Manufacturers are asking: where are the responses to what remains a difficult operating environment?

By Dr Jens Goennemann AMGC’s role is to stand behind all aspiring manufacturers across the nation. This means speaking on behalf of our network of 8,000 and broader industry in forums that will deliver cut-through for small-to-medium-sized (SME) manufacturers – representing the large majority of Australian manufacturers. Lately, this has taken us to numerous Government-led…

Despite disappointments, this founder is still adamant about high-tech gear made here

Appreciation has grown in the last decade or so for a modern, holistic view of manufacturing. It’s “more than just production”, you will have heard countless times, and production is the lowest point in the “smiley curve” model of where value is added.  The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, for example, chose to open its inaugural…

National Reconstruction Fund makes $50 million equity investment in Liontown Resources 

The National Reconstruction Fund has announced a $50 million equity investment in Liontown Resources, which is raising $266 million through an institutional placement. According to a statement from industry minister Tim Ayres on Thursday, the investment by the NRF will support “the ramp-up and underground transition” of Liontown’s Kathleen Valley Lithium Operation. “I am delighted…

Government commits $150 million to medical innovation fund

The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation has committed $150 million to Brandon Capital to accelerate Australian medical innovation commercialisation, according to an announcement on Thursday. The investment will be allocated to Brandon Capital’s BioCatalyst 6 fund and will support early and late-stage Australian medical science companies developing therapeutics, medical devices and vaccines. NRFC chief executive David…

National Reconstruction Fund Corporation invests $27 million in glaucoma treatment device maker

The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation will reportedly announce a $27 million stake in PolyActiva, a company commercialising an injectable device to treat glaucoma. According to The Australian Financial Review, the investment to be announced on Friday is alongside $13 million in new funding from Brandon Capital, and will support PolyActiva in moving to phase-two trials,…

Husic: NRF “on the cusp of announcing the first investments”

The main initiative serving the federal government’s 2022 election pledge to transform the nation’s industry, the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, is about to start investing in Australian companies, according to industry minister Ed Husic. The NRF Corporation – the independent body administering the fund – “will soon be cutting its first cheques”, according to…

National Reconstruction Fund Corporation seeks new CEO after Power departs due to ill health

The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation announced the departure of its founding CEO Ivan Power before the weekend, citing health problems. In a brief statement, the NRFC said Power had suffered several health challenges since he began his role this year and has been on extended leave since late-May. NRFC chair Martijn Wilder thanked Power, adding…