Let’s stop focussing on disruption, urges Square founder
The emphasis in recent times on “disruption” was unwarranted, the co-founder of Square told a Q and A session last week, and it was more productive for companies to focus on inclusion.
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Biofuels refinery to be built at Gladstone
A pilot biofuels plant to make jet fuel and diesel from farm waste such as sugar cane is being built in the northern Queensland port of Gladstone. Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement that US company Mercurius was completing designs for the biorefinery and would begin construction ‘within months’. Palaszczuk said: “New industries…
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Why we need to take action to curb the financial services sector
Comment by Peter Roberts Slowly, slowly lawmakers are getting round to tightening up laws covering the sort of white collar crime evident in the recent Banking Royal Commission. But as the Commission itself failed to come to grips with the real problem with the financial services industry, so too will our politicians. While I welcome…
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Aurora Labs reports faster 3D printing
Additive manufacturing technology company, Aurora Labs Limited (ASX: A3D), has demonstrated high speed 3D printing in a series of tests. The Perth company reported that it had completed a test series on 13 February of its Rapid Manufacturing Technology (RMT) prototype demonstrating the scalable nature of the technology. The company said it had achieved “…remarkable…
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The vital role of leadership in business transformation
Forum member Adam Salzer OAM reports on the readiness of boards and especially Chairs of companies to truly transform their businesses. The Australian Transformation and Turnaround Association (AusTTA) has conducted extensive research into what are the Best Practices at Board level that are required to lead a complex organisation fundamental Transformation. Data gathering included surveys…
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F-35 maintenance contracts awarded locally
A number of defence suppliers have been awarded contracts to repair, maintain and upgrade components on the F-35 Lightning fighter plane now coming into service with the RAAF. Announcing the contracts, defence minister, Christopher Pyne and defence industry minister, Steven Ciobo said they were evidence of the global competitiveness of Australian industry. Most were regional…
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ResMed introduces new mask design
Medical technology leader ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) has introduced a new top-of-head-connected nasal mask for sleep apnea sufferers. The new AirFit N30i mask connects to the company’s continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines at the top of the skull, allowing patients to move more freely during the night. The mask, just launched in the key…
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Another train building contract goes largely overseas
Spanish train manufacturer CAF is the big winner in a $2.8 billion project to design, build, finance and maintain New South Wales’ next regional rail fleet. In a depressingly familiar pattern for NSW, the trains will be built by CAF and ‘fitted out in Dubbo in NSW’s central west. A new maintenance centre will be…
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Vestas to make wind turbines in Geelong
Danish renewable energy giant, Vestas is to establish a wind turbine manufacturing plant at Geelong, Victoria in association with a local precision engineering firm. Vestas has partnered with Marand Precision Engineering to turn the former Ford stamping plant into a plant capable of making 4MW Drivetrains and Hubs and component testing for the Dundonnell and…
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Treasury Estates sales and profits leap
The maker of the iconic Penfolds wine brand, Treasury Wine Estates (ASX: TWE), today reported a massive jump in sales and profits fuelled by the fast expanding Chinese market. The company announced revenue for 2018 rose 16 per cent to $1,508 million, and earnings before interest, tax and several material items rose 19 per cent…
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