique items to Simplicity Australia that they cannot afford to be without, or it will jeopardise their manufacturing schedules.”

At these regular meetings, Warren and the Simplicity Australia team agree on an amount of stock CBC will hold strictly for them.

“They give us a covering order number and

draw down on that stock as required.

Similar to a ‘just in time’ practice,” says Warren. “This way they do not have the expense of having to purchase a season’s worth of stock each time, but also retain the security of having stock available to them at any time.”

Importantly, Simplicity Australia lean on CBC for engineering solutions too. It’s a level of trust that has developed over many years, and one that Simplicity Australia has come to rely on.

The Law brothers lead the Simplicity team.

Simplicity Australia offers a diverse range of combination, liquid/granular machines.

“Not too long ago, we had made an error in a design and CBC was the company we went to, to consult on technical solutions for that product,” concludes Troy. “We trust them for continuity of supply. The last 12 months have been very tricky when it comes to supply chain with COVID-19. Our longterm history with CBC has given us peace of mind in the face of this challenge.”

Liquid bin on an air seeder.

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 3

LET’S ROLL

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES

CONTENTS 10

14

KEEPING NORTHERN WATER’S DESALINATION EQUIPMENT TIP-TOP With generators and pumps for desalination systems often placed in humid environments, the choice of lubricants is critical.

18

20

LIFTING STANDARDS WITH AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED WINCHES Schaeffler INA bearings assist in ensuring ACW provides durable, fit-for-purpose winches.

Kew Agriculture Engineering using Fenner ironware to manufacture water drills, wine barrel rejuvenation and tilting wash stations.

29

REVOLUTIONISING THE INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE

MAXISAFE: MAKING SITE SAFETY GREAT

Revolution Industrial knows that one of the perks of being a large subsidiary company with an online store is being able to offer a lot more in the service area.

When the Philips brothers started Techware in 2003, they knew one thing for certain: safety never goes out of style.

12 From little things big things grow

17 Sealing the deal with experience

13 A resilient belt for demolition material recycling 15 Toledo pulling out all the stops on production

bsc.com.au

SUPPORT FOR THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COUNTRYSIDE

conbear.com.au

21 Going green and staying sweet 22 Making the haul easier 24 Tune it right: Easy guide to belt tensioning 25 Constant enhancements with X-life

websterbsc.com.au

/BearingServiceAustralia

/CBCBearingsAustralia

/WebsterBSCAustralia

/bsc-australia

/cbc-australia

/websterbsc

26 No horsing around when it comes to quality cutting tools 27 Increasing torque with the new Rexnord TLK 136t 28 Staying true to design 30 Product Showcase

sealinnovations.com.au /seal-innovations

motionasiapac.com 18 Worth St, Chullora NSW 2190

EXPERT PROFILE

MEET THE TEAM

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES

GLENN BURNEY, PRODUCT SPECIALIST Name: Glenn Burney Occupation: Product Specialist- Industrial and Engineering Supplies CQ/NQ Experience: More than 6 years at Industrial Solutions Australia Glenn Burney is the Product Specialist for Industrial and Engineering Supplies CQ/NQ at Industrial Solutions Australia, part of Motion Asia Pacific. His main focus is providing support and seeking alternative options for consumables and engineering supplies. He has a wealth of experience in operating and supplying industrial vending machines for sites, as well as informing our customers of our full range of products to ensure that we are providing the best suited products for their application. Glenn fosters positive and collaborative relationships with our customers as he emphasises the importance of increasing the value for our customers, past a product supply relationship. Glenn has developed through Industrial Solutions Australia as he has acquired many skills by holding various roles, including Sales Representative, Branch Manager, through to his current role which has allowed for many years’ experience. He is happy to help anyone and prides himself on maximising value for our customers.

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 5

LUBRICATION

BRENTWOOD SHREDDING away all barriers to growth

T

he waste and recycling industry in Australia is projected for growth and as it moves along that trajectory, one company in Unanderra, New South Wales, is particularly confident it can provide the industry with quality machinery for recycling.

By mid-2024, when the full waste export ban comes into effect, Australia must recycle around 645,000 additional tonnes of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres each year.1 This means demand for recycling infrastructure will grow substantially.

For Graham Badman, Managing Director of Brentwood Recycling Systems in Unanderra, near Wollongong, that vision justifies why his family business made the switch to design, supply and manufacturing of recycling equipment and turn-key recycling plants nearly 40 years ago.

Established in 1975 as Brentwood Engineering by Graham’s father, Jim Badman, Brentwood began its business by manufacturing low-bed trailers for carrying earthmoving equipment. When Graham joined the business in 1977 as a trainee engineer, Brentwood had already won around 40% of the Australian market for heavy trailers.

all types of material, from metal scraps to paper, cardboard and plastic. Their products are even sold across abattoirs and local councils. Brentwood also offers project design and manufacture in the form of turn-key projects and other associated equipment, from steel plate conveyors to belt conveyors, bounce conveyors and trommels.

In 1979, Brentwood acquired a licence for manufacturing industrial shredding machines and the father-son duo, both chartered engineers, began developing industrial shredding machines and material handling systems. By 1989, the recycling branch of the business had grown strong enough so that they decided to sell the trailer business and focus on expanding the shredding business further.

Graham says as for any successful business, having quality machinery and backing that with high-calibre engineering support has been key to the success of Brentwood Recycling Systems.

Today, Brentwood has built a reputation across Australia and New Zealand for manufacturing machines that can shred

PAGE 6 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

“Our shredding machines have a reputation for their high quality. Also, because we are designing and manufacturing here in Australia, that enables us to tailor and engineer our machines and plants to suit our customers’ requirements,” says Graham.

“The other factor that sets us apart from a

lot of the others is our service and back up support. We have all the spare parts for all the machines readily available. We can still maintain and service all of the machines we have made since 1979.”

To provide such level of service to their customers, Graham says working closely with suppliers like the CBC branch in Wollongong has been instrumental.

“Our relationship with CBC goes back to the late 70s, when we began purchasing bearings from CBC Wollongong. The relationship has continued all the way through that time. Having uninterrupted supply from a supplier that can offer many types of products, from bearings to lubricants, all under one roof, has been a great advantage for us.”

In particular, Brentwood pays great attention to the lubricants they use in their shredding and material handling equipment. Graham says complying with the recommended lubricants from the original equipment manufacturers has led him to using Shell lubricants for the shredders he manufactures and other site applications.

Jose Costa, Sales Representative at CBC Wollongong, has been supplying Brentwood with all industrial requirements for the past 30 years, including the Shell range of Omala gear oils for their gearboxes. He says the choice of the Shell oil came as a recommendation from the Italian gearbox manufacturer.

“Where CBC has been able to support Brentwood with their lubrication requirements has been through regular supply of Shell lubricants, in collaboration with our premium partners, Viva Energy,” says Jose.

Brentwood manufactures shredding and material handling equipment.

analysis reports that enable Brentwood to maintain a high level of service for their customers. She says the joint service provided by CBC and Viva Energy helps ensure maximum equipment reliability for Brentwood.

“The Shell LubeAnalyst service is an important part of preventive maintenance for all industrial plants. By collecting the oil samples from Brentwood and overseeing the testing process via an authorised laboratory, we help Brentwood minimise machine repair costs and improve safety standards in the recycling plants under their service,” Melissa explains.

Additionally, the Viva Energy Technical Helpdesk offers expertise to Brentwood and CBC Wollongong when needed.

Silvana Farrugia. Lubricants Technical Advisor at Viva Energy and valued member of the Technical Helpdesk, says the Shell Omala S4 WE polyalkylene glycol gear oil used by Brentwood in their gearboxes offers outstanding lubrication performance under severe operating conditions.

CBC and Viva Energy work hand-in-hand to help Brentwood with regular supply of lubricants, as well as providing technical support with oil quality analysis as part of the Shell LubeAnalyst service.

“Shell Omala S4 WE polyalkylene glycol gear oils offer energy efficiency, long service life and high resistance to micropitting. I always recommend using lubricant specified by the original equipment manufacturer,” she says.

Melissa Hendriks, NSW Field-Based Account Manager with Viva Energy, receives the Shell oil samples from Brentwood regularly and forwards oil

For Graham, it’s this kind of comprehensive support from CBC and the close collaboration between CBC and its partners like Viva Energy

It’s important to choose the right lubricant for a conveying application.

that keeps him loyal to his supplier.

“With the good service that we received from CBC, having them on-board with us is like having a one-stop-shop,” he says.

The future looks bright for Brentwood.

Graham says he expects huge growth in development of large-scale industrial plants, particularly in the demolition of construction material.

“We expect great growth in the industry over the next ten years and with our machinery, we know we can meet that demand.”

REFERENCE: https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/australiabill-banning-export-of-unprocessed-waste-enacted/

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 7

BEARINGS

LOCAL DALBY BUSINESS leading the way on trommel tech

A

few hours West of the Brisbane Central Business District, Thomas Manufacturing stands fortified in the industrial manufacturing hub of Dalby, positioned strategically on the cusp of agricultural, mining and oil and gas industries. West of Brisbane is Lockyer Valley, which is prime agricultural land and then after that the oil and gas industry reigns over.

Errol Thomas is the owner of Thomas Manufacturing. He is the third generation of his family to be involved in the crushing and mining industry. Errol started Thomas Manufacturing in 1997 after leaving the coal mining industry. As a supplier of crushing gear for the mining and recycling industries, Errol has since expanded the business to manufacture concrete batching plants, ship loading and unloading equipment, agriculture equipment and crushing and recycling equipment.

Thomas Manufacturing specialises in the design and manufacture of trommels,

Thomas Manufacturing makes trommels for screening and mixing materials.

which are large rotating barrels for screening and mixing. The company sells trommels to large potting mixing and mulch suppliers, also suppling to the C&D Waste separation company’s and concrete recycling. Anywhere where material needs to be separated and sized. Thomas Manufacturing can design a trommel to suit your application by changing

PAGE 8 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

screen sized and barrel dimensions.

Thomas Manufacturing also manufacture conveyors that feed trommels which then have discharge conveyors to stockpile sized materials. On all conveyors, there are bearing housings and gearboxes drives. Finding the right bearings solution for Thomas Manufacturing is where CBC Eagle Farm steps in.

Conveying equipment mounts to the trommel technology for moving materials.

one brand and looks much better for his customers,” he elaborates.

Errol has been happy with the results, especially from a technical standpoint.

“We put the SNT plummer blocks on all of our gear, from trommels to batching plants, conveyors and feeders.

Warren Beale, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Manager at the CBC Eagle Farm branch, has encouraged Thomas to make the switch from a mismatch of different brands of bearings to the Timken® SNT range. He explains how he provided the bearing solution to Thomas after meeting to discuss his machines and end-users.

Timken® offers the power of a single solution for rugged operations when there is a risk of bearings being breached by contaminants. The Timken® SNT plummer blocks provide cover from residual materials and shield the lubricants. They have a split-design cast iron or ductile iron housing option for the outside and a highperformance spherical roller bearing inside for an integrated setup.

“Before we switched them to the Timken® products, we were providing Thomas with components from all over and even though the products were good quality, it made the final product look mismatched,” explains Warren.

“Then, Timken® stepped forward to supply one brand. With the SNT plummer block, five to six items from Timken® go together to make one unit on a shaft. Now Thomas has everything they need for their setup in one drop. Before, they would have to thumb through looking for all the parts. Now, everything is in one box from

Warren has been working at CBC for more than thirty years. Of those years, he has worked with Errol for more than ten. He is still primarily responsible for ensuring continuity of supply for longstanding customers, such as Thomas Manufacturing.

The base of CBC’s Queensland customers all work in agriculture, mining, and transport. Warren’s position requires him to communicate with them frequently, manage supply flow for the right seasons, and ensure stock is always ready for the season.

“We did some training for the team at Thomas Manufacturing. The Timken® SNT bearings must be set at a special clearance. Too tight and they will bust, too loose and they will rattle on their shaft. We created these forms that provided quality assurance to customers so that they could guarantee they were installed correctly.

This helps save Thomas Manufacturing from sending someone out to sites to repair and replace the bearings,” says Warren. Speaking with him, it’s clear he loves what he does, and his pride in his work has proven results.

Thomas Manufacturing remains a local family business. Most of their team has stayed on for more than a decade and there is a sense of synergy between them all that makes business operations flow seamlessly. Solid work ethic all around is what keeps Thomas’s customers coming back.

Timken® SNT Range Features and Benefits • Durable housings engineered to perform.

• Large sizes (3000–3100 series) come standard in ductile iron for your toughest applications.

•T imken® Spherical Roller Bearings gain longer bearing life through premium performance from increased load-carrying capacity and cooler running temperatures •F our Seal Options: Choose from double-lip, labyrinth, V-ring or taconite designs

• Effective Lubrication: The lubrication system features a centre-mounted grease fitting matched to the bearing lube ring and holes, along with options for other grease fitting locations.

• Flexible Configurations: With many options to choose from, there’s a Timken® SNT split plummer block solution to meet all your needs.

• Depending on accessories, a single housing can be utilised for a variety of bearings based on capacity needs, in fixed or float positions, and open or closed with end covers.

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 9

LUBRICANTS

The Norther Water team has a combined experience of over 20 years in the water treatment industry.

KEEPING DESALINATION

equipment tip-top for Northern Water

A

dam Abel is a man of few words. But when asked to talk about the key strengths of his business, Northern Water, he speaks with confidence: “The knowledge and support that we give on our products.” This comment is backed by an impressive customer base, which includes: the Australian Navy, Australian Border Force and the Queensland Water Police.

Based in Cairns, Northern Water has been supplying, manufacturing and servicing water treatment equipment for over 17 years. Over this time, the business has built a rapport for having extensive product knowledge and topping this up with quality after-sales support.

With a combined experience of over 20 years in the water treatment industry, the team handles all aspects of design, manufacture, repair, installation, commissioning and maintenance of seawater and brackish water reverse osmosis plants. Northern Water’s experience also extends to micro filtration systems, all forms of sediment removal and numerous other water treatment technologies.

“We like to get it done right the first time,” says Adam. “Water treatment is a specialised field. No two customers are the same. So, whether it is installing seawater desalination systems on a remote island or providing high pressure pumps for large navy vessels, we always

PAGE 10 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

stand by our products and services.”

With a job as critical as water treatment, Adam says Northern Water must be selective in choosing industrial suppliers.

The BSC Cairns branch has been a trusted supplier for the business since its early days.

“We can’t just walk into a shop and say: ‘I’ll have one of those.’ There is a lot of homework behind everything that we purchase from BSC,” says Adam.

With BSC’s expertise on bearings – as Australia’s largest bearing and power transmission distributor, Adam says the technical support from BSC is crucial when dealing with sensitive projects, such as those for the Australian Defence.

“We utilise BSC’s expertise on the bearing side of things, as well as for belts, lubricants and other parts and components we require in our manufacturing,” says Adam. “BSC has always been able to support us with quick turnaround on orders. On occasions when we need documents and product specifications to supply to our customers in the Defence, BSC has been able to supply us the required information quickly and accurately.”

With generators and pumps for desalination systems often placed in humid, salty environments, the choice of the right lubricants for such equipment was something that Northern Water sought BSC’s advice on a few years ago.

“We were using a lubricant brand and we were looking for an alternative product. In consultation with BSC, we were able to identify the equivalent products from Gulf Western Oil, which met our criteria very well. We now use Gulf Western Oil products extensively in our remote generator units, as well on high-pressure pumps for vessels to keep them going,” says Adam.

Products such as the Gulf Western Oil Superdraulic 68 and Turboil 40 engine oil can be seen in bulk storage drums around Northern Water’s workshop. Adam says he is so pleased with the lubricants he even uses them in his own tractor for personal use.

“Gulf Western Oil is a good product. It does what it promises to do and that’s why we have stuck with it.”

Steve Keown, National Product Manager for Lubricants at BSC explains why Gulf Western Oil products are the perfect lubricants for Northern Water’s needs.

“Gulf Western Oil products are Australianmade and the feedback we have received from our customer base at BSC has always been very positive. Gulf Western Oil’s Turboil 40 engine oil has a low ash formulation which minimises the formation of deposit in sensitive two stroke diesel engines. The additive system is also designed so that the oil TBN remains high throughout the drain period protecting equipment against acidic combustion products,” says Steve.

“Similarly, Superdraulic 68 is an excellent hydraulic oil which has proven to have superior wear and corrosion protection,” he adds.

And with the type of applications where

Filtration equipment available through Northern Water.

Northern Water equipment get implemented, those features definitely become essential.

As Adam explains, the bar on lubricant quality and performance is set high with customers such as the Australian Navy and the Australian Border Force.

“We are sometimes asked to conduct oil sampling on our larger desalination plants. This is offered as part of our service package. But the Navy and the Border Force conduct the sampling processes themselves. If the oil doesn’t stand up, if the sample testing finds the oil is burnt or perished, we could get a notification that the high-pressure pump has had a high metal count. But luckily, we haven’t received any such calls as yet. There hasn’t been any issue with servicing schedules or reliability on any piece of equipment we have serviced and there is testing to support that,” says Adam.

Oil analysis is a service that the BSC team can also provide upon customers’ requests, Steve elaborates.

“An oil analysis program, which we can put in place for any plant in collaboration with Gulf Western Oil, ensures that oil changes happen when they need to not sooner, and not later. There are also additional benefits in oil analysis, apart from adjusting the oil change interval. A comprehensive test can tell us if any equipment has excessive wear or ingress into the oil and this in turn helps extend the oil longevity,” says Steve.

With a growing list of customers, Northern Water has its eyes set on growth. And as the business grows, Adam says the requirement

Northern Water is a supplier of water reverse osmosis equipment.

for quality products from BSC will remain strong.

“We are now planning to venture towards solar operated seawater desalination plants.

It’s something that we currently have the technologies for. And even though those plants will not require lubricants as they won’t have generators, there is always going to be demand for high pressure pumps for the Defence force, there is always going to be need for generators for the remote Aboriginal communities of Torres Strait Islands. That list of customers is growing all the time.”

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 11

BEARINGS

FROM LITTLE THINGS big things grow

W

hen the late John Wray first started Wray Engineering back in the 1960s, he built superchargers for cars in his backyard.

It was not long before word spread about his quick turn-around on repairs and maintenance and the company earned a reputation for customer service in Somerton Park, about a 20-minute drive outside of Adelaide heading towards the coast of South Australia.

John Wray hired John Still back in 1976 to work for him in the early days of business.

Eventually, they became business partners and now John manages the business with just three other employees. It has remained a small, local, family-owned business to this day.

“Over the years, we have managed to keep up word-of-mouth promotion. We keep a pretty a low-key presence online and do not advertise. We operate solely on referrals,” says John Still, the current owner.

Operating on referrals alone in the age of digital marketing is quite a feat. It means showing up consistently to provide reliable service.

“We do all kinds of repair maintenance for people across multiple industries now. We work in the food and beverage industry, the wool industry, elevator manufacturing. Each day is a new challenge. My team can fix anything,” says John.

“We also manufacture parts and machinery.

We look at old parts that could use improvements on the original designs.

Then we replace the old parts with new parts to prevent a breakdown in the future,” he says.

John frequents the BSC Lonsdale branch almost every day and has been going there for more than ten years.

“The Lonsdale branch is on the way home for me. I will do a site visit and do a redesign and then stop by BSC to talk to the guys there about what parts we can get ahold of to see if the design is possible.”

“We designed and built a machine for the

wool industry. The wool fibers pass from the top to bottom and all the seeds and debris get crushed up. BSC supplied the bearings and the sprockets for that machine.”

Steve Wilkinson is an Account Manager for BSC Lonsdale and recently provided John with an NSK wide inner ring bearing solution for a conveyor roller he was manufacturing.

“Wray Engineering are a small company that a lot of large companies rely on to keep their production running. They are innovative in their repair and redesign of machinery for their customers and known for continuous improvement,” says Steve.

“We always recommend NSK wide inner ring bearings because they are known for quality and reliability. They don’t use third parties manufacturing, so they have full control over the quality of their bearings, and this gives them longevity,” says Steve.

“On the Wray Engineering project, the old bearings they were using kept breaking down. The new bearings we supplied locked onto the shaft, which prevents wear and tear,” he explains.

The NSK wide inner ring bearings are versatile with a range of bearing and housing options, and they can be used in various applications. They are specifically designed for installation into the corresponding wide inner ring housings.

The bearing outer surfaces are spherical and match the inner surface of the housing.

This assembly arrangement means the unit is self-aligning which gives them an increased load capacity.

The NSK wide inner ring bearing range offers a triple seal design for severe contamination conditions in harsh environmental conditions. The bearings are versatile coming in various shapes and with different shaft locking capabilities.

“When a manufacturer is looking to extend the life of their applications, NSK wide inner ring bearings are something that ensures longer service intervals and lower return rates,” says Steve.

PAGE 12 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

Conveyor roller solution designed by Wray Engineering.

“Now John can carry on running his business with the confidence that he can put these bearings in his rollers and his customer’s not going to come back down the track and say they have failed,” he concludes.

John runs a tight ship to keep up with the demand. It is rare he misses a call.

Occasionally though, he does get the odd call.

“Someone rang us up the other day asking if John Wray still makes his superchargers for cars. I think it would have been the 1960s since the last time we actually made one,” remarks John, with fond recollection.

Engineer

Eddie’s Hot Tips

Features and Benefits • Secure fitting options • Self-aligning • Increased load capacity • Light weight • Easy mounting and dismounting • Easy bearing replacement • Ability to be re-lubricated

BELTS

Predator™ v-belts as a more effective drive solution for CCG’s conveyor applications.

“Compared with standard v-belt drives, the compact Predator™ drives provide up to 30% greater power capacity at half the width and weight, a third of the cost, and with no change in shaft loads. The result is a higher efficiency solution with reduced load on the shaft and bearings, and a pulley that are half the width,” explains Chula.

“In harsh, dry, and dusty conditions such as the CCG recycling centres, where belts are taking a lot of impact and trauma, a standard belt would last on average only about six months. Whereas the Gates Predator™ v-belts can be expected to last up to a year under such conditions.”

A RESILIENT BELT

for demolition material recycling

T

he City Circle Group (CCG) are well versed on the rough and tumble of harsh operating conditions. This is the result of being heavily involved in the recycling of building and construction waste for more than 40 years.

Since its inception in 1981 by the Skidmore Family, CCG has built a reputation in providing demolition, decommissioning, remediation, excavation, and recycling services in Australia. Over time, the business group has grown to offer a diverse range of expert services tailored to each project.

CCG’s culture has a strong regard for the environment, which is emphasised by the introduction of sustainable practices into all their business activities.

Until the mid-1990s, concrete demolition and brick rubble was consistently sent to landfills.

CCG was one of the first to pioneer the zero-waste when they established their first recycling centre in Melbourne in 1999.

Josh Ralston is the Recycling Operations Manager for the recycling side of City Circle Group. He is responsible for overseeing the CCG recycling centres operating across Victoria.

He explains why conveyor systems and other machinery used by the CCG team need to be particularly resilient in harsh working conditions.

“We crush down blocks of concrete as big as one metre by one metre down to 200-millimetre size,” says Josh. “From there, this crushed material runs along a conveyor system to another crusher called an impact crusher for further refinement.

All of the material we produce is VicRoads accredited and goes on to be implemented in the construction of roadways, pathways, driveways, and subdivisions.”

The process of dismantling, demolishing, and deconstructing a building is arduous and requires robust equipment that can handle large volumes of bricks, concrete blocks, steel rods, and debris.

At the CCG recycling centres, the materials received are crushed through jaw crushers which have Gates Predator™ v-belts driving them. The Gates Predator™ v-belts are Teflon® jacketed, with Aramid tensile cords inside, capable of handling 53 kW of power per strand and an increased load capacity.

According to Josh, the Gates Predator™ v-belts outlast standard belts by two to three times.

Chula Jayawardene, Technical Sales Specialist at CBC, Dandenong South visits the CCG site nearly weekly to help with supply of industrial components and engineering services from CBC. Chula explains why CBC offered the Gates

CCG has provided recycled products to notable projects as the Western Ring Road Freeway (M80), the Westgate Freeway widening project (M1), new residential developments, as well as government, municipal and commercial infrastructure projects.

CCG has some impressive figures to back up the success of their recycling operation. They employ 140 people and recycle approximately 1.5 million tonnes of material every year across three locations in Brooklyn, Dandenong, and Melton.

Gates Predator® V-belts Features and Benefits • 53.5 kW/strand drive power • Premium Rubber compound • Gates curves • Maintenance free • Aramid tensile cords easily handle shock loads • Bareback cover protects against slippage and punctures • Replace MTO 8V drives with Standard SPC ones • Oil and heat resistant chloroprene compound body, rated for 80°C, outperforms other rubbers in harsh operating conditions

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 13

CHAIN

SUPPORT FOR THE South Australian countryside

K

ew Agriculture Engineering is a family-owned and operated business that can be found nestled in McLaren Vale countryside, as part of the coastal wellspring that is the Fleurieu agriculture and wine region.

A sweeping landscape of rolling green hills, known for its vineyards, as well as its stunning views, the Fleurieu Peninsula garnered its name from French hydrographer, Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu. It has since become a popular tourist destination for those visiting the nearby city of Adelaide in South Australia.

Julian Kew has been the Owner and Manager of Kew Agriculture Engineering, formerly known as Oliver Engineering, for more than twelve years.

During this time, he has seen the local community in McLaren Vale flourish and the wine producers have excellent vintage seasons.

With the vast number of wine producers in the Fleurieu there is a need for a service to support the agricultural equipment in the local industry.

Kew is one such company, they provide specific expertise for repair, spare parts, service and manufacture of the agricultural equipment that the industry relies on.

A customer can go to them for an engineering solution and Kew will produce a design to meet their requirements.

“We specialise in producing agriculture equipment to support the growing body of industrial businesses here. This is big wine country, so we need to provide a service that is knowledgeable, prompt and dependable,” says Julian.

With support to Kew, Steve Wilkinson has been an Account Manager at the BSC Lonsdale branch in South Australia for more than eight years. During this time, he has worked closely with Kew and has fostered and maintained a long-standing relationship and has forged a bond between both businesses.

“Kew orders a range of products from us,” says Steve. “From workshop

The Kew Agriculture team at their workshop in McClaren Vale.

consumables, to bearings, chain and power transmission products. We recently sold them some Fenner stainless steel chain, which has gone into a machine belonging to one of their customers.”

The Fenner Group was founded in 1861

by Joseph Henry Fenner.

Today, Fenner is part of the Michelin group of companies, headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Fenner has over 150 years of history in the industrial manufacturing business, pioneering reinforced polymers and belt technology since the early days of coal mining.

Their long-standing history aligns with both BSC and Kew Agriculture in their unwavering approach.

Julian explains how he integrates Fenner products into Kew Agricultural Engineering products. “Fenner is a reputable chain manufacturer, and we use their products in the manufacturing of our water drills and other products for our customers. We do work across the farming industry. We use chains for many vineyard equipment requirements he adds.

We rely on BSC to supply us with a range of Fenner ironware products. Some are conventional products such as bearings, seals, sprockets, chains, but we also have some needs for less conventional products. We are particularly fond of the Fenner stainless steel sprockets.

PAGE 14 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

“BSC has proven to be a reliable supplier with excellent customer service.

They deliver promptly, and their local staff at Lonsdale are always knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.”

Steve has facilitated the supply of Fenner products to Kew at the BSC Lonsdale branch.

“The chain is only a small part of the Fenner range. We sell a lot of chains, pulleys, belts, and taper lock bushes to Kew regularly. They order Fenner ironware products in bulk, which they use either to replace worn-out parts for their customers’ equipment or to design new equipment.”

When it comes to Fenner ironware, Steve considers them one of the best available on the market.

“Fenner is economical, especially when you are talking stainless steel chains. It is a reliable product, has excellent quality, and certainly comes at a fair price point.

Not to mention, its versatility for different application purposes. There isn’t much more you could want from a range of products,” he says.

TOOLS

Toledo offers a range of modular pulling solutions suited to any application.

Our pullers go hand-in-hand with some of the bearings that BSC sells. It is a genuine puller solution offering through BSC,” says Luke.

TOLEDO PULLING

out all the stops on production

A

puller is like a mechanical arm for maintenance and production. If the puller breaks, then inevitably downtime will be extended.

“Anywhere there is a bearing fitted, you will find a puller,” says David Malthouse, Product Manager at BSC. Toledo, a registered brand of Tridon Australia, is a leading name in quality hand tools. According to David, some of BSC’s sales representatives have been working with the Tridon Toledo range for more than forty years.

“Tridon has a full range of bearing fitment tools. A lot of products need separation, housing, and gearboxes. To do that, it requires mounting and dismounting tools such as a puller. That’s where Toledo tools come in handy.”

The Toledo puller program, which BSC has had underway since the beginning of this year, will see the roll out of Toldeo stands to the entire network of BSC stores across the country.

The puller range from Toldeo is extensive, ranging from various sizes of three-leg pullers to hydraulic pullers, mechanical pullers, and axial split kits for pulling axles out of a vehicle.

“The Toledo product range has grown to over 3200 products over the years. The puller program across BSC will include a few hundred different Toldeo products,” says David.

The advantage with the Toledo range, according to David, is that their hydraulic

cylinders are interchangeable with their other products. Kits are modular which means there will never be just one kit on site. Parts can be mixed and matched to suit an application.

“Customers may have two or three kits on site and if they break a head unit, they can grab one from another kit, instead of having to reorder it or go to the shop,” says David. “Our branch managers like to have them because they can easily interchange them for supply, which is an advantage in remote areas.”

As the wrong puller can damage a bearing, David says the recommendation from BSC representatives helps customers purchase the right tool for their operation.

“The BSC people will often visit sites, have a look at the size of the product the customer is extracting or mounting, and make recommendations accordingly,” says David.

Luke Hayson, National Account Manager for Tridon, has been working with Toldeo products for more than twelve years and knows the series back to front.

On the secret to longevity and growth of the Toldeo puller range, Luke thinks quality of workmanship has played an important part. “Toledo pullers are manufactured from high-quality steel that makes them robust and strong. Our hydraulic RAM is oil filled and we have seal kits for them. We sell replacement parts for the seals in the event of a breakdown,” he adds.

Though professional tradies are well familiar with the Toledo name, Luke says DIY users also comprise a good share of customers.

“If someone is looking for a premium option, customers look at the Toledo brand as second to none. Tridon has engineers that can make recommendations on what product to use. They will usually recommend a Toledo product before anything else.”

Customers can expect to see a Toldeo stand coming into every BSC branch across Australia very soon. According to David, the implementation of the Toledo puller program should reach its completion by the end of 2021.

Toledo Features and Benefits • Designed for easy removal of bearings, pulleys, gears and sprockets • Working capacity of up to 10 tonnes

“Toledo is a 75-year-old brand. We have been dealing with BSC for as long as I can remember. For as long as BSC has been around, we have been proudly partnered up with them and we make a really good partnership,” says Luke.

• Twin and triple head sets

“The Toledo puller range is one of our premium ranges. It’s an exciting time because we are in the process of expanding network-wide to BSC stores.

• Supplied in custom moulded high-grade EVA foam for safe and secure storage

• Interchangeable parts for an infinite number of applications • Ideal for most automotive, agricultural, industrial, marine and mining

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 15

SEALS

The Interseal team uses CNC machinery to produce over 15, 000 parts per year.

SEALING THE DEAL with experience

C

ustomised machined seals can prove invaluable for engineers and maintenance technicians when replacements for worn out or out-dated seals are not readily available. Madeto-order seals are also widely used by engineers when prototyping new designs.

But machining new seals is not as simple as cutting a new set of keys – though sometimes it can be as quick. Not only are the CNC machines used for seal cutting a lot more complex, designing the perfect seal profile and choosing the right material requires extensive knowledge that only comes with experience in seal production.

That knowledge and experience is what Interseal, the machined seals division of Seal Innovations, can provide.

Seal Innovations, the sealing and gasketing branch of Motion Asia Pacific’s group of businesses, has a history in seal manufacturing that goes back to the 1950s. With the advent of machined seals and growth in the market for speedy seals solutions, the custom machined seals division of Seal Innovations was formed to offer customer with single stop solutions.

Established in 2008, Interseal began its operations with two state-of-the-art rapid-production CNC lathe machines at the Interseal workshop in Sydney’s Castle Hill. In 2009 and 2010, Seal Imports and Ramseals were acquired, which added three more CNC machines to its assets.

In addition to new assets, these acquisitions brought with them extensive

PAGE 16 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

acquired knowledge to the business, as Interseal Product/ Engineering Specialist David Harley explains.

“Some of our team members have been working in the sealing and manufacturing industry since 70s and 80s. With the subsequent acquisitions, we also brought on people who had more than 20 years’ experience in the seals machining industry.

This means we now have so much cumulative experience and dedication among the team,” says David.

Where and how this experience comes into play is best explained by Alain St Vincent, Production Manager at Interseal Sydney branch.

“There are other companies that can

custom-machine seals, but the fact that we have such a vast technical background means we can understand the customers’ needs, and that’s the reason we can respond so quickly. Every job that we do is unique. It can be as simple as machining a standard seal, which we can do in minutes, or it may involve designing a special seal, starting with profile design and following it up with field testing,” says Alain.

“No matter how complex a project is, we have always stood by the quality of our seals. We don’t use cheap materials and we don’t settle for anything but perfection, a machined seal does not leave the factory if we are not a 100% satisfied with the end product, 99% is simply not good enough.”

Today, Interseal has five CNC machines located across Australia – including three in Sydney, one in Brisbane and one in Perth. The business has also expanded to New Zealand, where two more machines are located. This gives Interseal the ability to produce over 15,000 parts per year, ranging from wipers to rod seals, piston seals, rotary seals, static seals, gaskets, o-rings, bearing rings and more. Special seal profiles up to 600 millimeters in diameter and seals in cut or glued format are among the team’s capabilities.

Having such a wide footprint across Australia enables Interseal to service its customers on short notice, as Seal Innovations National Key Account Executive, Raj Jadow, explains.

“The best thing with having machines located in different cities is that we can make optimum use of our machines depending on the demand. So let’s say if our machines in Sydney are all occupied but our machine in Brisbane is idle, we can forward the jobs to Brisbane to make sure the machine is used at an optimal level.

Also, if somebody has an after-hours job in Sydney that requires next day delivery, we can get the job done in Perth and deliver it to the customer by noon of the next day.

These are some of the benefits we can provide to our customers,” says Raj. A milestone for Interseal came when the

Seven Hills branch was audited by HACCP Australia Services in 2010 and received HACCP certification for following safety and hygiene practices in the manufacturing processes. This further broadened the business’ capabilities, enabling it to produce parts for a wider range of industries, from mining to food and beverage and pharmaceuticals.

A majority of Interseal’s services are to customers of Seal Innovations’ sister companies, CBC and BSC. This includes machining moulded rubber and plastic components for manufacturers for rapid prototyping, as well as for original equipment manufacturers and re-designing replacement seals for a wide array of industries, from hydraulics and pneumatics to mining, rail, and general industries.

Interseal also has big plans for expansion, as Raj adds further.

“We are looking at investing in a threeaxis machine, which will allow us to manufacture much more complicated parts, including the ability to make 1000-millimetre seals. We are also constantly modernising our tools and equipment and we are hoping to expand our machining locations to Adelaide and Melbourne in the near future.”

Alain wraps it up well with his take on the secret to Interseal’s success over the years.

“We are the only machined sealing company I know that provides samples on large orders to determine functionality before commencement of full production.

If a customer places an order for 100

Interseal locations across Australia allow for stock to be ready on short notice.

seals, I make samples for fit and trial and only once the customer approves, do we progress with completion of the order. If, for any reason, they are not happy with the performance, we don’t charge for the sample. That’s how confident we are in the quality of our products and what we do.”

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 17

SHEAVE BEARINGS

LIFTING STANDARDS with Australian Certified Winches

G

which also came to include the Schaeffler INA SL 045 series of bearings.

rant Barrett set up Australian Certified Winches four years ago to address an industry issue – to design and manufacture industrial winches that are truly fit-for-purpose.

“Far too often incorrect winches are designed into a system because they are either readily available, or they are promoted that they will ‘do the job’,” explains the Director and Founder, who has 25 years’ experience in the field. “However, in most cases the winch is not suited to the task and does not have the correct documentation and certification to operate under appropriate regulation.”

Which is why Australian Certified Winches works closely with their clients to gather all project information and match the appropriate winch solution to their requirement. This often involves custom design and manufacture.

“We’re an Australian-owned and operated OEM that caters to the marine, mining, utilities and construction industries,” says Grant. “We make our own designs inhouse, and build them to correct industry standard.”

Cutting corners is not an option for the Australian manufacturer, and that comes down to the bearing components used on Australian Certified Winches products.

This is where Grant looks to his local BSC branch in Yatala for expertise on bearings and rope sheaves.

“The branch manager, Garry Spinks, delivers a personal service, where he goes out of his way to make sure we have what we need,” explains Grant. “Since we make

Schaeffler INA SL 045 series bearing.

things that go round, we obviously need bearings. As such, we’re predominantly sourcing bearings and seals, as well as sheaves from BSC.” Just as Australian Certified Winches provide the right winches to the right application, so do they rely on the right bearings for their winches. This is where the product knowledge and expertise of BSC proves invaluable.

“Our branch currently has three senior staff who collectively boast close to 95 years of experience in the industry,” says Garry. “The advantage of having this staff experience is that it allows us to work on the more involved customer requirements.

In the case of Australian Certified Winches, we’ve developed a good relationship based on our service and expertise.”

More recently, Australian Certified Winches required a large number of sheave units that needed to be custom made to meet Australian code. Josh Price, who is the Design Hub Manager for BSC, worked together with Garry to fulfil this request,

PAGE 18 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

“For every sheave we supply to Australian Certified Winches, there is a corresponding bearing requirement. We recommended and supplied the Schaeffler INA SL 045 series bearings,” explains Josh. “These are a sheave bearing, and we often use this particular sheave bearing. It’s a premium bearing, and when you are trying to design something to last 15 years, you only want to use quality products.”

In particular, the INA SL 045 series are suited to high load applications.

“What makes the INA SL 045 series bearings special is they are an extremely high radial load bearing,” he expands.

“We also use these bearings because they offer superior sealing and clean steels, which contributes to the life expectancy of our products and therefore the Australian Certified Winches products.”

It’s the BSC team’s commitment to providing quality products – such as the Schaeffler sheave bearings – that are fit-for-purpose to Australian Certified Winches, that ultimately enable Australian Certified Winches to fulfil their purpose: supplying fit-for-purpose, high quality winches to Australian industry.

“When Australian Certified Winches take on a project, they are committed to ensuring the longevity and quality of that product,” concludes Garry. “And at BSC, it’s our job to support them in their endeavour through the supply of high-quality components such as the Schaeffler sheave bearings, and through exceptional service.”

ENGINEERING

SHEAVE SOLUTION is a cinch for custom winch application

“W

e have a higher standard of quality that we stand behind, and I believe that’s why Australian Certified Winches – a respected and sought-after OEM for custom winches – chooses us,” exclaims Engineering Design Hub Manager, Josh Price.

It’s Josh’s job to oversee any design or fabrication work undertaken by BSC and ensure it meets both the company’s elevated standards and “the high standard expected from our customers.” Recently, this included an order from Australian Certified Winches for a number of customdesigned sheaves.

“Australian Certified Winches have been a customer of ours for the past four years.

We primarily provide roller side bearings and housings that will support their rope drums,” he explains. “Recently, however, we supplied an order for them which included sheaves at various grades made to Australian code – this was for an offshore application. They know and trust us to supply a quality product and to deliver on time, which is why we received this special order.”

According to Grant Barrett, Director of Australian Certified Winches, the sheaves are part of a series of custom winches that have been made for various ship-loading applications in an offshore mining operation.

Typical to the projects that Australian Certified Winches takes on, the winches for these offshore applications needed to be made to certain codes and standards, including the sheaves employed on the wire rope. As an experienced customer of BSC, Grant made an enquiry with his local branch, which resulted in an order for the tailor-engineered sheaves.

“While my company has only been in operation for the last four years, I’ve been building winches for over 25 years – and originally, on the Gold Coast with a company called Jaden Engineering, who specialised in marine and trawler winches,”

explains Grant. “Back in the 90s, we used the BSC Gold Coast branch exclusively as our bearing and sheave supplier. Now, I primarily deal with Garry Spinks up at the BSC Yatala branch who delivers this same personal service.”

Garry indeed followed up with the relevant engineering personnel at BSC, which led to Josh at the Engineering Design Hub in Eagle Farm, Queensland.

“My customer is every BSC branch across the country; I support them and their customers with design and fabrication needs,” Josh points out. “Often I’ll be in contact with the end customer to make sure we are as responsive to their requirements as possible.”

Australian Winches makes custom made sheave solutions.

This was the case with Australian Certified Winches.

Garry Spinks, Internal Sales Lead at BSC Yatala, elaborates on these customer benefits.

“Australian Certified Winches works primarily in the mining industry and the sheaves are being used for ‘gravity takeups’ which is a large suspended weight that is used through a pulley system to apply a tension load to a conveyor belt,” Josh expands. “The sheave units we supply to them are fully-custom-made here in Sydney Australia including all the casting and machining, the assembly and painting.”

The sheaves are integral to the winches that Australian Certified Winches then manufacture and sell to their customers in the mining industry. And as these customers are often offshore, they need to prove their value in a highly price-competitive market.

“We have always been a quality supplier.

We are often not the cheapest option due to our manufacturing methods and standards, but we choose quality over price whenever we can,” explains Josh. “We make cast-iron sheaves that provide a longer service

life to customers and are more reliable, which makes up the difference on the initial investment.”

“The major benefit to Australian Certified Winches comes from our capabilities as a company with the product knowledge and manufacturing abilities to assist him at all levels from the enquiry to the supply,” he expounds. “Our branch is strongly aligned with industrial customers such as Australian Certified Winches and these relationships are based heavily on the service we provide over pricing.”

Having said that, Garry points out that BSC is always willing to work with customers on a payment plan to ensure their upfront costs are manageable.

“Most recently with our large sheave order, BSC agreed to payment terms that were beneficial to both parties, and helped considerably with my cash flow,” Grant explains. “As a small business where cash flow is often a challenge, this type of support is appreciated.”

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 19

ECOMMERCE

what one can expect visiting the Revolution Industrial website.

“Our live chat window, which opens within seconds of opening our website, helps customers in finding the products they need or asking their technical questions from our customer relationship management team.

Outside of business hours, the Revolution Industrial chat bot is always online and ready to help customers locate products.”

REVOLUTIONISING

the industrial experience

R

evolution Industrial is aptly named.

One of the perks of being a large subsidiary company with an online store is being able to offer a lot more in the service area with a wide collection of products. Since it was founded in 2012, the business has literally revolutionised shopping for industrial products, stocking products from major industrial brands: Loctite, Gates, FAG, 3M, CRC and Shell to name only a few. With a national warehousing capability, they can move products in volume and get nearly anything on special order on request.

The business, which caters to industrial needs of professional tradespeople as well as general consumers, has seen exponential growth since day one due to their unique approach to salesmanship. Being acquired

by BSC, Australia’s leading supplier of bearings, power transmission and industrial products in 2015, Revolution Industrial enjoys a unique position in terms of supply chain and operational resources.

Marc Lloyd, Revolution Industrial’s eCommerce Manager, says the digital shopping platform has seen a surge in demand, particularly in recent years.

Last year, Marc says, Revolution Industrial found themselves receiving orders for welding and fabrication gear from all over Australia, as consumers found extra time to pursue personal DIY projects or reinvent their home workshops.

“We saw this as an opportunity to improve our customers’ shopping experience, ensuring customers would keep coming back. Our approach has been in line with the

Marc believes the rapid growth of Revolution Industrial is the sum of quality customer service and extensive product knowledge.

“We strive to offer exceptional customer service and pride ourselves on maintaining great relationships with our customers. The product expertise is there as soon as you log on and available instantaneously. We also take care in replying to requests on our Facebook page and we respond quickly to direct messages over Instagram. This provides customers with a wide range of options for contacting us with their order requests,” he adds.

“We stock a wide range of products because we have access to every product available through BSC’s distributors across Australia. We like to be able to give access to the right tools at the right price. Whether a business is just starting up a workshop, or a customer is working on a project at home and needs some welding equipment for fabrication, we have the right tools to support them,” says Marc.

A onestop shop for thermal imaging for the job site.

trend of the current age. People who never used to buy online are now buying online, and they don’t want to go back now that they see how convenient it is,” says Marc.

In addition to a background in commerce and finance, Marc also brings with him experience in the field of web development which is useful for working with an online platform.

According to Marc, the Revolution Industrial online shopping experience is modelled to include all of the benefits of in-store shopping. He provides a good overview of

PAGE 20 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

How Revolution Industrial manages their inventory is through an enterprise resource planning software. A team in Sydney catalogue the stock at distribution centres and provide a live feed for what is available at partnering distribution centres.

“As far as adding new products to the website, we are in constant communication with our product managers. Our product managers give us the hot gossip on new products coming in and what’s new from all of our partners,” says Marc.

As Revolution Industrial has discovered, communication is the cornerstone when it comes to eCommerce platforms. Add to that, price matching, impeccable service, and a 30-day return policy on all products, there is not much more one could ask for from an online shopping experience.

INDUSTRIAL CLEANING

GOING GREEN

and staying sweet

T

ropico understands better than most businesses that when sugar dries, it sticks to everything. This can make cleaning the equipment a challenge without the right type of cleaning product.

Since 1961, Tropico Fruits has produced juices, purees and concentrates from tropical fruits grown in Australia’s Sunshine state of Queensland, with their products favoured across the country.

They locally source their mangoes, guavas, passion fruits, pineapples, figs, and strawberries, transforming them into what is called ‘stabilised fruit prep’ in the industry.

This mixture becomes the flavouring that goes into food products such as yoghurt, syrups, cookies, smoothies, and ice cream.

Recently, the company has expanded its business centred around food preparation. This prompted them to look for environmentally-friendly cleaning processes, with the aim of going green from the top down.

Tropico’s machines often run for 18 hours a day in the production area so the cleaning process can be extensive and harsh. The sugars, in combination with solvents and detergents erode metals and can damage components such as roller bearings, threatening to cause breakdowns and extended downtime.

“We needed a parts cleaning solution that would eliminate any risk of chemical exposure to our site workers and be able to accommodate the volume and load capacity we require to meet our workshop needs,” says Dean Carter, Maintenance Supervisor for Tropico.

With this in mind, Dave Harwood, a Technical Sales Representative at the CBC branch in Namboor, stepped in to offer the CRC SmartWasher solution to Tropico.

Tropico uses the SmartWasher machine in the process of cleaning machine parts to remove the sugar build ups that naturally occur on their conveyor applications.

The CRC SmartWasher uses a bioremediating formula, called OzzyJuice® to clean grease and oil removed from parts. The OzzyMat® Filter transfers fresh microbes to the OzzyJuice® cleaner and trap particulates preventing them from contaminating the OzzyJuice® solution.

“It eats away the sugars and brings up our parts pristine. In many cases they work better than standard products,” says Dean.

Using SmartWasher, Tropico has also eliminated another risk, Dean explains.

“We have eliminated the fire risk that using solvent-based cleaning baths posed.

The CRC bioremediation technology has

removed the cost to filter and helped us dispose of solvents on site. We can move the SmartWasher around the site easily by unplugging it and rolling it around. The castors lock it stationary. This allows for proactive maintenance.”

The CRC SmartWasher is part of the CRC Greenlight program, which offers a diverse range of environmental cleaning products that are smart, safe, and effective.

“The Greenlight program is a combination of food grade products from CRC, which include the SmartWasher solution. Each product is shipped with corresponding cupboards, signs, and standard guidelines for auditing purposes. This ensures the company is aligned with standard practice for food safety and aware of what makes these products natural and biodegradable.

We want to make sure our customers get on board with the benefits of going green,” explains Dave.

“We are gradually implementing the Greenlight program, including upgrading to food grade silicones, greases, and machine oils, which are all fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly,” says Dean.

“CRC products have exceeded our expectations. We are more than happy with the life cycle cost saving this program has offered us,” he concludes.

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 21

TRAILER HIRE

MAKING

the haul easier

W

ayne Miller, National Business Manager for U-Haul Australia, says the company is on a mission: to exceed all expectations of trailer hire and to provide the best trailer hire experience in Australia. Which is why U-Haul Australia does not skimp on the quality of parts used on their trailers.

“If you’ve got trailers crossing through some of Australia’s most desolated sections, such as the Nullarbor or the Hay Plains, you do not want to risk those trailers breaking down,” Wayne stresses. “With cheaper bearings, failure invariably happens. And we can’t afford that with our customers – so we take a very proactive approach to ensure their trailer hire experience is a simple, seamless, and positive one.”

As a family business that is 100% Australian owned and operated, Wayne points out that U-Haul Australia is serious about delivering on its promise to “make local and one way hire a better experience for all Australians.”

Part of this is led by innovation, which includes their “live” online booking system, which allows for 24/7 one-way interstate bookings – a service no other provider can

UHaul Australia offers fast, easy, trailer solutions nationwide.

match. But it is also due to the fact that the company, which is Australia’s largest trailer hire company, has a no-compromise attitude to quality. These combined factors are probably what is driving demand for U-Haul Australia’s trailers.

“Australians are on the move – we’ve seen a significant increase in trailer hire since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted last year – and for us at U-Haul Australia, that means we have trailers going from one end of Australia to another, and quite often,” Wayne explains. “To have a cheap bearing

PAGE 22 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

cause a trailer breakdown is not only going to translate to a bad customer experience but will prove costly to us in terms of recovering the trailer.”

According to Wayne, U-Haul Australia switched to using Timken tapered roller wheel bearings a number of years ago on the recommendation of their go-to CBC branch in Nambour. The performance and reliability of the Timken bearings has been impressive, to the extent that the majority of U-Haul Australia trailers use Timkenbranded wheel bearings.

Importantly, Dave says the CBC and U-Haul Australia values are aligned – both companies have a very customer-focused approach and are committed to quality.

Australians are on the move – U-Haul Australia has seen significant increases in trailer hire since COVID-19.

challenge for us, as well as an expensive and time-consuming undertaking.”

“To have a cheap bearing cause a trailer breakdown is not only going to translate to a bad customer experience but will prove costly to us in terms of recovering the trailer.”

“As our Service Manager Glen puts it – we don’t have the luxury of using cheap products,” expands Wayne. “And this includes cheap bearings, which don’t provide the quality and consistency we need. When we needed a higher quality bearing our representative at CBC Nambour was able to work with us to achieve this end goal.”

The U-Haul Australia trailers are also designed to be tough. As the company offers a guaranteed one-way interstate hire service, each individual trailer can expect to see a lot of Australia in its life cycle. Hence, the trailers require heavy duty bearings.

Having experienced issues in the past with bearing failure, Wayne says the company turned to CBC for a solution. Their local branch is not only a trusted supplier of quality bearings but they also view CBC staff as genuine solution providers.

“Our main headquarters and our largest workshop is on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and so our local CBC branch is Nambour. We’ve been working with the CBC Nambour branch since we moved our key operations here, which is probably close to 8 years ago,” Wayne explains. “We order the bulk of our supplies for all states through this one branch because of the rapport we’ve built with them and the quality of service and product they provide to us.”

Wayne elaborates on the challenges that arise if a trailer does break down.

Dave Harwood, Technical Sales Representative at CBC Nambour, has been working with U-Haul Australia since they moved their primary workshop to the Sunshine Coast.

“Even though we have the largest footprint across Australia – with over 1,100 U-Haul locations nationwide – there are some distances in Australia where there is nothing but a great expanse of land between one town and the next,” he says. “In the event of a trailer breaking down in one of these areas, organising the pick-up and removal of that trailer can prove a real logistical

“The relationship I have with the U-Haul Australia Service Manager and Workshop Manager is strong, and I have great support from my peers in delivering services and products to them,” Dave says. “We make monthly calls and help identify other products with them that could be of benefit, or perhaps required in their other workshops throughout Australia.”

“Understandably, the U-Haul Australia Service Manager, Glen, expects the same level of high customer service and efficiency that U-Haul deliver to their customers,” Dave notes. “We’ve proven ourselves over these last number of years, providing exceptional service, long-lasting, quality products, and in providing solutions that reduce their maintenance costs and help protect their brand. In return, they’ve been very loyal customers to us.” The partnership is certainly based on mutual respect.

“The CBC staff have bent over backwards to help us with any issues we’ve experienced in the past,” says Wayne. “The relationship between our Service Manager, Glen, and Dave Harwood at CBC Nambour is particularly worth a mention. Glen describes the service provided by Dave as ‘sensational’ and that whenever problems arise, Dave is the ‘fix it’ man that Glen relies on to sort the issue out.”

In fact, it was Dave Harwood that first suggested the Timken wheel bearings for the U-Haul Australia trailers.

“They were having issues with bearing failures due to the heavy usage throughout Australia. They needed a quality bearing that could ensure longevity and superior performance,” he explains. “I recommended a Timken tapered roller bearing set as a solution because of its premium quality and performance. The customer has seen the benefits of these since we implemented them – increased efficiency with minimal friction, heightened durability, reliability and enhanced overall performance.”

The Timken bearing solution has been more than vindicated out in the field.

“Since U-Haul Australia have been using these Timken sets – which is for about 6 years – there have been no product complaints,” enthuses Dave. “That means there has been fewer breakdowns, which translates to improved customer confidence in the U-Haul Australia brand.”

Ultimately, this is the type of end result that CBC wants to provide to U-Haul Australia – one that will help them achieve their mission of exceeding expectations and providing peerless customer experiences.

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 23

BELTS

TUNE IT RIGHT:

Easy guide to belt tensioning

A

djusting tension in a drive belt can be a lot like tuning strings on a guitar.

That is given the right tools are at hand to provide correct tension readings on the belt, and accurate calculations to determine the tensioning parameters.

Both of those aspects are easily taken care of with Gates’ 508C Sonic Tension Meter and the Gates’ Design Flex®ProTM drive design software.

As Gates Australia Business Development Manager Iain Street elaborates, the 508C Sonic Tension Meter can determine precise tension in Gates’ v-belts and synchronous belts by inputting the required belt frequency, as well as three simple parameters: the belt mass, the belt width and the belt span length.

To determine the optimal belt frequency for any drive design, the Gates Design Flex®ProTM design software is the go-to tool for all drive engineers that can provide them with the required 508C Sonic Tension Meter frequency for any belt drive in a simple report. Manual calculation can also be used to determine the frequency.

But, as Iain points out, there are tips and tricks to using the tool correctly that can ensure accurate belt set-up. Firstly, he says the attachments on the 508C Sonic Tension Meter should be selected with due consideration for the application.

“The standard sensor for the 508C Sonic Tension Meter is a microphone that ‘listens’ to the vibrations in the belt. This is the same principle used for tuning guitar strings. You set the desired vibration frequency in the Tension Meter, tap the belt span to make the belt vibrate and bring the microphone sensor close to the belt without touching the belt.

The green LED light will continue to flash until a signal is received by the sensor. After the signal is processed, the measured belt tension is displayed.”

However, for noisy environments where high level of ambient noise may interfere with the reading, Iain suggests replacing the microphone sensor with an optional inductive sensor.

“The optional cord type inductive sensor relies on a magnetic field rather than on sound waves. This allows tension measurements to be taken in both noisy and windy environments. For the inductive sensor to function, a magnetic field must be present on the belt. This can be easily accomplished by taping a small magnet to the back of the belt.”

There are other minute factors that Iain says can impact the accuracy of tension measurements. For example, tension measurement should occur at the centre of the belt’s span. Measurement too close to the pulleys can give false readings.

“Also, the Gates’ Tension Meter and our Design Flex®ProTM program are set up to be used on Gates’ products. When people use them on inferior belts, sometimes they don’t get accurate readings. And that’s why it’s important to always use Gates’ products!”

Iain notes.

The Gates 508C Sonic Tension Meter is available as part of the Gates maintenance kits, accompanied by other tools and gadgets that facilitate easy drive installation and maintenance. In Australia, CBC branches are a key distributor for Gates’ power transmission belts and drive accessories.

Steve Hittmann, CBC National Product

PAGE 24 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

Manager for Mechanical Drive Systems, says the Gates EZ Align® laser alignment tool is often used in conjunction with the Gates Sonic Tension Meter while setting up drive systems.

“The Gates EZ Align® tool is an ideal tool when setting up any belt-pulley system.

Using it, technicians can simultaneously monitor all three types of pulley misalignment, which are vertical, horizontal and axial misalignment, to increase alignment accuracy,” says Steve.

“Incorrect belt tensioning and pulley misalignment are the two major causes of belt failure in any industry. CBC and Gates have years of experience in providing technical support to help prevent premature belt failures. When facing any issues with their belt drives, we recommend our customers consult their CBC representatives, who can help resolve the issues in consultation with Gates.”

Engineer

Eddie’s Hot Tip

Before beginning pulley alignment, examine potential causes of belt or pulley failure and correct them to prevent recurrence.

Some causes of failure could include poor drive maintenance, environmental factors, improper installation, or operating factors.

BEARINGS

CONSTANT

enhancements with X-life

A

s the foundation of all industrial applications, the business of bearings is one of continuous improvement. From the design of components such as the roller and cage features, to surface finishing, to sizing; the intricacies of a bearing are many and varied.

Schaeffler Australia is a company that focusses on honing the design and technology for each line of products they supply. The drive to improve their products and having ownership over engineering decisions is what inspired the launch of X-life series, with the bearing series recently passing the ten-year mark.

As Engineering and Quality Manager for Schaeffler Australia, it is Andreas Pieper’s job to promote the X-life series in Australia. Andreas recently highlighted the history of X-life developments in a training presentation he delivered to suppliers across Australia, including the team at CBC, getting them up to speed on the latest technology and developments. CBC branches across Australia have been distributing X-life products since their inception.

“For X-life, we do a lot of testing to verify and quantify what kind of improvements are generated by our changes over a period of time. We introduce production technology to the different factories.

This goes along with investment planning, commissioning machinery, and training the teams,” Andreas explains.

Presently, nearly 60% of Schaeffler products are classified as X-life – meaning they have been improved and enhanced in terms of both design and manufacturing. As Andreas adds, there are two more elements Schaeffler is currently working on.

“These include expanding the spherical roller bearing X-life quality to the 233 series and introducing X-life into large sized spherical roller bearings,” says Andreas.

There are six major bearing types in X-life products: radial spherical roller bearings, axial spherical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, ball bearings, spherical plain bearings, and cylindrical roller bearings. Depending on the series, there are certain characteristics that have been applied to improve their overall performance in an application. A higher dynamic load rating means that an X-life bearing running under the same application as its competitors will operate for a longer nominal life because it can take the given load better and has more capacity.

“The customer pays the same price for a bearing that can do more. In a greater context, the cost of a bearing is only a fraction of the cost of the activity to replace bearings. It requires a technician to get the gearbox out of the machine, dismantle

the gearbox, replace the bearing, put the gearbox back together, transport it back to the mine site. This costs much more than the bearing itself. In the course of ten years, if a customer only had to do this two times, rather than three times, there is a huge cost saving,” says Andreas.

Improved surface features of the raceways and roller elements on the bearings, means lower friction. Andreas explains, “This makes the bearing generate less heat from friction, which means lubricants will last longer.

Lubricants age more quickly with heat. Less friction also means you need less power to rotate the machine, which means reduced energy consumption.”

Another energy saving characteristic is an increase in product robustness.

X-life bearings are more resilient in challenging operating conditions such as high speeds, vibration, centrifugal forces, and shock loads. Andreas provides an example.

“Conveyor belts can be kilometers long and they all run on conveyor rollers which are supported by two bearings. If each bearing has less friction, and you have ten thousand bearings in a system, that is a lot of reduction in emissions.”

CBC continues to work closely with Schaeffler to broaden their supply for the X-life series, facilitating expertise to achieve a new standard of quality bearings for industrial applications.

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 25

CUTTING TOOLS

NO HORSING AROUND

when it comes to quality cutting tools

O

ften there’s history as well as meaning in a company name.

Certainly, that’s the case with PFERD, a fifth-generation business whose beginnings are founded in the production of files for horse hooves.

PFERD, which translates to horse in German, honours these roots some 200 years later as a renowned brand for the development and production of surface finishing and material cutting products.

They’ve been partnered with BSC for 18 years as a key supplier of abrasives and cutting tools.

“PFERD is a name synonymous with quality – their original products, which were hand files, go back to the nineteenth century,” says Michael Rowe, BSC’s product manager for abrasives. “Our partnership with PFERD goes back to nearly 18 years and over this time, we have developed a fair bit of understanding of our customers’ needs. With PFERD offering such an extensive range of metal finishing products, we often work in conjunction with their team to bring a solution to the end user.”

PFERD has been present in Australia for over 35 years, and their products are distributed through BSC Australia across over 160 branches Australia-wide. They stock over 3,800 products including files, burrs, fine finishing, tool drives, grinding wheels at warehouses across all states.

Among the products that BSC supplies on behalf of PFERD are carbide burrs, which are used for cutting, shaping, grinding and for the removal of sharp edges including – as in the namesake – burrs and excess material.

According to Michael, these types of finishing and cutting tools are primarily used among metal fabrication customers. And when it comes to choosing the right burr for the job, Michael Rowe says BSC can assist – and will work jointly with PFERD – to help customers in this endeavour.

“There are different burrs made for different tasks, and it can be confusing. We can provide some helpful tips to customers, as

well as supply them with the right PFERD product,” Michael elaborates. “As with every other product segment in BSC, our sales team does not just sell products.

Many have been trained by PFERD on the technical aspects of the products. So, when we go on joint calls with the PFERD team, we can also do an onsite demonstration of products.”

While PFERD’s manufacturing hubs are located globally – with the company manufacturing the majority of its products in-house, the company also has a Coated Production Facility in Victoria, Australia, although this specialises in the production of belts, discs, sheets and rolls to suit different applications.

PFERD Australia National Accounts Manager, Zane Bendix, says as a family business that has grown over five generations, PFERD still takes immense pride in bringing only quality products to market.

“We always put our products through rigorous testing to compare their performance against competitor products,” he says. “We also encourage customers to trial equipment such as in their own specific applications before making a purchase to see the difference for themselves.”

Michael echoes this approach, adding that BSC can also do demonstrations on comparative products that customers are currently using.

“We work in conjunction with PFERD and directly with the end user through the BSC branch network,” he explains. “This involves demonstrations to end users, joint calling with the sales team, and assessing comparative products they are currently using with the PFERD range which allows the end user to properly trial the product.

Whether it’s carbide burrs, grinding wheels or polishing products, where customers have a need for testing, we can accommodate that across the full range of PFERD product.”

PAGE 26 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

Product Spotlight: PFERD Tungsten Carbide Burrs PFERD tungsten carbide burrs are designed for machining materials of virtually any strength and are manufactured in compliance with the highest quality standards.

Advantages: • Highest stock removal performance through optimum matching of tungsten carbide, geometry, cut and coating, if necessary • Improved comfort with reduced operator fatigue due to innovative cuts for high-performance applications • Long tool life and high stock removal rates due to application-oriented tool design • Reduced wear of the drive system due to impact free work without chatter marks, thanks to the high concentricity Burr Applications: Deburring, Contouring, Edge chamfering/ rounding, Milling out in preparation for build-up welding, Preparation of weld seams/weld dressing, Cleaning cast material, Modification of workpiece geometry

LOCKING ASSEMBLIES

INCREASING TORQUE with the new Rexnord TLK 136

W

hen it comes to conveyor manufacturing, the first thing that comes to mind is how to set things in motion. Everything that needs to move along a production line, requires a positive drive.

When a secure connection is required between two rotating mating parts transmitting torque a keyway is often machined into both shafts and a parallel or straight key is used to secure the connection.

Rexnord backed by more than 40 years of application expertise has within its extensive portfolio a range of reliable, quality locking devices as an alternative to the traditional keyed method. Their products feature a wide range of offerings, from simple locking mechanism designs to more advanced models with a choice of corrosion resistant coatings for harsher environments.

The Rexnord Tollok® locking mechanisms offer an innovative machine solution for mounting and dismantling rotating shafts for not only industrial conveyor applications but anywhere where the transmission of torque is required.

The main point of difference, according to Corey Hind, Area Manager for Rexnord, Queensland, is that all Tollok® locking mechanisms are keyless assemblies that can be used to secure equipment to shafts without requiring a keyway.

“Rexnord Tollok® locking assemblies are a great alternative to a shaft or hub connection using traditional methods such as key and key way, spline, QD bushing, or taper-lock bushings,” says Corey, who further highlights the advantages to a keyless locking assembly from the perspective of conveyor pulley and other machinery manufacturers.

“If you need to mount a sprocket and chain drive or a pulley and v-belt assembly onto a shaft, typically you would use a traditional keyed assembly. The benefit of

keyless assemblies is you can save time on installation. In the event of a breakdown, the customer can change these components out without having to worry about a seized or damaged keyway.

This means there is less machining required and less cost involved for mounting the locking mechanism.”

In Conveyor Belt Pulley applications, this also means less cost and time in the manufacture of, or when attempting to remove or mount the pulley shaft through a conveyor drum.

“The locking assembly fits around the shaft between the pulley end disc and shaft, securing it. For pulley manufacturers, it is a way for them to be able to mount the shaft to the drum more easily. It offers the end user a stronger way of transmitting torque through the pulley,” says Corey.

“Our latest series model, the TLK 136, is developed specifically for this application.

The customer can transmit more torque through their application. The unique construction of this locking assembly means that it is able to transmit greater torque and has a higher bending moment capacity in conveyor pulley applications,” he explains.

“A bending moment at any cross section of a straight shaft is a culmination of the moments, taken about an axis passing through the centre of the shaft. As with the TLK 136 series, when load is uniformly distributed, the shear force placed on the shaft will vary at a uniform rate resulting in uniformly distributed loads,” Corey elaborates.

From wind energy, cement, aggregate, construction, food and beverage, forest products, material handling, mining, to fluid power, marine, and water management, Rexnord Tollok® products help companies reduce downtime.

CBC is an authorised distributor for

The latest Rexnord Tollok® locking mechanism.

Rexnord products including Tollok® locking mechanisms. With their national footprint, they have enabled Rexnord Tollok® products to reach more customers Australia-wide.

According to Steve Hittmann, National Product Manager - Mechanical Drive Systems and Belt Drives for CBC, the Tollok® locking mechanisms are popular among CBC customers.

“We suggest a Tollok® locking assembly in most conveyor applications because they are a practical strategy for increasing uptime. Rexnord also has a robust support network for commercial and technical support, so they are a reliable and safe option,” says Steve.

“A full line of locking assemblies can be tailored to fit the everchanging needs of customer applications. Manufactured from high-grade quality materials, this renders them ideal for use in heavy-duty and specially engineered environments.”

Features

Rexnord TLK136 • High torque, high bending moments • Excellent shaft-hub perpendicularity • Low surface pressures • Quick installation time • Available from 100mm to 600mm diameter • Capable of handling large loads

• Increased capability to support bending moments for conveying applications.

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 27

SEALS

STAYING TRUE to design

O

mega Technical Engineering offers a one stop solution, with extensive experience providing a full spectrum of services from design, prototyping and production through to turnkey projects. Machining quality precision parts to exacting designs is what the Wodonga-based business prides itself on.

Omega uses advanced CNC equipment to provide sub-contracting services; and manufactures after-market performance engine accessories, for both the domestic and international markets, through their sister company Ross Performance Parts.

Established in 2004, Omega has grown from a small workshop with a single employee and two CNC machines, into a large facility with 14 full time staff and a unique combination of 13 CNC machines.

Emma Forbes is the Finance Manager at Omega and their mainline for commercial support. She explains how Omega has grown as a subcontracting business.

“We have completed sub-contracting work in a variety of industries, including agriculture, food processing, mining, and hydraulics/pneumatics. We have the capabilities to manufacture to customer drawings, or undertake a design discussion, create manufacture drawings then manufacture the parts on our CNC equipment.”

“In 2013, we purchased a Sydney based company we had been undertaking subcontracting work for a period of time. This was Ross Performance Parts and that gave us a proprietary product range,” says Emma.

Both businesses share a location in Wodonga which is situated on the Murray River on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. Strategically located between Sydney and Melbourne is an ideal hub for the industry.

Not far down the road, is the Wodonga CBC branch, where Chris Lindner has been a Sales Representative for more than 18 years. He reflects positively on his relationship with Omega that goes back for several years. Emma manages

CNC Machining equipment at Omega engineering.

all the ordering and following up for purchase orders, so she regularly deals with the Wodonga branch.

“I talk to Emma regularly. She primarily orders O-rings and sealing products from our Seal Innovations product range.

Omega is a very multi-faceted business.

The O-rings they order from us are static or rotary sealing item that go into the equipment they manufacture. They have been a loyal customer for a long time and in turn we try to give back as much as we can,” says Chris.

Seal Innovations, part of Industrial Solutions Australia’s group of businesses, offers a wide range of O-rings, O-ring cords and O-ring kits to different industries. Being a sister company to CBC means CBC customers have easy access to a wide range of sealing and gasketing products from Seal Innovations.

An O-ring may be a humble dollar value item, but it is an extremely critical component of our high-performance harmonic dampers.

“We use O-rings in the manufacture and assembly of our harmonic dampers.

A harmonic damper is used in a car

PAGE 28 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

engine for protecting the performance and longevity of the engine. Its main job is to absorb the torsional vibrations of the engine. Our particular design uses a natural rubber bonding process and a combination of one or multiple O-rings to allow the absorption of vibrations,” explains Emma.

“An engine can get vibrations at different rev ranges that can cause destruction to the engine if it doesn’t have the ability to absorb and dissipate the vibrations,” she adds.

The relationship between CBC and Omega has remained strong over the years. As Emma points out, CBC’s role extends beyond just being a supply partner to being an advisor on specific components and parts.

“We have our standard range of products we require from CBC. But if we are doing tech development and R&D, or if we have subcontracting project that requires specific hardware, then we consult with Chris Lindner to work out the appropriate item for a particular application.”

SAFETY

The bestselling Maxisafe Grey Knight gloves are a staple on the jobsite.

wear gloves on site. Maxisafe’s gloves are ordered frequently, with eyewear and breathing equipment a close second,” says Michael Rowe. “They make reliable, quality products at a good price point, which provides excellent value for our customers.”

Maxisafe’s signature ‘Grey Knight’ gloves are fabricated with lightweight, breathable nylon and PU coating. Vending packaging was recently introduced to make obtaining a fresh pair of gloves on site as easy and accessible as grabbing a bottle of water.

MAXISAFE:

Making site safety great

W

hen Adrian and Paul Phillips, two brothers from Melbourne, started Techware in 2003, they knew one thing for certain: safety never goes out of style. Coming from an industrial background, the Phillips brothers decided to go into the personal protective equipment (PPE) business, and they have never looked back since.

Techware’s leading brand is Maxisafe, which is how they are recognised across Australia, specialising in the design and manufacture of hand, eye, respiratory, head and hearing protection. Their premium height safety products include confinedspace harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, steel-alloy locking karabiners, and light-weight suspension straps.

Since day one, they have seen exponential growth of their business, as the demand for high-grade reliable PPE has increased over the past two decades.

As demand has risen, the Maxisafe brand has expanded in its range. Their broad portfolio of products has given them an edge over their competitors in the market.

Presently, Maxisafe has warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Whilst their factories are located everywhere from Germany to the United States, to South Africa, Taiwan and India. BSC is one of Maxisafe’s Australian distribution partners.

Michael Rowe, a Product Manager at BSC, brings with him extensive knowledge

and history in the field of mechanical maintenance. According to Michael, industrial safety has been a thriving area of BSC distribution over the past few years.

“Safety is a necessity in every workplace.

It’s something every manager has to account for. Safety products must be carefully chosen to ensure all staff make it home injury free. When your safety equipment meets industry standards, it provides a level of confidence when choosing safety products,”

A Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), provides a continuous flow of air for the user, making it easier to breathe and cooler while working. The CleanAir® PAPR Respiratory System is another new product offering from Maxisafe. The PAPR series includes advancements in inner airflow technology and enhanced optics on the visor, for half-face or full-face coverage on site.

“We champion innovation at Maxisafe and that is what sets us apart. I think we are strong on every front in terms of quality.

We offer premium quality safety wear, with additional design features,” says Jerry.

Product and selection guides, standards, and instructions are available for download to customers on the Maxisafe website.

“One challenge in this area is to create brand loyalty. Maxisafe’s product range and branding has helped them have a point of difference in the market,” says Michael.

Jerry Joyce is the NSW State Manager at Maxisafe and responsible for the Sydney arm of the business.

“We provide full-service assistance for our product range.” says Jerry.

“We also provide cases and glove bags for BSC’s branches across Australia and their sales teams. They can use these items to highlight product quality. In addition to this, we organise staff training for the BSC team. For example, we can set up training for respiratory equipment applications and end-user instructions,” explains Jerry.

“Gloves are used constantly on site because it’s a general safety standard now. If you go out to any mine site or into a factory, the requirement is that you

PAPR Respiratory System Key Features • The highest class of breathing protection TH3 • Enhanced inner airflow regulation • Light weight – only 380g • Excellent optical quality EN 166 class 1 • High mechanical resistance of the visor • Antifog / anti-scratch coating • Safety helmet

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 29

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

REXNORD TOLLOK® LOCKING ASSEMBLIES

FEATURED PRODUCT

TIMKEN SINGLE-ROW TAPERED ROLLER BEARINGS This is the basic and the most widely used type of tapered roller bearing. It consists of the inner-ring assembly and the outer ring. During equipment assembly, single-row bearings can be “set” to the required clearance (endplay) or preload condition to optimise performance.

Tollok® locking assemblies are keyless assemblies that can be used to secure equipment to shafts without requiring a key weight. A great alternative to a shaft or hub connection such as key, splined, press fit, QD bushing, or taper-lock bushings.

TOLEDO PULLERS

NTN EA BEARINGS Designed to ensure longer operating life, even under severe operating conditions.

These bearings offer improved crack fatigue strength, wear strength and peeling resistance characteristics.

Toldeo offers a market leading range of mechanical and hydraulic pullers. They are precisely manufactured from drop forged and hardened specialty chromevanadium steel with unique properties which increase strength and corrosion resistance.

These gloves offer excellent feel and dexterity.

The grey polyurethane coated palm provides excellent durability. The dark colour helps to hide dirt and grime.

NSK WIR BEARINGS

SHELL OMALA INDUSTRIAL GEAR OIL Shell Omala S4 WE polyalkylene glycol gear oil is a high-viscosity gearbox oil. It has high resistance to micro-pitting under high loads and can help extend the oil drain interval for gearboxes used in high ambient temperature.

MAXISAFE ‘GREY NIGHT’ PU COATED GLOVE

NSK wide inner ring (WIR) bearings can be used in various applications and are specifically designed for installation into the corresponding wide inner ring housings.

NSK WIR bearings offer a triple seal design for severe contamination conditions in harsh environmental conditions.

PFERD TUNGSTEN CARBIDE BURRS PFERD tungsten carbide burrs are designed for machining materials of virtually any strength.

They are manufactured in compliance with the highest quality standards.

PAGE 30 • LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

DOWSIL™ 1080 OXIME SEALANT

CRC SMARTWASHER ® The CRC SmartWasher systems employ a natural process called bioremediation to degrade and remove contaminants from the cleaning fluid, allowing re-use of the cleaning fluid. The CRC SmartWasher is part of the CRC Greenlight program, which offers a diverse range of environmental cleaning products that are smart, safe, and effective.

FANMASTER INDUSTRIAL DIESEL FAN HEATER Designed to provide an instant effective and reliable source of heat to a wide range of industrial, agricultural and commercial users.

The unit comes complete with fuel tank and wheels for mobility.

GULF WESTERN OIL SUPERDRAULIC 68 The SUPERDRAULIC range of anti-wear hydraulic fluid uses advanced Zinc Dithiophosphate additive technology providing superior protection against pump wear, excellent filterability, good thermal stability, low fluid / water interaction, excellent air release, foaming and demulsibility properties and good protection against corrosion.

FENNER CLASSIC CHAIN A costeffective solution for fit and forget reliability for everyday applications.

Easy to fit and replace, it is a robust and long-lasting chain. Shot peening of roller and side plates gives increased fatigue and case hardened pins extend wear life.

A one-part neutral silicone sealant with paste-like consistency that cures to a tough, rubbery solid when exposed to moisture in the air. Will adhere to clean metal, painted surfaces, glass ceramics, most plastics, non-oily woods, fibrous cement and concrete surfaces.

3M™ BARK HUT BLUE BLOCKER HC LENS SAFETY SPECTACLE SP TOOLS IMPACT SOCKETS AND ACCESSORIES Available in 4mm to 200mm, 3/16” to 8,” 1/2”Drive to 2-1/2” Drive, and manufactured from high strength, premium grade Chrome Molybdenum steel. Flat drive technology offers maximum contact and grip. They are industrial grade, making them ideal for industrial applications and are manufactured to DIN standards.

GATES EZ ALIGN™ LASER ALIGNMENT TOOL An ideal tool when setting up any beltpulley system. Using it, technicians can simultaneously monitor all three types of pulley misalignment, which are vertical, horizontal and axial misalignment, to increase alignment accuracy.

Featuring a lightweight, comfortable and fashionable matte black frame. Lens designed to reduce brightness and glare when working both indoors and outdoors. Suitable eye protection for applications of metal cutting, lathe work, riveting, sawing, chipping, using non-hazardous liquids.

TITAN TCB CHAIN BLOCK Built for the rugged needs of construction and maintenance rigging, the Titan TCB Chain Block is your key to safe and efficient lifting.

Spur gear efficiency reduces operator effort while double pawl and double guide rollers enhance performance, safety and reliability.

LET’S ROLL AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ED 03 • PAGE 31

LET’S ROLL

australian industrial businesses

CHECK OUT OTHER EDITIONS OF LET’S ROLL: LET’S ROLL

LET’S ROLL

2021 • EDITION 09

2021 • EDITION 08

LET’S ROLL

2021 • EDITION 02

PADDOCK TO PLATE

MINES & QUARRIES

A SINGLE BRAND OFFERING FOR

ELOISE COPPER MINE FINDS

FROM KILN TO WALL:

A

‘I

rotating needs in the food and beverage industry

F

ood and beverage processing plants in Australia will soon have access to a complete range of corrosion-resistant ball bearings and ball bearing housed units from Timken® to meet their rotating equipment needs.

Industrial Solutions Australia will have the new Timken products available across its business network of CBC, BSC and Webster BSC branches as early as May.

“The food market generally lacks a single brand solution when it comes to bearing requirements. Food and beverage plants that deal with harsh chemicals and aggressive washdowns can benefit from maximising their hygiene levels with Timken’s new corrosion-resistant range,” says Tony.

Tony Tormey, Industrial Solutions Australia Product Manager for Industrial Bearings, says the new Timken products have

The Timken Company have now, launched a new corrosion-resistant ball bearing product range for applications

06

08

KEEPING THE TIM TAMS COMING When an Arnott’s plant in Marleston looked for an alternative to chain drives, BSC found a solution using Gates’ belts.

already generated a lot of interest among the industry players.

STAYING RESILIENT, THE WALSH & FORD WAY Walsh & Ford’s grain handling equipment are renowned across Australia. Read about how the business has grown over eight decades.

that require ball bearings to withstand chemical washdowns and wet environments.

“The Timken corrosion-resistant ball bearing product range is available from stock in fully sealed 2RS version,” says Tony.

SAFER BY DESIGN The new Timken hygienic ball bearing housed unit is a premium product that considers multiple design factors to help combat common safety hazards in food

22

“NOT JUST CUTTING THE GRASS” Fieldquip, the preferred supplier of tractor implements to manufacturers such as John Deere, chooses Gulf Western Oil lubricants.

reliable conveying solution through CBC

trustworthy conveyor drive was what Eloise Copper mine’s maintenance team were looking for when they consulted CBC’s experts in July last year.

As a mine site located in the regional Queensland town of Cloncurry, spare parts and technical support is not always on hand for Eloise Copper, so Maintenance Supervisor, Craig Stokes, says he didn’t want to take any risk with the new conveyor drive.

access to spare parts. We just can’t hold everything on site so having something that’s reliable and is not going to fail is critical for us,” says Craig, who has been the mine’s maintenance supervisor for the past four years.

Investments, feed 720,000 tonnes of ore into their mill and produce 50,000+ tonnes of copper concentrates per annum. Craig says the conveyor in question delivers material from the jaw crushers to the milling circuit to be grinded further.

Despite being located more than 700 kilometres away from Cloncurry, CBC’s Townsville branch has been supporting Eloise Copper mine for nearly a decade, with CBC specialists often travelling to the site to offer their expertise in person.

“We are a remote site, and we have limited

Eloise Copper, operated by FMR

“We were having some reliability issues with the existing hydraulic motor. The conveyor’s performance became intermittent when the material on it got wet and heavy during the rain. Having multiple valves and pumps in the hydraulic drive system made fault finding more complex.”

06

08

12

WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES For its major overhaul in 2020, Viva Energy Geelong Refinery relied on CBC to supply key components and services to the site.

EASY MAINTENANCE WITH GATES’ V-BELTS “A lot of belt failures start right from the moment that the belts are installed,” says Derek Hill, National Sales Manager - Industrial at Gates.

24/7 REMOTE MONITORING FOR MINES Remote condition monitoring technologies have become an integral part of mining operations, helping to prevent unplanned downtime.

australian industrial businesses

RECEIVE THE LET’S ROLL MAGAZINES DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR, ABSOLUTELY FREE

The art of making long-lasting bricks

nnovation’ is a word that comes up frequently when Robert Prasloski, Maintenance Manager for Austral Bricks™, talks about his day-to-day work at the company with over a hundred years’ history of brickmaking.

Originally established in 1908, Austral Bricks has been operating as part of Brickworks Limited since 1945. The company promises its customers a 100year product warranty – which is more than most companies can commit to.

with Austral Bricks is that they encourage innovation; both when interacting with customers as well as within the employees,” says Robert. “We run as much as eight to ten trials every week in consultation with the design studio to create new colour schemes and creative designs for bricks, precast pavements and stonework. Once the innovation part is done, it’s my job to help make these ideas viable for production.”

“What’s really amazing about working

As a maintenance manager with 30-plus years of experience, Robert joined Austral Bricks’ Golden Grove manufacturing

06

16

ADDING INNOVATION TO THE MIX Adds Up Engineering’s products combine innovation with practicality. Learn about how the company makes its fertigation units.

LEADERS IN CHANGE: BSC CELEBRATES BSC turned 100 this year. Take a look at the company’s journey to date and its influence on the Australian industry.

plant in South Australia around a year ago and almost immediately, he started looking for ways to enhance the plant’s overall efficiency. In doing so, he also sought advice from the team at BSC’s Wingfield branch, with whom he had built a relationship for over a decade.

“I was fortunate enough to start working with the BSC Wingfield branch over 10 years ago. Today, we have a relationship where we have learned to trust each other and consult with each other very openly,” says Robert.

26

SUPPORTING THE MACADAMIA INDUSTRY From building the first macadamia harvester for his family farm, Ben Steinhardt’s fabrication business has come a long way.

VISIT: LETS-ROLL.COM.AU/ LETSROLLREWARDS

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PREMIUM PARTNERS

bsc.com.au

conbear.com.au

websterbsc.com.au

/BearingServiceAustralia

/CBCBearingsAustralia

/WebsterBSCAustralia

/bsc-australia

/cbc-australia

/websterbsc

sealinnovations.com.au /seal-innovations

motionasiapac.com 18 Worth St, Chullora NSW 2190