Smart Manufacturing

The Interview: Shayne De la Force, Managing Partner & CEO LFI

Tell readers what LFI does? LFI Asia Pacific Pty Ltd is a quantum technology leadership firm. We work with industrial manufacturers to help them understand and navigate the economic consequences of quantum technology before those consequences become problems they can’t easily solve. We’re not a quantum technology company. We don’t sell hardware or software. What we provide is embedded leadership, working inside organisations as a virtual ‘Chief Quantum Officer’ function to give them the strategic clarity and structured preparation they need without the cost of a full-time quantum executive. Our clients are industrials in sectors like mining and resources, defence supply chain, advanced manufacturing, and energy which are the kinds of businesses that are already being affected by quantum-driven changes in their markets, even if they don’t yet recognise it as a quantum issue. Why have you chosen Newcastle, Australia as your Asia-Pacific base? It came down to what the region actually produces. Newcastle and the Hunter Valley anchor some of Australia’s most significant industrial sectors being coal and resources, defence manufacturing connected to the Hunter class frigate programme, advanced manufacturing, and energy. These are exactly the sectors where the economic pressure from quantum technology is becoming measurable first. When defence and aerospace primes begin flowing quantum readiness requirements down their supply chains, Tier 2 and Tier 3 manufacturers in those sectors will need to respond quickly. We wanted to be embedded in the industrial geography where that pressure will land, not in a capital city at arm’s length from it. Newcastle also has the infrastructure of a serious city with the industrial density of a region that still makes things. That combination is rare, and it’s exactly where we need to be. Where do you see areas of growth for the company? The clearest near-term growth is in […]

Star Electrical and Fuji SMBE Macquarie deliver resilient power infrastructure to $835m John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct

Fuji SMBE Macquarie supplied hundreds of switchboards with customised functions to Star Electrical, the lead contractor for the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct The NSW Government’s $835 million redevelopment of the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct (JHHIP) is one of the most significant healthcare infrastructure projects underway in the state. As one of NSW’s busiest hospital campuses – home to a major emergency department and critical acute services – the precinct demands electrical infrastructure that delivers exceptional reliability, safety, and long-term performance. Lead electrical contractor Star Electrical was responsible for sourcing switchboards capable of supporting continuous hospital operations, while also meeting strict compliance, delivery, and budget requirements across the multi-year project. “We chose to source all switchboards for the JHHIP project from Fuji SMBE Macquarie because we consider them a tier-one board builder that can deliver high-quality product at scale, within tight timeframes,” says Robbie Peel, Project Manager – Construction at Star Electrical, which brings more than 60 years’ experience across complex electrical installations. All switchboards supplied by Fuji SMBE Macquarie were manufactured and assembled in Australia and designed and verified in accordance with AS/NZS 61439. In total, the scope included approximately 14 large low-voltage main switchboards and more than 130 miscellaneous distribution boards installed throughout the eight-level facility. “AS/NZS 61439 mandates rigorous design verification to ensure safety, reliability, and performance,” Peel explains. “For a major government healthcare project of this importance, compliance with the standard was essential.” The primary equipment supplied was a commercial low-voltage main switchboard (LV MSB), used for the distribution, control, and protection of electrical power throughout the facility. The switchboards supply downstream distribution boards and final subcircuits while supporting safe operation, coordinated protection, and maintainability within a high-fault-level environment. Designed specifically for healthcare applications, the switchboards incorporated formed construction, fully type-tested switchgear, […]

300 per cent boost to clean, green energy uptake will see surge in lifting and shifting of specialist machinery

As Australia presses the button on accelerated conversion to clean, green energy, more industrial plants, resources sites and commercial buildings will face lift, shift and placement issues for the specialist machinery involved. As the move to clean, green electrical energy accelerates to meet Australia’s 2030 emissions deadlines, huge quantities of heavy new electrical plant will need to be safely and delicately lifted, shifted and positioned within confined places. New turbines, generators, transformers, switchboards, charging infrastructure, batteries, and emergency backup plant – some of which weighing 50-100 tons or more – will be needed at transport and logistics facilities, industrial and social infrastructure construction projects, factories, food and beverage process plants, warehouses, and mining, gas and energy projects. “Australia faces a huge increase in new electrical plant capacity over the next decade, with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasting a near tripling of total generation and storage capacity by 2035 to reach 190 gigawatts (GW), up from 82 GW currently,” says Australian actuation, isolation and suspension specialist Air Springs Supply. “This massive expansion of new energy inputs is driven by the retirement of coal-fired power stations (90% expected to close by 2035), increasing electricity demand from electrification of transport and industry, and the national target of 82% renewable energy by 2030,” says Air Springs Supply Technical Product Manager Vinh Lam. The boost in electrical energy generation will in turn lead to a surge in demand for new plant and infrastructure across industrial and commercial developments, both in space-efficient new development and repurposing of limited space within existing facilities. Preparing for heavy lifts involved inside factories, workshops, and materials processing plants can pose accessibility and safety challenge in confined spaces, especially where overhead cranes are impractical. Low-profile Pronal CLT lifting cushions set up to safely and gently raise a heavy load. Big new […]

DroneShield DroneSentry rapidly deployable fixed-site C-UAS solution

DroneShield Selected for LAND 156 LoE 3 Panel

DroneShield Limited has been selected as a supplier for the Australian Department of Defence’s (Defence) Project LAND 156’s Line of Effort 3, which supports the Defence’s strategy to address evolving threats posed by small drones in domestic security. The selection relates to Line of Effort 3, establishing a Counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) Services Standing Offer Panel (Panel). DroneShield’s selection as a Category 2 CsUAS solutions provider on the Panel allows for Defence to procure hardware, software, Command-and-Control software (C2), and all associated support services under a Capability as a Service (CaaS) model. DroneShield is one of a number of parties selected as a provider on the Panel. The Panel is available for Defence as a means of engaging domestic site planning and support services. Selection on the Panel does not guarantee contracts. Under the Panel, each of Defence’s base, or groups of bases, will be assessed and tendered by their appropriate authorities with specific requirements. This arrangement enables Defence to procure counter-drone solutions for Defence and other Whole of Government sites as a service after suitable assessment, streamlining contract opportunities and accelerating deployment timelines. As noted by the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, the Australian Government has set aside $1.3 billion for the acquisition of counter-drone capabilities over the next 10 years, highlighting the strategic importance of this domain and of Project LAND 156. Oleg Vornik, Chief Executive of DroneShield said, “We welcome the opportunity to support Defence through this Panel arrangement and stand ready to deliver battle-proven, software-defined C-sUAS solutions.” AIRCDRE (Ret’d) Terry Van Haren DSM, Vice President Strategy of DroneShield said, “The growing threat from small drones demands practical, tested solutions to safeguard Defence bases and critical assets. We encourage Government and Defence stakeholders to take advantage of this Panel arrangement to […]

Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre adds thousands of jobs to the economy

The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) marks its second decade of operations, celebrating ten years of industry led impact that has helped transform Australian manufacturing through commercialisation, collaboration, and global competitiveness. Since its establishment, AMGC has supported 170 co-invested projects involving more than 500 collaborators across industry and research institutions. These projects have delivered more than $170 million dollars in combined funding and are expected to return over $1.72 billion dollars to the national economy. AMGC has demonstrated that when solid Australian ideas are backed by industry leadership and targeted investment, they generate resilient jobs, export opportunities, and more prosperity. From concept to commercial success, AMGC has been central to turning Australian innovation into globally competitive businesses. Among its many achievements, AMGC projects have played a role in the creation of two Australian unicorns. Alpha HPA Limited has added value to critical minerals and built advanced materials capability for batteries and electronics. Gilmour Space has taken Australian rocketry and space systems onto the world stage. More broadly, AMGC projects have created or upskilled more than 4,400 advanced manufacturing roles in Australia, in turn strengthening local communities, and building long term industrial capability. Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director for AMGC said, “Over the past ten years, our engagement model has shown that when good ideas are backed by well-informed knowledge and rather modest funding, we can create manufacturing jobs and prosperity. From critical minerals to space, health to clean energy, we can build, scale, and sell Australian innovations to the world.” The diversity of AMGC-supported projects is unmatched. Projects have ranged from autonomous waterway mapping vessels, hydrogen powered aerospace systems, advanced medical diagnostics, renewable energy components and high-performance composite manufacturing. Every AMGC project shares one common outcome, Australian inventions have been commercialised to serve local and export customers. The return on investment […]

World automatic entry leader Gilgen Door Systems AG boosts Australian design and construction choices with brand expansion

A world leader in precision engineered, aesthetically attractive, and functionally innovative automatic entry systems, Gilgen Door Systems AG, is expanding its brand and range in Australia with its rebranding of Access Entry Automatic Door Solutions . The Swiss company has negotiated a majority shareholding in Access Entry, which will rebrand from February 1 into a new company led by ongoing shareholder and Managing Director, Richard Whitfield. Mr Whitfield says the newly rebranded Australian Gilgen Door Systems will combine the valuable core of established local knowledge, service and capabilities developed over 25 years by Access Entry, with the resources of a company that is a market leader in 80 countries. “This brand expansion is a great development for architects, builders, property investors, and owners or managers of broad categories of commercial and government buildings, to whom we can provide very welcome, fresh and innovative ranges backed by excellent service through an established, knowledgeable, and expanding workforce already in place,” says Richard. Access Entry recently celebrated its 25th anniversary as a leading product and service supplier to commercial, industrial, government, and retail facilities, including shopping centres and cool room facilities, as well as having strong expertise in the hospitals, aged care, and education markets throughout our national footprint. Gilgen Door Systems – founded in 1961 and with more than 1,000 staff working on landmark projects – is known internationally for its innovative solutions that prioritise function, design, and sustainability. Major components of its ranges include automatic door systems, gates, and sliding walls, platform screen doors, high security shutters, drive systems based on the core technology of its automatic systems, and specialised solutions tailored for unique applications. “The international group’s new Australian subsidiary Gilgen Door Systems will build on the success of a company with a proven track record of more than 25 […]

From efficiency to resilience: Supply chains in an uncertain world

Rick Kroon, Argon & Co, Europe For decades, supply chains were designed primarily around cost and efficiency. Globalisation, lean inventories, and just-in-time production enabled companies to operate at minimal margins. Yet the disruptions of recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions, extreme weather, and raw-material shortages, has exposed the fragility of this model. Today, resilience has become a strategic capability. Organisations are recognising that supply chains built solely for efficiency, struggle to absorb shocks. Resilient supply chains, by contrast, can anticipate, adapt, and recover while maintaining service levels and profitability. A Gartner Supply Chain Survey1 (2024) found that 83% of global supply chain leaders now prioritise resilience, up from just 45% before the pandemic, underscoring a clear shift from “cheapest” to “strongest.” Understanding the new risk landscape Uncertainty is no longer an occasional issue; it has become a constant aspect of global trade. Disruptions arise from multiple directions: Geopolitical instability, including trade restrictions and regional conflicts. Climate-related events affecting production and logistics networks. Cybersecurity threats across increasingly connected digital supply chains. Demand volatility and supply shocks driven by inflation and market fluctuations. According to Lund et al.2 (2020), companies can expect month-long disruptions every 3.7 years on average, with the potential to erode up to 45% of one year’s EBITDA over a decade. Building resilience is therefore not only a defensive strategy, but also a financial imperative. Resilience and efficiency can coexist A common misconception is that resilience inevitably increases cost. In reality, modern supply chains can achieve both efficiency and resilience through intelligent design, enhanced visibility, and proactive risk management. Leading organisations focus on three levers: Visibility and transparency Digital control towers and predictive analytics enable faster detection of disruption, improved exception management, and more informed decision-making according to Deloitte3 (2018). Diversification and optionality Multi-tier, multi-location sourcing models, including nearshoring and regionalization, reduce […]

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Slimline pneumatics streamline heat exchanger maintenance while curtailing machinery damage and safety hazards

Industrial heat exchanger mechanisms are subject to pressure and temperature variations, requiring scheduled maintenance to maintain operational and energy efficiency. Using slim and powerful heavy duty pneumatic cushions instead of bulky high-force metal tools can minimise the risk of machinery damage – and maximise maintenance safety – during lifting, shifting, spreading, and servicing of heat exchangers and boiler technology. Heat exchangers and boilers are ubiquitous and vital items of plant used throughout industry to transfer thermal energy from a hotter fluid to a cooler one, without the fluids mixing, making them essential for HVAC, refrigeration, and industrial processes. Because they are subject to continual pressure, expansion, contraction, and corrosion, they require regular maintenance to minimise leaks and curtail the losses of energy and efficiency resulting. Low-profile Pronal CLT lifting cushions are part of a broad range of Pronal products used for lifting, pushing, wedging, clamping, tilting, and guiding heavy loads across industrial and emergency sectors. CLT cushions can be inflated by a standard 120 bar industrial compressor, or on remote or inaccessible areas, by pressurised cylinder Air Springs Supply is the Australian national distributor of the tough Pronal elastomer ranges of pneumatic cushions, which are top quality heavy duty equipment also used by military and civil defence organisations for rescue and recovery operations, extending from flood and earthquake, to lifting of damaged aircraft, locomotives and heavy vehicles. Types such as compact, low-profile CLT lifting cushions – ranging from one to 65 tonnes capacity with heights of 90–515 mm – can be used individually or in multiples for safe, evenly distributed lifting in confined spaces. Their thin profiles and low weights (0.6–22 kg) also make them suitable for multipurpose, repeat, and mobile applications, such as being suitable for vehicle recovery, quarry rock splitting, pipeline lifting, shifting, and positioning, and emergency or rescue […]

Defence Trailblazer fast-tracking new technologies to help Defence and Industry transition to clean energy

Defence Trailblazer is actively working with industry partners in support of the Australian Government transition to Net Zero, funding a range of projects to develop emissions-reducing technologies to accelerate Defence’s transition to clean energy set out in the Defence Future Energy Strategy. The projects will also bolster the advanced manufacturing sector – supporting the energy transition while maintaining economic competitiveness. These Defence Trailblazer initiatives support the whole-of-Government action to reduce emissions to 62-70% below 2005 levels by 2035 (Net Zero Plan, 2025) and are aligned with the Department of Defence’s Net Zero Strategy, which provides an actionable pathway to the target of net zero emissions by 2050. Supported by funding from Defence Trailblazer’s Technology Development & Acceleration portfolio, the projects are led by defence industry partners in collaboration with academics from the University of Adelaide and UNSW. Three projects led by Electric Motor Power, Ocius Technology and Praxis are developing low-emissions technologies within the priority theme of Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence capabilities. The new Ocius Technology workshop in Alexandria, New South Wales. Credit: Ocius Technology Electric Motor Power is collaborating with researchers from the University of Adelaide to develop high performance and sustainable electric motors. This project will integrate advanced materials – such as amorphous magnetic materials and soft magnetic composites – into electric motor design to create lighter, more efficient, and eco-friendly motors, with wide ranging applications for Defence platforms. In a project that will directly support the Defence supply chain, Ocius Technology and UNSW Canberra are partnering to increase the rapid scaling of production of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) for the Royal Australian Navy. The Ocius Bluebottle USV fleet is powered by renewable energy – utilising solar, wind and wave power, or a combination of energy sources – and offers significant operational advantages over conventional methods. Praxis […]

InfraBuild powers up steel furnace productivity and reliability with ABB’s advanced circuit breaker upgrade

Project by project, a steelmaker modernises its melt shop, ultimately replacing its aged electric arc furnace transformer with a dedicated circuit breaker to ensure reliable power supply When Australian steelmaker InfraBuild needed two new circuit breakers to provide backup for its main electric arc furnace, ABB had the solution — its VD4-AF vacuum circuit breaker with an innovative servomotor actuation system that delivers more than five times the operations of a standard breaker, supporting greater reliability andsafety as well as lower operational costs. But because this high-performance equipment was based on electronic technology rather than the spring-actuated mechanism of InfraBuild’s aged circuit breaker, the company was cautious. “Even though it sounded great, we felt things could go wrong because there are a lot of electronics involved, compared to the old mechanical-linkage style of construction, and we needed to hear from others who had already applied the technology,” says Jorge Aguilar, Electrical Project Engineer at InfraBuild in Laverton, Victoria. With a global installed base of more than two million units of the well-known ABB VD4 vacuum circuit breaker product family, ABB had no difficulty finding two similar customers who were able to reassure the Australian steelmaker of the VD4-AF circuit breaker’s performance. “We were pleased with their responses and experience with ABB’s technology, and felt reassured that they were very satisfied with the technology,” says Aguilar. InfraBuild proceeded with orders for of two VD4-AF vacuum circuit breakers specifically designed for protecting steel furnaces. The circuit breaker is integrated with air-insulated single panel UniGear ZS3.2 switchgear, which fits within the footprint of the original equipment. “Power reliability for this panel was critical,” says Henry Lin, Project Manager for Electrification Service at ABB Australia. VD4-AF is based on servomotor actuators that increase circuit breaker performance up to 10 times compared to standard […]

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