Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Lovells Group appoints renowned polymer chemist Lovells Group has announced the appointment of Emeritus Professor Jacques W.M. Noordermeer of the Netherlands, adding “one of Europe’s most respected polymer chemists” to its engineering team. According to a statement from Lovells, Noordermeer has more than 45 years’ experience advising industry on advanced elastomers, is an Officer in…

RCR Advanced Technologies awarded $2 million for wind energy diversification efforts

Bunbury-based RCR Advanced Technologies, which serves the defence, rail, infrastructure and renewables markets, has been awarded a $2,047,900 grant through the state government’s Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program. The project support will help RCR’s move to pilot production of transition flanges for wind turbines. These are described as connecting the turbine tower to the foundation…

WA government signs $342 million in contracts with GenusPlus, UGL Engineering, and Acciona to boost energy transmission

The Western Australian government has announced contracts to UGL Engineering, Acciona, and GenusPlus for major upgrades to the northern section of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS.) Clean Energy Link – North will provide access to a claimed 400 megawatts of existing wind energy and another gigawatt of new renewable energy “across the SWIS and…

Australian Winders gets $488,204 boost through WA Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program to lift automation and capacity

The Western Australian government’s $8 million Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, has made its first co-investment, awarding $488,204 to Australian Winders. According to a statement from AMGC on Wednesday, the project has a $976,408 total value and will see Australian Winders upgrade its facilities and skills to be…

WA allocates $25 million to ‘securing the poles and wires’ through local manufacturing

The Western Australian government has pledged $25 million in funding for manufacturing related to the energy transition ahead of the Thursday state budget. According to a statement from treasurer Rita Saffioti and other ministers, the package will help diversify the state economy and “secur[e] the poles and wires” needed for the energy transition. It includes:…

New manufacturing minister named by returned WA government 

The Western Australian government has made a major cabinet reshuffle after being returned at the March 8 election, with former health minister Amber-Jade Sanderson (pictured) overseeing a newly-made manufacturing portfolio. In a statement on Tuesday, premier Roger Cook said the new portfolios – including manufacturing, health infrastructure, preventative health, and aged care and seniors –…

12 WA startups awarded $736,157 in grants

Grants have been announced for 12 companies under the Western Australian government’s Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) and Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG) programs. Funding totalling $736,157 was announced on Monday by state innovation minister Stephen Dawson, made up of $380,157 to 10 IBG recipients and $356,000 to two CBG recipients. IBG funding is aimed at early-stage…

WA government contributes $340,000 to Gemco’s Forrestfield railcar factory upgrade

The Western Australian government has awarded a $340,000 grant to Gemco Rail through the Local Manufacturing Investment Fund, which will support upgrades to the company’s Forrestfield factory. According to a statement from Stephen Dawson, WA assisting minister for industry development, the modernisation investments will help the company deliver 40 iron ore rail wagons to BHP.…

ARYZTA, SDR Engineering to expand with help from regional development grants

Food manufacturer ARYZTA and engineering services company SDR Engineering are among Peel region companies awarded grants through Round 7 of the Western Australian Regional Economic Development Grants program. Grants worth $1.17 million under the program were announced by state regional development minister Don Punch on Thursday at the Mandurah Indoor Rock Climbing Centre, which was…