Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Sale of DXN assets falls through

The sale of the manufacturing operations of modular data centre producer DXN to Flow2Edge Australia flagged in October will not proceed in its current form. (See story here.) DXN told investors that the company was considering alternative strategies for its module manufacturing business, including potentially with Flow. “This opportunity may take the form of a licence and distribution arrangement, details of which the board of DXN is considering. The discussions are at an early stage.”

Space Machines partners with Arianespace

Space transportation provider Space Machines Company has signed a MoU with space launch services company Arianespace. The agreement will ensure SMC’s Australian-manufactured Optimus Orbital Transfer Vehicle is compatible with as many space launch rocket systems as possible, including the Ariane 6 and Vega-C. The Optimus system provided for in-orbit logistics services, including ‘last mile to orbit delivery, spacecraft inspection, servicing, maintenance and removal. Optimus is set for its first mission with Australian payloads in the second quarter of 2023. Arianespace has launched eight satellites for Australia since 1987.

C-130J aircraft the only option: Defence

Defence is replacing and expanding its current medium air mobility fleet of 12 C-130J Hercules aircraft via Project AIR 7404 Phase 1. Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Hercules variant was described as a reliable and combat proven aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force since 1999. Defence said in a statement this week that it had approached a number of aircraft manufacturers and received information on all available medium air mobility options. The relative merits of each aircraft type have been assessed against Australia’s capability requirements, with the new C-130J aircraft identified as representing “the only option that meets all of Australia’s capability requirements and assures Defence’s medium air mobility capability without introducing substantial cost, schedule and capability risk.” Therefore only the new C-130J aircraft will be progressed for government approval under Project AIR 7404 Phase 1 in 2023.

All-Energy Australia celebrates largest ever event

All-Energy Australia opened its doors to the national and international clean energy industry last week for the first time since 2019, with this year’s event the largest ever held, according to organisers. 300 exhibitors showcased the latest in cleantech innovations, and over 200 speakers spoke at panels and presentations over the two days. Collaboration was a clear theme, said the event’s organiser, and was “front and centre in most of the panel sessions, with panellists stating the importance of collaboration between States, collaboration with communities, collaboration with the indigenous communities and farming communities, collaboration with investors, suppliers, energy providers… The passion and energy seen at the event bodes well for a great year ahead and an exciting
future for everyone in the energy space.” The event will return in 2023.

XTEK Group updates senior management team

ASX-listed defence business XTEK provided a market update on Tuesday, with senior management changes at its corporate headquarters and its wholly-owned US Subsidiary, HighCom Armor Solutions. Jacqui Myers — previously Chief Financial Officer of Paladin/Sentinel Group — was named the group’s new CFO, effective November 28,  2022, and replacing David Brooking. Sally Nordeen will begin as new CEO of HighCom, XTEK’s global armour business, effective November 14, after nine years leading Global Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at Smiths Detection Inc./Morpho Detection Inc. Nordeen replaces Mike Bundy, who has stepped down as the HighCom Armor CEO following 17 years at the company.

Picture: A C-130J Hercules (credit airforce.gov.au)