Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

AML3D gets new distributor

Wire arc additive manufacturing business AML3D has announced DMFG Solutions has been appointed as a second, non-exclusive European distributor. The distribution partnership with the German technology and solutions provider will run for two years and builds on the appointment of UK's Arc Additive last month, further expanding AML3D’s European reach. AML3D said its growth strategy for Europe includes establishing a third-party distribution network alongside an $5 million investment to build a European technology centre. Sean Ebert added “Although the demand profile in Europe is at an earlier stage than the current demand profile in the US, where we are enjoying exception growth, it is moving along the same trajectory.”

Australia pushes to finalise global plastics treaty

The federal government said on Wednesday that the nation is continuing its push for an end to plastic pollution across the world, as government representatives join more than 175 countries in the final round of global negotiations at the Geneva Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. “Plastic pollution is a global problem that requires a global solution. No one nation can solve the problem alone. That’s why this global treaty on plastic pollution is so necessary” it said it a statement. “Solutions are needed across the full plastic life cycle including banning problematic plastics and harmful chemicals in plastic along with preventing leakage to the environment and cleaning up existing pollution,” said environment minister Murray Watt. “A treaty supports Australia’s domestic ambitions to reduce waste and transition towards a safe circular economy for plastics. We want to unlock new economic opportunities for Australian businesses and ensure a level-playing field for Australia’s plastics industry.”

Clay brick revenues tipped to rise

Market research firm IBISWorld has published its latest figures on clay brick manufacturing in Australia, finding that industry revenue has been falling at an annualised 0.6 per cent over the past five years, though is expected to rise 4.3 per cent in 2025-2026 to be $730.8 million. The sector “remains highly sensitive to broader economic trends”, it said, citing government stimulus and interest rates, as well as demographic shifts and state-level housing initiatives. 29 businesses operate in the sector, with Brickworks, CSR and BGC the three biggest, and Brickworks dominating market share. Competition in the sector is currently “high and increasing”.

TRI’s Australia-first facility unveiled in Brisbane

Queensland deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie officially unveiled the name of Translational Research Institute’s Australian-first cGMP biomedical manufacturing facility, which is nearing completion next door to TRI at Woolloongabba. The facility has been named ENTRI, “acknowledging its important role in lifting barriers to entry for biotech and medtech scaleups in Australia and enabling the translation of research from bench to bedside” explained TRI in a statement. Bleijie added that, located on the Princess Alexandra Hospital campus and within Brisbane’s Boggo Road Innovation Precinct, ENTRI “will launch Queensland as the epicentre of biomanufacturing in Australia. The new facility is a $100 million+ investment, and jointly funded by TRI and the Queensland government. It aims to address a gap in Australia, “enabling companies to access cGMP cleanrooms, the global gold standard for bio manufacturing.”

Cartherics unveils new cleanroom facility

Biotechnology company Cartherics, which is developing off-the-shelf immune stem cell therapies focussing on high-impact women’s diseases, unveiled its new cleanroom facility for clinical-scale manufacturing. In a statement on Wednesday, the cell therapy products company said the site will be used for clinical batches its lead product, CTH-401, for which the first clinical indication will be relapsed and refractory ovarian cancer. Former federal industry minister Ed Husic attended the opening at Notting Hill, Victoria. Cartherics’ CEO, Professor Alan Trounson, said clinical manufacturing can now begin for products targeting ovarian cancer and endometriosis. “These advanced manufacturing facilities will provide a much needed addition to Victoria’s translational capacity in oncology, regenerative medicine and other therapeutic applications,” said Trounson.

Business turnover results of June released

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Monthly Business Turnover Indicator has found an aggregate turnover increase of 0.1 per cent in trend terms from May to June 2025 across 13 industries tracked, with expansion across five industries. Manufacturing turnover declined 0.1 per cent for the month. Year-on-year, 11 of 13 industry divisions recorded rises in business turnover, with the biggest rises in manufacturing (up 7.8 per cent); transport, postal and warehousing (5.9 per cent) and wholesale trade (4.9 per cent.) The indicator was launched in 2021 and tracks figures from companies that submit Business Activity Statements (BAS) monthly (GST annual turnover of $20 million or more, plus some smaller businesses that report monthly on a voluntary basis.)

Picture: ENTRI (supplied)