Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Industry plan offers guidance for business

Small businesses are being given more help and guidance with the release of the government’s third Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority Implementation Plan. Minister for defence industry, Melissa Price today announced the Land Combat and Protected Vehicles and Technology Upgrades Plan. The Plan provides useful information to businesses who already operate with Defence – and those who aspire to.

Gupta sells out of Zen Energy

Professor Ross Garnaut will retake control of Zen Energy following a de-merger with Sanjeev Gupta’s Simec group of companies. Gupta will retain control of the Cultana solar farm, the Playford big battery, and pumped hydro project which are designed to cut emissions and costs for the Whyalla steel works. Garnaut will retain a retail business and wind, solar and storage projects.

LBT Innovations raises cash from investors

Medical technology company LBT Innovations has raised a further $367,400 from existing shareholders to add to the $8 million it earlier raised from institutional investors. The company, which is commercialising its APAS Independence automated diagnostic laboratory instrument, will accelerate sales and add new diagnostic capabilities to the device.

Respiri confirms manufacture of Wheezo device on track

Asthma management device the Wheezo being commercialised by Respiri Limited is entering production with a contract manufacturer. The device, which monitors symptoms and reports them to a physician, is being made in initial quantities up until December. The first batch of 3,000 Wheezos is underway.

CSIRO sets sights on new missions

The national researcher CSIRO is to allocate $100 million annually on new national ‘missions’ to bolster Australia’s COVID-19 recovery and build long term resilience. The missions include the creation of a hydrogen industry to generate a new clean energy export industry, speeding the the transition to agile manufacturing, eliminating plastic waste and the creation of new industries that transform raw mineral commodities into unique higher-value products like critical energy metals. The highly ambitious missions will be achieved in collaboration with industry and university partners.

Inland rail line expands Riverina export opportunities

Wagga Wagga council has approved stages two and three of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub which will open up new export opportunities. The contracts will construct a 4.9km rail master siding and intermodal terminal area, and create an industrial area surrounding the Hub. Funding comes from various NSW Government schemes..

Picture: ARTC/Inland rail route

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