Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Six new Custom Denning buses head for Rotala UK Operations

Six more Custom Denning Element 2 electric buses are on their way to Rotala, a transport operator in the UK, as part of Rotala’s bigger plan to enhance its fleet with zero-emission vehicles. The six new Custom Denning Element 2 electric buses will be hitting the roads around Burton on Trent, and are designed, manufactured, and engineered in Australia. The buses are equipped with cutting-edge electric drive systems and are built from durable stainless steel, ensuring both longevity and efficiency. The buses feature high-quality components that meet European standards.

Western Australia to expand the local space industry

The Western Australian government has committed a $3.5 million co-investment to build satellite capability in the state through the Government’s Investment Attraction Fund (IAF). WA Earth Observation company LatConnect 60 will build a satellite assembly facility capable of producing commercial satellite. The funding package will facilitate the construction of a satellite that will be launched in 2026s to detect, monitor and quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the world. The funds were announced by the Minister for Science Stephen Dawson at the launch of WA Space Week.

Atco Australia lets contract for hydrogen capable turbines

ATCO Australia has selected GE Vernova to supply hydrogen-capable electric turbines for the Whyalla hydrogen power plant being constructed under the South Australia Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan. The world-leading hydrogen power station will be equipped with a GE Vernova LM6000VELOX packaged solution, with the announcement was this week at the COP29 Australian Pavilion in Baku. ATCO Australia CEO and Country Chair John Ivulich said: “ATCO Australia strategically selected GE Vernova because of its aeroderivative solution which is able to operate on 100 per cent hydrogen.”

Pure Dairy announces new CCO

Pure Dairy has appointed Andrew Wellington as its new Chief Commercial Officer. In a statement from the company this week, Wellington was described as having over 20 years’ experience in the dairy and food-processing industries, and beginning in the roleat a pivotal time,as Pure Dairy prepares to open its $100 million production facility next year. Adrian Josephson, Executive Chairman of Pure Dairy, said: “Andrew has the breadth of experience and insights to consolidate the work of our multidisciplinary teams.” Wellington grew up on a dairy farm in northern Victoria, began his career driving milk tankers, completed a cadetship with Murray Goulburn and studied Food Technology at Melbourne University, followed by leadership positions across the dairy sector in both Australia and New Zealand.

ClearVue partners with Qatar and Murdoch Universities

ClearVue Technologies has partnered with Qatar University and Murdoch University to develop energy-efficient, solar-integrated greenhouses to address food security challenges in arid climates. According to ClearVue, a maker of building-integrated photovoltaics, the research leverages earlier advancements made by Murdoch University and ClearVue’s patented solar PV glazing technology for enhancing greenhouse performance in extreme environments. ClearVue Technologies CEO Martin Deil said, “This collaboration highlights our ability to innovate and apply technologies in diverse contexts to solve global challenges, such as food security and sustainability[, and]… underscores the importance of cross-disciplinary innovation in creating scalable solutions to global food and sustainability challenges.”

Fixx launches new range of flavours

Sports nutrition brand Fixx Nutrition has announced the addition of raspberry, wild-berry and orange to its Fuel X Pro range of endurance drinks in time for summer. Fuel X is described by the company as specifically designed for endurance athletes, all-natural, gluten-free, gut-friendly, and containing a specifically chosen mix of electrolytes combined with carbohydrates for high-performance. According to Fixx co-founder and Chief Product Officer Jan Buchegger, “Using hydration fuel like Fuel X is critical during the warmer months where hot and humid conditions place greater pressure on the body. Fixx manufactures its range of products at a HACCP-accredited Burleigh Heads site, and was founded in 2017 by Michelle and Jan Buchegger following the sale of their previous business, food manufacturer and supplier Fehlbergs Fine Foods, to SunRice.

Western Sydney leaders urge consideration of Parramatta-Bradfield high-speed rail 

A proposed high speed rail line along the east coast should connect Parramatta with the upcoming Western Sydney International Airport, according to Parramatta’s council, the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue and others. The federal High Speed Rail Authority is expected to present a business case for investment in stage-one of a rail link from Newcastle to Sydney by the end of 2024, and suggested the key Sydney interchange will be Central Station. The authority has indicated stops in Parramatta and the new airport may be considered as part of a later stage. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said Central Station was no longer central to Sydney’s growing population. “High speed rail has the potential to turbocharge the economic growth of Western Sydney and link millions of visitors a year landing at the new airport to the heart of Greater Sydney and beyond – but only if we are part of the plan from day one,” said Zaiter in a statement. “We cannot be fobbed off with the promise of being a part of a later stage of high speed rail that may never eventuate. We know for Parramatta and the rest of Western Sydney it’s now or never.”

Company fined for illegal export of dual-use chemical

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has fined an unnamed South Australian chemical company $14,085 for exporting 700 litres of Chloropicrin, which is used by the agricultural industry as well as in chemical warfare. According to a statement from the ABF on Thursday, an investigation into the chemical company was triggered after a routine audit “identified [the company] may have exported controlled toxic substances without the necessary permissions.” ABF engaged with Defence Export Controls at the Department of Defence and confirmed the company had not sought permission for the exports. After interviewing management from the company, ABF officers established the export breached the Customs Act 1901. ABF Superintendent James Ryan said, “Trade of dual-use chemicals must be closely scrutinised and requires authorisation. In the wrong hands, a chemical like this can be used to cause significant damage to a person’s lungs, skin, eyes and digestive system.” The unnamed company has since paid its fine “and adapted its business processes to ensure compliance with customs and related Commonwealth legislation” teh ABF added.

Picture: credit Australian Border Force