ANCA to boost precision manufacturing capability

Machine tool manufacturer ANCA will establish a precision manufacturing cell at its Bayswater, Melbourne headquarters, using a grant delivered through the federal government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative. ANCA is a major exporter of complex manufactures, supplying advanced tool-making machines and technology to aerospace, medical, automotive and electronic industries in more than 45 countries. Assistant Minister for…

Sustainability and Australia’s renewables industry – by Richard Petterson

News that China may restrict exports of solar PV wafers has focused attention on solar PV panel manufacturers, including Australia’s Tindo Solar, which rely on Chinese imported inputs. Here Richard Petterson makes the case for sustainability in solar PV manufacturing and for a bigger role for Australian industry. The term ‘circular economy’ describes the re-use…

EOS targets weapons systems sale to Ukraine

Canberra defence manufacturer Electro Optic Systems is in active negotiations to supply its remote weapon stations (RWS) and spare parts to Ukraine as it continues to resist Russian invasion. The company confirmed in an investor update that the negotiations covered a ‘significant number’ of the systems which allow troops to operate weapons such as machine…

Rescuing the Productivity Commission from itself – By Phillip Toner and Roy Green

With the federal government moving to reform its economic advisory body, the Productivity Commission, attention has turned to the outcome of the PC’s decades-long dominance of policy advice to the government – a fragile and narrowly-based resources-driven economy. Here, Phillip Toner and Roy Green outline why the PC must be fundamentally changed. As federal Treasurer…

Vast Solar gets Australia and German backing for methanol project

Concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) company Vast Solar, and the Solar Methanol Consortium have been selected to receive $19.48 million (EUR13.2 million) from an Australian-German collaboration fund, HyGATE, to develop a world-first green methanol demonstration plant, SM1 in Port Augusta in South Australia. Methanol is the most versatile hydrogen derivative which, if produced using clean…

K-TIG expands into nuclear sector and the UK

Rapid automated welding systems manufacturer K-TIG has expanded its interests in the United Kingdom nuclear decommissioning sector, acquiring UK advanced manufacturer Graham Engineering Limited (GEL). The GBP18 million purchase gives K-TIG, which is vying for contracts to manufacture containers to house nuclear wastes, an in country manufacturing presence – GEL already produces highly engineered, large…