Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Thales and Orbis to develop capabilities at the RAN’s Fleet Base, East

Thales Australia and U.S Navy Industrial Enterprise partner, ORBIS Sibro Inc, have entered into an agreement to collaborate in maritime sustainment operations in support of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) at Fleet Base East, Garden Island, Sydney (pictured). Thales and ORBIS will focus on a range of initiatives including technological innovation and shipyard infrastructure optimisation, as well as further developing the naval sustainment industrial base and workforce. To accelerate capability advancement at Fleet Base East, the companies have recently completed preliminary feasibility studies and extensive reviews of Australia’s existing naval sustainment and support operations, workforce development and optimisation, as well as upskilling and mentoring programmes. The new partnership will help accelerate and future proof Australia’s maritime sustainment capability in support of the Australian Government’s National Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Enterprise.

Canberra to boost school focus on industries of the future

The federal government is backing National Science Week by providing $980,000 to the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) to boost school participation in the event. Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said ASTA will run the National Science Week school grants programme as part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Program. Husic said: “This year’s National Science Week theme invites a conversation about the industries of the future. Our students are shaping that future, and I look forward to their contributions. Schools can apply to ASTA for grants of up to $500 to run activities and events around Australia encouraging students to take part in National Science Week.”

Premier visits Daiken Sydney manufacturing facility on news of plant expansion

Following the announcement of plans to build a new 7500m2 factory and low-rise multi-level car park at Daiken air conditioning’s Chipping Norton, Sydney manufacturing site, the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet paid a visit to see the plans first-hand and learn how the expansion will contribute to the creation of 45 new highly skilled jobs and 223 indirect jobs. Daikin Australia’s General Manager of Manufacturing Nicholas MacDonald said: “The construction of a second factory will provide new opportunities for our staff and customers, as well as allowing us to increase our local manufacturing capabilities. In addition, it will extend our capacity for research and development. Having these local capabilities ensures we use local knowledge and insights to design and manufacture products specifically for Australian homes and businesses.”

Manufacturing invoices payments blow out by nearly double: finance company 

Inflation and global supply issues are being felt by Australia’s manufacturing industry, according to OptiPay, with the SME funding solutions company sharing that its data shows “a sharp increase in the number of days outstanding for invoices issued.” The last six months had seen debtors take nearly 40 per cent longer to pay their invoices, said CEO Angus Sedgwick, “stretching from an average of 42 days to 58 days. The typical terms of manufacturing businesses is 30 days meaning on average our clients are being paid 28 days after the due date of their invoices, so nearly double what it should be. The ramifications of inflation and global supply issues is constrained cash flow and this is having a knock on effect for all businesses.”

NT Defence Week 2023 to run in May

The Northern Territory government has said NT Defence Week will be held from May 15 to 19 this year, with events scheduled to take place in Darwin and Katherine, aiming “to facilitate strategic dialogue, foster collaboration, strengthen relationships, and showcase industry capability.” The events have been organised to compliment the Northern Australia Defence Summit and include a “Meet the Buyer” industry showcase, an industry breakfast briefing, the Royal Australian Navy’s Plan Galileo Industry Briefing, Defence Industry Networking functions and the Defence Industry Roadshow in Katherine. According to a statement from chief minister Natasha Fyles, the program will ensure local businesses receive a greater understanding of the Defence market and have the opportunity to engage with decision makers. “The Territory industry stands ready to deliver defence and national security requirements in response to the imminent Defence Strategic Review,” she added.

Researchers showcase road technologies

Researchers from the Smart Pavements Australia Research Collaboration, or SPARC, are developing materials, technology and techniques they say could reduce that cost of roads — Australia’s largest publicly-owned infrastructure — by up to $300 million a year. Last week the Monash University-led team showcased technologies to federal roads minister Catherine King which “could allow roads to withstand floods and extreme heat while being constructed with eco-friendly materials” using 3D printing. “We are working to transform the transport pavement industry to make our roads smarter, longer lasting, safer and more economical, with a lower environmental footprint,” said Director Professor Jayantha Kodikara from Monash, which is one of eight universities participating in SPARC. “The cost of maintaining our roads is only going to rise as the population increases and climate change brings more extreme weather, making future proofing Australia’s road network an urgent priority.”

Picture: Thales Australia