Smart Manufacturing

Sevaan Group trials 4-day week

Leading parts contract manufacturer, Sevaan Group, announced today it is trialling a 4-day week to evaluate improvement in staff well-being, attracting new talent, and increasing productivity. The trial period will run for three months, from 11th September until the 31st December. The Group is spreading the normal 38-hour, 5-day work week over four days. Each day encompasses two shifts, morning and afternoon, consisting of 9.5 hours each. According to Sevaan Group’s CEO, David Green, the management-led initiative gained traction as a result of the positive outcomes attained by overseas companies that have already trialled the 4-day week. “The evidence suggests that these firms are benefitting from improved productivity, reduced sick leave and unapproved absenteeism, and a general increase in their employees’ well-being.” “The improved well-being of staff is particularly of interest because it aligns so strongly with Sevaan’s culture. We are a very employee focused organisation and our staff’s well-being is paramount. We have already introduced an EAP – LifeWorks – which provides staff with confidential, expert counselling across a broad range of issues, should they request it. We are hoping that a 4-day working week will further support our staff’s wellness. The evidence suggest that it helps to reduce anxiety, stress, fatigue and burnout,” explained David. A 4-day week is also appealing when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. “The manufacturing market in Australia is already very tight when it comes to hiring new staff. The 4-day week provides employees with a shorter working week, and more free time to spend as they please. This greater work-life balance is no doubt attractive to prospective staff, and helps to further differentiate Sevaan and reinforce the Group as an employer of choice,” said David. Evidence from US and UK companies which have already trialled the shorter week indicates that there […]

Capricornia’s smart road to A$4.74 million Chinese joint venture

Australian scleral lens manufacturer Capricornia Contact Lens has signed a A$4.74 million joint venture with Chinese ophthalmic products distributor, Guangzhou Ruitai Biotech Co., Ltd. The two companies will establish EPICON (Chengdu) Medical Technology Co., Ltd in Chengdu, China. ‘Through the hard work over the past three and a half years, the accelerated registration of the first Rigid Gas Permeable scleral lens in China via the Real World data program was achieved. This is a remarkable milestone for both Capricornia and Ruitai,’ says Tony Capitano, Managing Director, Capricornia Contact Lens. ‘EPICON will focus on the R&D and manufacturing of scleral lens and other ophthalmic products,’ says Yongliang Lin, founder of Guangzhou Ruitai. ‘It will provide a whole set of innovative solutions in areas related to adolescent myopia, ocular surface diseases, refractive correction, and contact lens care products.’ A fast-tracked journey to China Founded in 1985, Brisbane-based Capricornia Contact Lens manufactured its first scleral lens in 1994. It is one of the earliest manufacturers of scleral lens in the world. The firm’s designs include lenses for Orthokeratology, irregular corneas and specifically the treatment of Keratoconus. Capricornia also manufactures a comprehensive range of custom soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses using state-of-the-art computer-controlled lathes. Guangzhou Ruitai Biotech is a high-tech enterprise focused on research and development, manufacturing, and sales of ophthalmic medical devices. Committed to the ophthalmic industry, Guangzhou Ruitai has invested in ocular surface repair, the prevention and control of adolescent myopia, and the treatment of glaucoma. Many of the company’s ophthalmic products enjoy the largest market share in their respective segments. In June 2019, Austrade Shenzhen introduced Guangzhou Ruitai to Capricornia. This came after China’s State Council released a policy allowing the Hainan provincial government to directly approve the import of certain medical devices that were not previously registered and approved by […]

IHI Corporation’s in HyNQ consortium

L to R – Chris Shaw Deputy Director-General – Hydrogen, Department of Energy and Public Works, Paul Martyn Director General, Department of Energy and Public Works, Mr Junjie Gomakubo Consul-General of Japan pictured with representatives from IHI Corporation, CS Energy, Energy Estate and Idemitsu. Leading Japanese company, IHI Corporation, through its subsidiary, IHI Engineering Australia Pty Ltd, will join the consortium of Australian and global energy players developing the integrated renewable energy, green hydrogen and ammonia production and export facility in North Queensland, known as “HyNQ – North Queensland Clean Energy Project”. The existing consortium is comprised of Idemitsu Australia, a subsidiary of global energy supplier Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd, Queensland Government owned energy company CS Energy and local developer and accelerator, Energy Estate. Vincent Dwyer, co-founder of Energy Estate, stated “Over recent months our consortium has accelerated the development of the HyNQ project and completed a comprehensive pre-FEED study. IHI Corporation is recognised as a global leader and has already demonstrated its commitment to supporting the development of the green hydrogen industry in Australia. We are delighted that IHI is joining CS Energy, Idemitsu and our team at Energy Estate and together we can create a world class green export hub at Abbot Point.” Kensuke Yamamoto, Associated Director of IHI Corporation said, “IHI Corporation is a global technology leader in the use of green ammonia to decarbonise industry – in Japan and other markets around the world. We see HyNQ as an opportunity to secure long term supplies of green ammonia for the Japanese market and build upon the foundations of the strong and enduring partnership between Queensland and Japan.” HyNQ is located at Abbot Point, North Queensland, tapping into the workforce and supply chain in the Townsville and Greater Whitsunday regions. The project incorporates behind-the-meter wind and […]

Royal Wolf innovation to the fore

National shipping container company Royal Wolf has engineered a new twist on the backyard pool house with a luxury design that cost almost $50,000 less than comparable structures using traditional building methods. Royal Wolf Geelong Branch Manager Justin Van Loon had received quotes of up to $80,000 to build a 10mx5m pool house from landscaper builders before a lightbulb moment had him approaching Royal Wolf engineers for a solution. “The quote to do it using two shipping containers was significantly cheaper and we actually ended up with a larger pool house than we initially planned,” says Justin, who lives in Leopold, Victoria. “All up it cost about $30,000-$32,000, which included buying two containers, all modifications done by Royal Wolf and then completing other works ourselves like electrical and flooring.” Within weeks of Justin consulting the Royal Wolf team, engineering and workshop plans compliant with building regulations were drawn up, including a design for concrete footings. “The Royal Wolf engineers took into account our home address, wind ratings and all the different aspects that impact building structures and designed the pool house accordingly,” Justin says. “They also advised us on what materials we needed in order to strengthen the 12mx4.8m building and the window openings. The team modified the containers based on the drawings that were supplied by the engineers. “They removed two side walls of one container and one side wall of the other container, which was then strengthened and stiffened up with wide window openings, doors welded closed and the exterior painted.” Once complete, the pool house was delivered and placed by Royal Wolf at the Van Loon home. From sketch to completion, the project took just 10 weeks. “The best part was we had very little disruption or inconvenience at our home – we had the concreters dig […]

Monash Uni’s Apple Harvesting Robot among engineering excellence award winners

Monash Uni’s Apple Harvesting Robot The state’s top engineers and engineering projects have been named at the 2023 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People & Projects Victoria, held at South Wharf. “The Engineers Australia Excellence Awards spotlight the best in engineering innovation and highlight how essential engineers are to our everyday lives,” said Alesha Printz, Engineers Australia GM Victoria. “It’s our way of putting the best engineering work in the limelight, setting the bar high, and inspiring what’s next for our profession.” Victorian Project of the Year Development of the Apple Harvesting Robot by Monash University Engineers are problem solvers, and the Monash University team exemplifies this through their development of the Monash Apple Retrieving System (MARS) apple harvesting robot. MARS addresses the apple industry’s challenges by offering a dependable solution that minimises manual labor dependency, countering labor shortages, and alleviating notable occupational health and safety concerns. The robot’s advanced ‘soft gripper’ technology coupled with its visionary system ensures precise detection and picking of ripe fruit. Gaining considerable global recognition within the fruit-growing sector, MARS holds the promise of revolutionizing the orchard industry, with potential applicability to other fruits. Victorian Professional Engineer of the Year Dr Daniel Prohasky Dr Daniel Prohasky’s work exemplifies Engineers Australia’s core vision of ‘advancing society through great engineering.’ He has pioneered a fresh engineering study avenue and consistently showcases inventive problem-solving, challenging traditional paradigms. His innovations highlight efficient material usage, incorporating low-carbon, high-strength properties. Beyond mere ideation, Dr Prohasky has translated his visionary concepts into sustainable, inclusive, and ethical local manufacturing practices. His wide-ranging industry engagement spans from education to manufacturing, with notable projects like “curvecrete” and “milkdrop”. This extensive involvement allows him to touch various community aspects, underscoring the vibrancy and innovative potential in engineering. Victorian Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year Adam Jones Adam […]

Shoalhaven business helps lower homeowner energy cost

A Shoalhaven business is working to address the cost of living crisis for households by targeting the energy performance of existing homes across the region. Mantle Sustainable Homes are a Huskisson-based business that specialise in the assessment of energy performance of buildings, and the delivery of advice around how to make those buildings more energy efficient in cost effective ways. “We’re very good at finding opportunities to save money through improved efficiency, even in the oldest of homes” said Mantle Director, Rodrigo Hidalgo. “We can inspect and assess your home by using the best available tools to detect issues like air leaking, thermal bridges, sources of condensation, poor ventilation, or poor performing glazing. Addressing these issues will lower your energy bills”. According to Mantle Sustainable, the Shoalhaven has a large number of older homes that could be easily retrofitted to bring them up to modern standards for energy efficiency. “In every street in every town, we see examples of poor energy efficient design with huge opportunity to improve” said Rodrigo. “Much of our work and recommendations will result in immediate cost savings, while other outcomes will be middle to long term, as we lower energy consumption while delivering a comfortable temperature at home year-round”. Aside from older homes, Mantle Sustainable are also experts in the design and sustainability assessment of projects at any stage, including new builds, renovations and retrofits. Mantle Sustainable partner, Rosario Carrasco, said their mission is to make the Shoalhaven the best region in Australia for energy effiency. “We love where we live. It’s such a beautiful area, with amazing character homes. There’s no reason why the Shoalhaven can\’t become a centre for energy efficiency, to match its natural beauty”.

Fixx-Nutrition-founders-Jan-and-Michelle-Buchegger (002)

Australian nutrition brand launches new manufacturing facility

To cater for growing global demand, Queensland headquartered nutrition and wellness company Fixx Nutrition is expanding its manufacturing capabilities as both domestic and international customers seek out its all-natural sports and dietary supplements. This new manufacturing facility located in the heart of Burleigh Heads, on the Gold Coast, will see the business double production volumes of its CrampFix, Fuel X and Energy Gel product lines by a factor of more than 100 per cent as it looks to launch in the South African market, off the back of further growth in international markets like the United Kingdom, South Korea and the United States of America. Founded in 2017 by keen athletes Michelle and Jan Buchegger, Fixx Nutrition draws on 20 + years of experience in food manufacturing to research and explore innovative ideas to resolve cramping and provide nutrition for endurance athletes. Its fast-growing market share among amateur and professional athletes alike is being matched by the ubiquity of the Fixx brand at iconic athletic events as diverse as the Gold Coast Marathon and Sydney Marathon, as runners, cyclists, footballers and cricketers alike use it as their method of choice to deal with cramp and muscle fatigue. For Fixx Nutrition Co-founder Jan Buchegger, this new manufacturing facility is the ideal way for the business to build market share while still being able to produce their all-natural product range only five minutes away from the iconic Burleigh Heads beachfront. “Professional and amateur athletes from sporting codes across the globe use Fixx’s range of all-natural world-leading sports and dietary supplements and this new facility is designed to allow us to meet demand in established domestic and global markets while embarking on new ventures in places like South Africa,” Mr Buchegger said. “Our clients include professional cyclists, triathletes, local sporting codes such as […]

Swisslog showcases future-ready automation at CeMAT 2023

Intralogistics leader, Swisslog, demonstrated its latest warehouse automation technologies, including the Australian and New Zealand launch of its new AutoPiQ technology, at CeMAT 2023, Australia’s largest logistics and materials handling exhibition. Swisslog Head of Sales and Consulting, Sean Ledbury noticed a stronger presence by automation companies, and fewer manual materials handling exhibitors at this year’s event. “It makes sense in a climate of labour shortages that companies are looking to automation to meet customer demand and deliver on time, and CeMAT certainly reinforced that this is where the market is moving,” he said. “Compounding the issues faced by e-commerce, e-grocery, retail, food and beverage, and industrial businesses is the increasing cost of land, so maximising output within the same space can be highly beneficial to profitability and performance,” adds Ledbury. (Right) One technology on display at Swisslog’s CeMAT 2023 stand was AutoStore, a grid-based Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), for which Swisslog is the number one integrator, globally. Swisslog Managing Director, Dan Ulmamei added that it’s an exciting time in the industry, as everyone looks at innovative ways to tackle local and global challenges. “With our new customer-focused strategy, refreshed brand, and experienced management team in Swisslog ANZ, I believe Swisslog is ideally equipped to meet industry needs today, and into the future,” he says. Scalability and intelligent software “Speaking with the CeMAT audience, the industry is focused on being future-ready. People use to talk about being future-proof, but in reality, no one can really know what the future holds – it may not even exist yet! Instead, companies need to be equipped with the best technology, best features, and most useful data so that when a new need arises, they can adapt quickly, and better meet their customers’ needs,” says Ledbury. “Swisslog provides future-ready technologies in two main […]

BlueRoom wins national innovation award

BlueRoom, a world first, multiplayer, mixed-reality simulator created by Australian company Real Response and being used by the Royal Australian Air Force, took out the most Innovative Project Award for 2023 at the Simulation Australia Awards in Adelaide. The groundbreaking BlueRoom Simulator emerged from a company of medical professionals and software developers in St Kilda, Australia, and is now enabling Navy, Army, and Air Force medics to master the use of real medical equipment and navigate intricate medical scenarios within a virtual environment. The BlueRoom Simulator leverages state-of-the-art mixed reality (MR) technology, utilising the Varjo XR3 headset, to provide an immersive and interactive platform for medical practitioners. Unlike traditional virtual reality (VR) experiences that rely on controllers, MR empowers users to engage with the virtual realm using their own hands and physical movements, mirroring real-world interactions. This pioneering technology holds immense potential within the medical field, offering professionals the opportunity to hone their skills in diverse and challenging settings. From field operations and remote hospitals to helicopters, aircraft, and naval vessels, the BlueRoom Simulator enables medical practitioners to develop muscle memory and refine their techniques. The award judges stated that “the innovative combination of mixed reality was judged as an outstanding solution for highly engaged learning. The efficiency in relation to cost, as well as the ability to develop fine motor skills is a great use of a novel technology.” Co-founder of Real Response and registered Paramedic, Benjamin Krynski, expressed the game-changing nature of the BlueRoom Simulator, stating, “BlueRoom completely reimagines what is possible using simulation – a student can be placed into any environment, and a trainer can manipulate the scene and adjust the patient’s condition all while the student is performing interventions using their own hands with real equipment.” One of the most remarkable features of the BlueRoom Simulator is […]

Vaxxas awarded AU$5.4M for typhoid vaccine patch Phase I study

Vaxxas is a clinical-stage biotechnology company commercialising a needle-free vaccine patch. Global charitable foundation, Wellcome, has made an award of AU$5.4M to conduct initial studies and a Phase I clinical trial for a potential second generation typhoid vaccine delivered by Vaxxas’ proprietary high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) platform technology. The project is expected to be completed within two years. The typhoid vaccine formulation used to coat the HD-MAP will be based on an approved typhoid conjugate vaccine that was jointly developed by Vaxxas’ collaborator in this project, SK bioscience, and the International Vaccine Institute. The typhoid vaccine candidate used in these studies will be formulated to be stable at higher temperatures than required for needle and syringe vaccination. Improved thermostability of vaccine products is a key potential benefit offered by Vaxxas’ HD-MAP platform, and has the potential to reduce the cost and complexity of cold-chain distribution and storage, which are both significant barriers to vaccine accessibility in lower- and middle-income countries. The HD-MAP also has the potential benefit of requiring less training to administer and even self-administration. As such, success in this endeavor has the potential to increase global access to the typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever is a life-threatening systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (commonly known as Salmonella Typhi) which is usually spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 9 million people globally are infected by the disease each year. Of this, approximately 110,000 people die from the disease, mostly in lower income countries, and disproportionately children, where water quality and hygiene are compromised. “To help protect more people at risk from deadly diseases like typhoid fever, new vaccine innovations are needed to improve access and ensure equitable coverage,” said Wellcome Senior Research Manager Pierre Balard. […]

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