Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

SkyKraft set for big December launch

Satellite operator Skykraft plans to change the landscape of Air Traffic Management (ATM) in December when its first payload of five ATM satellites will be launched with SpaceX out of Florida. According to the company the 300 kilogram satellite payload will be the largest Australian manufactured space object ever launched. SkyKraft’s space-based ATM service aim to increase air safety and efficiency by addressing gaps in surveillance and communications globally. “Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and airlines can expect a full range of surveillance and communications services for Air Traffic Management.”

Bionomics receives R&D tax incentive

Biopharmaceutical company Bionomics has received a $4.6 million research and development tax incentive payment from the federal government. This reflects R&D expenditure in the 2021/22 financial year developing ion channel modulators designed to treat central nervous system (“CNS”) disorders. The government provides a tax offset of up to 43.5 percent for eligible R&D activities.

Rossi Boots launches new Australian made range

Rossi Boots, handcrafted in Adelaide since 1910, has launched a Limited-Edition Men’s range, made entirely in Australia from locally grown and tanned leather. The range can track its journey from paddock to store, with the cows for the leather grown in Naracoorte, South Australia. Skins are sent to Geelong in Victoria for tanning before being sent back to Adelaide for crafting and production. Featuring five styles: Mulga 4002, Simpson 4003, Ripple 4046, Endura Redwood 303 and Endura Tan 303, the collection is exclusive with only 30 pairs of each made and available for sale online. Rossi manufactures a range of boots in Indonesia and Australia.

Shayne Jaenisch to depart Tindo Solar

After five-and-a-half years as solar PV panel manufacturer Tindo Solar’s Chief Executive Officer, Shayne Jaenisch, is stepping down from the role. Jaenisch successfully oversaw the transition of Tindo Solar from its ownership under the founder Adrian Ferraretto, to its status as Australia’s only maker of high-quality solar panels for the rooftop and utility-scale markets. Jaenisch generated sales-growth at Tindo Solar in the face of cheap overseas competition, and secured export contracts to Vietnam. During the peak of the COVID pandemic, he oversaw the construction of Tindo’s new $6 million manufacturing facility at Mawson Lakes, South Australia, and commissioned a $5 million state of the art manufacturing line to manufacture the latest M10 cell technology. Jaenisch said: “My enduring goal has been to build a sovereign capability so that our fast uptake of renewables can be partly serviced by Australian supply chains, innovators and skilled workers. We are blessed with mineral resources and high-quality people, and Australia must stay engaged in the science, engineering and manufacturing that underpins the renewables opportunity.”

ABB and Incat study electric passenger ferries

Engineering company ABB and Tasman ferry manufacturer Incat Tasmania will study the development of a lightweight hybrid electric fast ferry (pictured). They will study the Incat 148E, roll-on roll-off passenger (RoPax) catamaran ferry for hybrid propulsion, as well as potential full battery operation. Lightweight Incat ships use up to 40 percent less power than an equivalent steel ship. The Incat 148E was designed by Incat’s design office.

Deakin launches battery research centre

Deakin University has launched a $10.3 million world-class facility for advanced battery design, fabrication and testing, located in Burwood. The Battery Research and Innovation Hub will enable the delivery of next-generation solid-state lithium-ion cells, as well as alternative and upcoming technologies such as sodium batteries. Institute for Frontier Materials researchers will work in the space, which also includes a dedicated research innovation laboratory for new battery design and development, prototyping, and, crucially, the much in-demand cell and systems test facility for multiple battery types and sizes. The Battery Research and Innovation Hub will provide expanded facilities to build Victoria’s role in the global supply chain for advanced batteries, as well as meet the bespoke and specialised battery needs of industry partners.

Close the Loop announces trial for HP Indigo products

ASX-listed circular economy business Close the Loop announced on Wednesday that it has commenced a take back trial in China for Hewlett Packard’s HP Indigo products. CtL described the trial is an extension of a take back program that Close the Loop runs in Australia and New Zealand, and said it will leverage existing supply chain knowledge in reverse logistics to collect products from HP channel partners in China and ship them to Israel for remanufacturing. Upon successful completion of the initial phase, said CtL, it aims to expand the trial into additional countries in the Asia Pacific. “The trial will assist HP customers to create a circular economy
solution by transforming their linear supply chains into circular economy supply chains and enable the reuse of their
products in the market,” said Group CEO Joe Foster

Picture: ABB/Incat 148E