Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Nova Systems appoints Dean Rosenfield as CEO

Defence engineering firm and consultancy Nova Systems has appointed Dean Rosenfield as CEO, following the departure of Jim McDowell to the role of Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment. Rosenfield is an experienced senior business leader with over 20 years working the defence industry. Prior to joining Nova, he was a senior Vice President of Saab AB and Group Managing Director Saab UK where he was responsible for leading the global business development and sales function, working in Singapore, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Steven Robinson, who has served as Acting CEO since July, will return to his role as Chief Operating Officer.

ADH infant formula deleted from Chemist Warehouse stores

Australian Dairy Nutritionals has received notice that its Future Gradulac Gentle Infant Formula range will be deleted from Chemist Warehouse stores nationally. The company said domestic sales of the range had not met expectations with the future outlook for the brand under consideration. ADN has not invested in inventory for the brand over the past 12 months and wrote off a large quantity of inventory in the FY23 accounts. According to a statement: “The company is continuing to pursue opportunities to sell the remaining inventory through international markets.”

Australian Defence Apparel opens NZ store

Defence and security clothing manufacturer Australian Defence Apparel has delivered what it calls a ‘modernised and purposeful user experience’ at its new base store at Trentham in New Zealand (pictured). The shopping experience is clearly vastly different from what was expected from a military base clothing store in the past. The company. The Bendigo, Victoria manufacturer took to social media and said: “What a thrilling journey launching the Trentham clothing store recently, with an equally incredible team behind this long-awaited transformation. We’re excited about the future- many more transformations to come to NZ clothing store bases.” The store is operated by ADA NZ (AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE APPAREL PTY LTD).

Japan’s Ex-Fusion locates to South Australia

Japanese energy company EX-Fusion Inc. has announced it will be expanding to South Australia, growing their international footprint. EX-Fusion is developing laser fusion technology touted for future energy generation. EX-Fusion has an agreement with defence manufacturer Electro Optic Systems to pilot technology to track space junk, according to South Australian Minister for Trade and investment Nick Champion. Champion met with EX-Fusion’s Koichi Masuda and Mack W. at an Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC) dinner in Adelaide this week. Department for Trade and Investment’s Invest SA led by Chris Wood, has been working closely with EX-Fusion who was attracted to South Australia through its first mover advantage, backed by the state government’s $593 million Hydrogen Jobs Plan, as well as opportunities in the space sector.

TAFE Queensland offers EV apprenticeships

Electric Vehicle (EV) skills are being developed by TAFE Queensland which is now offering the Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology (AUR32721) apprenticeship to Queenslanders. Queensland has become the second state or territory in Australia to offer Electric Vehicle apprenticeships. TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer John Tucker said: “Electric Vehicle ownership and purchasing trends are predicted to continue to skyrocket in coming years and with more Electric Vehicles on the road than ever before, Queenslanders will expect the State’s automotive workforce to be appropriately skilled in keeping these vehicles on the road and safe. TAFE Queensland has, for some time, offered Electric Vehicle training units as optional inclusions to automotive apprentices’ training plans and has delivered accredited Electric Vehicle training to thousands of Queenslanders already – including almost 200 qualified technicians who have upskilled with the Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set (AURSS00064) so far in 2023 under the Federal and State Governments’ Fee-Free TAFE program.”

ATSE welcomes Professor Yue Gao as fellow

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE) has welcomed Electro Optic Systems Chief Scientist Professor Yue Gao FTSE as a new ATSE Fellow. Yue has developed and commercialised cutting-edge laser technologies for space and defence applications, boosting Australia’s space science and defence capabilities and facilitating a multi-billion-dollar industry on Australian shores. Yue designed a fully automated laser system for tracking space debris smaller than 10cm to within one-metre accuracy. Yue’s system is the most advanced in the world for this application. He also led the development and successful field-demonstrations of a high-power laser directed energy counter-drone system and an artificial star, known as sodium laser guide star, for improving the resolution of astronomical telescopes including those used to track space objects.

JET Charge launches CaaS project

EV charger supplier and integrator Jet Charge has launched a new business model, supported by $12 million from Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), offering a new way for fleet operators to pay for EV charging infrastructure. Under the Charging as a Service (CaaS) model, JET Charge will install and maintain EV chargers at the customer’s site. Fleet operators pay a subscription fee, similar to how consumers pay for streaming services. The CaaS project is set to run for three years and is expected to see the uptake of more than 3,100 new EVs with supporting charging infrastructure. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said, “We know that access to charging infrastructure is a barrier for fleet users looking to switch to EVs, so it’s exciting to see JET Charge developing a new way to make charging more accessible.” JET Charge CEO Tim Washington said: “We know that fleets are looking for a way to electrify, and that infrastructure is a key barrier. Our CaaS project will not only increase affordability, but also demonstrate what running private charging networks will look like at scale.”

Bioproducts CRC seeks new Research Director

The Marine Bioproducts CRC is looking for a Research Director, in a role described in the seek.com.au ad as an opportunity “to lead cutting-edge industry research partnerships to impact the growth of the rapidly expanding marine bioproducts industry.” The MBCRC began in 2021, and links industry partners and researchers on marine bioproducts projects. It plans to invest $270 million cash and in-kind R&D over eight years. The role, posted this week, reports to the CEO and is a key role in the senior management team “responsible for all aspects of the research program from shaping strategy, managing, prioritising, analysing and commercialising collaborative research to developing the next round of industry leaders.” Remuneration is to be based on “experience, qualifications and capabilities will be offered to the successful candidate”. More information can be viewed here.

Picture: Australian Defence Apparel/Trentham, NZ store