Daily News

Supply chain crisis

Jarrod Kinchington, Infor ANZ vice-president and managing director How has the global supply chain crisis that unfolded in 2021 affected the manufacturing sector in the ANZ region? No vertical market appears to be immune to the hardships and challenges resulting from the global pandemic. As we find ourselves in the third year of the pandemic, the repercussions from severe supply and demand imbalances are still being felt worldwide with an immense impact on the manufacturing industry. From availability and increasing cost of labour, freight capacity, semiconductors, empty chassis and warehouse storage space, this crisis has now revealed itself to be multifaceted and an ongoing concern for 2022. Following the Omicron outbreak and amidst trade and shipping chaos, some emerging long-term patterns show that the manufacturing sector will continue to be impacted by the ongoing supply chain issues. The cost of ocean and air freight shipping will likely remain even after current congestion and capacity constraints have settled. It is expected that traditional ‘peak’ seasons will start earlier and run longer, whereas freight contracts are predicted to run for shorter terms. Is there a way smart manufacturing technology can help organisations predict and prepare for such events in the post-pandemic future? The supply chain crisis has taught enterprises worldwide that more needs to be done to secure their operations. While we are likely to continue managing supply chain disruptions that will increase in pace and impact, we must grow supply chain resilience and have the ability to forecast disruptions into the future. Organisations must prioritise first-mile technology investments and collaborative logistics service provider relationships. They cannot afford to be solely focused on price or low cost. Instead, they must have new goals for holistic and multi-dimensional forms of visibility for freight capacity, supplier work-in-progress and financial health, modal hand-off points and […]

Golden State Mining announces new Payne’s Find Lithium Project

Gold, lithium, and base metals exploration company Golden State Mining Limited is substantially growing its’ footprint across Western Australia following the successful granting of two out of five tenement applications at GSM’s new ~1200km2 Payne’s Find Project in the Murchison region of Western Australia. Located immediately east and 30km north of Payne’s Find in the Murchison region of Western Australia, GSM has secured the ground for its lithium and base metal potential based on open file aeromagnetic and remote sensing data evaluation. The project-scale lithium targeting work has already commenced on the new, underexplored tenure of the entire project area, with further reconnaissance and initial soil sampling work due to commence in the coming weeks. Golden State’s Managing Director, Michael Moore, said “The diligent targeting work carried out by GSM during the second half of 2021 is already paying off for the company with the recent granting of two out of five tenement applications at Payne’s Find, being an exciting addition to the GSM stable of projects across Western Australia. In conjunction with a well-regarded industry consultant, this greenfields area was specifically targeted for its lithium prospectivity, however, the recent Meleya discovery by Tempest Minerals Limited some 30km away has also highlighted the importance of base metals opportunities in this region.” The new Payne’s Find Project adds to GSM’s quality projects focussed on Western Australia, with the flagship being the Yule Project in the under-explored Mallina Basin in the Pilbara region of the State. GSM’s 100% per cent owned holding is a strategic ground position in the highly sought-after Archaean Mallina Basin, with the tenement package hosting intrusive bodies and major structural corridors. The most recent drill campaign uncovered a significant gold intersection of 4m @ 0.8g/t from 74 metres. “The region is seriously under-explored. GSM continues to validate the […]

This budget, amid talk of deficits, consider the lessons we ought to have learned

-Steven Hail, Adjunct Associate Professor, Torrens University Australia A decade ago, and years before Treasurer Josh Frydenberg promised a budget that was “back in the black”, Prime Minister Julia Gillard promised the same thing. At that time, in the lead-up to the 2012 budget, unemployment was higher than it is today, and inflation and wages growth were so low (1.6% and 2.3%, respectively) as to provide no impediment whatsoever to cutting unemployment further. Yet Gillard was resolute in her determination to bring in a budget surplus, by which she meant a budget that spent less than it took in. She titled her speech to Western Australia’s Chamber Of Commerce and Industry and Chamber Of Minerals And Energy “In the Black” There was “no clearer sign of a strong economy than a surplus”. It would “protect jobs”, provide a “buffer in case the global economy gets worse”, and allow the Reserve Bank to cut rates, “knowing that an interest rate reduction is good for families and business”. Indeed, she added: …let me make this clear once and for all: a budget surplus is not a political target but a potent economic tool. I sometimes wonder whether she remembers this claim. I nearly asked her once, crossing North Terrace in Adelaide, but I chickened out. As with Gillard, so with Abbott Gillard never did get her budget surplus, and she and Kevin Rudd were followed as prime minister by Tony Abbott, who talked of a “budget emergency” that only a run of surpluses could fix. While in opposition, his finance spokesman Barnaby Joyce had gone as far as to suggest that the debt run up by years of budget deficits (spending more than the government took in) was “getting to a point where we can’t repay it”. That was too much even […]

A three dimensional panoramic view of the turquoise spring Kiikunlahde in Hollola, Finland in a mini planet panorama style.

Sustainable Technologies in 2022

At the core of sustainability are cost savings which has led economists and environmentalists to see eye-to-eye on the long-term benefits of sustainable practices in business. RS Components value both the environment and energy conscious design. In addition to their global support of the environment initiatives of Engineers Without Borders, the RS library of accessible consumer materials cover everything from tech-articles to product-selection guides on the most environmentally-economic products on the market. Their commitment to keeping their RS Components customers up-to-date on sustainable product trends compelled them to launch a webinar – Sustainable Technologies in 2022. A panel of experts from the leaders in industry include Schneider Electric, Fluke, Phoenix Contact, ABB and RS PRO who will discuss how business can become more sustainable in operations. Join the Sustainable Technologies in 2022 seminar by clicking on the link below to register: https://nz.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=sustainable-technology&cm_mmc=NZ-PR-_-NZMMAG-_-DTC_203_0322_APAC-_-Sustainability_banner And add this date in your diary: 12PM Thursday 7th April 2022 All attendees who stay until the end of the session will receive a FREE e-Gift Card valued at $20*.

Better environmental management of industrial chemicals

A national roadmap to deliver Australia’s new Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) is now available. IChEMS will reduce the impacts of industrial chemicals on the environment, protect Australia’s people, and safeguard the value of our land and water. Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment James Tregurtha said when in place, IChEMS will deliver more consistent regulation of industrial chemicals and make it easier for industry to choose less harmful alternatives. “IChEMS was developed collaboratively by the Australian, state and territory governments working together as part of broader reforms to Australia’s chemicals and waste management,” Mr Tregurtha said. “The roadmap builds on Australia’s partnership approach to chemicals management and recognises that scientists, governments, industry and communities all have a role to play in better management.” “IChEMS will not only support informed choice about chemicals but will also function as a single consistent source of information on how industrial chemicals should be managed in Australia.” Australia’s states and territories are working to adopt and implement IChEMS into their own regulatory frameworks from the end of the year. For more information, and to contribute to this important national reform, go to https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/protection/chemicals-management/national-standard.

CES selects SYSPRO ERP to take its business to the next level

Caravan Electrical Solutions (CES) has selected Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) specialist, SYSPRO to address inefficiencies in its business as the forward looking Australian company experiences extraordinary growth due to Australians buying caravans and campers in record numbers instigated by the pandemic related travel restrictions. CES offers complete electrical systems for recreational vehicles, including the supply of materials, labour and a fully comprehensive warranty, with aftermarket support. After eleven years of experience in this field, CES has evolved with the key focus to provide quality labour-saving technologies to RV manufacturers and continued ongoing support for consumers who buy RVs with this technology. This diversity, focus and investment in state-of-the-art assembly machines, has enabled CES to claim its position as market leader. “The prolonged closure of international borders has merely been an accelerator for our business, which was what instigated the search for a professional ERP system to address inefficiencies in the business, so we can really take it to the next level for an unprecedented period of record growth,” said Jason Arter, Director, CES. CES is SYSPRO’s first sales deal in Asia Pacific for 2022 and took just eight weeks from an online enquiry to closing the deal. It was a competitive sales engagement process against Odoo and M1 Software, with comprehensive pre-sales engagement from discovery through to demonstration. CES has purchased SYSPRO ERP, SYSPRO MRP and SYSPRO MOM to integrate different parts of the business that are currently operated as silos. Somerton, Victoria based CES’ incredibly strong results in the past two years reflect a broader trend of increased adoption of travel via recreational vehicles (RVs) and caravans, largely due to the lack of international travel options during COVID-19. Data from The Caravan Industry Association shows record sales of campers and caravans in 2020 and 2021, up by at least […]

Highly detailed Earth. Australia and Tasmania

Strong interest from oil and gas sector in carbon capture acreage releases

Australia’s oil and gas industry says there has been strong interest in acreage releases for new carbon capture and storage (CCS) opportunities off Western Australia and the Northern Territory. As bidding closed, the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) welcomed the opportunity for members to bid for five areas in Commonwealth waters to explore greenhouse gas storage opportunities. APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said the sector’s technological expertise and commitment to reducing emissions provided it with an advantage to deliver more as well as ultimately support a new hydrogen industry. “We understand members showed strong interest in this release, illustrating a solid backing of the pathway to a lower emissions, cleaner energy future,” Mr McConville said. “The oil and gas industry is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and some of our members are targeting earlier dates. “Billions have already been invested in cleaner technologies such as carbon capture and storage and hydrogen. “CCS has an important role in lowering the carbon intensity of gas production and in supporting the development of a blue hydrogen industry. “CCS is a viable and proven method and the oil and gas industry is well-positioned to deliver the technology.” The bidding under the Federal Government’s 2021 Offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage Acreage Release was the first opportunity since 2014.

Growth fuels relocation for Kemppi Australia

Kemppi Australia, part of Kemppi Oy, a leading international welding equipment manufacturer, has moved its head office into new purpose-designed premises located at Unit 2, 463 Victoria Street, Wetherill Park, NSW. The recent relocation is in response to the company’s continued growth. According to Kemppi Australia’s Managing Director, Paul McVicar, the old premises could no longer meet the company’s existing needs for additional space let alone accommodate any future growth. The new, large two-story building houses Kemppi Australia’s Sydney-based staff, warehousing facilities and service centre. The service centre features work bays with the capability to handle multiple equipment repairs and maintenance contracts simultaneously. The much larger warehouse can accommodate additional stock of equipment and consumables. The extra space will also help make shipping and tracking of Kemppi equipment and goods more efficient. The new office space has been fitted out with a bright, modern design to support staff collaboration and productivity. While the consolidation of office space across two floors allows the company to further streamline internal processes and enhance communications. According to Paul, the Kemppi Australia team are excited about the new facility. “It’s not only a more pleasant and efficient environment in which to work and grow, it will also allow us to better serve our dealers and customers.”

BRC-civil-engineer-Nikita-Nikiteev-right-with-his-peers-at-the-business’-rail-provisioning-yard-in-Bowen

Engineers encouraged to get dirty through grad program

Bowen Rail Company (BRC) civil engineer Nikita Nikiteev knows better than most the professional value of getting your hands dirty. “I played in the dirt a lot as a kid and had a love for the exact sciences, so civil engineering was always the job for me,” he said. “But it wasn’t until I saw the opportunity of a graduate position working on the Carmichael Rail Network and getting my hands on to something challenging and meaningful that I knew where it would take me. “It turned out that was working alongside thousands of people building a railway in the middle of nowhere, and I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my career.” Now the 26-year-old is encouraging his like-minded peers to seize their opportunity as part of Adani’s second Graduate Program intake with its Bravus Mining and Resources and Bowen Rail Company businesses. Six positions across Bravus’ Carmichael Mine and Bowen Rail Company’s rail freight services are on offer for graduates in the fields of mining, civil and mechanical engineering, and geology. “I’d strongly encourage anyone wanting an exciting and rewarding career to apply,” Nikita said. “It’s continued to open doors for me, and right now I’m working as part of the dynamic team building BRC’s provisioning yard in beautiful Bowen. It’s a lot of fun and I still get to get my hands dirty.” Bravus and BRC HR & IR Lead Rebecca Wells said the 2022 Graduate Program was open to engineers up to two years post-graduation. She said successful applicants would benefit from 18 months of on-site work with senior engineering team members, as well as off-site training with Central Queensland University. “This is the opportunity for the many talented people who want to work in our industry to kick-start a fulfilling career in a […]

Six tips for going circular (from manufacturers who are doing it)

-Jim Goddin, thinkstep-anz Every expert was once a beginner – and that includes the three New Zealand and Australian manufacturers who share their circular economy (CE) expertise here. Ged Finch, Jason Graham-Nye and David Bell run or work in manufacturing businesses based on CE principles. Ged is R&D Manager at XFrame, a business which designs and manufactures reusable prefabricated structural framing. Jason co-founded gDiapers which designs and makes compostable nappies. David is Manager Sustainability and Insight at steel recycler, manufacturer and distributor InfraBuild. Our three experts have learned a lot about CE since they started out. In a recent thinkstep-anz webinar, they shared their tips for taking a manufacturing business circular. Their advice is relevant for businesses that design and manufacture their own products and for contract manufacturers too. Before we hear from our experts, here’s a look at CE and how it can add value to your manufacturing business. Circular economy in a nutshell CE is often confused with recycling. It’s much (much!) more. CE is based on three principles. Here’s how they play out in the real world of product design and manufacturing at XFrame, gDiapers and InfraBuild. Principle 1: designing out waste and pollution XFrame estimates that their reusable framing can reduce construction waste from a single home by up to 5 tonnes. gDiapers’ products eliminate waste from disposable nappies. InfraBuild recycled 1.4 m tonnes of scrap metal in Australia in 2021. Principle 2: keeping products and materials in use More than 95% of the materials in an X-Frame building can be recovered and reused, many times. The materials in gDiapers’ nappies can be composted and put back into the soil. InfraBuild keep materials in use by feeding their electric arc furnaces with 100% scrap metal wherever possible. Principle 3: regenerating natural systems The timber XFrame use to manufacture […]

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