New data shows the number of school students undertaking vocational education and training (VET) as part of their secondary education has risen by 2.2 per cent to 235,800. VET in Schools 2019 shows there were 17,100 school-based apprentices and trainees and 218,700 students undertaking other VET in Schools programmes in 2019. Simon Walker, Managing Director…
SMEs shine in new Boeing computer server The selection of Boeing’s Tactical Edge Server (TES) (pictured) for 211 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) to be built in south-east Queensland for the army has brought growth opportunities for several Australian SMEs. GPC Electronics, Air Affairs and Century Manufacturing will provide the processing and storage components for the…
CSIRO has launched an accredited surgical face mask testing facility in Melbourne. The new facility, accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), provides a rapid turnaround on mask testing helping protect frontline healthcare workers. Until now Australian companies had to send masks and materials overseas for testing. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall…
Analysis by Peter Roberts Leading gourmet foodie Maggie Beer appears to have risen to the top yet again, her well known name replacing that of the multi-brand food company which bought her business. In a little noticed development the Longtable Group, which bought the Maggie Beer businesses netting her $25 million in the process, changed…
The Lihir gold mine in PNG is expanding its ore haul truck fleet to 39, bringing with it an order for Victorian manufacturer Duratray for five of the company’s Duratray Suspended Dump Bodies (SDB) The first Duratray was delivered to Lihir during the mine development activities by the Roche-Thiess Joint Venture in 1995 (pictured). The…
Chemistry technology company Alexium International has introduced a new fabric and foam products cooling system to complement its core range. The company’s new Alexicool Phonon product cools bedding, upholstery and apparel materials by counteracting the insulative effect of textiles, moving heat away from the consumer. Until now the company’s technology has worked by absorbing heat…
Star Combo Pharma has expanded its Sydney milk powder facility to meet orders for its growing business in the neutraceuticals sector. The company has installed three new ‘blend and pack’ lines to manufacture high-value formulated products, infant formula, whey protein, weight loss and protein powders. The new lines have the capacity to produce 5.5 million…
The federal government has announced an investment of up to $1.3 billion to develop a sovereign capability in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities. Defence will soon call for industry to register to investigate the capability and capacity of Australian industry to deliver air vehicles, sensor payloads, integration, training and sustainment. This…
The board of Perth’s Hazer Group has given the go ahead for the construction of a full scale commercial demonstration plant to produce hydrogen from biogas. The $16.7 million investment will result in a 100 ton per year plant utilising Hazer’s patented technology to produce fuel cell grade hydrogen at the Western Australian Water Board’s…
Ridley Corporation has completed its rationalisation and modernisation programme, opening its new $47 million feedmill at Wellsford, East Bendigo. The mill, capable of producing 350,000 tonnes of feeds annually, will supply poultry and pig farms in Central and Northern Victoria. In keeping with Covid-19 restrictions the opening was a virtual affair, with only the Mayor…
