EM Solutions new Antenna Diversity System

Brisbane communications manufacturer EM Solutions has launched a new satellite communications Antenna Diversity System (ADS) which it claims offers a step change in the resilience of naval communications for ships at sea. The company, a subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems, has completed development of its new system by achieving Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) certification, allowing…

Definium Technologies expands to build Coates IoT devices

Invermay, Tasmania IoT device company Definium Technologies has completed shipment of its largest-ever device order to leading equipment hire company Coates. The order more than doubled staff numbers at the company and involved the installation and upgrading of surface mount technology and machinery, according to CEO Mike Cruse. Cruse said Coates engaged Definium to design…

R&D tax incentive is ‘counterintuitive to innovation’

By Joseph Brookes The government’s research and development tax incentive is “counterintuitive” to innovation because it fails to focus work into Australia’s areas of strength and provides support only after the work is completed, according Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre head Dr Jens Goennemann. Speaking at a Capability event this week organised by InnovationAus, Dr Goennemann…

FBICRC backs $18M Perth battery cathode precursor pilot plant

The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) has today announced it has signed contracts with a consortium of 19 leading local, national and international companies, the WA Government, contractors and academic institutions to design and commission a Cathode Precursor Production Pilot Plant in Western Australia. The pilot plant project is an important step in…

Quickstep signs $1.5 m deal to manufacture for drone delivery company

Composites specialist Quickstep Holdings has announced a manufacturing partnership with UAV logistics company Swoop Aero and a stake in Swoop’s parent company, Kookaburra Aerospace. Quickstep said in a statement that a contract with an initial order value of $1.5 million would see them provide engineering and manufacturing services, as well as an initial production run…

Whyalla GREENSTEEL plant could be Morrison’s Cop26 get out of jail card – exclusive

By Peter Roberts The refinancing of Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance two weeks ago has kick started work on plans for a massive, world-scale GREENSTEEL investment by the company which would transform its Australian operations centred on the Whyalla steelworks on upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia. @AuManufacturing understands negotiations have been underway in recent days…