Manufacturing news briefs - stories you might have missed

Corvus Technology Solutions (CTS) announced the appointment of Nick Williams as General Manager this week, effective immediately. Williams joins the company as it enters “its next phase of growth and will play a key role in the Corvus’ ongoing partnership with Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA)” which is among the final two bidders on the Land 400 Phase 3 contract to build Infantry Fighting Vehicles. CTS CEO Martin Ripple said, “We are delighted to have someone of Nick’s calibre join the team. His leadership skills and industry expertise will be invaluable as we propel Corvus to new heights.

Innovation Architects (IA) has been announced to lead the Queensland government’s state-wide search for entrepreneurs to help reduce our reliance on harmful single-use coffee cups and lids, slushie cups and takeaway bowls. The state’s department of environment chose IA to run the Beyond Cups campaign, following delivery the Queensland Agtech Accelerator and the Low Carbon Accelerator. “Our aim is to give promising solutions a boost by connecting them to industry, offering mentorship and access to the resources needed to fund eco-friendly alternatives to single-use and disposable cups and containers by Queensland businesses,” said Philippe Ceulen, IA Principal and Challenge Lead. According to IA, the program will be delivered across three stages from July through to November and offer workshops, one-to-one coaching by experts and mentors, and provide access to a network of customers and partners. Up to five companies will reach the commercial readiness stage and receive grants of up to $100,000 to implement their proof-of-concept projects with an industry partner. Application information is available here.

The Australian Industry & Defence Network said it welcomed the federal government’s announcement of $150 million on the skills and workforce needed to deliver the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program, but questioned how many of the 20,000 jobs over 30 years will be in the ADF and APS, and how many will be Australian SMEs. “As patriotic Australians, AIDN National and our membership is optimally positioned to support the Albanese Government and the unions with the delivery of the Defence Strategy Review’s (DSR) urgent capability requirements, but with the delivery of the DSR almost four weeks ago, and no further clarity in last week’s Federal Budget, Australian Defence Industry SME’s are still waiting for the Albanese Government to clearly define what their role will be,” the group said this week.

The Western Australian government welcomed Infinite Green Energy’s (IGE) announcement that it has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Samsung C&T to develop and build the Arrowsmith Hydrogen Plant. 30 kilometres south of Dongara, the wind and solar-powered plant is forecast to produce up to 300 tonnes of green hydrogen per day, or 100,000 tonnes per year for domestic and export markets. IGE is aiming to be Australia’s first zero carbon commercial hydrogen producer. “With the crucial need to diversify and decarbonise here and around the world, the McGowan Government is committed to the renewable hydrogen sector to help reduce emissions to achieve net zero greenhouse emissions,” said hydrogen industry minister Roger Cook.

Solar glass manufacturer ClearVue Technologies has purchased the IP of illuminated signage company Lusoco B.V. ClearVue’s core technology is complementary to to Lusoco’s approach behind its fluorescent, high-contrast visible inks providing signage for building facades, bus shelters, advertising signage and street and directional signs. Netherlands based Lusoco’s IP includes a library of proprietary visible and invisible fluorescent inks that can be printed onto plastics. ClearVue uses a similar approach in its patented solar PV windows which generate power from the Sun.

Fertiliser and explosives group Incitec Pivot saw first half net profit after tax fall by six percent compared to the previous corresponding period on lower commodity prices that hit fertiliser earnings. Severe flooding also affected in the spring and summer planting season. The company reported operating profit (EBIT) adjusted for foreign exchange movements up 10 percent to $70 million. Explosives business Dyno Nobel saw EBIT rise in North America underpinned by better performance of its troubled Waggaman ammonia plant, but flat in the Asia Pacific. Waggaman has since been sold.

Picture: LAND 400 Phase 3 will be replacing the M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carrier fleet (www.defence.gov.au)