Manufacturing news briefs - stories you might have missed

Round 26 CRC information session on March 26

A special information session is being held by Cooperative Research Australia for those bidding or considering bidding for a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC.) Hosted in collaboration with the federal Department of Industry, Science, and Resources, the session comes ahead of Round 26 of CRC grants (closing on Tuesday April 29 at 5:00 PM AEST). CRC grants provide funding for medium- to long-term industry-led research collaborations (up to 10 years), which seek to solve industry-identified problems. The March 26 information session covers how to apply for a CRC, tips for a competitive application, insights from past CRC participants, and a Q&A session with our expert panel. It is free to CRC members and $25 for non-members. More information is available here.

Quantum Australia appoints new CEO

Quantum Australia announced the appointment of Petra Andrén as Chief Executive Officer on Monday, noting her “extensive experience in scaling high-growth technology ventures and accelerating innovation ecosystems”. According to QA, the appointment comes at a pivotal moment in the global quantum industry, as countries race to establish leadership in a technology “set to transform a wide range of industries from cybersecurity and healthcare to advanced manufacturing and space.” Peter Rossdeutscher, Chair of QA, said, “Petra’s deep commercial expertise and commitment to innovation will play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of Australia’s quantum industry. Her leadership will help us unlock new opportunities and strengthen Australia’s position on the global quantum stage.” Andrén’s experience includes former CEO of the tech incubator Cicada Innovations.

Sea Forest appoints new Non-Executive Chair, trims board

Hobart-based Sea Forest has announced the appointment of John McKillop as Non-Executive Chair of its Board. Sea Forest cultivates the red seaweed asparagopsis and manufactures this into agricultural supplements to reduce methane emissions from cows. The company said McKillop has vast experience within agriculture, including board positions at organisations including Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Compass Agribusiness, and management of some of Australia’s largest and most prestigious cattle operations. Sea Forest said on Monday that the appointment comes as its “secures its first commercial-scale feedlot supply contract and transitions to a more streamlined, independent-led board structure, with Patty Akopiantz, Mark Kirkby, Jeremy Atkin and Dion Cohen stepping down from directorships while maintaining their positions as supportive shareholders. “The reduced board size is in line with operational changes aimed at reducing production volumes and expenditure as the Company awaits customer demand to build” it added.

EMDG review announced

The federal government has announced that Timothy Yeend will conduct the next independent review of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG), administered by Austrade, in accordance with the Export Market Development Grants Act 1997. According to a statement from trade minister Don Farrell on Monday, since the most recent grant round opened in November 2024, over $74 million in grant agreements had been made to over 700 Australian exporters, at an average value of $53,000. Yeend is described as having over 30 years’ experience working on trade and international business issues, is a current board member of Tourism Australia and former Associate Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Consultations will begin in May and a final report is to be provided to government by November.

$400 million maintenance contract to Navantia announced

A $400 million contract has been awarded to Navantia Australia by the federal government to maintain and sustain vessels for the Navy. According to a statement from defence industry minister Pat Conroy on Tuesday, the seven-year contract “secures about 200 local jobs, primarily in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth,”. It sees the Australian subsidiary of the Spanish firm appointed “as the first multi-class Design Support Contractor, responsible for providing through-life engineering and design knowledge on the Navy’s Canberra class helicopter landing docks and landing craft, the Supply class ships and Hobart class guided missile destroyers.” The company will also engage with Australian SMEs “to deliver critical engineering work, ensuring work is spread across the domestic supply chain.”

Picture: HMAS Canberra landing helicopter dock (credit 1st Lt. Joshua Thompson, U.S. Air Force )