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Happy birthday, SA’s big battery, and many happy returns (of your recyclable parts)

Aleesha Rodriguez A year ago today, Tesla’s big battery in South Australia began dispatching power to the state’s grid, one day ahead of schedule. By most accounts, the world’s largest lithium-ion battery has been a remarkable success. But there are some concerns that have so far escaped scrutiny. The big battery (or the Hornsdale Power Reserve, to use its official name) was born of a Twitter wager between entrepreneurs Mike Cannon-Brookes and Elon Musk, with the latter offering to build a functioning battery in “100 days or it’s free”. Musk succeeded, and so too has the battery in smoothing the daily operation of South Australia’s energy grid and helping to avert blackouts. The battery has also been a financial success. It earned A$23.8 million in the first half of 2018, by selling stored electricity and other grid-stabilising services. These successes have spurred further big battery uptake in Australia, while the global industry is forecast to attract US$620 billion in investments by 2040. It’s clear that big batteries will play a big role in our energy future. But not every aspect of Tesla’s big battery earns a big tick. The battery’s own credentials aren’t particularly “green”, and by making people feel good about the energy they consume over summer, it arguably sustains an unhealthy appetite for energy consumption. The problem of lithium-ion batteries The Hornsdale Power Reserve is made up of hundreds of Tesla Powerpacks, each containing 16 “battery pods” similar to the ones in Tesla’s Model S vehicle. Each battery pod houses thousands of small lithium-ion cells – the same ones that you might find in a hand-held device like a torch. The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries has a range of environmental impacts. Not least of these is the issue of how best to recycle them, which presents significant opportunities and challenges. The Hornsdale Power Reserve claims that when the batteries stop working (in about 15 years), Tesla […]

People, not technology, shape the future of manufacturing

These are exciting times for manufacturing. A plethora of recent technological developments creates radically new opportunities for how we develop, manufacture, and deliver products globally. The headlines proclaim that “the robots are coming”, “jobs will be automated”, and “digitalisation is revolutionising production”. Many managers are excited, baffled, or both. Many jobseekers are worried. Three decades ago, leadership expert Warren Bennis envisioned that “the factory of the future will have only two employees: a man and a dog. The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment.” While this vision is witty, the idea of the fully automated “lights-out” factory still lingers. But there’s a different vision for the future of manufacturing, where people take centre stage. A vision where people make use of new technology to enable sustainable, socially responsible, and efficient manufacturing. In this context, putting people first may seem surprising. After all, have we not been told that robotics and digitalisation will complete processes more effectively and efficiently than humans? That machine learning is training machines to train machines? That artificial intelligence is even entering company boardrooms? While this may hold true for some tasks, the vast amount of other tasks will in fact remain largely unaffected in the near term. To debunk a myth: robots are automating processes, not jobs. What’s more, we think that these technological developments are good, not bad, for workers. Increased productivity frees up human resources to do tasks where humans are superior to machines. One example of such a task is the development of new technologies in the first place. Another equally important task is to figure out how to best apply them. People must map production processes, identify the nodes where technology is needed, and reskill the persons […]

McLanahan Corporation celebrate move to support global mining

Hunter Manufacturer of the Year, McLanahan Corporation, will host a private event to celebrate their recent move to larger premises. The newly refurbished 18,000 square metre manufacturing facility at Cameron Park more than doubles their previous inventory space, and significantly increases production capacity. The event is an opportunity for clients, suppliers, government, local industry and business representatives to tour the facility and view equipment being assembled on site. Austrade, NSW Minerals Council, NSW Department of Industry and Cabinet representatives, as well as local and national business and industry associations have been invited to attend. Managing Director Australia-Asia Pacific, Neil Hunt is delighted to announce that US-based Company Chairman, Mike McLanahan and CEO Sean McLanahan will be in Australia for the event. “Having our Chairman and CEO here from the US is a clear demonstration of the company’s long term commitment to Australia and our mining clients from the Hunter Region,” said Mr Hunt. “Mike will provide the audience with insights into the company’s more than 185 year history, its challenges, successes and future outlook.” With operations in Australia since 2003, McLanahan have been supporting the mining industry with local design and engineering for more than 15 years. Mr Hunt added, “We’re very proud to be part of the manufacturing community supporting mining operations throughout both regional Australia, as a well around the globe.” Designed and developed to meet current and future client needs across the mineral and mining industries, the facility is located closer to their Hunter Valley clients and offers better access to the M1 freeway, with more efficient transport options. “Newcastle and the Hunter are well recognised for high calibre subcontractors, suppliers and engineering firms. Together, they provide a strong foundation for high value manufacturing,” Mr Hunt explained. “Coming off the back of the most successful year in […]

Home battery factory opens in Australia

German energy storage company Sonnen has begun production of home battery storage systems at its new factory in Adelaide. The German manufacturer aims to produce more than 50,000 storage systems over the next five years at the former GM Holden factory in the northern suburbs of the South Australian capital. An A$100 million South Australian government scheme to subsidise solar energy in homes was pivotal to securing investment from Sonnen, which moved its headquarters from Sydney to Adelaide this year. The Home Battery Scheme gives 40,000 South Australian households access to up to $6000 of subsidies and low-interest loans to pay for the installation of home batteries and solar. South Australia Premier Steven Marshall said the battery manufacturing facility will see the revival of the former automobile factory as a national centre for solar energy technology. “Having Sonnen locate its manufacturing centre in Adelaide for the production of home batteries for Australia, Asia and the South Pacific is a significant step in the revitalisation of South Australia’s industrial base,” said Premier Marshall. “The assembly and manufacture of 50,000 energy storage systems in Adelaide over the next five years will create around 430 manufacturing and installation jobs in the state and locates South Australia at the centre of this developing industry.” Sonnen founder and CEO Christoph Ostermann said the company would manufacture more than 10, 000 batteries a year to meet the demand from Australian households for home battery storage systems. “We are excited at the prospect of manufacturing in South Australia for the Australian and export markets and to participating in making Australia the number one market globally for energy storage system,” said Ostermann. “Sonnen will bring great benefits to South Australia through jobs at its Australian head office and factory in Elizabeth, lower energy prices for households that take […]

Sustainability flows through APPMA Awards of Excellence night

Sustainability will flow through every aspect of the reinstated Gala Awards Ceremony for the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) Awards of Excellence. APPMA Chairman Mark Dingley said, “Tickets are on sale now for what will be a truly exciting event. “From the bubble-wrap ‘red-carpet’ entrance right through to the food on the menu, every element of the evening has ‘sustainability’ at its core. This reflects both how intrinsic sustainability is to the operation of our industries and our commitment to it. “Cardboard is obviously an important material in packaging and will be used throughout the room, from an impressive entrance to intricate decorations. All the cardboard and paper products used will be created from a combination of responsibly sourced kraft liner and 100% recycled paper. Table centrepiece decorations will feature recycled copper, with lines referencing barcodes, while the lighting will all be low-energy LED. Even the plants used will returned to the nursery after the night, and the floral arrangements will be given to a local nursing home if guests don’t take them home. “As for the three-course meal itself, this is something we’re also very proud of because we’re deliberately working to reduce food waste. The menu will be designed in partnership with Yume, rescuing top-quality, brand-name surplus food that may have otherwise been discarded.” Mr Dingley said the Gala Awards Ceremony would also feature some fantastic entertainment. “The evening’s MC will be multi-skilled performer Peter Rowsthorn. Peter began as a stand-up comedian, working in television in the 1980s with the Comedy Company, although many may know him better as ‘Bretty’ in one of Australia’s most successful sitcoms, ‘Kath & Kim’, or recently on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’. “Music will be provided by Lil Miss Jazz, a sophisticated group who plays original compositions, […]

AIB receives coveted AHRI accreditation for their MBA

The Australian Institute of Business (AIB) is proud to announce that their specialised MBA in Human Resource Management has been granted accreditation by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) from January 2019. AHRI is the professional association for human resource practitioners in Australia and is tasked with ensuring HR professionals and people managers have the essential prerequisite skills and knowledge required to work in the HR profession. Regarded as the practical business school, AIB will be the first private higher education provider to receive the respected AHRI accreditation for a postgraduate HR qualification. Lyn Goodear, AHRI CEO and AIB Industry Guest Lecturer, says, “We’re delighted to welcome AIB as an AHRI accredited education provider. Accreditation is an important factor to consider when weighing up study options, and it is our job as an accrediting body to help instil confidence in the education choices of HR practitioners.” “AHRI goes through a highly rigorous process to ensure the academic integrity of the courses we accredit, which involves mapping course curriculums to AHRI’s respected Model of Excellence,” Lyn says. On the value of the accreditation for AIB, CEO Paul Wappett explains, “This AHRI accreditation will give our students greater professional recognition and enhanced credibility as managers in all fields.” “We are very proud of our MBA programme’s alignment with industry as it empowers our students in their workplaces, as well as prepares them for what the future of work may bring,” Paul says. AIB delivers its MBA 100 percent online to enable busy professionals to study while they work and apply the learning immediately in the workplace. All HR Academics at AIB are AHRI members and practitioners with industry experience. They facilitate AIB’s accredited HR specialist subjects which include Strategic Human Resource Development, Managing People in a Global Context and Managing Change. Graduates […]

Newcastle Service Rhomberg - Hydraulink 2 (002)

Rhomberg Rail cuts downtime through 24/7 partnership with Hydraulink

Hydraulink servicing Rhomberg facilities in the Newcastle-Hunter area, where Rhomberg customers include light and heavy rail, mining and energy, ports, logistics and bulk materials projects. A leading rail track design, construction and maintenance specialist dedicated to delivering on-time and on-budget projects for the public and private rail networks is curtailing downtime and improving the maintenance productivity of its resurfacing division through the 24/7 services of hydraulic service specialist Hydraulink. Rhomberg Rail Australia is part of the international Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group with 2000 employees globally involved in diverse light and heavy rail projects in Europe, Canada and Australia, where its activities extend from major mining, ports, logistics and bulk material loader projects on both the East and West Coasts, as well as public rail projects such as the Newcastle Light Rail, Freemantle Airport Link and bridge replacement projects in rural areas. Such projects – large and small – typically involve essential transport services that require quick response to the needs of clients employing Rhomberg’s innovative mechanised rail construction and maintenance machinery. Integral to the success of these projects – where time is money – are Rhomberg’s highly experienced local teams dedicated to service excellence and best-practice client relationships. This best-practice goal is why Rhomberg sought a hydraulic service partner with a can-do service ethos, coupled with local and national service capabilities, safety compliance and component traceability standards assured under the one brand. Rhomberg Rail’s General Manager, Mr. Scott Richardson, says the organisation chose to use Hydraulink because the company offered outstanding customer service and were willing to go beyond expectations to source supplies. Rhomberg has seen a measurable improvement in their operations, following their Resurfacing Division’s change to Hydraulink in early 2014. “Making the switch has certainly paid dividends to Rhomberg Rail. The hoses, fittings and service they supply […]

Rio Tinto Limited successfully completes A$2,871 million off-market buy-back

Rio Tinto has successfully completed its off-market buy-back, achieving its share purchase target of approximately 41.2 million Rio Tinto Limited shares, for a total consideration of A$2,871 million (US$2,081 million1). The Buy-Back Price was A$69.69 per Share which represented a discount of 14 per cent to the Market Price2. Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said “We are delighted to be returning US$2.1 billion to our Rio Tinto Limited shareholders through this off-market buy-back. Strong demand has enabled us to return the maximum amount, and at a discount of 14 per cent. The remaining US$1.1 billion of funds will be returned through our ongoing buy-back of Rio Tinto plc shares. In 2018 we have announced cash returns to shareholders of US$6.4 billion. Our strategic focus, with disciplined allocation of capital, is ensuring that we continue to deliver superior returns to our shareholders in the short, medium and long term.” The Rio Tinto Limited Buy-Back was announced to the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) on 20 September 2018 as part of a US$3.2 billion share buy-back programme (the “Programme”), returning the post-tax proceeds from the sale of coal assets in 2018 to Rio Tinto shareholders. Rio Tinto Limited bought back 41,198,134 Shares, at an aggregate cost of A$2,871 million (US$2,081 million). This represents 9.99 per cent of Rio Tinto Limited’s issued ordinary shares (or 2.41 per cent of the Rio Tinto Group’s issued ordinary shares3). Following completion, Rio Tinto Limited’s issued share capital will stand at 371,216,214 shares. The portion of the Programme relating to the on-market buy-back of Rio Tinto plc shares will now total a maximum amount of US$1,119 million and will commence on 28 February 2019 and will be completed no later than 28 February 2020. All shares purchased will be cancelled. Due to the significant oversubscription for the […]

Lightweight scanning solution

The Faro 8-Axis Design ScanArm 2.5C is the first colour capable portable lightweight 3D scanning solution providing an unprecedented ergonomic experience with both the 7-Axis or 8-Axis models. Using the new Faro Prizm™ full colour Laser Line Probe with powerful 3D design and modelling software, the 8-Axis Design ScanArm delivers high-resolution colour point-cloud data enabling more insight into object design and creation, geometry, surface composition and differentiation between materials. The colour information is also used in high-quality 3D visualisation of rendering objects in gaming, movies and online marketing. The added eighth-axis enables real-time rotation of the object being scanned – eliminating wasted time, reducing risk to delicate objects and supporting more complete scan output. The 8-Axis Design ScanArm 2.5C is the ideal solution for any organisation that may have the need to develop or manufacture parts and after-market products characterised by different coatings, materials, co-moulded parts or surfaced finishes without existing CAD models. In addition, you can reverse engineer legacy parts to design changes or replacement, create digital libraries to decrease inventory and warehouse costs, design aesthetically pleasing free form surfaces or leverage the power of rapid prototyping. This lightweight and easily manoeuvrable ScanArm is available in lengths of 2.5m, 3.5m and 4.0m and seamlessly scans challenging products, objects and prototypes. The Design ScanArm 2.5C comes equipped with dual, hot swappable batteries that enable continuous operation with no need for external power when the application requires measurement in the field or shop floor. Faro kinematic iProbe’s easy connect/disconnect combined with a simplified quick release, makes the device effortless to operate regardless of skill level or 3D scanning experience. The Faro 8-Axis Design ScanArm 2.5C is the ideal colour capable 3D scanning solution for any organisation that may have the need to: • Capture and digitise objects and props in full […]

Quiet ZC cordless pump offers portability, speed and safety

Enerpac’s ZC series high performance pump An international leader in high pressure hydraulic tool technology, Enerpac, is introducing to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea compact and outstandingly powerful cordless hydraulic pumps ideal for jobs that require a combination of portability, speed and safety. The 700 bar (10,000psi) ZC Series pumps combine the performance of an electric pump with the convenience, portability and stumble-free safety of a battery pump that is ideal for applications where emissions and noise are concerns. The new generation cordless pumps – featuring a rechargeable 82V lithium ion battery with long run times, even under extreme site conditions – work well in remote locations where there is no access to power, as well as indoor uses where trip hazards, ergonomics or size are a concern. Available in single-acting, double-acting and Power Seater Post Tensioning models (weighing 29.7-33.3kg), the pumps provide a high-flow cordless solution for applications such as: lifting, shifting, cutting, pressing, gear pulling and other workshop maintenance tasks; foundation work; post-tensioning and rail, road, civil engineering and infrastructure development on sites as diverse as mining and energy, construction, oil and gas exploration and development; water and pipeline projects. These advanced technology pumps – with impressive run times and national service backing from Enerpac – are among the first of a stream of high-technology products Enerpac is introducing to save users time and money. The ZC-Series is a high-flow cordless solution with an 8-litre reservoir capacity, 0.52l/min flow at rated pressure and reduced noise level of 80 dB a maximum. They are designed to handle, for example, 50 lifting cycles with an RC1006 95-ton cylinder, or 90 cycles of the equally widely used RC504 cylinder on a single charge. ZCs save users time and money by eliminating the need for a generator and extension cords. […]

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