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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. […]

Aurecon appoints CSIRO leader to manufacturing practice

Will bring advanced technical capability and strategic thought leadership to Aurecon’s manufacturing business. Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has appointed Dr Ingrid Appelqvist as its new Client Director for Manufacturing. The appointment of Dr Appelqvist, effective September 17, comes as Aurecon grows its manufacturing work in response to Australia’s and New Zealand’s growing importance as a food supplier to Asia. The Australian Trade Commission says that by 2050, 60 per cent of the global demand for food will come from Asia.[1] Dr Appelqvist is a distinguished food scientist with a strong track record as a leader. She joins Aurecon from CSIRO, where she led the Food Structure group at the Agriculture and Food Business Unit – a position that saw her working on healthier foods that retain palatability and nutrition-uptake in the body. Her expertise in food design includes advanced food manufacturing processes and technologies, an expertise she will facilitate for Aurecon’s agri-food clients. Dr Alex Wonhas, Managing Director – Energy, Resources and Manufacturing at Aurecon, said the hiring of Dr Appelqvist will bring advanced technical capability and strategic thought-leadership to Aurecon’s manufacturing business at a time when Australia’s and New Zealand’s agri-business industries are gearing up for growth. “There is growing demand for high-quality and innovative food products from Asian markets. The ANZ agri-food-dairy industry has an opportunity to capture the most lucrative segments of these value-chains,” said Dr Wonhas. “Dr Appelqvist will help our clients implement leading-edge technologies and processes to give them an advantage in these growth markets.” Dr Wonhas said advanced manufacturing techniques – underpinned by new innovative process technologies, sensors, automation and machine learning – could enable higher quality and higher margin products. Aurecon’s food manufacturing practice takes a supply-chain view of the industry and focuses on quality of the product, food safety […]

Manufacture like a boss

Every part manufactured has a story – the story of how something is made, how much something costs, how much something can be sold for, and if you make it again. A good manufacturing story will be filled with precise detail, perfect accuracy, and guide your future based on a truthful history. And this means your customers will want more. Why? The answer is simple – if you are manufacturing you: Master the four key transactions: Purchasing Receipts, Issuing Material, WIP to FG, Shipping/Invoicing. Know your costs (freight, labour, outside services, overhead, other, material) with accurate precision. Price your parts competitively and profitably. Quote your jobs correctly with speed and accuracy. Reduce your risk by knowing and not guessing. When you are doing the above you are making parts faster, making parts better, watching it all in real time, and knowing exactly what everything costs – otherwise known as “manufacturing like a boss”. Prepare to win Manufacturing can be won or lost in how prepared your company is, not just a person. Employees must be well trained to accurately capture data. Garbage in, garbage out. Employees must hold each other accountable. If you see something, say something. Employees must understand daily processes and how each action impacts costing. If you do not know, ask first. Accurate bills and routers When a work order is generated to drive how much and how long it will take to make the parts, the accuracy of the bill of materials and routers impacts runtime, setup, lead times, and quantities. If the lead time is incorrect, it will tell purchasing to order material at the wrong times, leading to overstock of product or expedited fees to get product in. Realistic due dates If the due date on a work order (often driven by sales) is […]

How Independent Power Producers Can Improve Sustainability

When considering power infrastructure for a mine site, there are three options available to mine operators: rent temporary power solutions, build their own power supply station or contract an independent power producer (IPP). While short-term power solutions have their benefits, independent power producers offer the best of both worlds by providing mine sites with stable, energy-efficient power which is geared for long-term results. This can improve sustainability for businesses and communities while enabling the use of renewable energy innovations. Independent power producers can improve the sustainability of a mine site in a number of ways: Renewable Energy Innovations Renewable energy is an innovative benefit of engaging an independent power producer. Not only can IPPs utilise renewable energy to boost their normal power production, but these methods can also improve cost-efficiency and reduce emissions and waste. Renewable innovations such as waste heat recapture and solar/diesel hybrid technology are what set IPPs apart and can make a large difference in reducing the cost of maintenance and downtime. IPPs which have made the investment into renewable energy will be able to both reduce costs and help to conserve the local environment. Lower Implementation Costs Constructing, running and maintaining your own power station can require a vast outlay of initial capital and, depending on the specifications of a site, can even be cost-prohibitive in the long term. Contracting an IPP avoids the temporal and financial pressures process of power station construction and ownership, saving valuable capital which can be invested into further energy efficiency measures such as renewable energy. The lower initial capital investment of an IPP means that a mining company can be more flexible with their funding, taking advantage of short-term opportunities and lowering their financial risk profile. Manage Safety Independent power producers take on the costs and risks involved in the […]

James Hardie appoints Jack Truong as CEO

Louis Gries and Dr. Jack Truong. James Hardie has announced that Dr Jack Truong, currently the Company’s President – International since April 2017, will succeed long-standing CEO Louis Gries as the incoming CEO of James Hardie Industries. Dr Truong who continues to be based out of North America, will be formally appointed to the CEO role toward the end of the company’s 2019 fiscal year, at which time Mr Gries will step down as CEO and from the Board. The Board has determined that a structured transition is in the best interest of shareholders and an approximate six-month handover period has been established, during which time Mr Gries will remain in the CEO role and Dr Truong will become President and Chief Operating Officer with the responsibility of running the Group’s global business. He currently has responsibility for the operations of the Asia Pacific Fibre Cement business and the Europe Building Products business. Jack Truong offers the ideal combination of commercial expertise, operational excellence, and leadership in order to continue to grow the business and maintain the industry-leading performance, across multiple geographies, established by Louis Gries over a long period. Louis Gries joined James Hardie in 1991, becoming CEO in February 2005. During this time James Hardie delivered strong top-line growth and differentiated returns while increasing the market capitalisation from less than A$3.0 billion to A$9.21 billion.

Sludge dewatering solves environmental and disposal issues

A compact and cost-efficient alternative to conventional dewatering technologies is being introduced to Australia and New Zealand to eliminate costs and OH&S hazards associated with damper and heavier output from poultry processing and major food preparation operations. The KDS Multidisc Separator system from CST Wastewater Solutions – requires no washwater, while capturing 90-99 per cent of solids – is engineered to overcome the limitations of technologies such as screw presses, belt presses and centrifuges currently used. Applications include small-to-medium poultry, fish, meat and dairy plants as well as large-scale food and beverage kitchens and catering facilities which face the challenge not only of handling heavy, sticky wet waste, but also the volume and cost and OH&S hazards of transporting such unhygienic material to disposal facilities. Benefits of particular importance to installations for the poultry industry include: Removal of solids from waste streams Dewatering of sludges and solids Screening and dewatering of chicken processing wastes Removal and dewatering of solids from waste waters Dewatering of chemical sludges from DAF floats The largest energy saving KDS unit can handle about 100kg DS (dry solids) an hour at 98 per cent solids capture, to produce this more hygienic and more compact output that is easier and cheaper to handle and transport. Used for dewatering of dissolved air flotation sludge – a very common application throughout waste water operations – The KDS achieves solids capture of 97 per cent thickened sludge at a dryness of 17 per cent. Waste activated sludge dryness levels are typically 15-18 per cent dryness. The high quality, Japanese-manufactured technology: Uses minimal energy, consuming as little as 06kW hr of electricity Operates at low (63dBa) non-intrusive noise and vibration levels Requires minimal daily maintenance, saving cost and enhancing OH&S performance Occupies typically half the space or less of conventional dewatering […]

Eight myths about AI’s effect on the workplace

The interplay between technology and work has always been a hot topic. While technology has typically created more jobs than it has destroyed on a historical basis, this context rarely stops people from believing that things are “different” this time around. In this case, it’s the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) that is being hotly debated by the media and expert commentators. Although there is no doubt that AI will be a transformative force in business, the recent attention on the subject has also led to many common misconceptions about the technology and its anticipated effects. AI is going to be a seismic shift in business – and it’s expected to create a $15.7 trillion economic impact globally by 2030. But understandably, monumental shifts like this tend to make people nervous, resulting in many unanswered questions and misconceptions about the technology and what it will do in the workplace. Demystifying myths Here are the eight debunked myths about AI: Automation will completely displace employees Truth: 70% of employers see AI in supporting humans in completing business processes. Meanwhile, only 11% of employers believe that automation will take over the work found in jobs and business processes to a “great extent”. Companies are primarily interested in cutting costs with AI Truth: 84% of employers see AI as obtaining or sustaining a competitive advantage, and 75% see AI as a way to enter into new business areas. 63% see pressure to reduce costs as a reason to use AI. AI, machine learning, and deep learning are the same thing Truth: AI is a broader term, while machine learning is a subset of AI that enables “intelligence” by using training algorithms and data. Deep learning is an even narrower subset of machine learning inspired by the interconnected neurons of the brain. Automation will eradicate more jobs […]

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