Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Evolve Group expands production

Brisbane-based product developer and manufacturer Evolve Group has announced “a major phase of growth” and an increase in capacity with three new machines. “Our production area is scaling up impressively with the addition of… a Yizumi UN260 A5 260 Ton and two Yizumi PAC350K 350 Ton machines, each featuring high-tech robotic automation for speed and precision,” the company said on Linkedin this week. “This expansion brings our impressive tally to 31 Injection moulding machines at our facility.” The update said growth was geared towards “bringing more manufacturing and jobs to our region. By reshoring work from overseas, we’re not only bolstering our production capacity but also contributing positively to our local economy. The addition of these machines means new clients, more work, and a ramp-up in production rates, thereby improving our DIFOT commitment. We’re ensuring that our customers receive even better quality parts with greater efficiency.” Evolve added that it is currently seeking skilled machine operators and assembly workers, with those interested encouraged to write [email protected].

AusBiotech makes new board appointments

Biotechnology industry organisation AusBiotech announced the appointment of two new non-executive directors to its board on Monday: Professor John Skerritt, Enterprise Professor in Health Research Impact at the University of Melbourne; and Dr Liz Dallimore, CEO and Managing Director, Argenica Therapeutics. Skerritt’s CV includes leadership of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for 10 years. Dallimore brings “deep experience in both biotechnology and management consulting” and is also co-founder and Executive Chair of medical device company Inspiring Holdings. AusBiotech’s Dr James Campbell said in a statement that, “These new appointments bring fresh perspectives and insight that will position AusBiotech to represent the best interests of our diverse membership at the national level.”

AFGC welcomes focus on food security in new report

The Australian Food and Grocery Council has said it welcomes a new report presented by the House Agriculture Committee, Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond. The report outlined 35 recommendations which will now be provided to the government for their formal response. “At a time when cost of living and inflation are running high, any focus on the food supply chain and the significant work done by food manufacturers to feed Australians is welcomed by industry,” said AFGC CEO, Tanya Barden, in a statement on Friday. “Given food manufacturing represents a third of Australia’s total manufacturing sector, any focus on its long-term viability is a step in the right direction and for this we congratulate the committee. Many of the recommendations align with the positions outlined in the AFGC’s report Sustaining Australia: Food and Grocery Manufacturing 2030.”

Archer sends new biochip gFET design to foundry partner in Spain

ASX-listed semiconductor company Archer Materials has announced that it has sent a new Biochip graphene field effect transistor (“gFET”) design to its foundry partner in Spain for fabrication through a whole wafer run. The unnamed foundry has ISO 13485 certification to manufacture medical device components, “an important hallmark for future manufacturing partnerships”, and the process run will be performed on a four-inch whole wafer. “The gFETs are designed to be fabricated with structures suitable for liquid multiplexing, with advances over previous chip design features, including in gating and channel definition,” said Archer on Monday. “Archer is currently developing various gFET design techniques through the engagement of several commercial semiconductor foundries in Europe.

Detpak launches Australian-first Vanguard range

Packaging solutions company Detpak has announced a national first with the release of a range of compostable, no-added PFAS sugarcane plates, bowls and containers called Vanguard. According to a statement from the company, Vanguard by Eco-Products uses a proprietary formulation to achieve grease resistance without relying on the addition of PFAS. “We are working with our customer base on phasing out PFAS from their products and materials, and  the introduction of the Vanguard range is a key milestone of our strategy in phasing out added PFAS  from our entire product range,” said Detpak Product and Brand General Manager Keith Bishop. Vanguard is compostable and made from renewable moulded sugarcane fibre. Bishop said Detpak would be the exclusive retailer of the Vanguard in Australia.

ARM Hub announces IRF program

The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub has announced the launch of a new Industry-led Research Fellowship program (IRF) in collaboration with the Queensland government and university partners. In an email from ARM Hub, it welcomed businesses facing technology challenges hindering growth and success, with expressions of interest open. One fellowship is available for each of four themes — robotics, design, artificial intelligence and data analytics — and can run for up to four years. Projects must be above TRL 4, industry partners must cover half of the cost per fellowship, and the cost is $200,000 per annum., with the program to commence in March next year. Projects must also match up with the federal governments seven priority areas for manufacturing. More information can be found here.

IBISWorld releases scientific instrument market research report

A newly-updated Measurement and Other Scientific Equipment Manufacturing in Australia report by market research firm IBISWorld estimates that the sector grew an average of 3.6 per cent per year from 2019 – 2024 to $3.3 billion. According to the firm’s figures, 769 businesses are in operation in the sector in Australia, employing 6,400. Surveying, radar and nautical instruments were the biggest category within the category, representing 33.4 per cent of all revenues. More information can be found at the link above.

TWE completes Daou acquisition

Treasury Wine Estates announced the completed acquisition of DAOU Vineyards and its associated entities on Wednesday morning. The acquisition is being partially funded by the placement of new Treasury shares to the value of $US 100 million (13,150,038 shares) to the owners of DAOU. The shares were issued on Wednesday and are subject to voluntary escrow arrangements, with 50 per cent of the shares to be released from escrow after one year, and the remainder released after two years. 

Picture: credit Detmold Group