Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Sparc signs distribution agreement for graphene additive Sparc Technologies has executed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CLP Group subsidiary Chin Leong Construction Systems Pte Ltd. The parties will collaborate on marketing Sparc’s ecosparc additive to CLC’s coatings customers in Southeast Asia. Sparc Managing Director Nick O’Loughlin said: “Sparc…hopes to establish this partnership as…

Omron opens regional HQ at Western Sydney University’s engineering building

Japanese electronics company Omron has announced the opening of its new Oceania regional headquarters at Western Sydney University’s Engineering Innovation Hub, located at the Parramatta City Campus According to a statement from WSU on Monday, the precinct will be a regional base for Omron, which will officially launch its Proof of Concept (PoC) Centre on…

Australia needs a National Innovation Council – by Dr John Howard

As shown in @AuManuracturing News’s Towards 3% R&D editorial series, Australia’s innovation effort is tanking, with a lack of national policy co-ordination a key issue. Here Dr John H Howard, puts the case for a National Innovation Council. In an era where innovation drives economic growth and global competitiveness, Australia’s fragmented approach to industrial strategy…

Pfizer invests $150m for microbial resistance

Pfizer Australia has announced a major upgrade to its manufacturing facility in Melbourne to boost production of pharmaceuticals aiming to help address rising levels of antimicrobial resistance. Pfizer has invested $150 million to develop advanced pharmaceutical production facilities for new antimicrobial treatments tackling what is one of the biggest threats to global health. The Victorian…