Good news for manufacturing as mining companies open their wallets

Analysis by Peter Roberts A surprising and sustained strength in key commodity prices has brought cheer to manufacturing and maintenance operations supporting Australia’s commodities export industries. While LNG gas prices are down and thermal coal is increasingly seen as yesterday’s fuel, prices for hard resources from iron ore to copper and gold are at very…

Australia’s niche champions – Cochlear, the product that does good

In today’s @AuManufacturing Australia’s niche champions series, Peter Roberts looks back at our most famous, and successful, niche player – hearing implant manufacturer Cochlear. If you asked any Australian to name one of the country’s global niche champions, chances are they would mention bionic ear manufacturer, Cochlear. I followed Cochlear as a reporter from its earliest…