Manufacturing news briefs - stories you might have missed

Lark boosts whiskey sales and stocks

Tasmanian whiskey distiller Lark Distilling continues to build its stock of whiskey, reporting it has 2.35 million litres in stock at the end of the March quarter, up six percent from the December quarter. At the same time it continues to build the age profile of stocks to ‘meet market demand for aged Tasmanian whiskey’, according to a statement. Sales during the quarter were up nine percent on the previous corresponding period to $3.4 million, with year to date sales revealed of $13.1 million. The company told investors that sales growth in export markets offset ‘challenging domestic economic conditions’. Lark operates the historic Pontville distillery near Hobart, Tasmania (pictured), and sites at Cambridge and Bothwell. During the quarter Lark was awarded a $1 million Tasmanian government Tourism Innovation Grant. Lark also produces a range of gins and Tasmanian liqueurs.

E-waste recycler challenges manufacturers to think smart

Recycler Sircel has challenged manufacturers to help reduce landfill and drive the circular economy by thinking smarter about product development to minimise a growing environmental crisis of e-waste. According to Sircel CEO Anthony Karam, electronics manufacturers could make a huge difference to the e-recycling industry by considering ‘end-of-life’ solutions, not as an afterthought, but during the design phase of electronic devices. Karam said: “From our perspective it’s an important change of thought process, for manufacturers to think in a more considered way about the recyclability of their products at the start of the design phase. By bringing recyclers, like us, into the conversation early we can use our expertise to help design products or parts of products, that don’t end up in landfill, allowing the commodities in these devices to be unlocked and given another life.” Every year 58-million tonnes of e-waste is generated globally and only 15 percent of that is recycled. Sircel is urging manufacturers to utilise plastics that can be recycled and stop using those that can’t. “On average, 40 percent of e-waste is made up hard plastics many of which are very difficult to recycle.”

ResMed’s big third quarter revenue boost

Sleep apnoea device manufacturer ResMed has reported a big increase in third quarter earnings, with revenue up by 29 per cent over the previous corresponding period to US$1.12 billion. CEO Mick Farrell said the company had ramped up production and delivery of its cloud-connected devices to meet customer demand, and there was strong growth in the company’s mask business. ResMed’s outside hospital software as a service business also saw growth, including from the successful acquisition of software business Medifox Dan. During the quarter ResMed spent US$76.4 million on R&D, up from the previous corresponding period’s $66.8 million.

Micro-X delivers miniature CT baggage scanner prototypes

Cold cathode X-ray machine manufacturer Micro-X has delivered two miniature CT baggage scanner prototypes to the US Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration for testing. The company told investors its Checkpoints business unit was also continuing work on a second product, a self-screening checkpoint concept for airline passengers, which it is developing under contract to the DHS. A preliminary design review for the checkpoint was held in February, with Micro-X now progressing to develop a prototype system. “Key to the design is the ergonomics and user interface to enable a significant increase in the number of passengers screened in a given checkpoint floorspace and for a given number of checkpoint security officers.” The two devices are based on Micro-X’s miniaturised CT scanner technology.

Caravan industry national conference to be held this month

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s annual National Conference will be held May 10 – 12 at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast, with 1,000 delegates expected. Caravan park operators, caravan and RV manufacturers, technology providers, regulators and state associations will attend. CEO of the association Stuart Lamont said, “As an industry we have seen unprecedented growth over the last two years, growth that has seen the industry achieve some dizzying milestones.” The conference will include for the first time a Electric Vehicle (EV) and Future Fuels summit, focussed on the key elements of the industry’s transition to a low emissions environment. Other topics of leaders’ discussions would include 3D applications and industry innovation, technology, the rise of ESG and sustainable tourism, according to the CIAA.

Judo Bank’s PMI worsens

Manufacturing continued to contract in April, and at a faster rate, according to a survey by Judo Bank released on Monday. The organisation’s PMI reached a 35-month low of 48.0, down from 49.1 in March “and it moves further beneath the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction,” said Judo in a statement. Demand fell further in April, with new orders declining for the fifth month running, as did export orders. According to Judo, “respondents commented on broad-based economic weakness, driven in part by high interest rates. There were also reports of subsequent financial pressures at customers, which also reflected high prices. This led to smaller orders and longer approval processes at clients.”

New ARC Research Hub opens at UNSW Sydney

The ARC Research Hub for Resilient and Intelligent Infrastructure Systems (RIIS), led by UNSW Scientia Professor Nasser Khalili, has officially opened, as will integrate advances in sensor technology, connectivity, data analytics, machine learning, robotics, smart materials, and reliable models to address Australia’s critical infrastructure needs. The hub at UNSW Sydney involves UNSW, The University of Melbourne, Queensland University of Technology, Western Sydney University, and 13 industry partners, and is supported by $4.9 million in ARC funding over five years, with $20 million in funding and in-kind support from participants. ARC Deputy CEO Dr Richard Johnson said: “This investment enables strong and practical collaboration between top researchers and industry partners focused on deploying innovative and integrated technologies to improve urban infrastructure, transport, water, resource, and energy management.”

Close the Loop completes acquisition of ISP Tek Services and Captive Trade Corporation

Close the Loop Limited has announced that it completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of ISP Tek Services LLC and Captive Trade Corporation, US–based electronics refurbisher and trading platform businesses based in Southlake, Texas, USA, on April 28. According to the statement, the acquisition provides Close the Loop with significant consumer and commercial electronics remanufacturing and technological capabilities, a considerable US market sales and trading presence, and extensive distribution
networks. CtL said it plans to also “add reuse capabilities to its portfolio and further strengthen its service offering to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), supporting sustainability and circular economy initiatives.” The acquisition was funded using debt and an equity placement.