Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

McKenzie’s Foods innovates in food products

Australian owned baking and cooking manufacturer McKenzie’s Foods has partnered with packaging and processing company Tetra Pak to release a new range of pulses packaged in Tetra Recart. The convenient packaging solution has the lowest CO2 footprint on the market in Australia and New Zealand. The range includes five varieties of high quality, pre-cooked pulses that are ready to serve, including Cannellini Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, Red Kidney Beans and a Three Bean Mix. The Marketing & Innovation Manager at McKenzie’s Foods Micaela McGee said; “McKenzie’s has been the market leader of dried pulses in Australia for decades, however we recognise that not all home cooks have time in their day to soak dried pulses before they begin preparing their meal. “Offering consumers a pre-cooked option for pulses has been a goal of ours for some time and part of this process included searching for suitable eco-conscious packaging.”

DroneShield’s doubled revenue in six months

Drone detection and countermeasure company DroneShield has more than doubled revenues in the half year ended 30 June, 2024 compared to the previous corresponding period. The company announced revenue up 108 percent to $23.99 million in 1H 2024. The company’s loss also rose 64 percent to $4.8 million and consequently no dividend was declared.

Duratec’s strong year of growth

Construction, engineering and remediation contractor Duratec has announced an EBITDA of $47.6 million in FY24 up from $38.8 million in FY23 on revenue of $555.8 million compared to $491.8 million in the previous year. The company ended the year with an improved order book and cash on hand of $62.5 million. Duratec Managing Director Chris Oates said: “In FY24, the successful implementation of our corporate strategy, with a focus on being a trusted partner of choice, has delivered record revenue and profitability. Our strategic approach, including the use of ECI, has consistently delivered optimal outcomes for clients and stakeholders through collaboration and comprehensive solutions.”

Ainsworth’s sales down on Latin America and Europe gaming markets

Poker machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology results for H1CY24 showed a half year underlying Profit Before Tax of $14.3 million, at the high end of expectations. Revenue was $121.4 million, down 15 percent on the previous corresponding period, driven by lower results in the Latin America/Europe segment. International revenues were down 17 percent to $104.7 million, reflecting 86 percent of the Group’s total revenue. Strategies to develop and release new products have resulted in improved product performance and progress on implemented objectives, according to the company. AGT’s Chairman Danny Gladstone said: “I am encouraged by the investments the company has and continues to pursue. These investments are expected to further establish the necessary foundations to enable the development and release of new and innovative products to achieve improvements in the Group’s financial results.”

Vitura Health appoints new CEO

Digital health platform business Vitura Health has appointed experienced executive Geoff Cockerill as CEO. Cockerill has held executive positions with drinks business Diageo, Lion, Subway, Queensland cricket and most recently as CEO of consumer health business ATP Science. Interim CEO Tom Howitt will return to his role as CFO.

Vulcan Steel’s profit falls as interest rates dampen demand

Steel distributor and value added processor, New Zealand based Vulcan Steel has reported NPAT of NZ$40 million for FY24, down 55 percent from NZ$88 million in FY23. However the company delivered a 16 percent increase in operating cashflow rising to NZ$169 million in FY24 by being disciplined on costs and working capital management. Vulcan’s Managing Director and CEO Rhys Jones said: “Business conditions in FY24 remained challenging across most markets, especially in New Zealand, following a difficult FY23. Higher interest rates continued to impact on activity levels. High inflation added to the pressure on business costs.” Vulcan said the Australian and New Zealand steel and metal products industry would continue to be negatively impacted by higher interest rates.

Applications open for MEEG program

Round two has opened for the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant (MEEG) program, offering support for businesses to install energy-efficient equipment and systems. The Queensland government’s program “doubl[ed] the amount available under the previous round”, it said on Wednesday. Grants can cover 100 per cent of eligible lighting projects and 75 per cent of all other eligible projects, up to a maximum of $50,000. Applications close June 30,  2025 or once funding is fully allocated. More information is available at this link.

Chair appointed at Sovereign Capability Group

Sovereign Capability Group, a recent merger of Insitec and Electrotech Australia, has appointed Diane Smith-Gander as its new Chair. In a statement from the company on Thursday, Smith-Gander was described as having built a distinguished career in both executive and non-executive roles. “The opportunity to improve Australia’s sovereign capability resonated deeply with me,” she said. “My background in directorships, particularly in companies serving defence, makes this role a perfect fit. I’m excited to bring my experience to Sovereign.”

BioPak launches new online resources ahead of upcoming plastic bans

Compostable packaging business BioPak has launched a range of online resources regarding the upcoming single-use plastic bans for Western Australia and South Australia, the company announced this week. Stage 2 (WA) and Stage 4 (SA) single-use plastic bans come into effect on September 1 for both states, with BioPak’s new material covering which plastic products are now banned, and suitable certified compostable alternatives currently available. South Australia and Western Australia resources are available at the links.

RME rejigs leadership team

Mill relining systems specialist RUSSELL MINERAL EQUIPMENT (RME) has announced new appointments to its Chief Executive Team (CET) and Board of Directors. General Manager Manufacturing, Geoff Wadsworth, has joined the CET as Chief Operations Officer (COO). Chief Customer Officer, Cherylyn Russell, transitions from the CET to join RME Holding’s Board. Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and CET member, Eddie Bosnjak, will become RME’s new Chief Customer Officer. John Howard continues to serve RMEH’s Board as Company Secretary and on the CET as RME’s Chief Financial Officer. Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer, Dr John Russell, described the appointments as evidence of a focus on the future as RME approaches its 40th anniversary. “The appointments announced today are a result of careful succession planning and thoughtful  investment in talent development over several years,” said Russell in a statement on Thursday. “They strengthen the collective skills and  experience within our Board and Chief Executive Team, helping to ensure RME’s leadership is  appropriately bolstered for the future”.   

Picture: McKenzie’s Foods