Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

New companies relocate to Ballarat West

Two major businesses have been secured by the Victorian government for Stage 2 of the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) – creating another 600 jobs. Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing toured the 438-hectare precinct to announce that McCallum Disability Services and Dahlsens Ballarat will move into Stage 2 of BWEZ with early works to start later this year. McCallum is the largest social enterprise in Western Victoria employing over 300 people living with disability, while Dahlsens Ballarat is relocating to expand, creating 70 roles. Dahlsens is a Victorian, independent hardware retailer that specialises in prefabricated building materials. BWEZ is a $30 million joint initiative between the government and the City of Ballarat, which is being delivered by Development Victoria. Stage 1 is now complete, and 23 land lots have been sold or are under negotiation for Stage 2.

Donald McGurk takes temporary charge of REDARC

Innovative vehicle electronics manufacturer REDARC has welcomed well known executive Donald McGurk (pictured) into the role of interim CEO whilst Owner and Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, takes ‘a well-earned sabbatical’. Having been Managing Director of communications and metal detection company CODAN for twelve years, McGurk comes to REDARC with a wealth of strategic management, manufacturing and technology commercialisation experience, according to the company. Kittle said: “We are extremely pleased that Donald McGurk will be stepping into the CEO role whilst I am away on an extended holiday. Donald brings a wealth of experience in leading and growing a global technology business.” McGurk will be stepping into the role until Kittle returns in mid-July.

REDARC launches controller for vehicle and trailer electrics

Vehicle electronics manufacturer REDARC has added its TVMS Rogue Control Module to its RedVision solutions allowing the control of 12V vehicle and trailer electrical systems from a vehicle dashboard. Boasting ten dimmable 10A outputs and eight switch inputs, the TVMS Rogue is ideal for the control of lights, as well as fridges, fans and pumps. The switch inputs allow the TVMS Rogue to interface with physical toggle and button switches for control anywhere in the vehicle. The system features two configurable sensor inputs which can be used for tank level, voltage, or ambient temperature monitoring. An app enables complete control and monitoring on mobile devices, eliminating the need to return to the caravan to adjust lights and check batteries.

Australia risks “dirty car” status through lack of efficiency standards: EV Council

Car companies will “continue to see Australia as the odd nation out” and “prioritise all other markets” if the federal government does not catch up with new US fuel efficiency standards announced today, according to the Electric Vehicle Council. Australia remains “one of the only developed nations on earth without any fuel efficiency standards whatsoever”, the EV lobby group said on Thursday, while US policy is aiming to encourage 67 per cent of vehicles sold in America as be electric by 2032. “The US first introduced fuel efficiency standards into law in the 1970s and has been strengthening them since then. In 2023, Australia has a discussion paper about them,” said CEO Behyad Jafari. “Australian drivers deserve the same range of EV choice, the same speed of EV delivery, and the same second-hand EV market as Americans and Europeans. We can have that but only if the federal government acts now.”

Recent research on motorcycle safety offers local manufacturing potential: NSW government

Research published in the new Guide to Designing and Manufacturing Motorcycle Protective Clothing could help Australian manufacturers and increase access to safer and more effective gear for riders, according to Transport For NSW. The new guide by Deakin University aims to increase the quality and effectiveness of motorcycle jackets and pants by providing manufacturers with scientifically based information. “The information published in the guide will be extremely useful for manufacturers across the world, to determine the best materials and methods for making higher quality protective clothing for riders,” said Sally Webb, Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation at Transport for NSW. “With the majority of manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand being generally smaller to medium-sized enterprises, most are not in a position to access a testing facility and conduct their own research and development. This guide offers them access to information that will help create safer and more comfortable gear and in turn increase access to clothing better suited to our local climate and conditions.”

Picture: REDARC/Donald McGurk