Manufacturing news briefs - stories you might have missed

Industry leaders to participate in 20th Vinnies Sleepout

Brian Mathieson (Briter Door Solutions), Craig Wellman (Wellman Packaging) and Kylie Roberts-Frost (Australian Bedding Stewardship Council) are among the leaders from the manufacturing industry taking part in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout. The Sleepout raises funds and awareness in support of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s homelessness services and is in its 20th year. It will see participants “go without warmth and comfort for one night on Thursday 19 June to gain an insight into the challenges confronting people facing and at risk of homelessness.” Niamh Mannion, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Acting CEO, said on Wednesday: “We’ve seen so many people… gain a greater understanding of homelessness and how they can use their positions of influence to push for a more just society where people have the safety of a home. The continued support the event has received over the years has been heartening and we look forward to welcoming new participants who can play a part in ensuring that our services can meet the need that exist now and going forward.” More information on participation on donations is available here.

Ex-Chief Scientist appointed to Bradfield Development Authority board

The Bradfield Development Authority has announced former Australian Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley and ex-federal minister Dr Craig Emerson as appointees to its board. The BDA is delivering the nation’s newest city, including the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) within Bradfield City Centre. Foley is a physicist, researcher, and manager, and was Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist from January 2021 to December 2024. Emerson is an economist and former federal Cabinet Minister. “These two senior appointments bring invaluable experience to the Authority’s focus in growing the advanced manufacturing and semiconductor sectors at the heart of the new city of Bradfield and in attracting domestic and international investment” said BDA in an update on Wednesday.

Renewable Energy Zones get road upgrades

Road upgrades that pave the way for the state’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) will start within weeks, the NSW Government announced on Wednesday, after awarding the contract to deliver the first stage of the $128 million Port to REZ Program. According to the release, the program will upgrade key roads and intersections to make it possible to transport the oversized equipment needed to build renewable energy projects in regional NSW, and leave improved roads for the whole community. $110.5 million is being spent by the state government and $18 million is coming from the federal government. The first stage of works includes upgrades at 19 locations from the Port of Newcastle to Elong Elong near Dubbo, unlocking access to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, with BMD Constructions awarded the contract to deliver these works.

Fortescue signs agreement for ammonia-powered ship

Fortescue has signed an agreement with Bocimar, part of CMB.TECH, to charter a new ammonia-powered vessel. According to the iron ore company, the 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax vessel is expected to be delivered by the end of next year “and will play a vital role taking iron ore from the Pilbara to customers in China and around the world. The modern, highly efficient vessel will feature a dual-fuel engine, making it capable of operating on ammonia that can be created using renewable energy.” Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto said: “The days of ships operating on dirty bunker fuel, which is responsible for three per cent of global carbon emissions, are numbered. We continue to implore shipping regulators to show the character and leadership that is necessary to ensure this happens sooner rather than later.”

Samsara joins Asahi sustainability program

Enzymatic plastic recycling company Samsara Eco has announced that it has been be selected as one of Japanese beverage company Asahi Group Holdings’ latest partners in its Sustainability Innovation Program. “Together, we’ll test and explore ways our enzymatic recycling technology can help Asahi Group achieve its commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040,” said Samsara in a Linkedin update on Wednesday. “By providing a path to infinitely recycle even the trickiest plastics like coloured bottles and blends, we can move towards a true circular economy, where plastics don’t have an end-of-life. Instead, they are regenerated into new items infinitely. It means less goes to landfill, and existing resources can be better utilised.”

$180 million needed for Whyalla repairs: report

A group of BlueScope Steel specialists assisting Whyalla Steelworks administrators KordaMentha have identified $180 million in repairs and maintenance needed for operations to continue, The Australian Financial Review reported this week. It “represents a significant blow to KordaMentha’s plans to sell the steelworks”, according to The AFR. The site was put in administration in February by the South Australian government and formerly owned by GFG Alliance head Sanjeev Gupta. The BlueScope experts identified “about 200 items that need repairs and maintenance” estimated to total $180 million. The previous operators owe creditors $1.35 billion. KordaMentha is co-ordinating a sale process for the steelworks through its 333 Capital corporate advisory arm.

Picture: Vinnies CEO Sleepout (supplied)