Developments

Fuji SMBE Macquarie and New Edge Group deliver critical electrical infrastructure for major fulfilment centre

Fuji SMBE Macquarie and New Edge Group have collaborated to deliver critical electrical infrastructure to a major new fulfilment centre in Western Sydney, NSW. This project is the first of two new fulfilment centres being built, with $490 million being invested across both facilities. This first facility spans 80,000 square metres and has the capacity to hold up to 1.6 million items, including large products like garden equipment, furniture and televisions. As the lead electrical contractor for the project, New Edge Group selected Fuji SMBE Macquarie under a Design and Construct agreement to deliver the electrical switchboards and associated infrastructure. “Fuji SMBE Macquarie is a reputable switchboard company with large project experience, and crucially for this project, they can handle everything from design to construction under one roof,” says New Edge Group Senior Project Manager, Antony Brizgala. Tailoring designs to complex site requirements Challenges Fuji SMBE Macquarie and New Edge Group worked through included limited switchroom space, modifying existing equipment to meet customer requirements, and designing for future expansion. “Fitting the boards within the switchroom required us to work closely with construction engineers to design the appropriate structural pit and operate within strict dimensional and weight constraints. Fuji SMBE was highly responsive and proactively coordinated with us and the engineers to adjust designs accordingly,” says Brizgala. The project involved Fuji SMBE Macquarie: Designing, manufacturing, and supplying three Main Switchboards. Designing and supplying three Main Distribution Boards. Designing and supplying 41 Distribution Boards servicing the fulfilment centre. Completing a comprehensive Arc Flash Study in accordance with current Australian Standards and site safety requirements. Completing full factory and site testing of Automatic Transfer Schemes (ATS), power monitoring systems, photovoltaic (PV) remote control interfaces, and shunt trip control systems. Coordinating and executing same-day site joining works aligned with switchboard delivery to maintain program […]

Adelaide Manufacturing and Innovation to Take Centre Stage at ROKLive 2026

Key sponsor Business Events Adelaide supports the future of industrial automation ROKLive 2026 will build on the success of ROKLive 2025 (pictured) on the Gold Coast, which saw more than 900 problem solvers come together for keynotes, training, networking and a showcase of the latest industrial automation technologies. Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, will bring ROKLive 2026 to the Adelaide Convention Centre from June 23–25, with a strong focus on manufacturing innovation, workforce capability, and South Australia’s growing role as an advanced industrial hub. The South Pacific’s largest event dedicated to industrial automation will bring together industry leaders, technology experts, engineers, manufacturers and policymakers to discuss the trends and technologies shaping the future of industry. Kicking off the event will be South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing Hon.Chris Picton MP and internationally recognised futurist, author, and innovation strategist Anders Sörman-Nilsson, founder of global think tank and trend analysis firm Thinque. Sörman-Nilsson helps leaders understand emerging trends and prepare for future disruption. His keynote at ROKLive 2026 will explore how manufacturers and industrial organisations can navigate rapid technological change, harness the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, and build the adaptability required to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. Internationally recognised futurist, author, and innovation strategist Anders Sörman-Nilsson will present a keynote address at ROKLive 2026 in Adelaide. Business Events Adelaide has joined the event as a key sponsor, supporting Adelaide’s growing reputation as a destination for advanced manufacturing, industrial innovation and business events. ROKLive 2026 comes at a time when Australian manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve productivity, resilience and sustainability while adapting to new technologies and workforce demands. The event’s program has been designed to provide practical strategies and real-world insights that attendees can apply within their own operations. In addition to the […]

Boresight lists on ASX

Boresight Ltd (ASX: BST), an Australian defence-technology company specialising in low-cost aerial target drones for counter-drone training, today commences trading on the Australian Securities Exchange in Sydney, following a strongly supported $8 million initial public offering. Managing Director and CEO Justin Olde says, “A lot of people have put in a lot of work to get us here today and I’m proud of every one of them. Boresight is proof that Australia can build a world-class offering. Our aerial target drones and the proprietary control system supporting them enable safe, repeatable and cost-effective training for this new age of drone warfare and that matters enormously. Safe, repeatable, affordable training is a critical requirement for militaries and counter-drone customers. “The scale of opportunity for Boresight is big. If you think about the number of soldiers around the world who need to be trained in this area, it’s a big number. We’ll use the funds from the raise to invest in new manufacturing capability and grow our team to capitalise on this opportunity and continue to develop our offering.” The Fyshwick-based company designs affordable drones built to be shot down, allowing military forces to train against realistic drone threats at a fraction of the cost of using commercial alternatives. Boresight sells its aerial target drones and proprietary control system to the militaries of 14 countries, including the United States and Australia, and has expanded with offices in Huntsville, Alabama, and Nottingham, England. The IPO, priced at $0.20 per share, gives Boresight a market capitalisation of approximately $41.8 million on listing. Boresight delivers an integrated aerial target drone ecosystem that enables realistic counter-UAS training and testing for defence forces. The company’s systems combine attritable aerial target drones, mission planning software and scalable ground control systems to support threat emulation and operational readiness. Boresight’s platform […]

Engineers explore pneumatic air spring actuation for 30-40 per cent boost to outputs of industrial energy and rural solar farms

Urban business including commercial, manufacturing and processing plants have been quick to recognise the cost efficiencies of solar power Australia is on track for 82% renewable energy by 2030, according to the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. This doubling of green energy’s share of the energy mix within the current decade is driven by record solar and wind investments and battery advances. Urban businesses – including manufacturers, food and beverage and primary processors, commercial buildings, transport and warehouse logistics – have been quick to realise the potential of capturing clean, low-cost energy on their rooftops. They are joining miners, energy producers, water, wastewater utilities and farmers in harnessing power from the sun to bring down the cost of energy as a major production input. To maximise the amount of solar energy captured by banks of panels, businesses, engineers, and solar farm operators are seeking the best way to actuate their panels to track the sun, thus increasing energy output by 30-40% compared to fixed systems. High-efficiency and typically less expensive alternatives to more complex actuation methods – such as geared motors and hydraulics – include pneumatic actuators, which can offer a robustly durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective option, according to current research by the international Science Direct industrial research platform. A current harsh climate case study by ScienceDirect finds pneumatic actuators ideal for rugged environments, using compressed air to maintain optimal sun-tracking angles. Key Features and Advantages: High force-to-weight ratios and high reliability with fewer failure points. Less expensive and much simpler design Cost-Efficient Operation:Lower manufacturing costs compared to conventional systems and ongoing energy savings due to low-duty cycle operation. High Reliability:Pneumatic systems, including rubber and fabric air springs types, can provide millions of cycles with minimal maintenance. Dual-Axis Capability:Used in dual-axis trackers for both altitude […]

Australian Made Week puts manufacturing in economic spotlight

Australia needs to continue building domestic manufacturing capability says Earlypay CEO James Beeson. Australian Made Week which begins Monday (18th) puts Australia’s manufacturing sector firmly in the spotlight at a time when many business and government leaders believe the country needs to rebuild local capability, strengthen supply chains and invest in the skills needed to support a more resilient economy. Earlypay chief executive James Beeson said buying Australian-made products should be seen as part of a broader economic conversation about productive capacity, working capital and the need to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. “Over recent decades, Australia has become heavily reliant on overseas supply chains for many critical goods,” Mr Beeson said. “In the short term, those dependencies are difficult to unwind, but the lesson is clear. If we do not continue building domestic manufacturing capability, we leave ourselves exposed when global supply chains come under pressure.” Mr Beeson said Australian Made Week was a timely reminder that manufacturing was not just about national pride, but about jobs, investment and economic security. “There may be a cost to buying Australian-made in some categories, but that spending supports local businesses, local jobs and investment in a productive capacity,” Mr Beeson said. “If we are serious about strengthening Australian manufacturing, businesses need the confidence and working capital to invest in equipment, people and production capacity.” The call follows the Federal Budget announcement, which included measures aimed at easing pressure on business, including productivity reforms the Government says will reduce regulatory burden by $10.2 billion each year. The Budget also included cash-flow support, with eligible companies that make a loss from 2026-27 able to use that loss to receive a refund against tax paid in the previous two income years. The measure is expected to benefit up to 85,000 companies, mostly small […]

The hidden cost of absenteeism in manufacturing and why it is rising

By Damien Durston, head of people management solutions at OneAdvanced Australia’s manufacturing sector has always operated under pressure. Tight margins, complex supply chains and rising input costs are part of the landscape. But a quieter issue is now undermining productivity across the industry: absenteeism. Unplanned leave has traditionally been treated as a routine operational challenge. Today, it is seen as something more serious. Employee absenteeism is a major issue for Australian manufacturers, impacting workplace productivity and employee well-being. To maintain business continuity and support their workforce, employers need to analyse absenteeism patterns and implement effective strategies. Absenteeism reflects deeper structural pressures linked to workforce fatigue, an ageing employee base and growing compliance complexity. Together, these forces are amplifying the impact of absenteeism and making it harder for manufacturers to maintain consistent output. The average absenteeism rate in Australian manufacturing is approximately 9-10 days per employee per year, according to The Australian Industry Group. The productivity drain hiding in plain sight Absenteeism has an immediate effect on manufacturing performance. When a skilled operator is absent, production lines can slow, schedules shift and quality may be affected. In specialised environments, replacements are not always readily available, particularly where certifications or machine-specific expertise are required. Supervisors are forced into reactive decisions, adjusting rosters and reallocating tasks at short notice. Overtime costs rise as remaining workers fill the gaps. In some cases, production targets are missed altogether, leading to delays and strained customer relationships. There is also a compounding effect. As absenteeism increases, the workload on present employees grows. This can drive further fatigue and additional absences, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. Workforce fatigue is reaching a tipping point Workforce fatigue is one of the most significant contributors to rising absenteeism. Shift work, long hours and physically demanding roles have always been […]

Dr Gabrielle M Caswell of SpacePort Australia Pty Ltd, a finalist in seven out of 30 Australian Space Awards, 2026

Dr Gabrielle M Caswell of SpacePort Australia Pty Ltd, has been named a finalist in seven out of 30 Australian Space Awards, 2026. Dr Caswell has confirmed her acceptance of the award nominations, she was a finalist in the 2025 (5) and 2024 (3)awards. Dr Caswell says, “It’s an exciting time to be working in space, we are watching the renaissance of human space flight, beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and a return to the Moon.” She continued, “It’s particularly exciting as Artemis II had a smooth launch, and all hands returned to Earth.” Dr Caswell added, “We should remember the pictures of the first landing on the Moon, Apollo 11, Artemis’ brother ship, were directly beamed from Antenna One, Moree OTC, to the world. The Moree OTC station is now decommissioned, the site is 20 minutes from SpacePort Australia. The Honeysuckle Creek Achieves has a wonderful repository of Australia’s long history, of supporting space exploration. It has a great store of images, which are really worth reviewing”. Dr Caswell has spent a large part of her working life in rural and remote environments; she has unique operational insight into the challenges of providing medical care for remote locations, a distinct advantage when understanding the operational space environment. Dr Caswell continues to work in the practices she established over 20 years ago, in rural NSW. SpacePort Austrlaia has a unique niche in the modern space industry, blending engineering with biological and ecological systems management. She continued, “Important concepts for exploration class deep space missions, and remote space colonies, are, by virtue of location, have finite resources. Technology needs to be robust, fixable and serve very precise purposes. The extraterrestrial environment is unique in its overriding hostility towards the human life form.” Dr Caswell’s enthusiasm for science, in all its forms, […]

Battery-free sensors close to reality with breakthrough in solar manufacturing

Sensors underpin modern life, but many still rely on disposable batteries which are contributing to a growing waste problem. With lithium-ion battery waste in Australia projected to exceed 100,000 tonnes by 2036, and hundreds of millions of household batteries discarded each year – many used in low-power indoor sensors and data loggers – there is an urgent need for cleaner power solutions. Now an NSSN Grand Challenge Fund project has demonstrated a viable pathway to producing a battery-free, sustainable alternative. Led by Macquarie University researchers, the project achieved a breakthrough in a key manufacturing step for perovskite photovoltaic (PV) cells which can be designed to generate power from ambient light. The team found a way to manufacture these PV cells faster and more energy-efficient using microwaves: instead of taking 30 minutes, it now takes about 30 seconds and uses half the energy. They also worked out how to scale the process for real manufacturing, where material is produced continuously on a moving roll. “If this technology can be scaled, it unlocks sensing applications that simply aren’t viable today, such as sensors embedded in concrete, environmental monitors in remote infrastructure, long-term medical devices, and agricultural sensing under greenhouse lighting, all operating continuously without maintenance,” Project Lead and Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at Macquarie University, Dr Binesh Veettil says. The breakthrough uses a microwave-based process to reduce perovskite PV cell annealing from around 30 minutes to about 30 seconds while significantly cutting energy use, enabling fast, scalable manufacturing and supporting future low-cost, self-powered indoor sensor applications. The project also opens the door to more flexible production where perovskite PV cells could one day be printed and integrated into materials like packaging, buildings and clothing rather than just manufactured for traditional panels. “The real barrier has always been the cost and complexity […]

Leading agri-manufacturer deploys automated solution to build best practices

DLG confidently expects Fiix® CMMS technology to pay for itself within its first year by achieving a 10 per cent improvement in uptime and maintenance efficiency Australasian primary producers and processors with diverse and far-flung operations may take a leaf from the book of technology benefits earned by their counterpart DLG Group in Europe. DLG is Denmark’s largest producer of agricultural feedstock and a significant producer of natural vegetable oil, both of which are produced in Australia and New Zealand. The company – which originated as a farmer-owned cooperative – addressed production, processing and maintenance issues with software also available in Australasia, Rockwell Automation’s Fiix® CMMS technology. The results were evident from the outset. Although the production processes in each site are nearly identical, the machines that run these processes are different in make, model, and age from one production line to the next. This has caused considerable complications for maintenance engineers in the past. Because the production environment was so heterogenous, there was often no single standard and documented resolution for any given problem. Problems often presented differently on different production lines and machines. Each time maintenance technicians were faced with this situation, they had to find the resolution for the problem from first principles. Not only did this increase the time taken to find a resolution, but it also complicated the job of finding the root causes of common or recurring faults. Technicians found themselves treating symptoms, which varied from one production line to the next, rather than tackling the common causes of the issue. The lack of a common inventory and tracking scheme for spare parts also caused problems. Often it would be possible to use the same spare part on a range of different makes and models of machinery. But technicians might not know this was […]

Existing tax system would deliver $80 billion more tax from higher oil price, report finds

Australia’s oil and gas industry would deliver almost $160 billion in taxes and royalties to governments over the next five years if high international prices persist under existing tax settings, new independent analysis by Wood Mackenzie shows. This represents around $80 billion more than under typical long-term price assumptions equating to nearly $17 billion per year in additional revenue flowing to federal and state budgets. Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the findings reinforce that Australia’s existing fiscal framework including the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) is already working as intended. “Australia’s oil and gas fiscal regime is designed to deliver strong returns to the community, and this analysis shows it does exactly that, especially when prices are high,” Ms McCulloch said. “As global energy markets tighten and commodity prices increase, the benefit flows directly to Australian governments through higher company tax, royalties and PRRT receipts. “The analysis shows the PRRT would deliver the largest uplift in tax revenue, with a 70 per cent increase in oil prices almost trebling receipts from $13.5 billion to $38.9 billion over five years.” The analysis compares a sustained oil price of around US$120 per barrel with a typical long-term assumption of US$70 per barrel, showing government revenues already increase as commodity prices rise. Ms McCulloch said the findings come at a time when global energy market disruptions have underscored the importance of Australia’s oil and gas industry to domestic supply and regional energy security. “Australia’s oil and gas industry is making a substantial contribution to government revenues, while continuing to deliver reliable energy at home and supporting energy security across our region,” she said. “Domestic gas prices remain stable and well below international levels, and our LNG exports are helping secure supply chains for critical fuels into Australia from key regional partners. […]

‹ 1 2 3 4 ›»

News Ticker

Developments