Another $9.3 million awarded to submarine qualification program

The federal government has awarded $9.3 million through the second stage of the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification pilot program (AUSSQ), focussing on “industry uplift activities involving air and gas flasks, and fabricated parts.” The funding covers “additional work packages” and will help “build skills, create jobs, and strengthen our national security through industrial base collaboration…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, August 25 – August 29, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) NSW food and beverage makers get gov funding boost NSW Riverina food and beverage makers have had a funding injection from the Minns state government to upgrade their facilities. Australian Juice Processing and Bottling has received $2.5 million for a…

FBR unveils Mantis welding robot with 8-metre reach for heavy industry

Robotic technology company FBR has launched a new automated welding robot called Mantis, targeting the mining, shipbuilding and defence industries, according to an announcement on Monday. The Perth-based company said Mantis uses its proprietary Dynamic Stabilisation Technology, originally developed for the Hadrian X bricklaying robot. The welding robot features an 8-metre reach and can operate…

Civmec completes Luerssen Australia acquisition

Henderson, Western Australia-based construction and engineering firm Civmec has confirmed the completed acquisition of all shares in Luerssen Australia, the local subsidiary of NVL (Naval Vessels Lürssen.) The $20 million deal was completed on Wednesday. Civmec said in an ASX statement that it will consolidate its role in local naval shipbuilding “by bringing Luerssen Australia’s…

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…

AUKUS governments and industry press ‘go’ on submarine build

The Australian and UK Governments have announced a significant milestone between the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) and industry partners that will support the delivery of the SSN AUKUS fleet of locally built, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. The SSNA platform will replace the Astute Class SSN for the UK Royal Navy…