Smart Manufacturing

The intricate merging of two processes spells significant savings and prospects for the packaging industry at-large. Proud Australian machine builders HMPS Group (HMPS) began in 1980 and have evolved into specialists in the design and manufacture of automated processing and packaging solutions. Over the years, the company has solved complex packaging challenges and their most recent success story was no exception. In an Australian first, HMPS designed and developed a sleever and cartoner in one footprint for Real Dairy. Real Dairy is a 100% Australian owned and operated company, with sites across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. The company produces their own speciality cheese products and supplies these to retailers across the country. How it works Adam Read, Sales Manager at HMPS explains that this first-of-a-kind machine offers a small footprint, enhanced efficiencies, and long-term cost savings. “This system can handle pre-glued sleeves in 2, 3 and 4 cell trays at up to 180 tray/minute for the 2 cell trays. With minimal change over it can also operate as an end load cartoner erecting, loading and hotmelt sealing primary cartons.” HMPS supplied two complete units for this project, allowing Real Dairy to handle up to 360 trays/minute. “Combining two machines into one is extremely complex but rewarding – particularly for the end-user”.  “Generally, these tasks would be handled by two different style machines, and in this case, we had to figure out how to fit four machines into two machines.” Upon entry into the machine, the product (cheese and cracker packs) is transported through the machine along the main index conveyor where a sleeve is then applied to the product. “The finished product is then fed through the inkjet printer where a defined code is applied. It is then transferred to an outfeed conveyor” adds Adam. The machine includes […]

Kemppi Australia recently announced its Art of Welding Competition for 2022. The competition showcases “welding art” which can take the form of a welded sculpture, pattern design, a motif or an object. The welding process involved to create the art piece can be manual or use more advanced techniques such as robotics, lasers or friction welding. Now in its third year, the company has been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and creativity from both professional artists and amateurs for the competition. “Whether the entrants are welders, apprentices, teachers, hobbyists or professional metal artists, the flair and quality that we have seen over the last two years has been impressive and we are delighted to be able to once again run the competition,” said Paul McVicar, Managing Director, Kemppi Australia. This year, the competition will again feature a dedicated amateur category. Entrants can win from a pool of four great prizes that include Kemppi welding equipment, helmets and clothing. The competition will run until Friday 30th September and is open to anyone in Australia and New Zealand over the age of 18. For more information on how to enter visit the Kemppi Australia Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages or message Kemppi Australia’s social media pages directly. Alternatively, email skettos@skettos.com.au for a copy of the competition flyer.

RS Components are thrilled to announce a brand new partnership with CRC Industries Australia – a renowned manufacturer of high quality aerosol and bulk lubricants. This cooperation is a natural partnership for RS Components, who will now be providing CRC products as a part of its overall offering to engineers and procurement managers in Australia & New Zealand. The brand supplies a wide range of industry grade lubricants, anti-rust products and adhesives for customers in the manufacturing, marine, automotive and electrical industries – amongst others. CRC is a leader in product quality, performance and regulatory compliance which is key when working with clients who operate in the particular fields RS service, and CRC’s product offering has these three attributes in spades. Melanie Mangos, Head of Industrial Sales Trans-Tasman for CRC Industries Australia, says “CRC Australia is proud to be partnering with RS Components and sees great synergies. We have begun developing excellent key stakeholder relationships and are in the process of working on exceeding end user expectations with the team.”  CRC’s prestigious history and longevity as a company is only surpassed by the quality of the products and services it provides. In short, CRC’s innovative research and development team continually develops new and improved products to help our clients perform their job faster, easier and safer. “CRC has a great reputation and industry recognition,” says Scott Philbrook, Managing Director RS Components AU/NZ. “It makes perfect sense to provide CRC’s fantastic range of products to our diverse customer base in Australia. We are proud to be working alongside such leading brands and are excited to see what the future holds for both RS and for CRC.” RS is proud to stock over 100 new CRC products in Australia ready for fast delivery.

Cynthia Dearin There are plenty of opportunities for manufacturers to scale internationally in 2022, but it’s not a risk-free exercise. For your international venture to thrive, there are key things that you need to get right. In this post, Here are three of the big ones. Use data to drive decisions When it comes to making decisions around taking your manufacturing business global, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of using data and evidence. This applies to market selection and to defining your ideal international client. Market selection The number of people who choose an international market on the basis of ‘gut feel’ or serendipity blows my mind. I know founders who picked export markets because they went on holiday somewhere and fell in love with it. One that springs to mind is the guy who went to Bali, couldn’t get a packet of Smiths Salt & Vinegar chips … and decided to set up as the agent for Smiths in Bali. Or the founder who says “I met this guy at a trade show and he loved our product, so we decided to work with him to expand our footprint into … “. It’s good to love the country you plan to sell to and it’s a privilege to meet people who love your product and want to support what you do. But relying on chance isn’t the right way to choose an international market, because it usually delivers mediocre results. Without evidence, it’s hard to know where the real opportunities lie. There’s probably no point trying to sell microprocessor chips made in Australia to Vietnam for $25/unit, when an equivalent product is already manufactured locally, is well-known and sells for $5/unit. On the other hand, if you manufacture high-end health supplements in Australia, you might find that there […]

Emit Capital Asset Management has announced its new socially responsible investment and ESG fund, the Emit Capital Climate Finance Equity Fund, will be open to wholesale investors from 1st July 2022. The long only fund will invest in globally listed companies that aim to reduce the impacts of climate change. The manager is targeting funds under management of $150m in its first year to capitalise on the market shift to net zero emissions. As an impact investor, Emit Capital believes the financial markets are fundamental to driving real change and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Through investment in companies that target decarbonisation, Emit Capital believes investors can outperform the broader market over the medium to longer term. The fund employs a thematic strategy focusing on four key climate finance sectors: energy transformation, transport and infrastructure, energy efficiency and storage, and water management. In addition to the thematic strategy, Emit Capital also evaluates environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards as part of its investment process. Emit Capital has secured the services of highly experienced former Vanguard fund manager, Roger McIntosh who will head up the investment committee. In addition, the fund manager has added to its research capability through an agreement with a North American investment manager based in Greenwich, Connecticut. Managing Director of Emit Capital Matt Dever said “This is an extremely exciting time for Emit Capital as we embark on this new investment fund. “The market for climate finance is rapidly expanding as both business and consumers increasingly target the reduction of emissions in a concentrated effort to the limit the rise in global temperatures. “As a socially responsible investment manager, our vision is to target investments that focus on decarbonisation and which will reward our investors over the medium to long term.”