Company News

Its the Shito

Coast of Gold Bursts into Australian Market with Award-Winning Shito Pepper Sauce Range An Australian brand centred on authentic West African flavours is making massive waves in the premium foods and condiments market, with the official launch of the award-winning Coast of Gold Shito Pepper Sauce range. Arguably the most loved sauce in Ghana, Shito (pronounced Shi-Tow) is a unique blend of hot peppers, herbs, spices and seafood, slow cooked to perfection. Known for its smoky heat and rich flavour profile, it pairs well with a variety of dishes such as rice, grilled meats, vegetables and even snacks. Boldly bursting into the Australian market with Gold and Silver accolades from the 2024 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards, Coast of Gold’s Shito Pepper Sauce is now available in a sweet, smoky and spicy Hot variety (Silver award-winner), Medium heat, and via a 100 per cent plant based Mild (Gold award-winner) recipe. The range has also received international acclaim via a Gold Star at the 2024 Guild of Fine Food Awards in the United Kingdom. With all three individual varieties also available in a taster pack and as a value bundle, Shito Pepper Sauce is the hero product of the Coast of Gold brand, which is sold online and delivers nationally and internationally. Rapidly capturing the attention of specialty food stores since its recent launch, the range is also now sold through more than 70 retailers across New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria and Queensland. With plans for rapid wider distribution soon across the nation, Coast of Gold was originally founded during the Covid-19 lockdown period in the home kitchen of Ghana-born Sydneysider, Genevieve Muir. After more than a year of perfecting the recipe via countless test batches made with the input of her family members scattered across the globe – aunties […]

Climate smarts:The role of Australian companies in addressing climate change through technology

by Ross Thompson CEO, Greenbox Manufacturers across the Asia Pacific region – from Singapore to Sydney, Adelaide to Auckland – are central to decarbonisation. If Australia and its business ecosystem doesn’t ride the opportunity winds to its 2050 net zero target, don’t expect too much wealth and health to flow through the Australian economy in the years ahead. Current events and latest polls tell us that Federal and State Policies have taken too long to implement. Meanwhile, a majority in our households and the workplace are thinking ‘just get on with it.’ As the presidential election approaches in the US, should the Democratic Party keep its control, it is likely that significant investment into cleantech will continue off the back of President Biden’s administration signing into law the largest clean energy investments in America’s history. Add to this that the globally agreed target limit of 1.5C to avoid damaging climate change impacts was recently breached across an entire year for the first time, according to the European Union’s climate service, and it seems clear we need to take action – and soon. How we create and use technology is the biggest lever to manage climate change. The International Energy Agency estimates that 35% of the emissions cuts needed to meet 2050 climate goals will have to come from technologies not yet available. The window will close as governments and firms jostle for gamechanger tech in this great clean energy economy. Given the enormity of the task at hand to decarbonise Australia, there will always be pressing trade-offs as Australia looks to leverage its abundance of gas reserves as the transitional fuel towards its 2050 net zero targets (latest policy, backing gas until ‘2050 and beyond’). Aussie smarts should and must supply the inexorable demand created by the global transition to […]

2. The Melt Modern Manufacturing centre in Muswellbrook provides access to facilities and technical specialists at an affordable price 2

Advanced manufacturing

A vibrant advanced manufacturing sector is emerging from the Hunter’s well-established traditional assemblage. Much of the advanced manufacturing aligns with the existing defence, aerospace, and mining industries but also incorporates chemical processing, construction, and energy generation and distribution. Advanced manufacturing in the Hunter comprises about 2000 regional businesses employing about 20,000 people and contributing $2 billion to the NSW economy. The sector’s priorities include improving engagement with international markets, accessing global supply chains, and increasing the engagement between research and industry. It is important the Hunter’s advanced manufacturers position themselves to maximise their potential to leverage government initiatives including the National Reconstruction Fund, the Future Made in Australia bill and Industry Growth programs among many others. The current ecosystem suggests the Hunter is well placed to build leading capability. Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) recognises the importance of sharing the stories of the region’s advanced manufacturers on a national stage. HMA chair Jacqui Daley says it enhances “Brand Hunter”. Assisting advanced manufacturing businesses reach the stage where they have a worthy story to tell is The Melt, founded in 2017 as a spinoff from Australia’s most successful corporate accelerator, Slingshot. Brett Thomas is Director and Chief Operating Officer of The Melt’s Muswellbrook facility, which provides technical specialists, and investment funding via Melt Ventures, to help emerging businesses prove, prototype, pilot, and produce physical devices. “We help start-ups and scale-ups,” Mr Thomas says. “In particular, businesses creating new devices and products that are clean tech, climate tech, or advanced-manufacturing related. Most of those products have embedded IoT (internet of things) and software elements but the core of the products is a physical device.” MrThomas says the risk of failure for the founders, start-ups, and scaling businesses making physical products is much higher than it is for other start-ups. There are several reasons […]

Enabling secure access to modern manufacturing networks

Article by Leon Poggioli, ANZ Regional Director at Claroty Traditional manufacturing plants and OT (Operational Technology) networks had no internet connectivity. They could run in a semi-isolated fashion, and there was little risk of a cyberattack. As the modern OT network becomes more digitised and technology-enabled to leverage AI and increased automation, they are now experiencing a much higher level of cyber risk. Traditional plants were operated very much onsite, with access controlled by strong physical mechanisms like site inductions and physical security methods permitting people to attend the site, make changes and operate the facility. The digital transformation now underway in OT networks has resulted in far more digital connectivity, with a greater focus on safety and productivity meaning more work is completed via digital methods – either by operators onsite, remote workers and 3rd party contractors, or remote machine-to-machine connectivity, with things like cloud-based AI analytics which optimise plant infrastructure. Traditional methods of access to these networks have not kept up with the digital transformation underway in OT. Password-sharing continues as a common practice, and many devices remain configured with default credentials. One recent example where this occurred was the cyberattack on Unitronics devices used by Water Authorities in the United States, which were directly exposed to the internet with default credentials configured. Some more mature organisations use a complex web of jump-boxes and VPNs to broker access to key systems in a zoned OT network, making it difficult to administer and maintain strict zero trust access to critical systems, not to mention the impact to useability as users need to log in via multiple hops to perform the work they need to perform. The digital transformation underway in cyber-physical networks demands a better approach to broker access securely to critical production systems, without compromising useability or adding unnecessary complexity. Users […]

Super-tough cushions get to the bottom of tricky lifting problems

Aramid textile-coated reusable Pronal CLT lifting cushions in capacities up to 65 tons per unit Mining, construction, energy exploration, and infrastructure groups are becoming ever nimbler in moving plant, people, and resources over major distances as opportunities decline at one site and open up in more profitable areas. This has led to a new generation of transportable technologies and plant, including portable buildings and transportable facilities that need to be safely lifted for trucking to new destinations. “Such vital facilities can include accommodation, maintenance, engineering, testing, and medical facilities, extending through to containerised energy management and electronic technologies associated with electrification and automation of sites,” says Pronal elastomer engineering specialist Vinh Lam, of Pronal exclusive Australian national distributor Air Springs Supply Pty Ltd. A problem associated with such lift and shifts is creating access gaps under loads for safe lifts onto transport, particularly where space around the load may be limited, or site conditions may involve soft or variable substrates that preclude the initial use of hydraulic or mechanical lifts with high point loads. Even on hard surfaces, using crane or forklifting techniques to create the initial lifting gap may damage hard concrete or tarmac surfaces, unless a working gap is first created for optimally safe access beneath heavy structures, or structures that may have been in place for some time. Pronal lifting cushions gently and safely lift multiple structures and fixed and mobile plant, including containerised plant. “Heavy processing equipment and portable structures often need to be raised to a low height to enable safe clear access so forklift tynes, crane strops, or standard lifting equipment or vehicles can do their work of loading onto transport,” says Vinh Lam. “The lifting gap is important, because it enables heavy lifting equipment to get through beneath the base of the load […]

A RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile launches from USS Abraham Lincoln.

BAE Systems Australia awarded $270m contract to boost guided weapon component production

BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a $270 million contract to significantly increase the production of critical components and assemblies for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2. The ESSM Block 2 is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles. It is in service with 12 countries and is equipped on the Royal Australian Navy Anzac class frigates and Hobart class air warfare destroyers. The new contract will greatly enhance capacity for Australian and allied forces and grow BAE Systems Australia’s ESSM workforce by 24 full time positions, including four new apprentices. BAE Systems Australia is the Australian industry lead in the North American Treaty Organisation ESSM Program. Since 1995 over 3000 sets of ESSM Block 1 components and assemblies have been delivered, with Block 2 supply commencing in 2021. The Company continues to expand domestic manufacture of guided weapons and has engaged a network of local suppliers to assist in the delivery of components to meet the needs of Australia and its allies. Andrew Gresham, Managing Director – Defence Delivery, BAE Systems Australia, said: “We’re proud to continue delivering as a trusted partner to Australia’s sovereign guided weapon manufacturing capability. “Increasing the rate of production of ESSM Block 2 components will ensure Australia and its allies continue to contribute to peace and stability while remaining protected. “This contract builds on decades of experience delivering domestic and export guided weapon programs and reinforces our position as a key enabler to the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.”

Enabling secure access to modern manufacturing networks

AI can boost Australian manufacturing productivity, if it’s used correctly

By Stephen Roebuck, Associate Director of Consultancy, Peninsula Australia Australian manufacturing businesses have their sights set on improving productivity to meet ever-evolving consumer demand through the utilisation of AI. Indeed, this was demonstrated by a recent CommBank report, Manufacturing 2024 Insights Report, which found that 71% of manufacturers are focusing on AI to boost efficiencies. However, with 41% of respondents to the same report identifying labour skills levels as the number one challenge for their business, raising productivity is no easy feat. This is where new and emerging technologies like AI have the potential to transform the industry – provided they are used correctly. Streamline safer processes As the Industrial Revolution proved, any technology or machinery that can automate physically demanding, tedious and manual processes is transformative for productivity. AI is enabling massive leaps in safety, efficiency, and output for manufacturing businesses around the world, reducing the reliance on human observation and labour. Therefore, AI can help reduce the risk of accidents, optimise workflows, and enhance overall operations. In fact, AI’s insights into workplace safety and identification of potential hazards are especially useful for high-risk industries like manufacturing. However, the uptake of new and emerging AI technologies that have become popular in many industries, such as the education and marketing sectors, is moving slower in the Australian manufacturing industry. This is primarily attributable to the costs involved with implementation, which are prohibitive for some businesses. However, this is likely to change as the Federal Government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund funnels more financing into areas including value add-in resources and renewables. But without proper training for workers to use new equipment that is powered by AI, business owners and employers are exposed to a whole new range of risks. Train and maintain Effective training is critical in delivering on the […]

Bioplastics-Innovation-Hub-1-credit-CSIRO AUS MN

CSIRO and Murdoch University launch Bioplastics Innovation Hub to end plastic waste

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Murdoch University have launched The Bioplastics Innovation Hub, an $8 million collaboration that will work with industry partners to develop a new generation of 100 per cent compostable plastic. The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to revolutionise plastic packaging by developing biologically derived plastic that can break down in compost, land, or water. Dr Andy Whiteley, CSIRO Research Program Director, said the Hub aims to bring together experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy by translating advancements in bioplastics research to real-world applications. “Our primary focus is the development of 100 per cent compostable, bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers which are engineered to fully break down in compost, land and in aquatic environments,” said Dr Whiteley. With global concerns over plastic pollution and fossil fuel depletion driving an increased demand for compostable bioplastics, the Hub will equip the plastics industry with the tools and expertise required to manufacture materials and continue to drive a plastic waste green economy. The first key focus area will be a co-investment with WA-based biotechnology company Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd, to develop a new process for water bottle production using compostable bioplastics derived from waste products from the food industry. Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation Professor Peter Eastwood said managing the growing plastic waste crisis required innovative technological solutions, including bioplastics. “Together with CSIRO, Murdoch University will fast-track the production of novel compostable bioplastic and introduce a green plastic to the market which will significantly minimise the requirement for non-sustainable plastic production,” Professor Eastwood said. “We also aim to assist industry in establishing an advanced biomanufacturing sector, to commercialise compostable bioplastics that meet the manufacturing […]

Transforming Manufacturing: The Power of AI in Industry 5.0

By Terry Smagh, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia-Pacific and Japan at Infor The manufacturing and distribution industries are no strangers to innovation. Over the past decade, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has played out, bringing to bear powerful new technologies including the IoT, advanced analytics, process automation, and AI. Today, factories are “smart”, hyper-connected, and data-centric. They’re more efficient than ever, and operators are empowered to make the best possible decisions based on data-driven insights. This story is not yet complete, however. In 2024, manufacturing and distribution companies stand on the cusp of yet another operational paradigm shift. This Fifth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 5.0, will encompass a dramatic pivot towards more intelligent technology, to empower human employees to work at their most productive. Over the next few years, we will see manufacturing and distribution leaders looking to embrace AI, robotics, and IoT. They will focus on the nexus of man and machine to drive sustainability, efficiency, and more agile approaches to production. This trend has been accelerated by the advent of generative AI (GenAI). Manufacturers are already looking to integrate innovations in their factories to boost productivity and revenues. According to recent research, 35% of organisations in France use AI technologies. 72% reporting a positive impact on employee performance. How AI-Human Collaboration Solves Crucial Challenges for Manufacturing Businesses By thinking of AI as a means of empowering employees and turbocharging their productivity, rather than as a low-cost alternative for low-value tasks, manufacturers will be able to solve some of their most intractable challenges. Supply Chain Supply chain resilience is a case in point. This is an issue that has never been far from the headlines in recent years. Remember the pandemic, drought affecting the Panama Canal, or the recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. With the […]

‹ 1 2 3 4 ›»

News Ticker

Company News