Manufacturing sector struggles continue in March amid uncertainty

Australian manufacturing conditions deteriorated further in March as political uncertainty and global trade disruptions weighed on business confidence, according to the latest Ai Group Australian Industry Index released on Tuesday. The Australian manufacturing PMI fell by 17.8 points to -29.7, deepening the sector’s contraction. This stands in contrast to the S&P Global Australia Manufacturing PMI,…

Swinburne invests in AI-driven dental technology

Swinburne University of Technology announced on Sunday an investment in H3D, supporting the commercialisation of AI-driven technology for dental devices based on research conducted at the university. H3D, which has already transformed the audio manufacturing industry by automating the design of custom hearing aids and related products, will now expand its cloud-based AI Computer-Aided Design…

Battery recycler Envirostream secures client agreements for volume growth

Livium’s battery recycling division Envirostream has started receiving initial volumes under new long-term agreements with major clients including BYD and ZECO Energy, according to an announcement released on Monday. The company stated it is focusing on growing end-of-life battery volumes while seeking partners to scale operations to meet future demand, which it estimates will create…

Defence apprenticeship programs launch in South Australia for submarine and shipbuilding workforce

South Australia welcomed its first cohort of 30 trainees and apprentices under two new defence industry pathways programs aimed at building the skilled workforce needed for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines and naval vessels, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced on Monday. The Defence Industry Pathways Program and the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways initiative will ultimately provide training…

Oceania Glass collapse linked to machinery failures and $21 million upgrade costs

Oceania Glass, Australia’s only architectural glass manufacturer, collapsed after its private equity owner declined to fund a $21 million plant upgrade, administrators told creditors on Sunday. The 169-year-old company, which supplied large glass panes for Parliament House in Canberra, appointed Grant Thornton as administrator on February 4 after facing liquidity issues. Administrator Lisa Gibb informed…

Federal government commits $750 million to boost metals manufacturing innovation

The Albanese government announced $750 million in funding to support the development of new technologies for Australia’s metals manufacturing sector, according to a joint media release on Friday. The investment aims to help metals manufacturers remain globally competitive while reducing emissions and is part of the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund announced…