Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Bisalloy’s profit growth flat

Wear resistant and armoured steel manufacturer Bisalloy Steel Group sales tonnes were impacted in FY24 in Australia by protracted EBA negotiations in H1 and in Indonesia by import restrictions in place for much of the year. Despite this, strong pricing discipline and a favourable mix meant the company’s sales revenue of $152.8 million was flat with growth in Australia largely offsetting declines in Indonesia. Improved input costs in H2 (greenfeed, power and shipping) along with an improved product mix meant the business delivered an operating EBITDA up 16 percent to $ $26.7 million and NPAT of $16.2 million.

Maggie Beer suffers a fall, as company falters

Beloved chef Maggie Beer (pictured), 79, has suffered a serious fall at her home in the Barossa Valley of South Australia, as the company that bears her name falters in the marketplace. Beer’s family issued a media release saying Beer was expected to make a full recovery from a series of fractures. However Maggie Beer Holdings has had a poor year, revealing FY24 sales from continuing operations $89.4 million, up 0.8 percent on the prior year. EBITDA was $0.3 million compared to FY23’s $3.2 million loss, reflecting earnings loss in Paris Creek Farms (PCF) which is up for sale. Net Loss After Tax of $24.8 million includes a non-cash impairment of $13.8 million of Hampers & Gifts Australia goodwill, and of assets in PCF of $4.6 million.

Cann Group receives R&D Tax Incentive advance

Medicinal cannabis producer Cann Group has received an advance of $1 million from Endpoints Capital, providing early access to the company’s expected Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive for FY2024 of $1.965 million. The Advance was provided under the terms of a loan agreement executed between Cann and Endpoint which incurs an interest rate of 16.0% per annum. The CEO & Managing Director Jenni Pilcher said: “The Advance provides Cann with immediate funding to support the operation of the business.”

Success of manufacturing depends on AI and robotics – Cori Stewart

The CEO of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub Professor Cori Stewart will tell the Australian Steel Institute national convention in Brisbane later this month that the success of manufacturing is dependent on accelerated investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. AI and robotics not only save time, but also potentially save lives by minimising human error and ensuring a safer working environment, according to her Finding Your Productivity Edge with Robots and AI presentation on September 10. Stewart said: “In the highly competitive steel industry, AI and automation is helping Australia realise business growth and competitiveness, commercialise research and development, address skills shortages, and compete in an economy that is rapidly decarbonising.”

K-Tig continues R&D, reveals loss

Rapid welding system manufacturer K-Tig is continuing to trade in administration and has revealed a loss of $295,346 for FY 24, up 95 percent on FY23 on revenue down 28 percent to $2.2 million. The revenue fall weas due to customers delaying purchases due to uncertainty over the voluntary administration process as well as economic factors such as higher interest rates and a slowdown in the economy. K-Tig told investors: “K-Tig continued working with existing and prospective customers in the defence and industrial sectors to demonstrate the advantages of keyhole TIG welding to their applications. In addition K-Tig continues to invest ion R&D to expand the range of metals that can be used utilising K-Tig technology.”

Tindo releases new solar modules

The nation’s lone solar panel manufacturer, Tindo, has announced the launch of its Walara Series solar modules. According to a statement from the company on Tuesday, the series is “a significant advancement in Australian solar panel manufacturing, introducing n type and bi-facial technologies… enabl[ing] the panels to capture sunlight from both sides, significantly boosting overall  power output”. The series also features improved efficiency through half-cut cell technology, a new robust 35 millimetre framing, and improved packaging allowing for 31 panels per pallet. “The 8th generation of our panels is also Australian Made certified, being the only  panel produced in Australia to hold this certification, and we are proud to uphold this achievement.” said Richard Petterson, CEO of Tindo.

NSW government announces supplier bans

The NSW government has said it will introduce legislation to ban suppliers who engage in serious misconduct or abuse of trust from doing business with them. The procurement reforms “will establish a debarment regime and define the rules and processes which can be used to stop a supplier from gaining access the state’s annual $42 billion spend” according to an announcement this week. The state government will have the power to exclude suppliers that engage in misconduct, for example having engaged in fraudulent or corrupt conduct or failing to comply with taxation laws. Lesser penalties, such as suspension, could apply to suppliers depending on the seriousness of the conduct and any mitigating circumstances.

BioPak launches new Beer BioCup range

Packaging company BioPak has launched its compostable Beer BioCup range designed for outdoor venues, stadiums, pubs and events. According to an announcement on Monday, the new cups “provide a better alternative to the large volume of disposable cups made from conventional plastic used at such venues”, are compliant with single-use plastic bans across all states and territories, and are crafted with FSCTM certified paper and coated with plant-based bioplastic. Trevor Rumble, BioPak’s Product & Innovations Director, said, “We consulted with our partners who received feedback from their punters about missing the visual appeal of drinking beer from traditional cups. This is a small change to our existing Cold BioCup that will make a big difference when savouring ice-cold beer at an event.”

ELA announces new Head of Business Development

Arnhem Space Centre owner/operator Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) announced Nina Patz as its new Head of Business Development on Monday. Patz, most recently of Hypersonix Launch Systems, joins the company as it approaches its next scheduled launches commencing in mid-2025 with South Korea’s Innospace. According to ELA, the role “will be pivotal in developing customized launch contracts including launch, engine testing, payload and mission management, mission planning, and launch support services for international NewSpace commercial rocket companies”. Patz said: “With ELA’s proven track record and exciting future ahead, I am thrilled to join the team as it enters its next phase… I look forward to building ELA’s customer base as we build the spaceport of the future in northern Australia.”

Picture: Maggie Beer