Olive oil manufacturer Cobram Estate Olives is expecting an olive crop this year 20 to 25 percent below initial forecasts, driven by an unusually cold and shorter growing season that is delivering lower-than-average oil content, and smaller fruit size. The company production of its two groves to be between 12.6 million and 13.2 million litres…
Fortescue Metals Group has opened the way for the export of green hydrogen and iron ore to the world’s largest steel producer, helping to reduce emissions across iron and steel making. Fortescue, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Baowu Steel Group Corporation to work together on reducing emissions associated with iron…
The Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor today announced the establishment of three new skills councils including the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (Manufacturing Alliance). Formally IBSA Group, the Manufacturing Alliance is an industry-owned and industry-led organisation supporting the development of skilled workforces enabling modern manufacturing industries to succeed. The CEO Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance…
Defence contractor Electro Optic Systems has followed on its success in selling weapons systems to Ukraine with another order announced to supply similar systems to a ‘western European government’, which the company did not name. The $51 million order s for its Australian-made Remote Weapons System (RWS, pictured) which allow troops to aim and fire…
Another Skykraft prototype Air Traffic Management satellite stack has lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Later the company released video footage showing the crfaft separating from the rocket one hour and 17 minutes after lift off (pictured). This was the company’s second launch for 2023,…
Australian owned defence prime contractor NIOA has confirmed the extension of its partnership with Defence which it says will ‘future proof’ supply surety of advanced artillery rounds to the Australian Army. At a time of unprecedented worldwide demand for 155mm ammunition, the Brisbane company has locked in another five-year term to supply the Assegai suite…
Mining company Rio Tinto will partner with Gemco Rail to bring local iron ore rail car manufacturing and bearing maintenance to the Pilbara region in Western Australia in what the company calls an industry-first. The partnership will enable Gemco Rail to expand its existing operations in Perth and establish the first ever rail ore car…
By Peter Roberts I have just been reminded by a former colleague of the bad old days when policy, any policy, favouring manufacturing was seen as protectionism and picking winners. Those times lasted for decades, with the Productivity Commission and the Coalition weaponising the words against manufacturers. My former colleague asked: what government policy is…
Businesses must get better at transforming themselves to seize new opportunities rather than focussing on business as usual, according to a new survey by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA). The report – Dynamic capabilities: How Australian firms can survive and thrive in uncertain times – reveals the results of the first broad…
University of Queensland researchers are working with industry to develop biodegradable ‘plastic’ bags for use in mushroom farming, which could open lucrative opportunities in packaging and manufacturing. Dr Nasim Amiralian from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (pictured) is collaborating with Queensland producer Scenic Rim Mushrooms to reduce the company’s reliance on plastic ‘grow…
