Innovation was again a front-of-mind theme in Davos at the World Economic Forum’s annual assembly of political and business leaders in 2020. The global conversation centered around the ability of countries to innovate in the face of changing times. An economy’s response to megatrends, such as tech breakthroughs and the risks of climate change, can…
Perth shipbuilder Austal has unveiled its latest ship – the 83 metre long passenger ferry Queen Beetle. The launch is coming soon but the magnificent vessel has been unveiled after more than eighteen months of expert design and engineering, procurement, construction, project management, logistics and fitout works. Skilfully completed by more than 200 Austal Australia…
Reduced milk supply and soft demand for infant formula in China have hit dairy and food spreads group Bega’s profits in the first half of the financial year. The company which has been diversifying operations into the wider food arena reported an EBIT down 30 per cent of $26.9 million in the December half on…
By Peter Roberts We all know that we need to supercharge our factories and businesses if we are to remain competitive in the era of Industry 4.0. But for many time-poor SME leaders there is just too little time and too many buzz-words and mis-information to know where to start. The Australian Manufacturing Forum and…
Business uncertainty and interest from industrialists and financiers has led to 1414 Degrees Limited deciding not to proceed with an offer of discounted shares to shareholders to raise new capital. The raising was to have funded the next phase of the company’s technology roll-out centred on solar generation and storage at the giant Aurora Project…
Materials technology company Silex Systems recorded a $5.3 million loss in the first half of the year as it continued development of two major new technologies. The company recorded revenues of $262,573 but is in a strong financial position, with total assets of $32.9 million including 22.4 million in term deposits. During the half the…
Mining equipment manufacturer Austin Engineering has declared its first dividend in six years as mining customers returned to purchasing its world-leading range of ore dump truck bodies. The company manufactures surface and underground dump truck bodies, buckets, water tanks, tyre handlers, engineering solutions and other ancillary equipment used in the mining industry. While Austin reported…
Lynas Corporation profit hit Rare earths producer Lynas Corporation experienced a 13 per cent profit slump in the first half to an EBITDA of $44.2 million on revenues of $180 million. The company’s licence had been under threat in Malaysia, leading Lynas to re-shore some processing to its Mt Weld, Western Australian processing site. Orica…
The time is ripe for electronic product manufacturers in Australia to bring manufacturing back home, according to the Circuitwise General Manager Serena Ross. With the Covid-19 coronavirus causing massive disruption to the electronics manufacturing base in China, Ross says product developers should take a closer look at the business case for manufacturing in Australia. “We…
The federal government is supporting extending the international reach of the Australian Made logo with a $5 million grant. Industry minister Karen Andrews said today the gold kangaroo on a green triangle was an instantly recognised and trusted symbol of quality. She said: “The Australian Made logo is used by more than 2,800 businesses, is…
