Space to help AgTech sector take off in South Australia
Strong space and defence industries in South Australia are helping the formation of a potentially nation-leading AgTech ecosystem.
Cochlear takes big coronavirus hit, shares plunge
Bionic ear manufacturer Cochlear has been forced to abandon its profit predictions for the year because of mass postponements of implant surgeries in the United States and Europe. The Sydney company told investors this morning it was withdrawing its earnings guidance due to ‘short-term negative impacts.’ China’s health response to the virus is not at…
Profiles of success: the regional electronics manufacturer that listens to trees
Award-winning electronics business ICT International launched its new production facility in Armidale last week. Brent Balinski spoke to co-founder and CEO Susan Cull about keeping customers in 55 countries happy while operating from “a small country town”.
Thou shalt not steal
By Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre The wine industry is plagued by knockoffs. Piracy tactics range from mis-labelled bottles, over diluting of products to using similar-but-different brands – a glass of Benfolds, anyone? You can talk about “the sincerest form of flattery”, but don’t do it around Treasury Wine Estates. We can’t be sure of…
Titomic’s production-first strategy pays off in 3D printing
Analysis by Peter Roberts It was only in February 2019 that the board of industrial scale 3D printing company Titomic decided on a subtle change of direction that is now paying off for the Melbourne-based business. Instead of jostling the dozens of other manufactures of 3D printers for a share of the printer market, it…
Redarc’s big step forward in defence industry
Adelaide’s Redarc Defence Systems has demonstrated the wisdom of its growth from automotive supplier to defence contractor with a new order from Norwegian contractor, Kongsberg Defence Australia. The company has selected Redarc Defence to supply electro-mechanical components for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) capability for the Australian Army. Redarc, which has…
Brickworks profit hit by earnings downgrade
Building products group Brickworks has revised its likely profit downwards following a similar downgrade by the listed investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson. Brickworks, which owns 39.4 per cent of Soul Pattinson as well as substantial property investments, said it expected to report a net profit after tax for the first half ended 31 January…
Work nearing completion on giant ship building hall
Only some river-side cladding work remains to be done on one of the largest buildings ever constructed in Australia – the Outfitting and Ship Erection Hall at the Osborne South shipyard on the banks of the Port River in Adelaide. The hall – 187 metres long, 87.4 metres wide and 50 metres high (main picture,…
Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed
Jatenergy records record sales Australian dairy and consumer goods exporter Jatenergy (JAT) has recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in February driven by the emergence of coronavirus in China. The company reported February revenue of $8.3 million led by sales of its Neurio lactoferrin brand. The company expects sales to remain strong over coming months. Expansion…
Submarine builder hit by coronavirus outbreak
Defence shipbuilder ASC has been forced to shutdown some of its Adelaide operations following confirmation that one of its staff tested positive for coronavirus. ASC is responsible for sustaining the Collins Class Submarines, employing 1,400 people across three facilities in South Australia and Western Australia. ABC news reported that a building at the company’s Osborne…