The sale process for the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia and associated mining operations — previously held by GFG Alliance — has formally opened, with “strong early interest from global steelmakers and consortia” according to the federal and South Australian governments. The steelworks were forced into administration by the SA government in February, with KordaMentha…
The quarterly ACCI-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends has shown the manufacturing industry “showing signs of recovery” and a result indicating “gradual gains in new orders and stable, positive output growth.” According to a statement from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, sentiment appears to be “improving following the gloom of the past…
Compound semiconductor developer and maker BluGlass has announced the close of its share purchase plan (SPP), which raised $5.3 million before costs. The company said in a statement on Tuesday that the raise will accelerate production and delivery related to new and existing contracts, as well as support additional fab equipment and working capital. It…
Whiteley Corporation, a family-owned maker of cleaning and disinfection products, has officially opened its new $25 million purpose-built Human Therapeutics Plant at Tomago, NSW. According to a statement from the company last week, the event at Whiteley’s first-of-its-kind plant was attended by over 100 guests, including NSW Port Stephens MP Kate Washington (pictured on right.)…
A new microfluidics tool developed at the University of Queensland shows promise for uses including restoring damaged organs, according to the university. In a statement on Friday, UQ said researcher Dr Ruirui Qiao (pictured) and her team have patented a new “UQ-Surf microfludics platform” able to create “smart” microgel droplets with use in a “diverse…
New synthetic biology group launched Plant SynBio Australia (PSBA) was launched in Canberra on Wednesday, aiming at coordinating a national network of infrastructure and expertise to accelerate gains in agri-food productivity. PSBA will focus on synthetic biology, which uses engineering principles to redesign biological organisms for desired outcomes including creating vaccines, novel crops, and foods…
Australia’s grant system is working exactly as designed. And that’s the problem, writes Paul Carmignani, Managing Director of Powertech. Right now, if you’re a small business or a not-for-profit, there’s likely a funding stream available to help you test an idea, buy equipment or build capability. If you’re a multinational or a university, there’s even…
The Western Australian government has pledged $25 million in funding for manufacturing related to the energy transition ahead of the Thursday state budget. According to a statement from treasurer Rita Saffioti and other ministers, the package will help diversify the state economy and “secur[e] the poles and wires” needed for the energy transition. It includes:…
Cultured meat business Vow, which says it has worked for more than two years on food safety assessment with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), has announced that sale of its cultured quail meat is now officially approved in Australia. In a statement on Wednesday, the company said its Forged brand Japanese quail will be…
Rockwell appoints new regional director, South Pacific Industrial automation company Rockwell Automation has appointed Adrian Giecco as its regional director, South Pacific, effective July 1. Giecco will take over from Anthony Wong, who was recently promoted to vice president – enterprise software sales and consulting services – Asia Pacific at the company. Giecco will relocate…