Applications open for MMI grants worth between $1 million and $20 million

Applications have opened today for federal grants of between $1 million and $20 million for manufacturers in the food and beverage, defence, and recycling and clean energy sectors. The grants are for the Translation and Integration streams of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative. They cover up to half of project costs for successful project applications. The…

Military satellite team grows SME involvement

Lockheed Martin Australia boosts has announced two new Australian SMEs, Blacktree Technology and DXC Technology Australia, have joined its team developing a sovereign, resilient military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The companies join LMA’s JP9102 team, a large and elite grouping of Australian SMEs and service providers supporting the US…

Ethical and sustainable supply chains – by Rob Stummer

Disruptions to global supply chains have put increasing pressure on the environment and on workers rights. Here Rob Stummer explains the threats and the ways that manufacturers can ensure their supply chains remain ethical and sustainable, despite pandemic pressures. There’s no doubt that the pandemic has put global supply chains under extraordinary pressure, with everyone…

IDT Australia misses out on federal mRNA support

While Canberra has announced an ‘in-principal’ agreement with US company Moderna to manufacture mRNA vaccines in Victoria, Melbourne pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturer IDT Australia has announced it has been informed that it has missed out on government support. The company said today it was disappointed that its proposal to establish mRNA manufacturing in response to…

Back capable local manufacturers in infrastructure decisions: Weld Australia

Government procurement decisions should support the nation’s “world-class manufacturers” in delivering new assets and infrastructure, according to Weld Australia, citing recent problems with imported ferries and trams. Commenting on an issue that appears to have gained traction lately, the national welding industry peak body mentioned the recent woes linked to overseas-made public transport in NSW. …