Smart Manufacturing

Victorian Medtech Skills and Device Hub to accelerate growth in vibrant sector

An Australian-first medical technology hub, led by the University of Melbourne and backed by the Victorian Government, is set to accelerate Victoria’s medical technology development ecosystem, boosting the State’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, skilled job opportunities and access to cutting-edge medical care for Australians. The $10.77 million Victorian Medtech Skills and Device Hub will bring together businesses, universities and education providers to develop training courses, degrees and internships in medtech. It will deliver up to a dozen investment-ready startups and 1,000 industry-based training places and support local companies to develop and manufacture medtech products onshore and expand exports to the booming global market. The Hub was recently launched by Victorian Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll, alongside representatives from the University of Melbourne, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor James McCluskey and Hub Directors Professor Andrea O’Connor and Professor David Grayden from the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. “Victoria’s medtech sector is a significant player in a booming global market – this Australian-first hub will boost local production, attract investment to Victoria and train the innovative staff the sector needs for its strong future,” Minister Carroll said. The Hub is backed by the Victorian Government’s Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and co-funded by the University of Melbourne. Over 20 local medtech companies including Neo-Bionica, Synchron, Seer Medical and Trajan, as well as RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology and national peak body MTPConnect will support the Hub, with more partners to join as it expands. University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell welcomed the Victorian Government’s support and the collaborators’ involvement. “The University of Melbourne is delighted to be partnering with the Victorian Government, the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, universities, industry and the medical technology sector to bring the Victorian Medtech Skills and Device Hub […]

Advanced manufacturing SMEs to benefit from free CSIRO R&D program

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is boosting Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability by providing free research and development (R&D) support to businesses to help them develop new products or services. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) working on new advanced manufacturing solutions can sign up to the free, 10-week online Innovate to Grow program, to support their idea by building their R&D knowledge. Upon completion of the program, eligible participants may have the opportunity to access facilitation support, through CSIRO, to connect to research expertise nationally, along with dollar-matched R&D funding. CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Dr Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing. “Manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Dr Zipper said. “At CSIRO, we work collaboratively with SMEs on research and development to find new and improved technologies and processes that enable great ideas to see success locally and internationally. “We translate research into products and processes that businesses want to adopt because what we’ve created is economically viable, more efficient and effective, and sustainable,” he said. Connop Metal owner Murray Connop, a participant in the 2022 Innovate to Grow manufacturing cohort has recently made headlines for developing a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)to make it recyclable – right here in Australia. Mr Connop said the program provided invaluable connections to industry experts. “Thanks to the Innovate to Grow program, I gained the vital contacts and support needed to determine the feasibility of my project,” Mr Connop said. “I wholeheartedly recommend this program to fellow start-ups and small businesses in advanced manufacturing. The invaluable connection to industry experts provided by this program has played a significant role in the success of my project.” Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing […]

Energy network must evolve to incorporate renewables more effectively

Australia faces an energy paradox as the country pursues its net zero targets. The Federal Government has enshrined into law an emissions reduction target of 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. This is a significant target, one that industry estimates will require 6 GW of new renewable energy and storage each year. However, the current network is struggling to handle renewable energy fed to the grid, especially from wind and solar farms. A recent study by Australian National University found that solar is the worst affected, with almost double the curtailments compared to wind energy, despite having a smaller installed capacity. This puts the country’s net zero targets under pressure as network congestion is causing large volumes of cheap renewable energy to be curtailed, meaning Australia has an “overgeneration” problem when it comes to renewables, particularly solar. This may lead to financial losses for clean energy generators and make investment in future projects a risky prospect. Regulators face a myriad of challenges in managing a centralised grid – challenges ranging from power outages, modernisation, cybersecurity, demand management and transmission losses. Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) estimates that around 10% of the electricity leaving an Australian power station never reaches consumers, which adds to the end consumers’ costs as this lost energy must still be paid for. Grid tariffs are also a concern as they may slow down the country’s path to net zero as renewable energy generators are saddled with legacy grid costs. Grid tariffs are currently based on amortising 25-year investments in national transmission cost. However, renewable energy sources can function cost effectively at the local level using microgrids, which are being implemented across Australia. Kalbarri in WA is now powered by a 100% renewable energy-intelligent microgrid with wind energy, solar […]

Australia’s first road made using recycled coffee cups

A suburban road in Penrith has become the first in Australia, to include recycled coffee cups in its construction. The fibres in the cups are a valuable additive that helps create a superior, more durable product, quieter and safer than regular asphalt. The more sustainable asphalt, known as PAK-PAVE™ Roads, has been developed by State Asphalts NSW in conjunction with Closed Loop Environmental Solutions who operate the Simply Cups paper cup recycling program. The development of PAK-PAVE™ Roads was facilitated through the Commonwealths Cooperative Research Centres Program Grant, involving the University of NSW and has been sanctioned by the NSW EPA and Transport NSW. The pilot project for PAK-PAVE™ Roads will take place along a section of Jamison Road at South Penrith, to be followed soon after by a second at Swallow Drive, Erskine Park. These two projects will utilise over 135,000 recycled paper cups including coffee cups, which is 85% of the paper cups collected for recycling in the Penrith LGA in 2022. In addition to the recycled paper cups, the two PAK-PAVE™ Roads will utilise other recycled materials including the equivalent of 1.2 million glass stubbies, together with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement, Steel Furnace Slag. Collectively, these materials will comprise more than 50% of the materials used. Sustainability benefits of the PAK-PAVE™ Roads include: Using recycled paper cups as a beneficial additive Improved pavement durability and crack resistance Improved wet weather skid resistance and reduced noise levels from surface texture Improved durability of Stone Mastic Asphalt allows thinner surfacing of roads; where thickness can be reduced the cost per m2 of pavement is also reduced Less raw materials are required 24% reduction in carbon footprint These PAK-PAVE™ Roads in Penrith are true examples of the circular economy in action, where items that were once destined for landfill have been […]

How Australian manufacturers can position themselves for success in an uncertain economy

Rob Cheesman, General Manager Atturra Manufacturing Softening economic conditions have created a challenging time for many Australian businesses. While JP Morgan in their 2023 Business Leaders Outlook: Australia[1] survey shows nearly half of leaders surveyed expect a recession this year, although right now, most modern economies around the world, including Australia, are managing to avoid this economic reckoning. Indeed, when attention turns to the nation’s manufacturing sector, a somewhat mixed picture emerges. Despite the global economic storm clouds that gathered during 2022, many organisations appear to be doing quite well. To some extent, this situation has been supported by a return to local manufacturing. While the Australian dollar has strengthened recently it is still relatively low. This means locally made products are attractive compared to imports. Mixed conditions ahead According to the February Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index[2], economic conditions are “falling rapidly”. However, if we drill further into these numbers, downstream manufacturing seems to be fairing much better. As 2023 unfolds, there are some key factors that will be worth monitoring. Together, they will shape the next 12 months for the entire domestic manufacturing sector. Five of the top factors are: 1. An ongoing increase in costs During 2022, the majority of domestic manufacturing firms appeared to have successfully weathered a period of inflation. Most were able to either absorb increases or pass them on to their customers. However, things could become a little more challenging over the next 12 months. When the rising cost of raw materials is added to increasing energy costs and wage increases, pressure on firms can become more acute. While most manufacturers should be able to continue to manage costs, ongoing rises could still put pressure on business bottom lines. 2. Staff shortages will ease As is the case for firms in other […]

Backing research centres to boost economic output

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has announced that Round 24 of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants program had opened for application. CRC grants provide funding for industry-led research centres that can transform Australian know-how into practical outcomes for Australian businesses. The grants can support industry-led collaborative research centres of up to 10 years’ duration. “The Government’s CRC program supports research and development initiatives that result in significant benefits to industry and the community,” Minister Husic said. “This funding can provide an often-missing step between research and commercialisation.” The latest evaluation of the CRC program, released today, shows it is working to strengthen the bond between industry and research organisations. “This evaluation found CRCs will contribute about $32.5 billion towards economic productivity by 2025 through commercialisation of new technologies, products and services that solve real problems for industry,” Minister Husic said. “The evaluation also concluded CRCs will continue to help address Australia’s economic, environmental and social challenges by enhancing capability of the research workforce.” Grant applications are open to all industry sectors and research disciplines, with applicants at least matching the funding sought through cash or in‑kind contributions from partners. Since the CRC program was launched in 1990 under the Hawke Labor Government, it has delivered more than $5.5 billion to establish 236 CRCs and 189 CRC Projects, leveraging a further $16.8 billion in cash and in-kind contributions from partners. “This program generates tangible economic outcomes by supporting projects designed to bolster the productivity and sustainability of Australian industries,” Minister Husic said. Applications for CRC Round 24 close on 7 March 2023. www.business.gov.au/crc. Minister Husic said a schedule for future rounds would soon be published allowing applicants to be better prepared to build collaborations and develop grant submissions. Round 25 is expected to open in December 2023.

New training for pilots

With growing concerns for safety in Private Aviation, a new start-up in South-East Queensland is using advanced technology and developing exciting new training techniques, with a mission to produce the safest private pilots in the industry. TEAM Aviation is a boutique flight school giving would-be pilots in the south east corner the opportunity to learn to fly on their own terms, utilising a fleet of high-tech Cirrus Aircraft – with each aircraft fitted with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) – a rocket-propelled airframe parachute designed to save the lives of aircraft occupants in emergency situations. The decision to use Cirrus Aircraft aligns with the company’s ongoing commitment to safety, with Cirrus recently being publicly awarded for their efforts in reducing fatal aircraft accidents worldwide. Founder Alyce Johnson said in addition to improving safety, TEAM’s goal was to make learning to fly a smoother and more customer focused process, targeting business professionals who want to reduce travel time to meetings and conferences, and those who simply want to explore Australia on their own terms. “At TEAM Aviation we are changing the way things are done in the flight training industry – we travel to our members, have safe, luxurious Cirrus aircraft and we are building a network of like-minded aviation enthusiasts and experts,” said Ms Johnson. “We save members’ time by bringing the plane to a location convenient for them and by offering training packages which provide half-day and full day lessons structured and designed to maximise safety and learning.” TEAM Aviation has quickly grown to a staff of 9 passionate aviation professionals, all sharing a common goal of driving innovation in an industry renowned for being resistant to change. Through constant investment in world class aircraft and flight simulator technology and an unrelenting dedication to customer experience, TEAM Aviation […]

Pivotal moment for Australia’s energy future

The Australian Energy Market Commission’s proposal for a 100 percent rollout of smart meters by 2030 is an opportunity for Australia to “build it right” the first time. Philip Crosby was a legendary businessman and management specialist who said it is less expensive to do it right the first time than to pay for rework. His words still ring true today. The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has embarked on a plan to deliver a more efficient and lower-cost energy system. The Commission believes that smart meters are vital to achieving this goal as they will meet the country’s decarbonisation goals while also building an energy system that will support emerging technologies and services. In November 2022, AEMC released its Review of regulatory framework for metering services. The Commission is proposing a 100 percent uptake of smart meters by 2030 in National Electricity Market (NEM) jurisdictions – a laudable and achievable target. And here, Crosby’s words are particularly relevant. By making intelligent decisions today, Australia has the opportunity to build an efficient and effective energy monitoring and management system – and build it right the first time, without expensive and avoidable rework down the line. It’s time for real time The electricity meter can be the heart of an efficient and effective energy strategy. “Intelligent meters can deliver critical benefits to consumers, grid operators, and energy retailers while future-proofing investments,” says Michael Jary, Managing Director International, Sense. “A smart meter can also improve customer engagement and satisfaction, but crucial to achieving these goals is real-time and detailed device detection, consumption insights, and in-home intelligence,” says Jary. The Commission advocates forming partnerships with new entrants to provide specialised and unique data services and Sense is one of those exciting companies in the intelligent meter space. Sense has developed novel technology that […]

Industrial relations reforms bill: What do small businesses need to know?

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke has introduced the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 aimed at closing the gender pay gap, expanding multi-employer bargaining and bringing in flexible rostering rights. The bill included workplace reforms and agenda established at the [1]Jobs and Skills Summit. These industrial relations reforms will accelerate wage growth, particularly among working women. If passed, the legislation will significantly affect every small business in Australia. Mrs Renee Arthur, Advice Operations Manager from Employsure, an Employment Relations and Work, Health, and Safety firm with over 31,000 businesses has released a statement further to this: “Labor is eager to pass the reform bill before December 1, arguing that the sooner they can implement measures to lift wages, the better. However, industry groups have serious concerns about the implications for small businesses. They feel they need more time to digest the bill and its ramifications. The push for expanded multi-employer bargaining could force small employers to get entangled in time-consuming and expensive negotiations.” “There is also a risk that small businesses could end up getting trampled by unions and lawyers in the new and complex system. The dominant majority could also vote to pull smaller workplaces in an agreement whether they want it or not. No two businesses are the same and multi-employer bargaining can effectively reduce business diversity. It will also marginalise family-owned businesses by pushing them to give way to a smaller number of big businesses.” “Even though small business employers (those with fewer than 15 employees) and those with existing enterprise agreements will not be forced to be covered by ‘single interest’ agreements, it does expose thousands of businesses with more than 15 employees. The core objective of raising wages is also complicated as wage increases forced by industry-wide bargaining […]

Sevaan Group celebrates 25-year milestone

Sevaan Group has announced that this year marks the Group’s 25th anniversary. Sevaan Group is a dedicated, metal component and product manufacturing firm in Australia. Since 1997, it has grown from a small family business into a leading metal engineering, fabrication and finishing firm. Established by Jim and Artemis Tzakos, Sevaan Group celebrates a legacy of continuous growth and expanding possibilities for its customers. Originally starting in 1997 as Proline Technologies, and with Jim and Artemis at the helm of a small team, the company grew steadily, cementing its capability along the way. In 2011 Proline Technologies acquired Wisby & Leonard to form Sevaan Group. Today, the Group’s large, state-of-the-art, Sydney-based facility holds its entire fabrication processes under the one roof and employs more than 50 people. It manufactures metal components and products for numerous Original Equipment Manufacturers in sectors such as defence, mining, agriculture, gaming, space and robotics, electronics and transport. Sevaan’s growth trajectory allowed the firm to acquire unrivalled expertise and capability in the design, cutting, machining, bending and folding, welding, finishing and assembly of metal components and products. This, combined with the emphasis Sevaan Group places on precise and accurate manufacturing, allowed the Group to develop an enviable reputation for delivering outstanding quality on time. For customers, Sevaan’s expertise and comprehensive capability means they have access to a complete, end-to-end metal fabrication service. And according to David Green, CEO, Sevaan Group, this provides them with greater choice, control and speed. “Our customers can have their components and products made from any metal including stainless steel, aluminium, bronze, brass and copper. And regardless of whether these components and products need cutting, folding, welding, powder coating or some other finish, the entire process is handled on-site at our facility, ensuring real choice, cost competitiveness, quality control, on-time delivery […]

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