Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

FYI Resources and Alcoa continue pilot plant operation

FYI Resources and alumina and aluminium producer Alcoa have commenced their third extended pilot plant campaign in Perth developing processes to make high purity alumina (HPA). The extended series of one week pilot plant runs incorporates process and operating refinements, helping to optimise FYI’s refining processes. FYI plans a kaolin mine at Cadoux, WA and an HPA processing plant at Kwinana south of Perth, with the HPA to be used in lithium-ion battery technologies as a coating for separators. The trials will conclude late this month.

First Graphene backs cement carbon reduction

Graphene producer First Graphene has signed an agreement with construction chemicals company Fosroc International that will see its product used as a cement additive. The companies will develop PureGRAPH graphene-enhanced cement additives or grinding aids to assist cement companies cut carbon emissions. Cement and concrete sectors are responsible for eight per cent of global CO2 emissions. Fosroc has been investigating ways to produce cement with a lower clinker factor. The addition of PureGRAPH in the final grinding phase is thought to allow for the production of 20 per cent lower clinker factor cement, while improving strength and physical properties.

Electro Optic Systems promotes Rowan Gilmour

Defence, communications and space manufacturer Electro Optic Systems has created a new role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer which will be filled by Queensland executive and CEO of EM Solutions, Dr Rowan Gilmore. Primary responsibilities of the role will include budget execution and compliance, driving productivity improvements throughout the organisation, and mentoring the EOS senior leadership team. EOS purchased EM Solutions as part of its expansion of its space and defence communications capabilities. EM Solutions now has an order book of $25 million, including of secure satellite communication systems for Australian and allied navies. Over the past ten years, Dr Gilmore has overseen the growth of EM Solutions into a world-class technology developer and provider of innovative microwave and on-the-move radio and satellite products.

With revenues in 2021 exceeding $25 million and an order book of eighteen months, Dr Gilmore leaves EM Solutions in an excellent position.

Starpharma receives R&D cash

Pharmaceutical developer Starpharma has received a $7.7 million research and development tax incentive refund for the 2021 financial year. The company received the refund for R&D on its DEP oncology products and its Viraleze antiviral nasal spray. Starpharma CEO Dr Jackie Fairley said the R&D incentive refund was an important program for the local pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. “Investment in innovation has proved essential for the improvement of health outcomes during the global pandemic.” Fairley said Starpharma was developing three DEP oncology products internally, including in areas such as antibody drug coagulates and radiotheranostics.

Modern Manufacturing town hall event rescheduled due to Covid

The Modern Manufacturing Town Hall at Sydney Olympic Park has had its date moved due to the current Omicron wave of the pandemic. Instead of being held on February 16, it will now go ahead on March 30. The event is a preview of September’s Modern Manufacturing Expo. The town hall is in partnership with the University of Sydney’s newly-launched Sydney Manufacturing Hub and will feature presentations by Stryker, Romar Engineering, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, GE Australia, the federal department of industry and others. More information can be seen here.

ASTN, Outerspace Design partner on early-stage sportstech businesses

Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) and Outerspace Design announced an MoU on Thursday, which they say is expected to drive collaboration between ASTN’s member network of over 2,500 organisations and Outerspace Design’s client base in Australia and the United States. “Outerspace Design are product development experts with over three decades of experience. Australian sportstech businesses will be able to tap into Outerspace Design’s knowledge base and benefit from the team’s passion and expertise for developing innovative solutions for sports-related problems,” said Martin Schlegel, Director of ASTN.

Picture: First Graphene

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