Regional NSW offers “ideal combination” of advantages for plant-based food and beverage manufacturing, says state government 

Manufacturing News

The NSW government is courting plant-based protein companies, encouraging them to consider establishing regional factories in the state via a new prospectus at the AltProteins 25 conference.  According to a statement from regional NSW minister Tara Moriarty and others on Tuesday, regional NSW – five key regions are “particularly suited to plant-based protein manufacturing” –…

If government bailouts of companies are the new normal, we need a better strategic vision

Analysis and Commentary

By John Quiggin, The University of Queensland The federal government’s announcement of a A$600 million rescue package for Glencore’s copper smelting and refining operations in Mount Isa and Townsville marks a definitive shift in Australia’s industry policy. The announcement follows the $2.4 billion rescue of the Whyalla steelworks, and a smaller assistance package for metals…

Former Queensland premier appointed chair of Advanced Materials and Battery Council

Manufacturing News

Industry lobby group the Advanced Materials and Battery Council (AMBC) has rejigged its leadership team, with former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) appointed its new chair. In a statement Monday, the AMBC said the former premier brings “proven executive leadership in policy delivery and large-scale industrial development” to the role. Outgoing AMBC Chair Craig Nicol…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Manufacturing News

Lovells Group appoints renowned polymer chemist Lovells Group has announced the appointment of Emeritus Professor Jacques W.M. Noordermeer of the Netherlands, adding “one of Europe’s most respected polymer chemists” to its engineering team. According to a statement from Lovells, Noordermeer has more than 45 years’ experience advising industry on advanced elastomers, is an Officer in…

QUT pair lead battery cathode project awarded $2.2 million grant through Quad program

Manufacturing News, Technology

A Queensland University of Technology-led team has been awarded a $2.2 million grant through the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program to develop a novel battery cathode production method. Australia has committed $50 million to the diversification program, which was announced during May 2023 Leaders’ Summit for the Quad, a diplomatic partnership between Australia,…

Alpha HPA announces three deals to supply “zero-alpha radiation” materials to semiconductor sector

Technology

ASX-listed specialty chemicals company Alpha HPA says it has strengthened its position within the global semiconductor supply chain, executing three new letters of intent with unnamed global OEMs for the supply of high-purity aluminium products. According to an update from the company on Monday, the LOIs follow “more than a year of rigorous product qualification…

Green Gravity to introduce its technology to India with TEXMiN

Manufacturing News

Wollongong-based energy storage startup Green Gravity has branched out into India, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TEXMiN, one of India’s four Technology Translation Research Parks. According to a statement from the Australian company on Monday, the signing covers a collaboration exploring the potential of gravitational energy storage systems – Green Gravity’s core business…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, October 6 – October 10, 2025

Manufacturing News

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Australian hive harvesting innovator wins gold at World Beekeeping Awards HiveKeepers, a company that is commercialising a new method of harvesting honey for hobbyists and beekeepers after five years of R&D, has won the top prize for innovation at…

An Australian chemist just won the Nobel prize. Here’s how his work is changing the world

Analysis and Commentary

By Deanna D’Alessandro, University of Sydney The 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry has been awarded for the development of metal–organic frameworks: molecular structures that have large spaces within them, capable of capturing and storing gases and other chemicals. The prize is shared by Susumu Kitagawa from Kyoto University, Omar M. Yaghi from the University of…