Business

Business loans ideal for short term investments in the industrial sector

While banks and other major lending institutions are turning short term investment financing into a drawn-out and useless process, Warbler Enterprise has brought a solution to the construction sector specifically to negate this problem. Apart from providing a turnaround in as little as 48 hours, the company has also eliminated the much hated administration and processing costs that otherwise fill the pockets of lawyers and brokers rather than the coffers of your business. And it is doing this for loan amounts ranging anywhere from $100,000 to $10 million for loan periods of one to six months – time frames which are vital for businesses in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Spokesperson for the organisation,Val Pavlovic, says it was the added processing and establishment charges making most short-term finance a near-useless affair and in the end provided no benefit to those in the industrial sector needing short term finance that can be turned around quickly. “Warbler does things very differently,” he said. “We don’t ask the applicant company for many thousands of dollars up front for all manner of admin, brokering and processing fees; our charges are just $495 and that covers our due diligence on their business and valuation on equity.” “There is a set interest rate for the agreed period, so any business that applies knows exactly how much it is going to pay over the course of the short-term business loan. “And because we don’t have these annoying additional fees it makes it absolutely viable for companies that are seeking very short-term loans for up to six months. “While other lenders would expect tens of thousands of dollars in their own pockets above and beyond your interest payments for no valid reason over the short space of time which effectively makes other short-term lending useless.”

Countries with the highest density of robot workers

Data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reveals that industrial automation is accelerating across the globe. In 2015, the average global robot density in manufacturing industries was 66 robot units per 10,000 employees. Just one year later, the number increased to 74 robot units. Europe is the reigning champ, sporting a robot density of 99 units per 10,000 workers. The next highest regions are the Americas and Asia, with 84 and 63 units, respectively. When it comes to overall growth rate, Asia tops the list. “Robot density is an excellent standard for comparison in order to take into account the differences in the automation degree of the manufacturing industry in various countries,” says Junji Tsuda, president of the IFR. “As a result of the high volume of robot installations in Asia in recent years, the region has the highest growth rate. Between 2010 and 2016, the average annual growth rate of robot density in Asia was nine percent, in the Americas seven percent, and in Europe five percent.” Breaking those numbers further down by countries, South Korea had the largest installation of industrial robots per 10,000 employees in 2016, reaching 631. South Korea’s electrical, electronics, and automotive sectors have all contributed to this high installation volume. Singapore comes in second, with 488 units. “About 90 percent of robots are installed in the electronics industry in Singapore,” according to the IFR. Germany (309 units) and Japan (303 units) ranked third and fourth, respectively. Check out the full IFR report here to learn more. https://www.statista.com/chart/13645/the-countries-with-the-highest-density-of-robot-workers/

National Manufacturing Week, Sydney 9-11 May

Ian Harrison from Australian Made Campaign Ltd to discuss what it takes to be Made in Australia at National Manufacturing Week 2018 by National Manufacturing Week Ian Harrison, CEO of Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL), announced to speak at National Manufacturing Week 2018. National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2018 returns to Sydney as Australia’s largest showcase of manufacturing innovation, inspiration and information under one roof. Held from 9 to 11 May 2018, the three day event gives industry decision-makers the opportunity to see the next generation of technology in action and hear how it will transform the industry. Among highlights at this year’s event are the topical Industry 4.0 Theatre and Business of Manufacturing Theatre programs, in which industry leaders will discuss the impact of digital transformation, innovative design, and new business practices on the manufacturing industry. The program will feature more than 40 confirmed speakers with the Business of Manufacturing Theatre speakers to include Ian Harrison, CEO of Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL). Research shows demand for Australian-made products is on the rise globally. Ian Harrison will review key research findings, and outline the changes to the requirements businesses must meet to make ‘Made in Australia’ claims. In this informative session Harrison will reveal everything you need to know about marketing your products as authentically Australian, here and around the world. During Harrison’s time with AMCL, he has repositioned the Australian Grown logo as Australia’s global product symbol – giving country of origin information to consumers, wherever they may be, and providing businesses with a powerful marketing tool to highlight in markets everywhere that their product/produce is Australian. NMW 2018 will be again co-located with the Safety First Conference & Expo Australia’s one-stop workplace safety event, as well as Inside 3D Printing Conference & Expo, the world’s largest 3D printing event. […]

The Show that can’t be missed!

EMEX 2018 can’t be missed, as over 170 international and local exhibitors will inform, delight, entertain and celebrate kiwi design and innovation across the 3 days. There’s also the serious business of putting forward great commercial deals for the manufacturing community. If you’re in Engineering, Manufacturing or Electronics then you really need to visit this free event to best position your business with the latest technology on offer. DISCOVER – what not to miss! World leading automated and robotic plasma cutting systems, designed and build right here in New Zealand for local and international markets by Plazmax in Rotorua, is highlighting the Kiwi Made Innovation feature at EMEX 2018 showcasing 3 separate automated plasma cutting systems, bringing both new and improved innovation to the market. Plazmax will be showcasing their world class capabilities with live demonstrations for all interested parties. After their introduction at SouthMACH 2017, Caliber Design and Locus Research are back at EMEX 2018 and proud to present some amazing examples of collaborative product design in the newly created Innovation Quarter. The products on display at EMEX 2018; the Stabicraft 1600 Fisher, the Ubco 4 x 4 bike and the 2018 Oscar winning Shotover Camera System, are the result of an intensive interaction during the entire product development process. You’ll be impressed by what you’ll see! ENGAGE – Find the right people for the job The Employment and Training Hub will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the well documented skills shortages in the industry with experts from M.I.T and Competenz. As a manufacturer or engineering company this is your chance to learn more about these highly successful programs. You’ll have your chance to engage potential apprentices who have chosen a career in technology by signing up for the ’speed meets’ that are organised during EMEX 2018. […]

2018 Forecast: Advanced manufacturing remains bullish

Manufacturing in Australia has capped 14 consecutive months of expansion – led in part by the food and beverage industry, according to projections tracking this sector’s performance. The manufacturing sector continued its expansion throughout 2017, notes an index released by the Australian Industry Group (AI Group), Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index. November was marked by strong performance, while mirroring an uninterrupted growth phase that kicked off in October last year. This trajectory was influenced by strong sales, production and jobs growth, and an escalation of exports across emerging and traditional markets. Among the trends, the traditional manufacturing industry will thrive, together with a factory floor adoption of the newer, more advanced manufacturing technologies. The AI Group notes that manufacturers are in a “rebalancing act,” marked by pockets of growth in food, beverages, groceries, and specialist machinery. The other sectors incorporate pharma, building materials, industrial textiles and furniture. Advanced manufacturing is defined by an ability to blend the skills of a multidisciplinary team, leveraging internet and emerging technologies, and capturing customers’ needs to deliver innovative products and services. This roadmap is also highlighted at the 2nd Annual Industrial Internet 4.0 Summit being held 21-22 February in Sydney. With a line-up of 30+ speakers and industry partners, this dedicated forum highlights core trends, and reflects industry forecasts, among these: INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS (IIOT) AND AUTOMATION The future of manufacturing is influenced by the industrial internet of things (IIoT), robotics, automation, sensors, connected devices, big data, analytics, and mobile apps. Manufacturing is entering a phase of restructuring. This blueprint recalibrates cumbersome business processes, embraces automation, and adopts the more advanced techniques to improve productivity. On the automotive front, local manufacturers compete with low-cost imports. This sees a trend in moving production overseas, especially to Asia, while managing the overheads and reducing pressures on the bottom […]

Farmers and services industry winners under revised Trans-PacificPartnership trade deal

Giovanni Di Lieto, Lecturer, Bachelor of International Business, Monash Business School, Monash University. The revived trade agreement, now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), has finally made it across the line. It’s a considerable win for Australian farmers and service providers, in a trading area worth about A$90 billion. The 11 remaining countries from the initial Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement finally agreed to go ahead with the deal without the US, at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The deal reduces the scope for controversial investor-state dispute settlements, where foreign investors can bypass national courts and sue governments for compensation for harming their investments. It introduces stronger safeguards to protect the governments’ right to regulate in the public interest and prevent unwarranted claims. Despite earlier union fears of the impact for Australian workers, the CPTPP does not regulate the movement of workers. It only has minor changes to domestic labour rights and practices. The new agreement is more of an umbrella framework for separate yet coordinated bilateral deals. In fact, Australia’s Trade Minister Steven Ciobo said: The agreement will deliver 18 new free trade agreements between the CPTPP parties. For Australia that means new trade agreements with Canada and Mexico and greater market access to Japan, Chile, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei. It means a speedier process for reducing import barriers on key Australian products, such as beef, lamb, seafood, cheese, wine and cotton wool. It also promises less competition for Australian services exports, encouraging other governments to look to use Australian services and reducing the regulations of state-owned enterprises. Australia now also has new bilateral trade deals with Canada and Mexico as part and parcel of the new agreement. This could be worth a lot to the Australian economy if it were to fill commercial gaps created by potential trade […]

AIB introduces Australian first MBA online tools

Australia’s largest MBA provider, Australian Institute of Business (AIB), has introduced what is a first in Australia -‐ a new online calculator which aims to help prospective students make the life-‐changing decision to study an MBA. The MBA Time-‐to-‐Study Calculator helps future students determine how they would fit MBA study into their busy schedules. Joel Abraham, AIB Joint CEO, said that the MBA Time-‐to-‐Study Calculator lets people look at their study opportunities each week in a practical and planned approach. “Even with work, family and other commitments, people might be surprised how much study time they can fit into their lives,” Mr Abraham said. The MBA Time-‐to-‐Study Calculator is also a great tool for Course Advisors to use when determining with prospective students whether the AIB Agile MBA is the right course for them. Kerry Kingham, Head of Student Recruitment, explains, “We know that most students will need to spend around 20 hours per week on all aspects of their study to complete an MBA. The MBA Time-‐to-‐Study Calculator can be used to easily establish when they could allocate time for study and whether it suits their lives.” AIB has also launched the Agile MBA ROI Calculator, which allows people to work out what an MBA could be worth to them in future earnings. The ROI calculator is based on graduate data collected in the 2017 Alumni Insights Survey, and can help future students work out future earnings over the years to come. Since softly launching to the market in August, AIB have had over 22,000 unique visitors to their tools which have resulted in 1,200 reports generated and sent to potential students. The Australian Institute of Business is the […]

Immersive booths to bring business expos to life

Technology that brings standard exhibition booths alive with video projections has launched this month. The immersive booth technology is the brainchild of Andy Roberts, the founder of Rogue Lumens, a technology company in Adelaide, South Australia. In a previous role, Roberts had travelled the world attending conferences and was constantly uninspired by the static displays of posters and logos on show. “At an exhibition in October 2016 I was standing there and it occurred to me that we could do a lot more in a booth by introducing new technology,” said Roberts. He first looked into incorporating augmented or virtual reality but found the technology was not ready for a mass market. “The uncomfortable interruption of having someone ask you to put something over your face in a crowded room is such that you just can’t do it. But we wanted to find a way we could produce an immersive type experience without having to interrupt someone naturally,” he said. Roberts and his team came up with a software program that allows projectors to seamlessly turn the three sides of a standard 9sq m booth into screens. “We built our own software and web portal to solve how we would populate this size of screen,” said Roberts. The web portal allows users to see what their booth would look like from all angles as people approach the stall, and incorporates a human outline to ensure the scale is correct. “It is all put together with a bespoke interface that companies can make with their own content – such as photos and video – and the software scales it,” said Roberts. “We’ve had the luxury of actually being in the position of being at exhibitions so we are solving a problem we’ve had ourselves. We were thinking about the tools we […]

Joint venture uses united technology to reach record heights

In the picture: One of the Haulotte boom lifts United rented to SBP-Retracom Joint Venture, to assist with the safe and efficient installation of insulated panels. In a Victorian cold storage project, an SBP Australia and Retracom joint venture has utilised United Forklift and Access Solutions’ safe and versatile access equipment in the construction of Australia’s highest insulated panel building, standing 38 metres tall. The New Cold 2 project in Truganina Victoria consists of a chilled warehouse with an adjacent despatch and packaging building, totalling 23,500m2. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017, with nearly all external panels installed already. United telehandlers, straight booms and electric scissor lifts were used to install PIR insulated panels at various heights, including the apex of the roof, 38 metres high. “United have also been quick to respond to any issues, including service, maintenance and site challenges. This is a challenging project and we’ve had to work together to overcome different issues relating to the machinery, the site and the weather,” said Mr Bill Thompson, Project Manager, SBP-Retracom Joint Venture. “One issue that arose earlier this year is that a new set of site requirements was introduced requiring a crush bar to be configured onto all booms to protect the operator. United were straight onto it, and promptly replaced all booms that were not fitted with the crush bar with new machines that had one already fitted.” United Forklift and Access Solutions’ Rental Manager, Mr Jason Thompson, said United forged a productive partnership with the SPB-Retracom Joint Venture through a series of key initiatives tailored to their needs, including: Tailored lines of communication by way of a Dedicated Account Manager to handle all aspects of the account and to facilitate speed and ease of communication as per the client’s […]

Medical devices give hope to traditional manufacturers

By Caleb Radford Manufacturing companies in Australia are finding niches in the medical technologies sector as their traditional markets of mining and automotive diminish. Lower production costs and more robust large-scale capabilities offshore are playing a major role in the exit of mining and automotive component manufacturers from Australia. However, industry and government support have helped some firms evolve their advanced manufacturing skills and enter the medical device market. Medical device production in Australia has grown by 1.3 per cent annually since 2012 and is now valued at AU$3 billion a year according to IBISWorld. South Australia is emerging as a hub for the medical devices industry and is home to the Tonsley Innovation Hub and the Adelaide BioMed City precinct, a $3 billion tripartite health hub comprising a major hospital, research centres and educational institutions. The Tonsley hub is located on the site of a former Mitsubishi car manufacturing plant and major tenants include medical device manufacturer Micro-X, Siemens and ZEN Energy. International optical and optoelectronics firm ZEISS is also about to move into a new $6 million premises at the hub. The downturn in world commodity prices has forced South Australian company Plastico and Hackett Engineering to shift its focus from mineral analysis equipment development to components for orthopaedic implants. The company first dabbled in medical devices in 2014 but has now decided to make it a major focus following collaboration with another Adelaide-based firm, Austofix. Plastico and Hackett Managing Director David Schiller said 20 years’ experience making mining components had it well placed to succeed in the medical field. “The decline of the mining industry in Australia has forced us to look at other things,” he said. “China seems to be commanding a large chunk of the mining components manufacturing and we have seen our business move […]

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