Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

EOS appoints new head of EOS Defence USA

Defence manufacturer Electro Optic Systems has appointed Shawn Baerlocher as CEO of EOS Defense Systems USA where he will work with Christian Tobergte, Executive Vice President, Defence Systems (International). Shawn brings over 30 years of experience in leading multiple defense programmes across the entire Department of Defense and other government agencies. Serving in several senior leadership roles at Northrop Grumman and L3Harris, his experience in program management and technology commercialisation will be key to the continued growth at EOS, according to EOS. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, his primary focus will be on expanding EOS’ presence in the North American defence markets for Remote Weapon Systems and Counter-UAS systems, as well as enhancing production capabilities.

New centre for sustainable and resilient supply chains

The University of Adelaide has launched the Centre for Sustainable Operations and Resilient Supply Chains (CSORSC) which will focus on accelerating the transformation of Australia’s supply chains to be more robust and adaptable. The new centre is led by Professor Kannan Govindan and Associate Professor Devika Kannan, supported by the University’s Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources (ISER) whilst being anchored in the Adelaide Business School. Professor Govindan said:“CSORSC will provide the know-how for industries and governments to transition to better and greener manufacturing and supply chains which will be more dependable while supporting our net-zero emissions ambitions and the goal of a truly circular economy.”

JET Charge reaches 10,000 milestone

Electric vehicle infrastructure company JET Charge has hit what it says is a significant milestone for the nation’s EV transition, becoming the first Australian company to install 10,000 EV chargers into residential homes. JET Charge was co-founded by Tim Washington and Ellen Liang, working out of a small garage in Melbourne and installing home chargers for the first Teslas that arrived in Australia, a decade ago. “Australia has all the makings of clean energy, low-carbon powerhouses, and we’re determined to realise that potential by breaking down the barriers to charging,” said Liang. “The long-awaited EV transition is well and truly upon us. We’re so proud to play our part.” 

Coles launches recyclable paper bag for mandarins

Supermarket chain Coles announced recyclable paper bag packaging for mandarins, replacing a plastic net bag. In a statement this week, Coles said the new-look packaging solution “will avoid the use of 11,700 kilograms of plastic in one year and can be recycled kerbside”, adding that the “new-style packets of mandarins in paper bags (800g) are available in all states and territories excluding Western Australia and start from $5.50.” Coles General Manager Fresh Produce Charlotte Gilbert said: “Customers can still purchase their favourite mandarin loose, including the delicious Imperial and Afourer varieties, with more than 16 million tonnes of the citrus fruit expected to be sold across Coles stores this season.”

Chinese medicine research hub gets funding boost

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture has received additional funding for a research hub examining the prospect of growing traditional Chinese herbs in Tasmania, which the university says resents a huge opportunity for Tasmania to tap into a $130 billion global industry. The $1 million project was due to finish this year but has been extended to 2026 after an extra $278,000 was allocated by AEMG Education/W&E Health. The two-and-a-half year extension will allow the completion of seven PhD projects that are investigating six potential new crops for Tasmania, including whether Chinese Bellflower, Milkvetch, and peony can be grown in Tasmania to the required quality specifications. TIA Professor Dugald Close said, “Our research aims to match the Tasmanian climate and soils with potential new crops, and develop growing systems to optimise quality in terms of the bioactive components. The rising demand of Chinese medicinal herbs could create an opportunity in Tasmania.”

ASPI raises concern about loss of basic manufacturing

Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior fellow David Uren has written that what remains of the nation’s basic supplies needs to be preserved “both for the sake of national security and as the essential foundations for downstream manufacturing.” In an article on the think tank’s website published on Tuesday — and following the recent collapse of plastic maker Qenos and decision by industrial gas company BOC to close its Darwin helium plant in December — Uren cited ambitious investments in quantum computing and battery plans by the federal government. “Saving the remnants of Australia’s chemicals and basic metals industries may be less exciting but could count for more in a national security crisis” he concluded. (Article available here.)

Hydrogen injection tech secures first revenues

Lilydale, Victoria-based hydrogen injection company, H2i Technology, has announced its first revenues and that it is moving forward to install five units in mid-May for a customer in Asia after completing fabrication (see picture.) The installation will be the first of its sales pipeline of 100,000 units across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia, the company said in a statement this week, adding that it has a focus on the steel/iron manufacturing, agriculture, construction, remote communities, mining, and hospitality/tourism sectors. H2i Technology said that it will support its growth through a strong supply chain and manufacturing base it has built locally in Australia, “with the capability to produce 1,000 units a month.” H2i has launched a capital raise, via VCEX, to finance delivery of these sales opportunities, and plans an IPO next year.

Picture: Units at H2i’s R&D & Production Centre being prepared to be sent to its first customer (supplied)