November 2020

Banana waste technology begins to bear fruit for Aussie company

A publicly-listed company that has spent more than two decades perfecting its system of turning banana plantation waste into wood and paper products says it has proven the profitability of the technology and is preparing for a global expansion. Papyrus Australia, which is based in Adelaide, has watched its share price triple this month after announcing L39 as a cornerstone investor and reporting that its Egyptian factory has become profitable for the first time. The company has developed technology to process banana waste into a range of products including veneer for furniture and musical instrument manufacture, moulded products such as food containers and plates, liquid fertiliser and garden peat. It now aims to increase production in the Sohag factory, hire key staff and embark on a significant capital raise with the help of L39 Capital, which will allow it to manufacture ‘turn-key factories’ and sell them to banana plantations in developing countries around the world. Papyrus Australia was founded in Adelaide in the mid-1990s after Ramy Azer moved to Australia with his Adelaide-born wife Phoebe to complete a Masters in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide. He soon developed a technique for producing veneer from banana tree trunks and has since expanded the technology to include all parts of the waste banana plant. “The question is always asked ‘what is an Adelaide company doing in banana land’?” Azer, the company’s managing director said. “But we are not banana processors, we are machine builders and technology makers so what the Adelaide company is actually doing is designing and building machines for export and commissioning in banana producing countries.” Unlike other fruit trees such as apples and oranges, a banana palm takes 6-8 months to grow to maturity, producing one large bunch. The tree is then cut down and left to […]

Getting the right information to the right place

The AVR Lab, a leading supplier of augmented and virtual reality (AVR) technology and services announces their partnership with Gemvision, bringing the Gemvision’s Communication Platform as a Service (CPAAS) to the Australian and New Zealand markets. The Gemvision (CPAAS) platform gives engineers, healthcare workers, electricians, technicians, that are hands-on workers, their hands and of course their mind to get the job done. Well-trained employees are getting harder to find, while service and maintenance standards are getting higher. Effective communication, fast remote resolution times and first-time-fix-rates are extremely important for keep the client happy and the costs in check. This is not limited to industry. Whether it be healthcare, maritime, protective services or manufacturing, we find similar use cases where the Gemvision solution fits seamlessly to support business excellence. With Gemvision you can: § Give and receive remote work instructions and connect to remote colleagues to ’share your view’ through smart glasses or mobile devices. § Remotely control the camera of smart glasses and mobile devices during support video calls § Live annotate, capture pictures, record video streams, share your screen and more to get the right information to the right place. § Do routine maintenance checks and inspections with workflows to rapidly access checklists, audit forms, troubleshooting guides and easy submission when fulfilled. § Capture and share expert knowledge with field workers § Offer standardised workflows for employee training § Offer on demand access for field workers for procedures, manuals, checklists, workflows etc. § Integrate with management software that manage your jobs, tasks, work orders etc. § Use voice commands to be truly hands-free while working with smart glasses in the field. § Integrate with a multitude of CRM, IoT, ERP, Analytics and Service platforms, providers and technology. “When we identify new partners for the ANZ territory they not only […]

Australian manufacturing exposed to cyber security vulnerabilities

The vulnerable critical manufacturing sector accounts for many cyber security threats according to recent researchfrom Kaspersky with higher levels of risk identified in ICS systems. Kaspersky’s latest report on the state of industrial cybersecurity has some ominous warnings for Australian manufacturers. This is a significant issue with the Australian federal government addressing it with new legislation. The draft Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020, which is open for consultation, addresses some of the issues and includes a security obligation for critical infrastructure entities and enhanced cyber security obligations for systems of national significance. Kaspersky recently surveyed 337 global senior leaders including 60 from the Asia Pacific region across all major industries including oil, gas and chemical, manufacturing and energy generation. Of the businesses who participated, 61% had more than 5000 staff. The survey found 75% of global organisations stating they are very or quite likely to suffer an industrial cybersecurity attack. Of greatest concern is the finding that 27% of respondents from the Asia Pacific fear cyber incidents could lead to loss of life, through service disruption or explosion. “Unlike our Asian neighbours Australia hasn’t suffered a large-scale cyber-attack that has caused loss of life. But the Australian Government is investing a massive $1.67 billion over the next 10 years to ensure a more secure online world for Australians, their businesses, and essential services,” explains Mr Neil Royle, Cyber Security Consultant, Kaspersky. “Australia has recently suffered a number of recent cyber-attacks targeting the Australian manufacturing sector, notably the Toll incident, BlueScope Steel being hit by a cyber attack that shutdown its operations globally and the attack on Lion that compromised the production of milk and beer locally,” explains Mr Royle. In August, the Australian Government released a new framework with security obligations for […]

Very smart Australian manufacturing

Solar-powered furniture offers off-grid connection South Australian outdoor furniture brand Sedi has developed bespoke benches and shelter options for smart cities and regional areas. Bronte Modra, the director of Adelaide-based modular engineering company Specialised Solutions, created the Sedi range of park benches, parklets and bus stops in February 2019. The smart shelters are built from sustainable timber and steel and have solar-powered lighting, integrated charging ports, WIFI and informational screens that all run off a battery. Modra said he created Sedi to fill a large hole in the Australian manufacturing market created by the burgeoning smart city movement. “People want to be connected to the furniture and to the web, and the greater society,” said Modra. “Everyone talks about smart cities but no one is really delivering a piece of smart furniture here. “We just saw a real need and something that we could make out of our existing facility.” The Sedi office is located at the Tonsley innovation district alongside technology companies such as SAGE Automation, which, together with JPE Design Studio, helped develop the furniture. Modra decided to make the units “off-grid” to attract buyers who couldn’t connect to a power source. “It being solar-powered gives us a lot more flexibility to where the Sedi is placed,” he said. “With Sedi we can go to regional, remote locations and open up connectivity there. “It’s also cost-saving measure for councils to install in the park [as] service connections are fairly expensive.” Modra said they weren’t “reinventing the wheel” with the furniture’s individual technological features, however these add-ons were compounded to develop a new brand of smart furniture fit for a multitude of environments. “We would like to see them absolutely everywhere: the typical bus stops on your streets, your typical parks, council parks and reserves,” he said. “But we’re really trying to tap into […]

X5 FastMig for arc-welding productivity

Kemppi, has released its new X5 FastMig multi-process welding system for MIG, DC TIG and stick welding (MMA) as well as gouging. Designed in conjunction with professional welders specifically for steel welding, the X5 FastMig delivers a range of features to help significantly enhance arc welding productivity. Built using energy-efficient inverter technology, the X5 FastMig offers faster welding and quality welds thanks to Touch Sense Ignition, effortless operation, excellent welding ergonomics and flexible equipment setup. Faster welding, better quality welds Built to perform, the X5 FastMig features the latest in ignition technology – Touch Sense Ignition – as standard in all available models. When combined with WiseSteel software, which also comes as standard with every model, the X5 delivers precise ignition capability and stable arc control. It tackles the challenges of globular arc by alternating between short arc and spray transfer. In short-circuit transfer, it improves the arc stability adaptively, provding better out-of-position steel welding capabilities. In spray transfer mode, micropulsing of the current and voltage increases travel speed significantly. In doing so, the X5 helps to minimise the spatter produced by a traditional globular arc, as well as the need for post weld cleaning, saving the welder both valuable time and cost, while helping to deliver better quality welds. For more challenging applications, the arc control can be further optimised with optional welding programs and Wise special processes. Effortless operation Designed to be hassle-free, the X5 FastMig is very easy to operate. It features a large, graphical and impact-resistant TFT display panel that illustrates all the required information clearly and without the use of abbreviations. Welding parameters are set automatically when the user adjusts the wire feed speed. And memory channels are also available to customise and save personal settings. Easy to use, the operating basics of the X5 […]

Linzner-family-50-years-in-business-Nov20

3rd generation family business survives Covid-19 to mark 50-year milestone

While many small businesses have unfortunately succumbed to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Linzner family are resolved to fight through no-matter-what using their 50-years of experience. This November, 3 generations of the Linzner family mark 50 years running their manufacturing business in Melbourne, Australia. It’s a seriously tough time for all during this global pandemic, however, this story of endurance offers a glimmer of hope in the strenuous world of small business. Following an apprenticeship in working with wire back in 1949, hard-working immigrant Jakob honed his hands-on manufacturing skills. In 1970 Jakob teamed up with his son Jake to take the plunge and launch their own manufacturing business, located in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Father and son worked tirelessly together in their single-story brick factory sandwiched between a laneway and residential houses. They specialised in manufacturing deep-fryer baskets, trays, racks, animal traps and other wire products, supplying large wholesalers and direct to store. Even during those early years, they focused on manufacturing premium quality products combined with personal and attentive service to their customers – no matter large or small. This led to a growing and positive reputation within the community. A decade later, they sought larger premises and relocated to Keilor East, which allowed for expansion to manufacturing chain. The next 20 years saw them outgrow their space and move 3 more times and further diversifying their range of chain and wire products. Jake’s son Michael officially joined the family business in 2010. Learning that diversity of products was integral to keeping afloat, they took the calculated risk of purchasing additional warehouse space and further expanded to sell concrete reinforcing, balustrading, marine fittings, load restraint equipment, general hardware – and just about everything in-between. In March 2020, as Covid-19 was sweeping the world, a new and much improved online store (chain.com.au) […]

Cybersecurity risks of re-onshoring Australian manufacturing

The global economic impact of Covid-19 has changed the Australian manufacturing industry forever. Australian supply chains were disrupted as organisations became unable to source materials that were essential for domestic manufacturing and consumption. This highlighted the importance of Australian supply chains, with local manufacturers forced to swiftly pivot to meet demands. Australian manufacturing has gone from 30 per cent of GDP to approximately six per cent in 30 years.1 Covid-19 has forced a large percentage of manufacturing to come back onshore, and the rapid adaptability of these manufacturing companies prove that Australia is capable of ramping up the sector. The Australian government is investing $1.5 billion via the Modern Manufacturing Strategy that was announced in the 2020-2021 federal budget.2 The Australian government is also providing a further tax incentive that will write off the value of assets for businesses, with more information yet to be released. Steve Hunter, senior director, systems engineering, Forescout, said, “The Australian manufacturing industry is set to undergo rapid digital transformation, with the funding helping to bring manufacturing back onshore, modernise and improve operations, as well as increasing the opportunities with new technology, which could include investment in the Internet of Things (IoT), for example. “The pandemic has increased the relevance of Industry 4.0, with technology being a higher priority at a board level. As manufacturing is re-onshored in Australia, boards must ensure that they prioritise cybersecurity from the start.” As technology such as IoT, robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI) reshape the manufacturing landscape, organisations are simultaneously put at an increased risk of a cyberattack. Steve Hunter, said, “The convergence of traditional IT with operational technology (OT) and IoT means previously air-gapped systems are now connected, giving cybercriminals more entry points to a company’s network. This creates more risk across the board. […]

Goal and Stork launch first aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training program

Goal Indigenous Services and Stork Technical Services Australia are pleased to announce the launch of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Traineeship program in Western Australia. This program is believed to be the first of its kind, leading the way in Indigenous involvement and development for the NDT industry. Goal Indigenous Services will recruit, mentor and support the trainees, with Stork providing the technical expertise and mentoring, along with an environment to grow and develop into qualified NDT professionals. The South Metropolitan TAFE is the assigned training facility providing a bespoke, tailor-made curriculum. “Stork is delighted to kick off our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traineeship program. We look forward to expanding this initiative throughout our operations” said Tony McAnulty, Stork’s Regional Director. “Delivering traineeships in the regions we operate in enables us to provide a great opportunity for a long and exciting career in Non-Destructive Testing for local Indigenous people. This aligns with our goal to be a socially responsible contributor in the local community and also aides in being a globally sustainable business.” The program is up and running with its first two participants placed at separate Stork project sites. “Our first trainee is working with Stork’s delivery team in Kwinana and our second trainee started this week on one of Storks new NDT & Heat Treatment contracts” stated Xavier Clarke, MD Goal Indigenous Services. “We are very excited to see this program take off and provide opportunities for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.” Stork’s Kwinana Service Centre will deliver the traineeships and provide everything the trainees need to make the program and their careers a great success. Upon completion of the program, the trainees will enter the workforce as fully qualified NDT technicians holding a Certificate III in Engineering along with […]

Case Study:Scan Xpress steps up to the mark

Silvertone UAV develop, design, and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles with flexible payload capabilities. One of their drone aircraft systems, the Flamingo Mk3, carries a heavy package of telemetry and sensor equipment. To improve flight efficiency, the pannier bracket that attaches the sensor package to the fuselage and supports the landing gear had a requirement to be re-designed to a lightweight alternative that retained the same mechanical performance. Enter Topology Optimisation and Additive Manufacturing – The existing design was put through Altair’s design topology optimization software to produce an organic freeform design that satisfied the required loading and boundary conditions. The resulting geometry from topology optimisation is usually not well suited to traditional manufacturing methods. However, additive manufacturing producing components via a layer-wise manner and has no limitation on the geometry that can be produced. Amiga Engineering were contracted to manufacture this topology optimised component. The specimen was printed in Gr23 Titanium on a 3D systems ProX DMP machine in one continuous build. The manufactured component achieved a significant weight reduction – 800 grams down from the original 4 kilograms, improved balance and rigidity, enhanced safety, longer flight times, increased payload capacity and better battery efficiency. Scan-Xpress was contracted to measure the manufactured component using the high resolution ATOS Q and to perform critical quality control checks prior to installation. The ATOS Q optical measuring system from GOM is well suited to measuring organic and free form surfaces generated from topology optimization including the pannier bracket. Traditional measuring methods such as tactile CMMs would struggle to measure and obtain enough discrete points to make an assessment of the state of build of components such as the pannier bracket. The ATOS Q sensor projects a phase shifting fringe pattern across the measuring surface to collect millions of points to generate an accurate […]

Five decades strong: Neumann Steel turns 50

Established in 1970, Neumann Steel, (part of The Neumann Group of companies), celebrates half a century in business and sets its sights on the next five decades. The oldest, family-run reinforcing steel business in the country, Neumann Steel has grown from a tenacious operation to a proudly Australian-owned and operated company, today employing over 220 people. Run by second generation directors – Marc and Paul Neumann along with Mark Shearman – as part of the wider Neumann Group, the steel business has flourished over the decades due to its ability to provide the market with products and service that exceeds customer expectations. “We’ve always innovated, delivering steel solutions to support projects big and small,” said Director Marc Neumann. “In the 1980s we were the first in the country to innovate with rib wire and rib mesh, transitioning it to the domestic market. We’ve always been responsive, serving our customers’ needs, no matter the size of the job.” The company has had a hand in many prolific projects including the Q1 tower, Jewel Resort, the Gold Coast Light Rail, the Toowoomba Range Crossing and more. Neumann Steel are also proud to be the supplier of choice for residential home builders throughout south east Queensland and the Hunter Region. “Over five decades we’ve supplied reinforcing steel solutions to a wide variety of major infrastructure projects and large-scale developments, always with a view to delivering the best product possible for the desired customer outcome.” The resilience required to combat the tumultuous ‘boom and bust’ of the building industry has long established Neumann Steel and the wider Neumann Group as stayers in a volatile sector. General Manager, Kathy Bartley, believes this has to do with the company’s ability to listen to the market and produce products that have constructed a steadfast reputation […]

1 2

News Ticker

November 2020