Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Researchers in crystal elasticity breakthrough Scientists from University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology have gained new insights into the fundamental behaviour of flexible materials, allowing for the design of new building materials and technology, according to a statement from UQ. According to the statement, researchers have identified the origin of the restoring force…

NIOA New Zealand opens new Christchurch HQ

The NIOA Group’s New Zealand division has held an official opening at its Christchurch office, its new headquarters in the country after relocating from Auckland. According to a statement from the firearms, weapons and munitions company on Wednesday, the new office, warehouse and distribution centre at Rolleston will be its central hub in NZ, where…

NIOA joins Aerojet Rocketdyne in guided weapons

Australian-owned defence prime NIOA has signed an agreement with US rocket and hypersonics company Aerojet Rocketdyne to explore the manufacturing of critical guided weapons components in Australia. The agreement anticipates the future assembly and manufacture of rocket motors, boosters and warheads for munitions within the Aerojet Rocketdyne portfolio which covers a wide range of weapons…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among @AuManufacturing’s readers, October 16 – 20, 2023

5) SA’s ambitious advanced manufacturing strategy South Australia has launched an ambitious Advanced Manufacturing Strategy that aims to grow the sector’s share of the economy from six to 10 percent, writes Peter Roberts. The strategy, launched by SA Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Dr Susan Close also aims to boost manufacturing’s…

NIOA produces first Boxer armoured vehicle ammunition

Queensland munitions manufacturer NIOA has begun production of 30mm ammunition for the Army’s next-generation armoured Boxer combat reconnaissance (CRV) vehicle, marking a new high for munitions manufacturing in Australia. The company will produce 40,000 rounds of medium calibre training ammunition at the Commonwealth Government-owned NIOA-operated plant in Benalla, Victoria for the eight-wheeled Boxer, which is…

NIOA installs ballistics data measurement technology

Australian owned munitions manufacturer NIOA has installed cutting edge ballistics data acquisition technology capable of measuring real-time projectile velocity and location at the company’s Brisbane range facility. NIOA Australia’s General Manager – Engineering Rudi Bekker said the technology was a gamechanger in weapon and ammunition performance testing, taking accuracy diagnostics to the next level. Bekker…

AMC and Victoria support guided weapons workforce

The Australian Missile Corporation and the Victorian government are to work together to enable a “ready and able” Victorian workforce to support Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise. Under an agreement between the parties, they intend prioritising local jobs, skills and training to accelerate Australia’s new smart munitions industry. The AMC is an…