By Jim Plouffe The fully electric vehicle is based on the Landcruiser 79 series platform and promises a range of up to 350km (220 miles). The pickup was developed in Adelaide, South Australia, over the past year by Dave Mitchell and Tim Possingham, who both have extensive experience in motorsport and original equipment manufacturing (OEM).…
A two-year pilot plant study, linking Lava Blue, Queensland University of Technology and the Innovative Manufacturing CRC, is the latest attempt to tap into the fast-expanding market for high-purity alumina. High-purity alumina (HPA) is an in-demand material, used in applications including coatings for lithium ion battery separators, LED production, and synthetic sapphire production. The…
One of the reasons for the collapse in vocational training numbers and an associated shortage of skills has been revealed – the government is failing to spend its allocated training budgets. Falls in VET training, documented by National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and reported extensively in @AuManufacturing news, have been continuous for the…
Bionic ear manufacturer Cochlear (ASX: COH) is pressing ahead building a new factory in China and moving to human trials of a breakthrough new fully implantable cochlear device. Chairman Rick Holliday-Smith told Cochlear’s annual general meeting that ‘sound’ progress had been made developing its new Chinese manufacturing facility in Chengdu (pictured). He said the project…
Green thermal energy technology company gTET has commissioned Australia’s only geothermal power station at Winton in outback Queensland. The Melbourne company was responsible for a turn-key installation including integration of two of its ORC generators. ORC Generators convert heat energy into electrical power using the Organic Rankine Cycle, in this case based on hot water…
Shares of Perth global shipbuilder Austal (ASX: ASB) were today put into a trading halt that could last until Friday. The company did not reveal why trading was suspended, however speculation is that it is related to an imminent decision by federal cabinet. The Australian reported that Cabinet was to announce the winner of a…
A South Australian advanced manufacturing hub specialising in microfluidic sensors is working with NASA to develop health assessment tools for space travellers.
Today I spoke at the National Press Club on a topic close to my heart: Industry 4.0.
I opened by saying that the most important topic the nation can focus on is preparing for the 4th industrial revolution – or as the Germans call it, Industrie 4.0.
Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will conduct a strategic review of its interest in the Tiwai Point smelter in New Zealand operated by New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (pictured). The review will consider what is NZ’s only aluminium smelter’s ongoing viability and competitive position, according to a statement released today. The company said: “Under current market conditions…
Queensland’s manufacturers are outperforming those in other states, its manufacturing minister has said.
