Manufacturing Technology

Economic Reform Roundtable :Productivity

Australia is holding a roundtable on Productivity this month Lifting productivity is critical to growth in real wages, incomes, jobs and overall living standards. It needs to be done in a sustainable and inclusive way to ensure all Australians can benefit. Recent trends Lower growth in labour productivity has been a longstanding challenge for Australia. Australia’s average productivity growth in the 2010s was at the lowest rate in 60 years . – Reflecting this slowdown, Treasury downgraded its long-run annual labour productivity growth assumption from 1.5 to 1.2 per cent in 2022. – Even small movements in productivity growth will have large impacts on wages and living standards over time. The 2023 Intergenerational Report found that a decline from 1.2 per cent to 0.9 per cent growth per year would reduce per capita real income by more than $10,000 per person in 40 years’ time. This challenge is not unique to Australia, with labour productivity over the past decade slowing in most major advanced economies. A number of countries, including the United States, Canada and New Zealand have also downgraded productivity growth assumptions in official forecasts. Australia’s productivity slowdown has been broad based. Productivity growth in the market sector, excluding mining, has slowed over time. This has been compounded by weaker productivity growth in the non-market sector and mining industry in more recent years. Productivity growth accelerated temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic before reversing. Productivity returned back to levels observed in 2019 as employment and consumption trends normalised and the labour market recovered strongly. – During this recovery, strong capital growth still did not keep pace with growth in hours worked, resulting in a decline in the capital to labour ratio which has weighed on recent productivity growth. – Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) are monitoring the […]

DroneShield's current in-house production facility in central Sydney

DroneShield to invest as it expands manufacturing capacity

DroneShield will invest an initial A$13M in a major new R&D and manufacturing facility, triple the size of its current facility, as it expands its annual manufacturing capacity to $2.6BN by the end of 2026. The company’s largest facility is expected to open in December 2025 and will feature advanced in-house production, testing and warehousing capabilities. The existing production floor in Alexandria,central Sydney will be converted into an additional R&D area for the Company, resulting in a 5,530sqm total R&D area. It follows DroneShield securing a $61.6M European military contract followed shortly by $9.7M million Latin American and $11.7M Five-Eyes R&D deals. ‘In response to rising threats and multiple wars taking place across the globe, Australia’s allies are increasing investment in modern defence capabilities. We are stepping up to meet this demand by investing in state-of-the-art facilities here and abroad, and in sovereign Australian skills development to provide the most modern and effective counter-drone capabilities in the world. Our new facility in Alexandria will epitomise the value Australian engineering can bring to a changing geopolitical landscape’, said DroneShield CEO Oleg Vornik. R&D and Manufacturing Capacity Expansion DroneShield is committing to invest $13 million in a significant R&D and manufacturing capacity expansion New dedicated 3,000sqm of own production space (3x the floorspace of the current production facility) Addition of 2,500sqm to the R&D area in its headquarters, for engineering and lab space Together with planned expansions to its Australian contract manufacturing, and plans to set up contract manufacturing in Europe and the US, the current $500 million annual manufacturing capacity is estimated to expand to $2.4 billion, by the end of 2026 The expansion in Australia is concurrent with DroneShield’s European and US manufacturing initiatives, against the backdrop of record global demand The $13 million amount refers to 5 years of initial […]

Australia and Japan’s top engineers show the way for a renewable hydrogen sector

Australia and Japan’s joint technological expertise can lead the way in international clean energy, according to a joint report focussing on hydrogen, released today. This partnership will lead to new jobs, cleaner industry, and economic benefits for both nations.The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and The Engineering Academy of Japan (EAJ), led by its Emerging Research Leaders Exchange Programme (ERLEP), launched their joint report ‘The Australia-Japan renewable hydrogen value chain’, at an event today in Osaka during World Expo 2025. ATSE and the EAJ have brought together Fellows from both Academies to shine a light on our shared potential. The report outlines hydrogen’s emerging role as a clean fuel with potential across two nations’ economies – in construction, manufacturing, agriculture and fertilisers, and chemical production. It articulates the steps necessary to most expediently produce, transport, store, and use millions of tonnes of green hydrogen across Australia and Japan. Fuelled by abundant and cheap Australian renewable energy using technologies leveraging Japanese and Australian inventions, green hydrogen is primed to become a critical industry and trade focus in the Asia-Pacific by 2050. Acting as a carrier of energy and a clean, highly useful chemical input, green hydrogen can also set up other sectors for success, including steelmaking and fertiliser manufacturing. ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said, “Achieving this potential requires a sustained focus on skills, infrastructure and financing. Japanese and Australian innovation, working together in partnership, are a force to be reckoned with. Today’s report lays out how retrained personnel from existing energy industries could add to their existing knowledge and fill the critical hydrogen roles of the future.” EAJ Chair of International Affairs Yuko Harayama said, “Japan and Australia are perfect partners for exploring the complementarity and synergy in their expertise in renewable hydrogen. The key would be to bring together stakeholders from industry and academia from […]

Spirit Marine appointed distribution partner for Sunpower Yachts

Leading Queensland boat dealer Spirit Marine has been appointed the exclusive distributor for solar electric yacht company Sunpower Yachts. This partnership will see Spirit Marine promote Sunpower and its range of Solar e-Cruiser, Solar e-Sail, Solar e-Poweryachts, Solar e-Superyachts exclusively to the Queensland market. Following its recent acquisition of Alva Yachts GmBH, Australian-owned Sunpower is now the world’s largest solar electric yacht company. For Spirit Marine founder Peter Nicholson this announcement marks a personal milestone for himself and the brokerage as he has long been a passionate advocate for Sunpower’s combination of craftsmanship and technology. “Sunpower is at the forefront of solar electric yachting, consistently setting a benchmark in efficiency, performance, comfort and environmental responsibility, whilst still producing sleekly designed vessels,” said Mr Nicholson. “Following its recent acquisition of Alva Yachts GmBH, the firm is well-positioned to build on its existing reputation as a leader in the luxury eco-yacht market. This combination of cutting-edge technology, performance and luxury is why Spirit Marine is so excited about this announcement as we see this having the potential to become one of the country’s leading boating brands.” Spirit Marine is a leading Australian bespoke boat dealer with operations spanning Queensland, and is Beneteau’s Queensland partner for their outboard power and sailboat ranges – including the highly successful Antares range which targets the cruiser market. Sunpower Yachts is the global leader in solar electric yachting and has already sold 12 yachts ranging from 44ft-90ft. With the world’s largest fleet of innovative, eco-friendly vessels, they\’re setting the standard for sustainable luxury on the water. Its yachts combine cutting-edge solar technology with exceptional design, offering a seamless blend of performance, elegance, and environmental responsibility. Sunpower Yachts spokesperson Grant Hudson is looking forward to working with partners like Spirit Marine as the brand seeks to become one […]

Manufacturing training at the Central Coast Interim Skills Hub

Central Coast manufacturing leads the way in sustainable innovation

The Central Coast’s standing as one of Australia’s first certified ECO Destinations extends far beyond its beaches and bushland. A new wave of sustainable innovation is emerging from the region’s manufacturing sector, highlighted by local businesses redefining what it means to operate responsibly, with global impact. At the forefront is Signarama Tuggerah, winner of the 2024 Hunter Manufacturing Award for Excellence in Sustainable Operations. Their cutting-edge signage solutions, developed in collaboration with Spandex, HP, and Avery Dennison, debuted on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The result? Recyclable, reusable signage that cut carbon emissions by 22% and met global performance standards. Powered by solar energy, using PVC-free materials and water-based inks, Signarama reduced energy use by 34% and landfill waste by 15% in just 12 months. Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley says their pioneering work in sustainable signage was showcased on the world stage for the Australian Olympic Committee at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “This wasn’t just signage – it was a statement. They designed, developed and delivered world first recyclable and reusable signage solutions. The project reduced carbon emissions by 22% and proved sustainable signage can meet global performance standards.” Hunter Manufacturing Awards Board Member and Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect Frank Sammut believes the region is at the forefront of an industrial transformation. “The Central Coast is proving that manufacturing and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Businesses are creating smarter, greener, globally competitive models, right here in our backyard.” Central Coast manufacturing highlights AGRANA Fruit – Central Mangrove Runs on 100% renewable electricity from wind and solar. On track to achieve zero landfill waste this year, circular packaging by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2040. 4 Seasons Insulation – West Gosford Reduces household energy consumption through smart insulation solutions. Offers sustainable […]

Unlocking the benefits of multi-material drills

Versatile drilling offers a key to more productive manufacturing In January 2025, the World Economic Forum reported that facilities identified as part of its Global Lighthouse Network are achieving remarkable productivity gains of 70%, while simultaneously reducing energy costs by 40% and time to market by 40%. Lighthouses aside, how can all manufacturers raise their productivity, without increasing costs? Here, James Thorpe, Global Product Manager for Hole Making and Composite Machining at Sandvik Coromant, explains how a new drilling tool can enhance manufacturing production goals for multi-material applications. Beyond the Lighthouse facilities, manufacturers across the globe are increasingly tasked with producing parts from a diverse array of materials — from hardened steels and composites to softer metals and plastics — all while striving for uncompromising precision and efficiency. Addressing these challenges head-on requires tooling solutions that not only push the boundaries of traditional drilling capabilities but also streamline operations in an increasingly competitive market. Overcoming pain points Drilling is a fundamental yet technically demanding operation in modern manufacturing. One of the most persistent challenges involves material variability. Manufacturers often work with a wide range of materials, from tough hardened steels to lightweight but ductile metals. Each material presents unique difficulties —hardened steels can cause excessive tool wear, while softer metals may deform under drilling forces. Heat generation and tool wear are also significant concerns in drilling operations. High cutting speeds, prolonged machining cycles and demanding material compositions contribute to excessive heat buildup. This not only accelerates tool degradation but also impacts machining accuracy, leading to surface defects and deviations from required dimensions. Effective heat management solutions, both in tool design and machining strategies, are therefore critical for extending tool life and improving component quality. Another key challenge is chip evacuation. In deep-hole drilling or high-feed applications, inefficient removal of chips […]

Hunter Manufacturing Awards return in 2025 with national recognition and new award categories

Winners to fast-track into new national awards program as entries open across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid-North Coast The 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) have officially launched, unveiling a revitalised program designed to spotlight innovation, inclusion, and global competitiveness in one of regional Australia’s most vital industries. Now in its 21st year, HMA continues to celebrate the outstanding achievements of manufacturers across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and Mid-North Coast regions. But this year comes with a powerful new incentive: a first-of-its-kind partnership with Industry Update’s Australian Manufacturing Awards will see 2024 HMA winners automatically fast tracked as national finalists in the debut of the prestigious new national program. “We’re proud to be raising the profile of regional manufacturers on a national stage,” said HMA Chair Jacqui Daley. “This partnership is a game-changer, it’s about putting the Hunter on the map as a manufacturing powerhouse and giving our winners the recognition they deserve across the country.” In the picture: Some HMA board members. Two new award categories have been launched in response to industry priorities: • Digital Transformation Award – recognising outstanding use of digital technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation in manufacturing operations. • Diversity in Manufacturing Award – celebrating businesses and individuals that are fostering inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces across the manufacturing sector. “We’re recognising the real forces shaping the future of manufacturing; digital innovation, diverse talent, sustainable operations, and global thinking,” said Ms Daley. “The 2025 awards are about more than trophies, they’re about celebrating the people and ideas that will lead our industries forward.” In the picture: Peter McKinnon, Omnia. The 2025 awards also feature a streamlined entry process following feedback from manufacturers, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to apply. HMA has also introduced new technology to […]

Electric hybrid vessel Hunter manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing is driving innovation on the Mid-North Coast

From iconic household brands like Milo to next-generation marine rescue and defence vessels, the mid-north coast is emerging as a powerhouse of advanced manufacturing in Australia. With a $32 million investment into Nestlé’s Smithtown factory, a suite of government funding initiatives, and major contract wins by local manufacturers, the region is proving that world-class innovation can thrive outside capital cities. Jacqui Daley, Chair of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, says the Mid North Coast is poised for a manufacturing renaissance. In the picture: Carbon fibre crop dusting drone, capable of crop dusting one hectare in two minutes. “We are seeing a powerful wave of innovation driven by local manufacturers who are combining legacy craftsmanship with future-focused technology,” said Ms Daley. In March 2025, the NSW Government launched an $800,000 Regional Manufacturing Pilot Program, focused on boosting productivity and competitiveness across regional manufacturing hubs, including the mid-north coast. The Federal Government has also committed $25 million to help NSW industries adopt low-emission technologies and enhance sustainable practices to support a new era of clean, green manufacturing. “Providing small to medium businesses with access to expert advice to find ways to cut waste, improve efficiency, and deliver better products is a fantastic initiative. The goal is to help local manufacturers become more competitive, reduce costs, and grow stronger businesses, which means more jobs and stronger economies in regional communities,” Ms Daley said. The Mid-North Coast is home to manufacturers with local, national and international reach with Birdon in Port Macquarie building maritime vessels for defence forces in Australia and the US, and a number of other international military forces and government agencies, while AE Gibson & Sons in Kendall continues to lead in the design, engineering and manufacture of special purpose industrial machinery and automation systems. Steber International, a Taree-based manufacturer of premium […]

China has moved to curb supply of critical minerals. Can Australia seize the moment?

Marina Yue Chang, Associate Professor, Technology and Innovation, University of Technology Sydney. In the escalating trade war between the United States and China, one notable exception stood out: 31 critical minerals, including rare earth elements, were strategically exempted from tariffs. This was not a gesture of goodwill. It was a tacit acknowledgment of the United States’ deep dependence on China for materials essential to its technological competitiveness, clean energy transition and national defence. Beijing’s response was swift and calculated. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced expanded export controls and a shift in pricing principles. The move reflects China’s long-standing effort to shift rare earth pricing from market supply and demand to pricing based on their strategic value. The impact was immediate. Rare earth exports from China effectively ground to a halt, as exporters awaited approvals under a new, opaque licensing regime. The announcement prompted President Trump to issue a new executive order directing a review of national security risks stemming from the US reliance on imported, processed critical minerals. As global supply chains reel from these disruptions, Australia finds itself in a unique strategic position. As a trusted US ally, it possesses the resources, partnerships and political capital to step into the breach. But can Australia seize this opportunity – or will it come with strings attached? China’s new playbook China’s latest restrictions target seven rare earths – such as dysprosium and terbium – crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets and missile systems. While stopping short of a full export ban, the policy functions as a chokepoint. It leverages China’s near-total global control of rare earth refining (around 90%) and its monopoly on heavy rare earth processing (98%). Domestically, China’s rare earth sector is dominated by two state-owned giants which together control nearly 100% of national mining quotas. These measures have exposed the vulnerability of Western supply chains. The US has only one operational rare earth mine […]

Sandvik Coromant to make debut at Australian Manufacturing Week

For the first time, metal cutting and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant will be present at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW). Taking place May 6 to 9, 2025 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MCEC), Sandvik Coromant will join its software partners, Vericut and Mastercam, to provide an advisory service to visitors looking to optimise their machine investment and tool management strategies. AMW aims to showcase the latest advancements in the manufacturing sector, bringing in over 150 exhibitors and thousands of visitors. The exhibition is split into different zones from machine tools and additive manufacturing, to manufacturing solutions and robotics and automation. Sandvik Coromant will be in the Manufacturing Solutions Zone, exhibiting from stand MS360. To give visitors a complete solution overview, Vericut and Mastercam will share the stand with Sandvik Coromant. This collaboration will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in digital manufacturing, machine investment strategies and process engineering. Sandvik Coromant will have an advisory booth to consult visitors on how to optimise their current machining challenges, offering solutions for complex components and providing support for new projects. At the stand, Manufacturing Wellness, a term coined by Sandvik Coromant in 2023, will be at the forefront of discussions. The concept revolves around eight essential habits, including taking a holistic approach, reducing waste, investing in automation and benefitting from strong partners, and acts as a framework for improving operational resilience and future-proofing the manufacturing industry. Sandvik Coromant’s entire offering will be visible through interactive digital displays. The stand will demonstrate Sandvik Coromant’s CoroPlus® Tool Supply inventory software, installed into the Robocrib TX750 vending machine, a popular solution in Australia and surrounding Asia. This all-in-one tool management software is used to efficiently manage and track assets and equipment by automating the tool supply process. It uses real-time […]

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