Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Androck gets Ampcontrol brand

Ampcontrol announced on Wednesday that, following its May 2023 acquisition of Androck Engineering & Mining, Androck has been rebranded as Ampcontrol. In a statement, Ampcontrol said Andirock’s workforce has more than doubled in size to 106 employees and 33 apprentices since the acquisition, and its physical presence has grown to six workshops in Rutherford, NSW and a new geographical location in Mackay. The subsidiary was founded in 2006 and specialises in “complex machinery problems across common underground equipment” in mining. Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol Managing Director & CEO, said “Focus needs to be given to developing an Australian-made and manufactured supply chain, with the acquisition and integration of the Androck business capabilities expanding our services to new and existing mining customers.

US tariff decision is no surprise

The Australian Industry Group has said the decision for the US to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Australian and steel is “disappointing but not unexpected”. In a statement on Wednesday, the Ai Group’s Chief Executive Innes Willox said sends an “unfortunate signal about the broader state” of bilateral economic relations. “Despite the advocacy efforts of industry and government agencies, it is very clear the US administration is in a different headspace to the last time we faced the imposition of tariffs,” he added. “Parts of the administration are particularly emboldened and the geopolitical situation is different, narrowing the window for Australian advocacy.  Last time Australia did not receive a country exemption, but the product lines were limited, which had the same ultimate effect.” This time around the proposed tariffs are “more expansive and complex” and carving out an exemption wouldn’t be straightforward.

Swinburne joins global Green Steel Alliance

Swinburne University of Technology has become a founding member of the international Green Steel Alliance, alongside The University of Warwick (England), Institut Teknologi Bandung (Indonesia), McMaster University (Canada), Indian Institute of Technology Madras (India), and Delft University of Technology (Netherlands). In a statement on Wednesday, the university said each institute is renowned for its green steel research, and the initiative will foster cooperation, knowledge exchange and joint research projects. “Through the Green Steel Alliance, we’re creating a global partnership between universities and industry, offering the opportunity to transform the iron and steelmaking sector into a sustainable and carbon-neutral industry,” said Swinburne Professor Alan Duffy, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Flagship Initiatives.

Weld Australia partners up with EWI and CWB

This week the nation’s peak welding body announced a strategic partnership with welding technology organisations EWI (formerly the Edison Welding Institute) and the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Group. Weld Australia said the partnership “will provide Australian manufacturers with direct access to cutting-edge automation solutions, world-class research and development (R&D), and advanced training programs.” CEO Geoff Crittenden said the nation’s manufacturers “need to embrace advanced technologies to stay competitive, particularly in high-growth industries like renewable energy and Defence. By partnering with EWI and CWB, we’re ensuring that Australian manufacturers have access to the best automation solutions, training programs, and R&D expertise in the world.”

MSQ signs up to sponsor 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show

WorldSkills Australia has announced Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) as a new sponsor for the upcoming WorldSkills Australia 2025 National Championships and Skills Show, set to take place in Brisbane in June. WorldSkills Australia is described as the country’s premier showcase for vocational education and excellence in skilled trades and technology. MSQ Chief Executive, Rebecca Andrews, “Our involvement will enable us to promote this prestigious competition to industry partners, bringing greater recognition to manufacturing as a highly skilled and innovative sector. By supporting this event, we’re not only investing in the future of Australian manufacturing but also helping to showcase the incredible talent and potential of our young tradespeople to a wider audience.” The event will be co-located with the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 12 to 14.

MP visits expanded Workspace Commercial Furniture facility

Workspace Commercial Furniture, a 114-year-old business based at the Adelaide suburb of Melrose Park, celebrated the opening of its newly-expanded Production and Warehouse Facility on Wednesday this week. State MP for the seat of Elder, Nadia Clancy, attended the launch event, which the company said “marks an exciting new chapter” and strengthens its “capabilities, efficiency, and capacity to deliver high-quality, Australian-made commercial furniture solutions both nationally and internationally.” The company added in a statement on Thursday that, “The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our valued stakeholders. A heartfelt thank you to our employees, partners, and everyone involved in making this vision a reality.

Mars Ballarat Community Heroes awards announced