Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Codan completes the acquisition of Kägwerks

Communications and metal detection manufacturer Codan, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Codan US Inc, has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of US-based organisation SKT2 LLC dba Kägwerks (Kägwerks). Kägwerks is a leader in tactical operator-worn networking communications technologies that enable connectivity and integrated secure networking in a military environment. The acquisition consideration consists of an upfront cash payment of approximately $33.6 million together with royalty payments for five years post-closing. The quantum of the royalty payments will be calculated based upon agreed annual sales target thresholds ranging from one percent to an upper limit of five percent, conditional also on minimum gross margins being achieved.

Space Machines Company signs agreement with UK satellite servicing startup

In-space servicing firm Space Machines Company has signed a strategic partnership agreement (pictured) with the UK-based ISAM technology developer and service provider, Lúnasa, to address the global issue of space debris. The agreement marks a critical outcome under the UK-Australia Space Bridge Arrangement. Lúnasa will deploy its inaugural mission as part of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus satellite launch through the Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation) mission. Scheduled for 2026, the orbital servicing vehicle will be deployed aboard NewSpace India Limited’s (NSIL) cutting-edge Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Spoace Machines CEO Rajat Kulshrestha said: “Working with strategic partners across AUKUS will help bring Australia’s space contributions to the fore, aligning with the cutting edge of the global space economy as we collectively address the growing issues of sustainable space exploration.”

Queensland backs woolscour plant

A $940,000 commitment by the Queensland government will fund the final stages of a planning and feasibility study for the proposed Blackall Woolscour project. Investment will back the agriculture industry and regional manufacturing part of the recently elected government’s commitment to increase Queensland’s agricultural output to $30 billion by 2030. The Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett met with key stakeholders to discuss the importance of the $940,000 funding injection. Perrett said: “I wanted to get out to Western Queensland as soon as possible to speak directly with wool industry representatives and the many key stakeholders who know the importance of this project. This local woolscour project also highlights the importance of value adding opportunities in further developing the local industry, and our manufacturing capability.”

Sharon Wilson laves BAE Systems for Pyne & Partners

Defence consultant and lobbyists Pyne & Partners has appointed as Special Counsel Sharon Wilson, a South Australian closely associated with the creation of the all digital Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide. Wilson is the former Business Development and Continuous Naval Shipbuilding Director at BAE Systems Australia. Sharon worked in BAE Systems for 34 years in various senior roles including strategy, innovation, business development, supply chain, and industry engagement/development. Sharon brings extensive knowledge of Australian industry, industry policy, and strategic supply chain design including technology transfer, Australianisation of designs, and supporting overseas companies in delivering the governments Australian industry objectives. Her new role is as Special Counsel – industry and innovation.

Tivan receives R&D tax incentive

Vanadium developer Tivan has been rebated $825,000 as a cash refundable tax offset under the Federal Government’s Research and Development (“R&D”) Tax Incentive scheme for eligible R&D activities undertaken during FY24. Tivan’s R&D activities relate primarily to its vanadium titanomagnetite projects and processing technologies, including the Speewah Vanadium Titanomagnetite Project in Western Australia and the TIVAN+ mineral processing technology being developed in strategic partnership with CSIRO. Under the R&D tax incentive scheme, R&D is eligible for a cash refund of 48.5 cents per eligible dollar spent.

Amaero International secures titanium supply

Additive manufacturer Amaero International has secured a three year supply agreement for US melt and forged titanium alloy bar with The Perryman Company. Perryman will be Amaero’s preferred and primary supplier of alloy bar feedstock for its spherical powder atomisation facility in the United States. Prices increase each year from an agreed baseline. Amaero has provided estimates of minimum annual demand with a minimum actual order agreed of 45 metric tonnes for CY2025 and 100 metric tonnes for C026 and 2027.

Memphasys eyes Middle East markets

Reproductive technology company Memphasys has sold a Felix system unit and test cartridges to a Dubal, UAE clinic for an evaluation of the system’s potential in Middle East markets. Felix is an electrostatic device which separates the most viable sperm from samples used in human and animal IVF treatment. Felix is being evaluated for research use under Ministry of Health and Prevention guidelines.

Micro-X receives $6.4 million R&D Tax Incentive

Cold cathode X-ray manufacturer Micro-X has received a Research & Development (R&D) Tax Incentive, net of income tax payable, of $5.83 million for the financial year ended 30 June 2024 and an additional $0.58 million relating to an amendment to the company’s FY22 R&D tax incentive. The total of $6.41 million received is related to the expenditure on eligible Australian R&D activities conducted during the 2023/2024 financial year and 2021/2022 financial year respectively. The Company previously accessed $4.57 million using an advance funding facility which is repaid as part of the receipt.

Atturra acquires manufacturing support tech company ComActivity

Technology advisory Atturra will take over Sydney-based ComActivity for $9 million to access its manufacturing solutions based on Infor’s M3 product suite. Atturra said the acquisition would help strengthen its position in providing enterprise resource planning solutions in Australia and New Zealand’s manufacturing industry. It will also help provide ‘manufacturing clients with more options in digital transformation of their businesses’, the company said in a statement. “Atturra sees manufacturing as a key industry within the company’s portfolio,” Atturra CEO Stephen Kowal said.

Picture: credit Space Machines Company