Industry Update April/May 2020 Issue 113 Victorian Edition

AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST CIRCULATING MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE ®

Issue 113 April/May 2020

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MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE

TOUGH TIMES, BUT HOPE GLIMMERS FOR MANUFACTURERS' Industry Update spoke to St.George Chief Economist, Besa Deda (pictured on page 6) and Matthew Kelly, St.George’s Executive Manager of Manufacturing and Wholesale, to get their assessment of the economic impact of the pandemic, and the opportunities that may unfold for Australian industry.

“The coronavirus is impacting economic activity quite significantly.

We are seeing a recession unfold in Australia.” says Deda.

St.George expects the national accounts to show the Australian economy contracted in the March and current June quarter, with a further contraction “likely” in the September quarter.

“Our forecasts are anticipating

a recovery to come through in the December quarter.”

financial crisis (GFC) has come close to pulling the country into recession.

“But much will depend on whether the virus can be suppressed, including avoiding any possible second waves. The longer that takes, the longer the duration of the recession in Australia.”

“During the GFC we did record a slowdown, but we didn’t record a technical recession,” Deda says.

It’s been nearly 30 years since “the recession we had to have.” In the decades since, only the global

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UPDATE OF TRADE SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS PAGE 12

Increased demand for greater safety measures in buildings and infrastructure has focused attention on materials that better protect people from fire.

Smoke and poisonous fumes pose a bigger risk to lives than a blaze — and this reality is understood across all levels of construction and development, says LAPP Australia.

The global cable systems technology leader has

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A technical recession is defined as two consecutive quarters or more of contraction in economic activity.

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ACTING EDITOR MICHAEL WAYNE

WE WILL SURVIVE!

OUR WAKE-UP CALL COVID-19 has exposed what everybody already knew, but for years was too polite to mention: that much of the first world is over-reliant on supply chains out of China.

I have been absolutely amazed at how incredibly well the Australian manufacturing industry has held up over the last few months since COVID-19 hit our shores.

destructive virus with an effort that's wholly Australian Made.

As you may have read on the front cover of this edition of Industry Update Magazine, St.George Bank, Bank Of Melbourne and BankSA recently conducted an extensive survey of the manufacturing industry and found that 92% of manufacturers are operating.

I am also really excited to announce that from this edition, we welcome back the Australian Made Logo organisation, with whom we have partnered with for many years. Check out the first of our new Australian Made features on page 16. An Australian Made feature will be published in every edition of Industry Update Magazine for the next twelve months. Please contact me, or a team member, if you would like to have your business profiled in a future edition Australian Made feature!

A truly amazing result, but not at all surprising. As I have learnt over the last 30 years, the Australian manufacturing industry is made of steel and has survived multiple and substantial societal upheavals.

Australian Made!

Leaders and survivors are not defined by circumstances!

That adage has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But who could have predicted such a death toll, such a sudden restriction in global trade, such demand for products such as medical supplies, personal protective equipment and toilet paper?

People who used to think of pandemics as the subject of Hollywood films are now exposed to a real-life horror show that has laid bare the frailty and cracks that decades of globalisation have wreaked on local manufacturing, not just in Australia but in the United States and Europe.

Suddenly phrases such as “national security” are on everyone’s lips. Many Australian manufacturers would say that it’s about time.

The realisation that more manufacturing needs to be brought back home may be one of the brighter things to come out of these strange times.

Only months ago Australians were mourning the demise of our last car maker.

The postwar rise of General Motors Holden was more than a matter of national pride. The ability to produce cars somehow

Australia has stood up to the challenge. It now looks likely that we will defeat this insidious and

underpinned Australia’s confidence that it was a manufacturing nation.

In the 1960s manufacturing was almost a quarter of Australia’s gross domestic product. These days it’s a fraction of that.

How much we have lost. But, if we play our cards right, how much we have to gain.

Those local manufacturers that have held on, diversified where necessary and generally kept on keeping on are already reaping the benefits.

Some have joined forces with Defence to step up production of face shields and face masks. Others have pivoted their focus to produce ventilators. That should be just the beginning.

The government is making the right noises, with Treasurer John Frydenberg promising a re-evaluation of supply chains and a new focus on the sort of niche manufacturing at which Australia excels.

Australia has risen remarkably well to the public-health challenges of COVID-19. If government, industry and consumers hold their resolve and all do their bit to bring manufacturing home, we can triumph on the economic front as well.

We’re all in this together.

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LAPP’S HALOGEN-FREE CABLE SYSTEMS MEET SAFETY DEMANDS

Continued from cover

introduced an expanded range of German-built halogen-free low-smoke and fire-retardant cables and cabling systems.

The new OLFLEX range was designed to optimise safety in construction and development projects, and to help future-proof against evolving requirements.

Whether for high-rise buildings, entertainment venues, airports, factories, and even high-risk fire hazard zones of production facilities in industries such as mining, oil, food processing, agribusiness or waste handling, the OLFLEX range complies with the most stringent global safety requirements.

“These new products are engineered to enhance the safety of public and private infrastructure by ensuring that they comply with strict safety standards today, while also extending the sustainability and fitfor-purpose standards of new structures by meeting and exceeding the most advanced requirements being imposed upon them,” says LAPP Australia general manager Simon Pullinger.

“LAPP’s range of low-smoke halogen-

free products are stringently tested to IEC and VDE standards to ensure peace of mind where human life or valuable property are exposed to a high risk of fire hazards.”

The OLFLEX Classic 128 H and 128 CH are suitable for power and control on static installation, and are UV resistant, while the 130 H and 135 CH cables are perfect for damp or dry conditions within

industrial environments up to 500v.

A copper wire braid protects the CH versions from EMC. The OLFLEX series are new additions to LAPP Australia’s inventory of more than 2500 locally stocked items, ensuring short lead-time delivery across the country.

products available from LAPP globally.

This, he says, enables customers to better plan future-focused initiatives such as safety, sustainability and Industry 4.0 automation and digital integration.

Pullinger points to LAPP Australia’s wide range and engineering and technical support, as well as the further 40,000

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As restrictions begin to ease, the number one challenge facing surveyed manufacturers is the disruption to supply chains. Shortages of imported items are a particular worry, with 45 per cent of companies reporting problems.

75 per cent of manufacturers indicated they’re continuing their Lean improvement activities. In response, TXM has offered services specifically designed to meet the needs of manufacturers and distributors impacted by the pandemic.

Another 43 per cent reported difficulty with unpredictable customer demand making it hard to plan production and resources. Excess inventory, customer shutdowns and customers restricting site access have also had an impact on a significant number of companies.

“Manufacturers around the world are facing the pandemic well, keeping their staff employed and staying trading,” says TXM managing director Tim McLean.

MANUFACTURERS LEAD THE WAY DURING CRISIS An international survey of almost 300 manufacturers has found that 80 per cent of those surveyed have retained their staff through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey, conducted in May by global lean manufacturing consultants TXM Lean Solutions, also found that around half of the Australian and North American companies surveyed are experiencing sales similar to or better than pre-coronavirus levels.

Only 17 percent of companies experienced a fall in sales greater than 40 per cent. New Zealand in particular was hit hard: 36 per cent of Kiwi businesses saw drops of more than 40 per cent, while two-thirds of companies in the UK and Europe experienced drops of more than 10 per cent.

Despite the reduced sales, 97 per cent of companies have managed to keep trading during the crisis.

Manufacturers have responded to the tough conditions with innovation: 29

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

per cent of Australian companies have introduced new products.

Many businesses have repurposed their production lines to create crucial supplies. Ross Jensen, managing director of Albury manufacturer Bendcraft, says that the absence of traditional markets forced him to get creative.

“We had to try to find new ways to use our capabilities. Being a local manufacturer, we were quickly able to pivot our manufacturing to meet essential needs,” he says.

“As a result, we are now ramping up production of an innovative hands-free, foot operated sanitiser dispenser.”

While many employees were forced to work from home to adhere to social distancing restrictions, that wasn’t always possible for manufacturers. The survey found that 60 per cent of companies had a mixture of staff working on-site and at home.

In the face of so many hardships,

“Many are also finding new business opportunities. This puts them in a good position to bounce back strongly as lockdown restrictions are lifted.”

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INDUSTRY POLITICS THE HON. STUART LAURENCE AYRES, MP MINISTER FOR JOBS, INVESTMENT, TOURISM AND WESTERN SYDNEY

BIG THINGS AHEAD FOR “THE MANUFACTURING STATE”

PUBLISHER SCOTT FILBY

scott@industryupdate.com.au ACTING EDITOR MICHAEL WAYNE

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ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR SCOTT FILBY

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR MATTHEW LAM

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OFFICE MANAGER NICOLE CHARLES

The NSW Government will continue to partner with local manufacturers as the state marches out of the COVID-19 crisis and into the role of “Australia’s manufacturing capital” cast by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Formed during a trade mission to post-Brexit Europe in late 2019, the premier’s vision of NSW as a manufacturing powerhouse was on its way to becoming reality when the pandemic hit.

Now, as governments at state and federal levels routinely team up with industry to respond to the need for crucial PPE supplies, NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres says that vision is back on the agenda.

“The coronavirus crisis has provided an opportunity for us to reimagine manufacturing in Australia,” he says.

The immediate effects of COVID-19 saw overseas supply chains crippled. In the absence of their usual suppliers, businesses turned to local manufacturers to get the job done.

“This unprecedented situation has caused business and government alike to re-evaluate

the risks posed by supply chains,” Ayres says.

That’s good news for manufacturers in NSW: “For the government, it means that price will be less of a determiner when it comes to decision making.”

But as Australia begins to flatten the curve of infection, attention has turned to how manufacturing will look in the postCOVID NSW. “The crisis will pass, and when it does, manufacturers must be ready to be competitive when it comes to personal protective equipment,” he says.

“Otherwise it’ll be hard to sustain business.”

Ayres believes that while the service economy, driven by human capital, will take much longer to recover, manufacturing will be immediately primed to export once again.

“Trade will continue, and in fact I think it’ll increase post-COVID,” he says.

“Economies around the world will want to buy what we’re making, so we have to keep making it.”

Ayres lists south-west Sydney

packaging firm Tacca and Hunterbased engineers Ampcontrol as two of its recent manufacturing team-ups.

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ADVERTISING COORDINATOR copy@industryupdate.com.au WEB DEVELOPER JINI M R FINANCE & ACCOUNTS MICHELLE ALCOCK

“We partnered with Tacca to create filtration components for facemasks, and with Ampcontrol to deliver ventilators,” he says.

michelle@industryupdate.com.au

Those kinds of partnerships will continue, Ayres says, as the NSW Government strives to bring its R&D investments closer to industry.

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“We’ve always been driven by innovation, technology, and the natural advantages we have in Australia, and that will continue,” Ayres says.

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“The Western Sydney Aerotropolis in particular is at the pointy end of our pitch for NSW to become a manufacturing centre of excellence.”

CONSULTANT TRACY FILBY

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MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE

As the state of NSW manufacturing continues to evolve in the face of COVID-19, Ayres says one thing remains a constant.

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No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent from the Publisher. It is a condition of purchase or acceptance of this magazine that the Publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission on this publication or from the use of the information in this publication or from the use of the information and illustrations contained herein and the Publisher makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein.

“We want NSW to lead the way.”

Circulation 19,242 as at September 2018

The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP is Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney.

© Copyright Industry Update Media Pty Ltd 2020

Readership 76,968 as at September 2018 ABN 25 083 502 783

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NEWS

TOUGH TIMES, BUT HOPE GLIMMERS FOR MANUFACTURERS'

Continued from cover

caused by a health crisis without precedent in living memory has added a greater degree of variability to forecasts.”

“There’s still a lot we don’t know about the virus so the full impact on the economy is quite difficult to quantify.”

through a once-in-a-century mining investment boom, which helped soften the adverse impact of the GFC.” As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, it presents a unique challenge to economists attempting to forecast.

“Forecasting at the best of times can be hard,” she says.

“But the external shock to the economy

What is known is that economic activity is contracting globally, despite a wave of unprecedented stimulus packages worldwide. Deda says that it is because the contraction in economic activity is directly a result of social distancing measures designed to contain the virus. It is also due to heightened uncertainty around the economic impact of the crisis, resulting in cautious behaviour amongst households and businesses.

“The lockdown of societies causes consumer and business spending to fall quite sharply, which causes economic activity to contract. No amount of stimulus can prevent that, but health experts generally agree that lockdowns are the most effective means to contain the virus.”

The ever-changing and unpredictable

nature of the virus has produced a high degree of uncertainty among consumers, businesses and investors. Apart from the ‘panic buying’ of essentials such as toilet paper, discretionary spending has taken a heavy hit.

“The stimulus measures from the state, territory and federal governments and the Reserve Bank, as well as support from the banking industry, won’t be enough to avert a recession,” she says.

“They’re about trying to help otherwise viable businesses - including manufacturers - survive the crisis and limit the rise in job losses. It’s also about helping to build a bridge from now until the economy recovers.”

Manufacturing as an industry has so far been more resilient compared with other industries; a survey conducted in late March and early April by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 92 per cent of manufacturers are still operating.

“That’s quite a high share compared to other industries,” Deda says.

However, in a more recent issue of the survey conducted between 22-28 April 2020, 82% of manufacturers anticipated reduced demand for goods and services over the next two months, indicating that the weakness in global demand is impacting the manufacturing industry substantially.

Another survey, the Australian Industry (AI) Group’s monthly Purchasing Managers Index report showed a similar deterioration in conditions. There was a significant fall in the index from 53.7 in March to 35.8 in April, the lowest since 2009.

However, once the virus is contained and economies begin to re-open, St.George’s Head of Manufacturing and Wholesale, Matthew Kelly, believes that the manufacturing industry will emerge from the pandemic stronger, thanks to the variety of stimulus measures available from the federal government, the RBA and the banking sector.

“I’d like to think this crisis will lead to a long-term cultural change that will promote domestic production,” says Kelly.

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NEWS “Businesses will have to evaluate their processes and what their supply chain looks like. Some businesses might set up a second supply chain and look to develop a local supply, which I think will be fantastic for local manufacturing.”

Highlighting the renewed focus on supply chains, 41% of businesses surveyed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in April said that they were concerned about supply chain uncertainty in the coming two months. Indeed, manufacturers themselves were among the most affected sectors, with

59% of businesses concerned about their supply chains.

To that end, St.George has put in place a number of measures to provide total support for manufacturing clients.

According to Kelly, information is the most valuable tool a business can have.

Many local businesses have shifted their focus to producing critical products like gowns, masks and sanitiser as imported supplies dried up.

“We need to make sure Australian manufacturers can supply critical services in response to a pandemic or whatever a future crisis may be, and really try to support the industry so we have those onshore.”

“What I’d say to businesses at the moment is that it’s important to keep updated on the latest health information for themselves, their staff and their families, but also to stay across government responses to the crisis,” he says.

“Keep in communication with your

KEEPING EQUIPMENT EVEN COOLER

suppliers, your landlords, and certainly, your bank.”

Australia’s rate of infection is slowing, particularly compared to the United States and Europe. It’s a positive sign, but Deda warns there is still considerable uncertainty around the pandemic.

“The new number of daily cases has slowed, which is encouraging, but a recession is still unfolding,” she says.

Looking to the future, much uncertainty remains - and Deda says “absolutely nothing” can be ruled out.

“Many economists are hoping Australia’s recovery from the virus and its economic impact will be V-shaped,” she says.

“It could end up looking U-shaped because current behaviours will linger for a time. Even once restrictions are lifted, we are not likely to get a return to pre-crisis conditions and business-as-usual straight away.”

Kelly says that St.George’s measures to support business, particularly manufacturers, are part of a long-term strategy to help future-proof the industry.

Therm ob re

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“St.George is fiercely committed to helping Australian manufacturers and wholesalers into the future. For eligible businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 we’ve got unsecured three-year loans of up to $250,000. We’ve reduced our overdraft rate by two per cent. We’ve got merchant terminal relief, we’re deferring loan payments, and we’re continuing to invest in industry,” he says.

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As the world adapts to the ‘new normal’, all eyes are on the future. Kelly says that’s where businesses need to be focused.

Enhanced Heat Protection

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Introduced to all internal surfaces of the enclosure Thermobreak© will provide a high level of protection from heat penetration into the enclosure.

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Available in various sizes from 12RU to 45RU, in either freestanding or wall-mounted. Also mild steel, Stainless steel and aluminium variants.

The S280 range is designed to be strong and robust in any situation. All cabinets are continuously welded and finished to the highest standard.

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“You need to look into the future, look at what the next six to 12 months look like for your business, and look at what changes you need to make if this situation is prolonged.”

In the meantime, he adds, there's plenty of support available from financial institutions as we weather the storm.

“We’re absolutely here and committed to Australian manufacturers for the long term.”

For more information and advice on how St.George is supporting customers and the wider community through the COVID-19 situation, please visit: https:// stgeorge.com.au/covid19 This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness for the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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AUSTRALIA’S ALUMINIUM SUPPLY CHAIN NEVER MORE ESSENTIAL

By Daniel Walton National Secretary, Australian Workers Union & Marghanita Johnson, Executive Director, Australian Aluminium Council

novaaon! in e d a m n a li a tr s Support Au ovaaon! n in e d a m n a li a tr Support Aus The Australian Aluminium Council and Australian Workers Union is concerned that any narrowing of the essential worker definition that impacted on the aluminium industry’s complex supply chain, as part of shutdown measures, risks the permanent closure of alumina refineries and aluminium smelters across the country, and in turn, thousands of jobs.

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The integrated aluminium industry is a unique and essential industry in Australia.

It relies not only on bauxite mines, alumina refineries and aluminium smelters but also on contractors for crucial supplies and services.

Our sites rely on these small to medium sized businesses, who supply specialist skills, products and services for the continued safe operation of our facilities.

The temporary closure in any part of this supply chain could result in chemical instability in alumina refineries or the freezing of an aluminium smelter, risking permanent closure of these operations. The industry, if turned off, cannot simply be turned back on.

The destruction of capital and jobs would be devastating for Australia’s regional economy and communities.

Aluminium smelters also played a critical role in the stability of the electricity grid, at periods of both high and low electricity demand. This is crucial in the stable ongoing operation of the electricity market and helps minimise the risk of blackouts at this time of crisis. Aluminium smelters are working closely with AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) to ensure this continuity of supply.

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As representatives of the Australian aluminium industry, we are urging state and federal governments to maintain a broad definition of essential workers in manufacturing during the COVID-19 crisis, echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiment that every Australian employed in this economy is an essential worker.

The Australian aluminium industry directly employs around 14,500 people nationally and provides incomes to a further 40,000 families in regional Australia. Most of these employees and contractors are locally based, living near regional operations around Australia.

Health and safety are always the number one priority of both employers and unions, and it has never been more important than in these unprecedented times. Extensive additional health and measures are in place across the operations. For operational staff, the size of operations and shift patterns naturally limit physical interactions. Our sites already use protective equipment such as respirators, gloves and face protection, in their day to day work. All sites have introduced additional measures to increase physical distancing, split shifts and maintain high hygiene standards, to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infections to employees.

Additionally, support staff have been working at home, or in rotating teams, since the first signs of this crisis emerged.

Our industry employs dedicated health professionals, interpreting the latest government guidelines to keep all workers and communities safe. The latest information and practices are also shared with suppliers and contractors, to ensure the whole supply chain remained safe and healthy.

The Aluminium Council and the Australian Workers’ Union call on state and federal governments to do everything in their collective power to keep Australians safe today while maintaining the essential aluminium industry, which will be critical in keeping our country prosperous today and rebuilding it in the future.

Put simply, the aluminium industry must be exempt from any shutdown measures.

APRIL / MAY 2020

NEWS

FLENDER TO EXPAND IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA Kareem Emara, Flender Australia’s CEO and managing director, says the move to Tonkin Highway Industrial Estate will allow Flender to centralise operations and get closer to customers in Western Australia. “Flender has been renowned for high performance, innovation, quality, and reliability of mechanical components for over 120 years.,� he says. “We have been growing exponentially the last few years and now have the biggest installed base in mining and windturbine gearboxes compared to any other OEM in Australia.

Flender, a leading global supplier of mechanical drives, has announced plans for expansion into Western Australia with a new state-of-the-art facility in Tonkin Highway Industrial Estate at Bayswater.

The move comes as Flender, a subsidiary of technology giant Siemens, looks to expand its operations in Western Australia to meet increasing customer demand, especially in the

wind energy and mining sectors.

The investment will include a purposebuilt 3500-square-metre facility, set for completion in September. The new premises will be the only OEM facility on the West Coast with a 1.5 MW test bench capable of testing complete drive systems up to a voltage of 6.6KV.

“Regardless of where we are, being close to our customers is the cornerstone of our business model. Western Australia has been an excellent market for us in the recent years.

It’s only natural for us to reinvest in this key market and be where our customers are to offer them the combined brains trust of over 50 facilities worldwide through this new stateof-the-art centre.�

Flender has the largest installed base of industrial drives in Western Australia. Some installations have been in operation since the 1970s and are still in service today in mines

and ports across the Pilbara and elsewhere in WA. The new facility is designed to cater for projected growth in “geared� wind turbines over the next couple of decades. It will also enable Flender to combine sales, project delivery, engineering and training in one location. “Whilst COVID-19 has presented challenges to Australian economy, we take a long-term view and are confident in our expansion plans to help set up the right support structure for the nation’s critical energy infrastructure and industry.,� Emara says. “Having been in WA for over 40 years, our view is and always has been long-term.

We are supporting critical industries such as mining now and are preparing for future growth in other industries.�

Flender Pty. Ltd. flender.com

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

THE SHOWS GO ON — A BIT LATER THAN PLANNED to redefine and grow manufacturing businesses”. advancedmanufacturingexpo.com.au

THE WORKSPACE HEALTH & SAFTEY 2020

foodproexh.com

Which had been scheduled for May 27-27 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, will shift back to early 2021, with dates yet to be confirmed.

CeMAT AUSTRALIA 2020

Held in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Health & Safety’s #Safetyscape Convention, the WHSS is an important platform for health and safety professionals across a range of industries — including manufacturing, building and construction, mining, hospitals, transport — to share information about the safety of Australians at work.

Australian trade shows and exhibitions have fallen victim to COVID-19, but most will take place later this year or early next.

Events were thrown into turmoil in March, when Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a ban on all nonessential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people.

Many organisers set about postponing or rescheduling their events, while some have put offerings and information online.

Here is the latest on what’s happening when.

ARBS 2020 The Air conditioning, Refrigeration Building Services Exhibition, which was to have been held at Melbourne’s Convention & Exhibition Centre from May 19 to 21, has been put back until February 15-17, 2021.

Sue Falcke, ARBS exhibition manager, says the event was moved to a date “when we feel it will be most appropriate and safest to reschedule”.

The exhibition will remain at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the space, floorplan and itinerary will remain the same. The event will host over 300 exhibitors, a renowned industry awards dinner and a series of seminars.

“Through this incredible time of disruption our industry is seeking new ways to keep moving forward,” she says, adding that ARBS “is aiming to be part of the solution to rebuilding our industry”.

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

ARBS is preparing to launch a digital offering to provide its 300 exhibitors with “a unique vehicle in which to showcase their latest goods and services whilst reassuring their customers they are still open for business,” Falcke adds. “Visitors to the site can keep up to date with the latest information, products and services available.

“And in 2021 we hope to be back stronger than ever with a bumper trade exhibition, an updated seminar program with the very latest information including essential updates and case studies related to the COVID-19.” www.arbs.com.au

THE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING EXPO (AMX) 2020 Originally scheduled for May 13-15 at the Sydney Showground, will now take place on November 18-20 at the same venue.

It will feature products and exhibits from Australia’s top manufacturers, covering six zones: Automation & Robotics, Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions, Industrial Internet of Things, Additive Manufacturing, Welding, and Machine Tools.

The organisers, Reed Exhibitions, promise AMX will be “a unique opportunity to connect with targeted buyers and decision makers by providing the manufacturing industry with a glimpse into the future, delivering the latest technology, research and development

“We are committed to supporting the food manufacturing and processing industry and our customers by offering the option to credit any deposits towards foodpro 2021.”

So it’s ironic the show has been pushed back because of government public-health moves.

“These necessary restrictions are in place to protect all of us,” says Marie Kinsella, CEO of International Exhibition and Conference Group (IEC), which organises the event.

IEC Group is contacting its partners, exhibitors and visitors “to discuss how we can continue working together to create environments where people are excited to connect, communicate and collaborate.”

The Australian Institute of Health & Safety is in the process of building a virtual #SAFETYSCAPE Convention to be held at the end of May 2020. This virtual event will include opportunities for exhibitors to engage with delegates online.

THE FOODPRO EXPO 2021 Which had been scheduled for July 5-8 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, has been postponed until 2021.

For more than 50 years food producers, manufacturers and distributors have exchanged ideas and forged connections at Foodpro. Now they will have to wait until Foodpro 2021, which will take place at the same venue at a date still to be decided.

“We put our customers at the heart of what we do, and this decision has been particularly difficult due to the importance of this event to our industry,” the organisers say on their website.

Australia’s leading trade fair for intralogistics, materials handling and supply-chain management, was to have taken place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on July 14-16. It has been postponed to September 22-24 at the same venue.

The turmoil wrought by COVID-19 on supply chain makes CeMAT very timely.

The organisers promise that “CeMAT Australia will be the platform for the latest industry innovations and for exchanging ideas and insights on the warehouse of the future”.

Leading technology and service providers in the materials-handling and warehousing industries will engage with experts in logistics, warehousing, supply chain, IT and finance in areas ranging from Fast-moving consumer goods to resources.

The “Showcase Theatre” will offer attendees practical take-away solutions to challenges facing end users in the logistics and warehousing industry. www.cemat.com.au

ENERGY NEXT 2021 The renewable-energy industry event that had been scheduled to take place at the Sydney International Convention Centre this July 14-15, has been postponed to July 13-14, 2021.

Organisers Reed Exhibitions says its “number one priority” is the health and safety of exhibitors, attendees, industry partners and staff.

The free-to-attend event, held in conjunction with the Clean Energy Council’s Australian Clean Energy Summit, is billed as an opportunity for key players across the renewable-energy industry to connect and build business relationships. www.energynext.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

Free to attend programme, featuring case studies and panel discussions Networking sessions with peers and vendors Product demonstrations Covid-19 lessons learned and workshops Free expo entry

3 Day Event

100+ Exhibitors

30+ Content Sessions

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

AI GROUP CALLS FOR BORDERS TO GET BACK TO BUSINESS set by each state and territory. According to Willox, that has led to inconsistencies and confusion for cross-border workers, as well as fear of legal penalties.

“Some state governments introduced border restrictions that resulted in a patchwork of rules and created a nightmare for communities and business,” he says.

As Australia’s COVID-19 curve flattens, social-distancing restrictions are likely to ease.

Students across the country are starting to return to school, and Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have all announced minor relaxations of the strict lockdown measures that have been in place since March.

The changes have prompted calls to re-open the country’s state and territory borders, particularly as talk of a resumption of Australia-New Zealand air travel grows louder.

Both countries have managed to keep new COVID-19 cases very low. Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton recently suggested that air travel to Australia’s “natural partner” could be safe to resume soon.

“Welcome talk of restarting NZ-Australia

air travel raises the obvious question of why can’t we reopen the borders between our own states immediately and take down the inconsistent and overly cautious cross-border barriers,” says Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox.

tighter restrictions on overseas travel, have apparently slowed the rate of infection in Australia, and Willox says it’s time to reassess.

“Business needs a signal that they should be preparing for a return to what will be the new normal beyond the virus, and one of those signals should be an immediate removal of interstate border restrictions,” he says.

“It should not be easier to get from Sydney to Wellington than it is to get from Coolangatta to Tweed Heads.

“And when we eventually can holiday again, wouldn’t it be better for our local economy to take a break in Broome or the Flinders Ranges rather than go skiing in Queenstown?”

“Borders should be reopened fully with the continued understanding and strong messaging that the community and business are expected to adhere to all health and social distancing requirements. Such healthy practices have become second nature to most of us now and we should have confidence in the community to do the right thing without threat.”

The closure of state and territory borders had an immediate and in some cases devastating impact on businesses already struggling to adapt to social distancing measures. Those efforts, and even

Border entry requirements have been

“Ai Group members tell me daily of nervous staff asking for letters of authorisation because they fear police stops and potentially huge fines. Freight is moving reasonably well after a difficult start, but many Ai Group members working across borders do so under threat of self-isolation orders and financial penalties for non-compliance ranging from $13,335 in Queensland to $62,800 in the Northern Territory.”

Willox says that, from an economic perspective, an island continent such as Australia cannot afford to maintain internal borders.

“If we are to restart the economy properly, we need to reach back to the inspiration of Federation and the idea of free trade and movement of people between the states,” he says.

“Competitive Federalism is a good thing, but only when it is about making it simpler to build a better society and grow the economy — not when it makes it harder to live, work and do business.”

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APRIL / MAY 2020

NEWS

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOODNESS If you want to feel good about your choices, make a difference and impact the world in a positive way through your business, gifting is a simple yet powerful place to start.

The gifts you give to staff, clients and referring partners make a bold statement about your business.

As we face challenges such as social and physical isolation, unemployment, financial stress and the intricate connection of work and home life, there’s never been a better time to tangibly support your staff with a purposeful gift to acknowledge their efforts.

Don’t reach for the bottles of wine, chocolate and vouchers just yet, though; imagine if you could give a gift that’s both luxurious and makes an impact for good.

The team at Urbano Village has spent years researching and ‘test-driving’ awardwinning, ethically sourced products of impeccable quality to create bespoke gifts for businesses that want to give a gift with

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We have entered a new era of business. A recent Marketing Drive article highlighted a 42 per cent rise in missionbased marketing, and a 41 per cent increase in cause-related marketing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salesforce and Deloitte research published in The world remade by COVID-19: Scenarios for resilient leaders in three to five years proposes the concept of the ‘Good Company’, whereby publicprivate sector partnerships and stakeholder capitalism drive solutions through ethical purchases.

Everyone can appreciate great-tasting chocolate, but what if the cocoa beans were fair-trade and farmed free of child slave labour? Your gift of chocolate can help your fellow humans not only survive, but thrive.

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AUSTRALIAN MADE NOW MORE THAN EVER, BUY AUSTRALIAN FIRST As Australia begins to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, the Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) has urged the country’s business community and all levels of government to adopt “buy Australian first” procurement policies.

The federal government has committed support for the local manufacture of critical supplies, but AMCL chief executive Ben Lazzaro believes more can be done.

“There is an opportunity for federal, state and local governments, as well as Australia’s business community, to take the lead and put policies in place that prioritise genuine Aussie products for major projects, supply contracts and everyday consumables,” he says.

“Reinvesting in local industry and local jobs through sustainable purchasing policies will go a long way towards helping Australia bounce back.”

A 2017 survey by Roy Morgan Research revealed that three-quarters of businesses preferred to purchase Australian products, but only 26 per cent had an official policy in place.

“The time is right to transition that preference

into written policy,” Lazzaro says.

“It comes at a time when there is also increasing awareness of the high quality and safety standards Australian producers must meet, as well as demonstrable value for money over product life-cycles - important considerations for procurement professionals.”

According to Lazzaro, the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted Australia’s over-reliance on imported products.

“It’s time to address this imbalance,” he says.

At the same time, a spotlight has shone on the value of products made in Australia. Lazzaro says a pro-Australian mood has swept through social media.

“It’s never been more advantageous to be Australian or to provide Australian Made products.”

That awareness has meant “more eyeballs” on the Australian Made website, which contains a directory of products officially allowed to display the green-and-gold kangaroo logo.

“Throughout March and April, we had an unprecedented number of applications from businesses that wish to use the Australian Made logo on their products, and that’s holding steady in May,” Lazzaro says.

The road out of the pandemic will be a bumpy one for many, but Lazzaro says there are signs of a positive future for local manufacturing.

“While Australians won’t be able to go overseas for a while, domestic holidaying is set to explode. Caravanning and camping are areas of growth, and we’ll see demand for the manufacture of caravans, camper trailers and camping equipment ramp up.”

Lazzaro says it’s important to see the positives of the crisis; that for manufacturing, it’s an opportunity to enhance and evolve.

“That evolution has been fast-tracked

by COVID-19. Australian manufacturers have pivoted, repurposed, and in the process demonstrated they can make just about anything,” he says.

“There’s no reason that can’t continue.”

The Australian Made Campaign will also continue to promote local manufacturers and products, he adds.

“Australian manufacturers produce products made to some of the highest quality and safety standards in the world, while at the same time creating local economic activity and employment opportunities.

“We’re here to help those businesses get the most out of being Australian Made.”

Businesses seeking to register their products or identify potential Australian product suppliers can visit the Australian Made website (australianmade.com.au).

AUSTRALIA STRONGER WITHOUT FRAGILE SUPPLY CHAINS The past few months have exposed Australia’s vulnerability of reliance upon imported goods, especially products such as PPE, safety products and industrial consumables.

This supply gap puts lives at risk.

It’s a clear example of how susceptible we are to any change in global circumstances.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, overseas manufacturers that the world has relied upon for so long have looked after their own country first, ahead of their export obligations.

During the crunch, many Australian factories and workshops have retooled and repurposed equipment and processes.

“The reality is, it doesn’t always cost more and our loyal customers have enjoyed stable pricing and uninterrupted supply over the past few years, and in particular, the past few months.”

Global Spill has manufactured spill and safety equipment in Melbourne for almost three decades. Over the years, it has witnessed the decline in Australian manufacturing and ambivalence in support for Australian Made products.

As Australia’s only manufacturer of absorbent polypropylene, Global Spill has a responsibility to make essential safety equipment for Australian workplaces. As such, it continues to supply this important material to its customers while other importers have run out of stock.

Focus has been fixed squarely on price, with supply chain security sacrificed to save a few cents here and there.

“There’s a very common misconception that Australian Made means more expensive and this kind of thinking puts up a barrier before we even enter the race” says Brad Lowson of Global Spill & Safety.

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

Global Spill’s locally manufactured range of products such as safety cabinets and spill pallets remains uninterrupted; manufacturing has continued throughout the pandemic.

Another encouraging development to come from the crisis is the renewed support for Australian Made products and local businesses that stems from both

government and the community.

This must continue beyond COVID-19.

Lowson believes the appreciation and support currently enjoyed by Australian Made needs to become embedded within business and the community.

It’s also a timely reminder of the indirect contribution that buying Australian Made makes to the Australian economy. Global Spill employs over 140 Australians, each with a family depending upon them. The economic multiplier effect cannot be understated – Australian manufacturers pay Australian taxes, keep more profits in Australia and are not taking money out of Australia to pay overseas.

What does this mean for the future?

Australian businesses must wholeheartedly

value and support Australian Made, and at times be prepared to pay a little more for that.

According to Lowson, the domestic economic benefit alone is enormous. “It is good for Australia in the long run and this needs to be a long game.”

The Federal Government must consider the economic value of Australian Made throughout all its tendering processes, low and high value tenders alike.

Australia must learn the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, and be willing and able to become a self-sufficient manufacturing nation.

We can do it.

Global Spill & Safety 1300 774 557 www.globalspill.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

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AUSTRALIAN MADE

ALWAYS KEEP PART OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN LOCAL “The Federal Government is pushing for a return to local manufacturing, but it should lead by example, locally sourcing 20 per cent of components for its own projects,” White says.

“I’m sure a lot of Australian businesses would follow suit.”

While components made in Australia come with higher price tags than parts made in China – for consumers and businesses alike – White says it’s a small price to pay for “supply chain security”.

Bruce White, group managing director of the components manufacturer White Industries, has called for companies and organisations to “incorporate more Australian-made items into their supply chains”.

The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the problem, he says.

“During this very difficult time, we are seeing businesses struggle to access international supply chain, and I wish to express why it is vital that organisations incorporate Australian contracting into their business, for long-term benefit, to not only avoid losing production during pandemics, but also to continue to support

our national economy and employment.”

White says it’s common to hear of projects worth hundreds of thousands of dollars being delayed because no-one can lay their hands on a component from overseas that’s worth a few hundred dollars.

“We have some clients that use a combination of both Australian and international supply chain, which is clever and prudent.”

It would be better, “for both businesses and our economy”, if permanent policies were put in place that required companies to source a minimum of 20 per cent from Australia.

“If organisations use an average-cost approach to their total procurement process, then the price difference pays not only for a higher-integrity part, but for that security,” he says.

“It’s about supporting Australian made, Australian jobs and security in times like now to ensure we have the capabilities.”

He gives White Industries as an example: “If a client wishes us to manufacture a cast component, specifically for their own application, to produce the initial component is a lengthy process.

“We have to tool up, make a prototype, install it to check for fitment, make sure it works, all before we can go ahead with production. This initial process of setup and trials can all take from 10-20 weeks, but once complete all further

orders can be produced relatively quickly,” he says.

“If businesses were to use us for their 20% Australian supply ongoing, even if we only receive a quarterly order, we’ve done all the preliminary work, we keep our hand in making it regularly, then if international supply problems occur, we are there ready to take up the shortfall swiftly and efficiently.”

White says the impacts of COVID-19 might leave the minds of supply chain participants in the coming months.

“It’s vital that these businesses review their plans and incorporate Australian contracting now to support themselves and the wider community into the future.”

Lance MacManus, general manager of TSBE Energy and Infrastructure, agrees.

“If there is one thing the pandemic has highlighted, it’s the need to have secure domestic supply chains.”

MacManus says everyone benefits if parts of the supply chain are kept local.

“This not only supports Australian business to create products and therefore jobs, but it also ensures our projects have the security of domestic products to ensure projects can be completed while supporting the whole economy and industries.”

INDUSTRY AND DEFENCE TEAM UP FOR HEALTHCARE Six hundred of the new face shields, designed by Defence Science and Technology Group (DST), have already been distributed since Axiom Precision Manufacturing began production last week.

Axiom is set to make up to 1000 face shields per day, with numbers to increase as the manufacturing process matures. The north Adelaide company’s precision products are used in a wide range of industries, including defence, rail, aerospace and mining, as well as medical devices.

A family-owned South Australian company has teamed up with the Department of Defence for the rapid production of face shields for healthcare workers battling COVID-19.

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

health and aged-care workers have access to masks and other personal protective equipment,” she says.

“This includes boosting domestic manufacturing capability and capacity, and creating a pathway through to manage the virus.”

Senator Reynolds believes the initiative will help to expand Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability to the medical industry. She describes it as “another great example of Defence applying its ingenuity and unique engineering research skills”.

The defence minister, Senator Linda Reynolds, says the partnership will sustain a steady supply of shields for Australia over the coming months.

The minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, says Axiom exemplifies Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability.

“The Morrison government is committed to ensuring our frontline

“Many of the Aussie companies with contracts in defence are advanced

manufacturers working at the cutting edge, and there are great crossover opportunities that exist as a result of that,” she says.

“Whether it’s expanding into medical supplies, as we’re seeing in this case, or expanding into space or other precision manufacturing, our advanced manufacturers will help Australia come out the other side of this pandemic stronger than ever.”

The initiative is part of Defence’s support for the federal government’s COVID-19 response. Australian Defence Force personnel have provided support to Victorian manufacturer Med-Con’s production of surgical face masks, while DST will increase domestic stocks of invasive ventilators.

APRIL / MAY 2020

AUSTRALIAN MADE

AUSSIE MADE VENTILATORS ON THE WAY Ampcontrol has been announced as one of two NSW organisations to produce emergency ventilators in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

incredible.”

The NSW Government made the announcement after Ampcontrol engineers were able to design and deliver the first functional emergency ventilator prototype for testing at the John Hunter Hospital in just 18 days.

The prototype was created in collaboration with local clinicians and two Hunter region electrical engineering firms, Safearth and NewieVentures. Specialist clinicians from Hunter New England Local Health District and the University of Newcastle were on hand to offer advice, minimise risks, and accelerate the team’s knowledge of ventilator systems.

Ampcontrol will now commence production of 10 pilot ventilators alongside further clinical assessment and testing

by NSW Health. The ultimate goal is to enable 600 ventilators to be rapidly produced in the Hunter region should the need arise.

“We specialise in resources, infrastructure and energy solutions, and what the team has achieved in partnership with clinicians in such a short timeframe is nothing short of outstanding, and a testament to the engineering excellence and ingenuity in our country.”

“We are so immensely proud to be able to do our part and lead this critical health project,” says Ampcontrol managing director and CEO Rod Henderson.

Henderson believes the achievement is a perfect demonstration of Australia’s highly advanced manufacturing capability and ingenuity.

“Knowing that our ventilator could help save lives in the fight against COVID-19 is

“We have been able to rapidly swing our world-leading expertise and production facilities into manufacturing

critical emergency equipment right here in the Hunter,” he says.

continue to produce innovative solutions

“It’s so important that industry and government work together so that we can

a difference to people’s lives around the

and products here in Australia that make globe.”

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AUSTRALIAN MADE

FOODMACH TO BOOST LOCAL MASK PRODUCTION

Packaging automation manufacturer and integrator Foodmach has stepped up to revive Australia’s surgical mask industry in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

In a time when surgical masks are in desperately short supply, the Australian Government has called on companies able to handle the urgent worldwide demand for supplies.

Shepparton-based Med-Con, the only factory in Australia still producing masks, has been tasked with increasing production from 2 million to 50 million surgical masks annually. A decade of stiff competition from China, however, has left Med-Con with just five per cent of the Australian mask market, and only two of its three mask-making machines operational.

These machines were designed nearly four decades ago, and the original schematics are lost.

With time of the essence, the nonfunctioning machine was disassembled and modelled by Australian Defence Force engineers in the hope it could be reverse engineered in time to meet the challenge.

Ultimately Foodmach, with its strong experience, capabilities and resources has won the contract to engineer and manufacture three new mask-making machines - but the clock is ticking.

“We have 60 days from start to finish,” said Foodmach director Peter Marks, “to find ways to build a machine that uses parts which have long been obsolete.”

The ADF has supplied Foodmach with

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

MFB CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN AUSTRALIA

3D models of the parts in question, but that’s just the beginning of the process.

“These still need to be detailed on a part-by-part basis, materials identified and checks made that they’ll assemble correctly,” he said.

“The old design will also need to be updated to current safety, controls and interfacing standards.”

Foodmach’s Echuca factory and machine shop space provides 6,600 square metres for its team of 100 skilled staff to adhere to social distancing requirements while they work around the clock.

The team will work in shifts 24 hours a day for the next eight weeks to meet the critical deadline.

“Keeping our workforce safe and productive in an epidemic that has the potential to threaten 40-70 per cent of the Australian population is clearly a high priority for us,” said Foodmach CEO Earle Roberts.

“The complexity of the Med-Con machines will provide us with an exciting challenge. We’ve obviously never built one before, but with all the necessary design, manufacture and assembly expertise under a single roof, we’re well equipped for it.”

A public log of project updates is available on Foodmach’s Foodmach 1800 366 362 foodmach.com

In a year of unique challenges, rack systems manufacturer MFB Products continues to wave the flag in support of Australian design, Australian manufacturing, and Australian jobs as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Since its foundation in 1970, MFB has become one of Australia’s leading designers of rack systems and enclosures.

MFB designs and produces the most comprehensive range of 19-inch data and telecommunications rack systems and enclosures for Australian industry.

MFB supplies a mix of industry sectors spanning IT, mining, rail, energy, audio/ visual, communications, data, security, finance, defence, government and commercial fields.

The company’s extensive product portfolio caters to environments of all sizes, from small SOHO S210 enclosures that vertically manage modem, switch and power clutter in a home office, to large, complex enclosures designed to manage volume servers, peripheral equipment and cabling in bigger facilities such as data centres.

Over the decades, MFB’s range has grown to include outdoor or curbside fully welded, weatherproof and thirdparty certified to IP66 enclosures, RF EMI/EMC shielded enclosures, SCECapproved certified Security Class B and

C enclosures, noise control enclosures, outdoor shelters for remote environments, and even cold aisle centres for greater energy efficiencies in data centres.

The entire catalogue is supported by a comprehensive range of accessories that includes shelving, drawer units, cable management, power management systems, thermal management, and lighting.

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by Autodesk Inventor, MFB also offers bespoke enclosures that suit specific applications. This in-house approach allows MFB to liaise and develop closely with clients throughout the design, prototyping, and production stages.

Logistics are entirely managed by MFB. Wherever your products have to be delivered, MFB is set up to manage bulk distribution and can warehouse as required.

After 50 years of serving local enclosure and racking needs, MFB is committed to manufacturing in Australia.

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APRIL / MAY 2020

AUSTRALIAN MADE

LET’S BACK OUR LOCAL FARMERS AND MANUFACTURERS isolation and social distancing,” he says.

some capacity.”

“We are calling on consumers to exercise their preference for Australian products and buy local. Now more than ever, our Aussie businesses need your support.”

Australian Made licensee and Handmade Canberra trader, Paudha Healing, a plant-based skincare company, praised Handmade Canberra organisers for adapting acting quickly and moving the market online.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is on thousands of products – covering a dazzling variety of uses – made by than 2,800 businesses.

Purchases of certified Australian Made products support the broader Australian economy as a whole, from local growers and manufacturers to wholesalers and retailers.

Australians should back local manufacturers and growers with their wallets to help keep these vital national assets afloat throughout the coronavirus downturn – that’s the message from the Australian Made Campaign (AMCL).

“Australian businesses need your support,” says Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ben Lazzaro.

“It is a difficult time for all, with many businesses restricted in some way and Australians facing the challenges of self-

“Australian Made means a secure supply chain... it’s that simple.”

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APRIL / MAY 2020

“The Virtual Market was a great success for us,” says Paudha Healing owner Renee Tilley.

“We are so lucky to have access to some of the best products in the world, made to some of the highest standards right here in our backyard,” Lazzaro says.

“Our website traffic was up, with over 70% of users visiting from Handmade Canberra directly, leading to a massive 360% increase in online revenue. We also gained access to many new customers, even one from the UK, and were able to increase in our social media following.

It means so much to us as a business, especially in such a challenging time.”

“Many Aussie makers and retailers are adapting to this unprecedented situation.

We must show our support for these businesses to help them survive and thrive in the future.”

AMCL is encouraging consumers to support local manufacturers and look for the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo to be sure their purchases are genuinely Australian.

Australian Made Retail Supporter, Handmade Canberra, shifted its March market online in a bid to continue to support Australian producers. The ‘Virtual Market’ was a huge success, offering shoppers access to unique handmade products from the comfort of their home.

“The best way to identify Aussie products is to look for the green and gold kangaroo logo – the brand the nation trusts,” Lazzaro says.

“We’re thrilled that 24,000 people visited our Virtual Market over that weekend,” Handmade Managing Director Julie Nichols says.

“When you buy Aussie made and grown products, you know what you are getting – products grown in our clean, green environment and made to the highest of manufacturing standards. At the same time, you are supporting Australian industry.”

“Handmade is continuing to look for ways to support our Australian-made businesses during this difficult time. We love that our new and valued customers had the opportunity to enjoy our market in

To find locally made goods, visit Australia’s biggest online directory of genuine Aussie products at www. australianmade.com.au.

#openforbusiness Thanks for supporting Australian Made and Australian jobs INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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AUSTRALIAN MADE

CALL FOR SUPPLY CHAIN RETHINK A Melbourne polystyrene manufacturer says Australia must rethink its reliance on Chinese import supply chains in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

be reconsidering the reliability of their supply chains as a result of the pandemic.

As COVID-19 impacts supply chains around the world, the future of local manufacturing has been thrust into the spotlight. Calls for the return of Australian manufacturing are growing louder, and in some cases, local companies are already seeing a change in fortune.

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Foamex has experienced a sales surge.

Customers have come not only from the construction industry, but from food packaging and medical supply packaging as well.

“We originally quoted on a large project in Queensland to build a distribution centre for a major food retailer, and we didn’t win the job in the first instance,” says Justin Kelsey, general manager of Foamex, Australia’s only manufacturer of expanded polystyrene.

“But when they couldn’t get the overseas product in time, they came back to us and we’re now their supplier. This is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic but the issue is bigger than just the current situation.”

Kelsey believes many companies will

“We hope we’ll gain more customers as a result,” he says.

Foamex has increased its capacity, employing more casual labour to meet demand.

“The building and construction industry in particular is ramping up as if they expect some sort of shutdown,” Kelsey says.

“We’re certainly quoting more and delivering more. We expect there’ll be a slowdown in building, particularly in the residential sector later this year due to rising unemployment and other knock-on effects from the pandemic.”

As the pandemic evolves and the Australian manufacturing sector continues

to adapt, Kelsey believes companies will realise how heavily reliant on overseas manufacturing they’ve become.

employs about 175 people to manufacture polystyrene products across five states.

“Perhaps this crisis will lead to some changes in the market,” he says.

Foamex 02 9773 1655 www.foamex.com.au

A 30-year industry veteran, Foamex

TIME FOR AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING TO SHINE Australian engineering firm Bomac has called for manufacturing to return en masse to Australian shores.

With over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, Bomac’s engineers have seen a lot of changes in the industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an entirely different story.

Global supply chains have been smashed by the lockdowns and social distancing restrictions implemented by governments around the world to limit the spread of the virus. As a result, businesses have turned to local suppliers to get what they need.

In Australia, that focus has cast a new light on an industry plagued by preconceptions.

“People are discovering that the prices of Australian manufacturers are competitive,” says Bomac engineering director Tate McFarlane.

“The quality is great, the lead time is better, and ultimately, your supply chain will be stronger. The capability of

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Australian manufacturers is as good if not better than what you’d find overseas.”

“As far as we were concerned it was win, win, win.”

The pre-COVID view of Australian manufacturing was that it was expensive and focused only on niche items.

McFarlane says that view came down to a lack of due diligence.

As business drifted overseas, McFarlane believes Australian manufacturers became complacent.

“Businesses had gone to China and found that it was cheaper to get a product made,” he says.

“That then became a preconception that all Chinese products would be cheaper.”

Bomac prides itself on using as many Australian Made products as possible.

According to McFarlane, “only some of our bolts and bearings” aren’t made Down Under.

“And even then, because we made it known that we wanted to source locally, we discovered a bolt manufacturer in South Australia that could give us exactly what we wanted. No long lead times, and no large freight costs.”

Bomac has since approached the SA firm to make more components.

“They got lazy. There was an attitude of ‘business as usual’, but it wasn’t until the automotive industry collapsed that the shockwave hit – they had to become more competitive globally.”

What happened next was what McFarlane calls “an awakening.”

“Now what we’re seeing is that after years of manufacturing success in China, their middle class is now well off, their industries are focusing on goods for their domestic markets, so it could be a turning point.”

Meanwhile, the pandemic has given Australian manufacturing the opportunity to put what it has learned to good use.

“The so-called Industry 4.0 isn’t one giant leap everyone believes it is,” McFarlane says.

“We got wise to modern manufacturing methods, operations got leaner. The perception that manufacturing was a dirty, dumb and dangerous changed to being clever, clean and critical for Australia’s future,” he says.

“It begins with small steps, and we can be taking those now. We need to think differently, re-look at our capabilities and opportunities. For every person employed in manufacturing, six jobs in other sectors follow.

The profits of manufacturing help the growth of a country’s middle class. For Australia, that growth began during the post-World War II manufacturing boom.

“We are world leaders in manufacturing, and it’s time we let the world know it.”

“Once our middle class became well off, things slowed down, and Australia’s economy became more service-based,” McFarlane says.

Bomac 03 9796 5300 www.bomac.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

Make sure your products are

D E I F I T R CE Authentically Australian Made

Register your genuine Aussie products so they can carry the famous green and gold kangaroo logo.

Licences start from just $300 a year (plus GST).

Register online at australianmade.com.au or call 1800 350 520

AUTOMATION TIME TO EMBRACE AUTOMATION

By Paul Stringleman, Senior Consultant, Swisslog Australia.

Paul has more than 20 years of local and international experience designing and engineering automated systems to handle a wide variety of goods, in applications such as distribution centres, airports and supermarkets. In the last five years, Paul has developed several data-driven automated warehouse solutions for e-commerce and retail companies in Australia.

When we think of the “warehouse of the future”, we think of a vast space full of product, where no staff drive back and forth on forklift trucks, no load handlers picking out products and placing them on pallets. There’s not even an electric light — just sky-high racking, shuttles, lifts, robots, conveyors and autonomous vehicles choosing their own paths through the darkness, self-navigating with laser guidance systems, detecting obstacles and gliding silently past them.

Although “lights-out logistics” may seem futuristic, it is already being used today. And lights-out logistics can help supply chains become more resilient in times of great uncertainty and disruption, such as financial crises and pandemics.

With COVID-19, the time to automate has arrived.

Since the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on February 20, the ripple effects have spread through every part of industry.

A company’s reasons to automate have typically included increases in productivity, space efficiency, greater accuracy and return on investment (ROI) that these technologies bring. However, mega-trends have also been at play.

Factors such as globalisation, an ageing population, health and safety, mobility, urbanisation, individualisation and digitisation have all put indirect pressure on industry to automate.

Ironically, the same mega-trends have contributed to the rapid spread of COVID-19, and contributed to the shock to the supply chains of grocery stores and other essential suppliers. These impacts include: Mobility – Within weeks of the world first learning about COVID-19, it became clear that business travellers and tourists carried the virus with them. Borders were closed, airlines grounded, and the world economy was in crisis.

Globalisation – As governments searched for ways to build a virtual wall around their nations and states, the world economy entered a period of unexpected de-globalisation. Companies began questioning their over-reliance on imports,

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and looked to local suppliers to fill gaps.

Ageing Population – Early on, COVID-19 revealed itself to be a stronger threat to those over 70 years of age. For those with underlying respiratory health conditions, it was life threatening. Panic buying, hoarding and a jump in online orders forced big retailers to re-think the way they supported their customers through such crises.

Health and Safety – There was a sudden realisation that grocery stores, once seen as places to do our weekly shop, were critical infrastructure that had to remain open. This presented a dilemma: how to protect frontline workers from seemingly well customers who might be carrying the virus, and vice versa.

great and necessary initiative, but a shock to those used to endless choice.

Digitisation – The internet has been one of the modern world’s few weapons against the disruption caused by a pandemic. Businesses, medical services and grocery chains made good use of it during the outbreak. It transformed how we saw our doctors, did our shopping and even.

In this post-COVID-19 landscape of megatrends and challenges, automation seems to be an important way to bolster society’s productivity and resilience.

In the western world, here has never really been a shortage of food during the outbreak, because, at any one time up to three months’ worth of goods

Since the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on February 20, the ripple effects have spread through every part of industry.

And what happens to a grocery chain Distribution Centre (DC) if a positive case is detected inside one of them? If the virus can survive on surfaces for a day or more, a DC worker could unwittingly become a vector for spreading the virus to new people, and new regions.

Urbanisation - People crowded into cities tend to have little understanding of the resilience of the grocery supply chain, which typically has months’ worth of inventory stored in warehouses and DCs. Havoc can easily ensue when normally calm people, unprepared to the crisis or full of fear of missing out, are driven to panic.

Individualisation – The modern world has been full of choice for the consumer.

One of the more startling symbols of the crisis was the decision by grocery chains to make up ration boxes full of the same selection of essential items for the elderly and more at risk and sell them online. A

have existed inside the supply chain.

The challenge has been getting it out of supplier’s warehouses, into and out of the grocery supply chain national distribution centres (NDCs), regional distribution centres (RDCs), and local DCs, and on to supermarket shelves fast enough to keep up with demand.

High density, high throughput Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) technology for pallet handling, such as Swisslog’s PowerStore, could be a real game changer in these prolonged spike scenarios – providing much needed horsepower to grocery chains willing to shift their focus from just-in-time to justin-case.

It has already been deployed inside the beverage supply chain, where a low number of very fast-moving stock keeping units (SKUs) distributed at pallet level is the norm, but it could work just as well inside the grocery supply chain to look after the top 200 or so most-in-demand

Paul Stringleman

products.

So what must boardrooms and managers learn from the effects of COVID-19? One lesson is that megatrends need to be given more consideration and weight than in the past. The old adage of “Don’t build the Church for Easter Sunday” (or in this case, “Don’t build the warehouse for peak grocery demand days”) when it comes to investments in automation, may also need to be reconsidered. A focus on Just-InTime will have to be widened to JustIn-Case, because we have all learnt that “Easter Sunday” can appear unexpectedly and last for months – at least for nonperishable staples.

Industry is also recognising that embracing automation and robotics is a powerful tool for deglobalisation. It can help with “reshoring” the local supply chain and recreating jobs in home markets.

Australian industry has always been resilient. Many local companies are already planning for post-virus operations, putting in place measures to increase efficiency and better serve their customers. It will be interesting to see whether companies — particularly those involved in logistics and e-grocery industries — will adopt automation strategies in response to COVID-19, and whether they see productivity and profitability gains that they otherwise wouldn't have experienced.

COVID-19 is not the first pandemic, and it’s almost inevitable that there will be another one in the future. The implementation now of well-thought-out automation strategies is likely to pay off handsomely in the short term — and help us deal with the next pandemic crisis.

That’s a double benefit industry will find hard to ignore.

Swisslog Australia Pty Ltd 02 9869 5900 www.swisslog.com

APRIL / MAY 2020

AUTOMATION

ARNOTT’S AND DEMATIC HIT CRUISE CONTROL Iconic Australian biscuit brand Arnott’s has introduced six Dematic automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) to boost productivity and reliability at its head manufacturing plant.

manufacturing has helped us to achieve automated movement of product loads to improve reliability, increase flexibility and provide better sanitation for handling goods.

Dematic’s advanced, self-charging AGVs – designed to increase efficiency, accuracy and safety in manufacturing and distribution centres - were rolled out at the Virginia plant in Brisbane. The AGVs use high precision laser guidance and multiple collision avoidance sensors to carry out their tasks.

“This means we can focus on delivering our products to Australians in the best way we can.”

The partnership between Arnott’s and intralogistics innovator Dematic was done to enhance the efficiency of the biscuit maker’s manufacturing operations, says Arnott’s Qld and SA group plant manager Tim Morgan.

“We elected to partner with Dematic as they are the market leader for AGVs in Australia,” he says.

“The implementation of AGVs in our

APRIL / MAY 2020

Large pallets of Arnott’s product are carried systematically by the AGVs from end-of-palletising stations to drivein storage racking areas to handover stations, where forklifts transport them to manufacturing lines.

Since the AGVs can operate non-stop 24 hours a day, every day of the year, the process boosts reliability, efficiency and accuracy, cuts down on mistakes and workplace accidents, and improves occupational health and safety standards.

“We’re very pleased to be working alongside such a well-known and respected Australian brand as Arnott’s,”

says Tony Raggio, Dematic’s general manager for AGVs. “Our AGV automated technology

is a very exciting product for us here at Dematic, and it’s fantastic to see it making such successful improvements to Arnott’s warehouse processes.”

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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AUTOMATION

ROBOTS FIGHT FIRE WITH FOAM The result is a firefighting robot that’s remotely operated from a safe distance and can dispense water and foam at up to 20,000 litres per minute.

The robot’s on-board monitors, cameras and sensors provide operators with a complete overview of the operation, and can detect gas or chemical leaks.

Separate cameras on the UGV and the monitors allow the vehicle to change position while maintaining a perfect overview of the fire. Additional preventative and repressive systems and autonomous functions are available to complement the robot.

Estonian automation company Milrem Robotics has teamed up with foam extinguishing specialists InnoVfoam to develop a robot firefighter.

The joint venture combines Milrem’s unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) Multiscope Rescue and InnoVfoam’s foam proportioning systems and fire monitors.

The first Multiscope Rescue model produced in the line-up will feature InnoVfoam’s Hydra fire monitor skid unit.

“In addition to fires in urban environments, there are large-scale forest and landscape fires every year that

endanger the environment, the lives of inhabitants and especially firefighters,” says Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“The systems we are developing with InnoVfoam can alleviate dangers firefighters face and help contain fires faster.”

With a maximum payload capacity of 1200kg and a pull force of 21,000N, the Multiscope Rescue robot can be equipped with a variety of firefighting-specific payloads including foam or water tanks, or tethered drones for increased situational awareness.

The robot firefighters are able to deliver heavy firehouses to structures and areas that are inaccessible to bigger vehicles or too dangerous for humans.

The robots can also be dropped from the air into forest or landscape fires to start limiting their spread.

NEW DATALOGIC VISION PROCESSORS IMPROVE SAFETY AND COMPATIBILITY Global automatic data capture and process automation leader Datalogic is introducing its fastest and most flexible Industrial Vision Processor series, with a range-topping model that can power up to eight gigabit power over ethernet (PoE) cameras simultaneously.

The new 8-in-1 MX-E processors provide faster processing and more RAM to handle demanding manufacturing, logistics, food and beverage packaging, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics, and other industrial applications such as robot and laser guidance, barcode and pattern recognition, gauging of multiple measurements, flaw detection (such as identifying surface defects), content verification, hazardous label detection, object location and traceability.

“Having one processor handle eight cameras at once also helps to reduce total cost of ownership, because integration, set up, and maintenance costs are lower, which means less cabinet space is used, lower power consumption, fewer cables, fewer input/output (I/O) blocks and fewer spares are needed,” says Bradley Weber, Product Manager, Datalogic.

The processor’s rugged and compact chassis provides robust, long service life, even in harsh industrial environments such as fast-paced manufacturing facilities and process engineering operations.

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Integration with IMPACT software

Flexibility Datalogic’s new MX-E series has three tiers to allow the user to select the level of performance based on individual application needs. Models include: • MX-E25 - a cost-effective entry level processor, capable of connecting to two five megapixel cameras • MX-E45 - featuring multi-core processing, able to connect up to four cameras • MX-E90 - the highest performing processor. With 32Gb of RAM, quad core processing, and the ability to connect to eight cameras, users can inspect faster and process more pixels to fully optimise their operations.

“All MX-E models have multiple configuration options to further extend application flexibility. And, because multiple cameras are linking to a singular processor, it simplifies cabling needs by eliminating the need for camera power cables, which reduces the overall cost of ownership,” Weber says.

“The MX-E Series industrial vision processors complement Datalogic’s line of smart cameras, allowing our customers ultimate flexibility to address their machine vision needs."

All Datalogic MX-E series industrial vision processors and smart cameras can integrate with Datalogic's complete IMPACT software suite for just about any inspection and user interface need, providing extreme programming flexibility.

“Datalogic’s IMPACT software is a proven platform that allows users to solve machine vision inspections with an intuitive drag and drop environment.

IMPACT makes it easy to create a vision program based on its suite of algorithms and logical control. It also allows users to create custom user interfaces in minutes to monitor the line,” Weber says.

“With the new MX-E Industrial Vision Processors, users can run their machine vision applications faster, process higher resolution images, or add more cameras to fully optimise their operation.”

Highlights of the new MX-E series include: •

rugged, industrial, high-powered vision processors

•

state-of-the-art processors and the top-quality, industry leading hardware components

•

three models for different performance levels

•

compatibility with a wide range of

cameras from VGA up to very high resolution •

grayscale and colour, area scan and line scan cameras

•

ethernet (GigE Vision) connectivity and multi-camera support

•

up to eight power over ethernet (PoE) camera ports – PoE compliant cameras need no power cables and support up to 100-metre cable lengths

•

universal dongle for easier SW license management

•

complete IMPACT software suite included for ultimate programming flexibility – addresses any inspection and user interface needs

•

long-term product availability.

Datalogic 03 9558 9299 www.datalogic.com

APRIL / MAY 2020

AUTOMATION

SMART DISTRIBUTION LINKS YOUR ENERGY NETWORK In recent years, various industrial product technologies have converged to create an IIoT ecosystem of devices and software platforms. Through the gathering and analysis of critical infrastructure data generated by smart industrial devices, this ecosystem has helped companies gain

insight into the performance of their critical assets.

An accurate and comprehensive understanding of the performance of a plant’s products and applications informs the kind of strategic decision making that improves efficiencies and reduces risk.

Within the context of an industrial plant’s electrical infrastructure, widespread deployment of smart, connected devices grants end users access to a Medium and Low Voltage Smart Distribution architecture.

This Smart Distribution network helps to ensure power supply continuity, minimise the service requirements of circuit breakers and other critical switchgear assets, and ensures plants with an integrated connected infrastructure can monitor the health of critical switchboards in real time with minimal intervention from people.

NHP’s range of Smart Distribution

To find out more about how NHPs Smart Distribution architecture can unlock critical assets data to help drive your business performance to higher levels, contact your local NHP power distribution technology specialist today or visit https:// www.nhp.com.au/.

connected products for both Medium and Low voltage applications can help customers: • maximise power availability • monitor critical switchgear health • optimise running costs and energy consumption • improve safety against arc flash

NHP Electrical Engineering

• automate traditionally manual testing processes (such as month generator starts).

1300 NHP NHP

www.nhp.com.au

AUTOMATION & AUSTRALIAN MADE Automation and Australian Made are now the words on all manufacturers’ lips and will be for many years to come!

If you would like to get involved in these features and promote your business to over 76,000 decision makers then please contact us!

To support these industries, Industry Update Magazine will be publishing our biggest ever Automation and Robotics feature!

Advertising Contact

In this edition, we have published our first Australian Made feature since 2018 and we will be publishing an Australian Made feature in every edition for the next 12 months.

Glyn Smith glyn@industryupdate.com.au

The Australian Made featured is sponsored by the Australian Made Logo and we will feature all things Australian Made.

Scott Filby scott@industryupdate.com.au

Editorial Michael Wayne editor@indsutryupdate.com.au 02 9439 1288

www.industryupdate.com.au

MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE

APRIL / MAY 2020

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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AUTOMATION

LAPP’S INDUSTRY 4.0 EXPANSION TO BENEFIT AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES LAPP, the cable systems technology company that is helping equip industry globally for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has announced further initiatives in Australia to expand its services to local industries seeking to become more flexible, cost-efficient and individually customer-responsive through Industry 4.0.

The global LAPP organisation – with more than 4,000 employees and turnover exceeding a billion Euros (about $A2 billion) – has grown on its Founding Family’s values of customer-focused service, innovation and enduring quality to become one of the world’s leading providers of branded cable and connector systems and integrated electrical and automation engineering solutions.

LAPP is now established in more than 50 countries in Europe, America and the Asia-Pacific, including its full Australian branch, where it has expanded its depth and range of technologies sixfold in just two years since its establishment Down Under by the third generation of the LAPP family.

“Our plans for the year ahead have received a series of major boosts since the recent visit of the LAPP Founding Family to celebrate the success of the establishment of LAPP Australia to deliver new dimensions in service and technology range,” says LAPP Australia General Manager Simon Pullinger.

“Australia has been a major success story for LAPP globally, and the family is directing new and expanded resources to increase the momentum here in areas

where the company and Europe has global leadership, including environmentally sustainable products and safety-oriented enduring quality.

“Moving forward, in addition to now stocking more than 2,500 products locally for short lead time delivery coast-to coast, we are expanding the range and depth of our local offering to include: • More products focused on safety and sustainability, including halogen-free, low-smoke and fire-retardant cable fittings and systems for use in public and private buildings and infrastructure including airports, train stations, terminals and logistics, intermodal and transport centres.

• Extended ranges of special purpose and conduit and cable systems integral to sustainability and reliability in areas such as solar, wind and broader green energy systems, surveillance, security and safety systems.

• More products engineered for use in areas where safety, hygiene and export compliance is critical, such as specialised products used in food contact areas where cable systems must be resistant to a host of chemical, thermal and physical stresses so that they can be reliably used in refrigerated areas and damp environments and cleaning processes.

• Further future-proofing and timesaving systems and technical resources to serve industries such as manufacturing and plant and process engineering, including automation, robotics and process engineering systems; electrical

engineering systems and energy systems, machine building and machine tools and challenging process environments such as food and beverage. Product ranges and technical staffing are being further expanded to meet this demand for future focussed industries introducing Industry 4.0 initiatives.

“Besides the 40,000 products in our global range to which LAPP Australia has direct access, we always want to offer the best solution. So, if the customer cannot find what they are looking for in our local or global ranges, our experts are on hand to develop a solution in partnership with the customer, throughout Australia,” Pullinger says.

“LAPP Australia is continuously extending its technical capacity into vertical markets in Australia, complementing local knowledge with areas where LAPP already has a depth of global expertise, including automotive, rail and mobility systems; intelligent buildings and infrastructure; and process engineering

and resources industry applications, including mining and oil and gas, including onshore, offshore and port processing facilities.”

“Mechanical and plant engineering in Germany holds a key position in the German economy,” Pullinger says.

“The industry continues to employ one the largest workforces in the country, takes a leading role in exports and is responsible for the excellent reputation enjoyed worldwide by the "Made in Germany" label. The LAPP Family traditions including enduring quality of innovation, build further upon this foundation to provide an excellent basis from which Australian industry can confidently advance into Industry 4.0 programs.”

LAPP Australia 1800 931 559 lappaustralia.com.au

SMARC TO IMPROVE AI VISION Edge computing leader ADLINK Technology has introduced the latest iteration of the SMARC (Smart Mobility ARChitecture) specification for computers-on-modules.

The four CSI MIPI camera inputs allow for the kind of multi-camera support necessary for 360-degree awareness for robotic vehicles and autonomous driving, both heavily reliant on AI.

SMARC 2.1, new from SGET (Standardisation Group for Embedded Technologies), future-proofs the specification and anticipates the growing needs of the ever-evolving AI and robotics markets.

The expansion of the SERDES signals allows a module to potentially work with up to four GbE Ethernet ports, each of which can support a GigE-Vision camera with its strong focus on AI Vision applications.

Features of the new revision include support for up to four MIPI CSI ports and the ability to multiplex SERDES signals over the third and fourth PCIe x1 interfaces for additional Ethernet ports.

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“The AI in computer vision market, valued at around USD 2.5 billion in 2017, is expected to reach USD 25 billion by 2023. Robotics and Machine Vision applications are to hold the biggest share of that significant increase,” says Henri Parmentier, SMARC product line

manager at ADLINK Technology.

“The new SMARC AIoM (AIon-module) proposition is excellently positioned, supporting long lifecycles, extreme temperatures, high MTBF and other must-have industrial characteristics.”

The 2.1 revision received a structural overhaul to improve readability, while compatibility and interoperability between module designs (both for different technologies and different vendors) has also been increased.

Furthermore, 2.1 is fully backward compatible with 2.0 since the new features do not compromise pins on existing edge connectors.

As a contributor to the SGeT initiative, ADLINK believes the update cements SMARC as the only truly open, versatile and future-proof low power COM/AIoM standard.

The complete SMARC module 2.1 specs are available for free on the SGeT website.

ADLINK Technology www.adlinktech.com APRIL / MAY 2020

AUTOMATION

MAJOR ENERGY PROVIDER ENGAGES SMARTRACK GLOBAL FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT FROM RCT additional units to be delivered in the future.

SmarTrack Global contains several new features such as global reporting which enables managers to monitor the status of every machine across multiple job sites using a single login.

Other features include managing operator access, machine speed, weight, seat and seatbelt monitoring, pre- and post-start checklists and improved out of service functions.

Smart technology company RCT has completed the delivery of its new fleet management solution, SmarTrack Global, to support a major Australian energy distributor's fleet of 29 pieces of heavy equipment.

the solution on its fleet of crane borers and elevated work platforms.

Recently RCT supplied its new fleet management solution SmarTrack Global to the energy distributor which installed

To date, RCT has supplied SmarTrack to 29 individual pieces of heavy equipment across multiple machine types with

The project follows on from earlier work to install SmarTrack on the company’s mixed forklift fleet.

RCT Senior Business Development Manager – Industrial Grahame Don says the fleet management solution integrated seamlessly with their client’s equipment.

“SmarTrack Global can integrate with any piece of heavy equipment to provide an easy-to-use fleet management solution to companies across the industrial, materials handling, civil and construction industries,” he says.

“Our client needs to operate a very diverse fleet spread across multiple sites

and SmarTrack Global will enable them to manage operator access, equipment inspection processes and utilisation reporting from one single platform on their smartphone.”

As required in the project brief RCT configured SmarTrack Global to interface with the energy distributor’s existing security cards which are issued to all employees.

A spokesperson for RCT’s client said going forward only staff members who had completed the relevant training programs and received authorisation would be able to operate the equipment.

“By implementing SmarTrack Global we could ensure that our operators were fully compliant with our policies and regulations, which is extremely important.”

RCT will continue to provide the energy distributor with after-sales support.

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APRIL / MAY 2020

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

29

INDUSTRY POLITICS THE HON. KAREN ANDREWS MP – PARLIAMENT OF AUSTRALIA, MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

INDUSTRY SUCCESS IN THE FACE OF COVID-19 Ingenuity, resilience and collaboration define the way Australian manufacturers have stepped up to meet and overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Industry Minister I have been deeply impressed by how promptly and efficiently companies across the country have ramped up their existing operations, or adapted and pivoted to produce essential medical equipment for frontline health workers and ventilators for sick patients.

While the Australian manufacturing sector has a strong base, the coronavirus has highlighted the need for stronger sovereign

capability, particularly in creating personal protective equipment (PPE) like surgical face masks, gowns and hand sanitiser.

From the onset, the Morrison Government has been working closely with local industry and the states and territories to establish a domestic manufacturing footprint for a range of PPE, to expand domestic supply chains, and to keep people in work.

We’ve supported Med-Con, the only local manufacturer of surgical masks, to initially increase their output of masks from around 2 million to 50 million a year.

We’ve helped South Australian packaging manufacturer Detmold Group pivot to produce millions of surgical masks and respirators – 100 million for the National Medical Stockpile and 45 million for South Australia.

The Morrison Government has also backed family-owned Victorian business Clets Linen to become the first Australian manufacturer to pivot from making linen garments to produce thousands of medical grade surgical gowns. The new domestic supply chain will support skilled workers in the Textiles, Clothing and Footwear industry beyond the short term.

Companies are working collaboratively to get the job done.

In April the Morrison Government reached a $31.3 million agreement with an industry consortium led by

1070AU 2020 © Enerpac

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

Victorian company Grey Innovation to locally produce 2,000 ventilators used in intensive care units.

The Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) has joined forces with family-owned South Australian company Axiom Precision Manufacturing to produce face shields for frontline health and aged care workers. DST is also helping to increase domestic stocks of invasive ventilators.

The response to coronavirus has caused unprecedented pressure on all parts of the supply chain when it comes to hand sanitiser. Something that has been very clear from the beginning of the pandemic is that we have the local manufacturing capability – we just need to bring all the players together.

As a result, companies like Ego Pharmaceuticals, which makes Aqium sanitiser at its factory in Melbourne, have significantly ramped up operations to meet the enormous demand. Ego Pharmaceuticals is now operating 24 hours a day and producing 90,000 bottles a day, five times their forecast levels.

We’ve also seen wineries and grape-growers affected by smoke damage caused by the recent bushfires, and boutique distilleries that have lost passing tourist trade, turning to manufacturing alcohol for use in sanitisers, further shoring up the supply chain pipeline.

All this demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of our manufacturing sector and what can be done when governments and businesses work together. I believe we will emerge from this crisis with a much greater public awareness of the

importance of supporting our own manufacturers.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest challenge in living memory for our country but our fighting spirit and Aussie ingenuity will see us through this and come out stronger on the other side.

The Hon Karen Andrews MP is Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.

APRIL / MAY 2020

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INDUSTRY POLITICS THE HON. BRENDAN O'CONNOR MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRY

DAWN OF A NEW ERA FOR AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING There’s no doubt COVID-19 has been challenging on many levels including Australians health, the economy and the community.

Australians however are a resilient bunch and we know that often in a crisis, there is a chance to cultivate opportunities.

COVID-19 has shone a light on the manufacturing sector in particular, which highlights both our reliance on a strong manufacturing sector along with future prospects.

A time to reflect on the state of Australian manufacturing and reset.

In a matter of weeks Australians

faced a sudden restriction of overseas supply chains combined with soaring global demand for medical supplies and Personal Protective Equipment.

our way.

At pace, a number of Australian manufacturers adapted their production lines to produce essential items and medical equipment in the battle against the virus, whether it be masks, hand sanitiser, ethanol, surgical gowns or ventilators.

Some of Australia’s crucial manufacturing capacity has been displaced completely and thousands of manufacturing jobs lost over the past six years of the Morrison Government.

But the health pandemic very quickly laid bare Australia’s weakened manufacturing capability and unpreparedness for this crisis, or any future health crisis that comes

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Since then, it seems as though the government has determined that the more they ignore the issue of what is increasingly a struggling manufacturing industry, all the while talking up the future of the industry, the problem might just go away.

But that strategy has now come undone. COVID-19 is a blinding reminder of the error that was goading car manufacturers to leave our shores, a failed energy policy increasing the costs of manufacturing, the withdrawal of private capital from research and development, the depletion of critical skills, and the destruction of the viability of smaller manufacturers further down the supply chain.

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COVID-19 firmly highlights the need for a stro ng manufacturing capability within our own country.

It offers a once-in-a-generation chance to revitalise an Australianmade market with quality goods, solutions and jobs as we as a nation recover.

Many have described fighting this virus as a war effort. Not only do we need to support our frontline

workers, but we need to plan for once the virus is beaten too.

When Curtin established the Department of Post War Reconstruction it was almost Christmas in 1942 – little over halfway through World War II. We need to once again become a country that produces high tech manufacturing, revitalise Australian manufacturing using our clean energy resources.

With our abundant renewable resources, mining industry and industrial capability, we should be at the forefront of the global competition for jobs and industry.

Lower energy costs will deliver investment in energy intensive manufacturing like steel and aluminium and boost regional jobs and economic activity.

More collaboration between universities, TAFE and industry is needed. It is government’s role to support these collaborations if we want to see a new era in manufacturing.

Manufacturing is the second highest spender on R&D, however the only plan the Morrison Government currently has is an R&D Bill before Parliament ripping almost $2 billion from innovative manufacturers and firms.

The pandemic has highlighted a lack of strategic planning from the government as to an industry policy that addresses societal challenges and opportunities for growth. We must focus on prospering the nation as a whole for the future, and to avoid serious disadvantages for the nation’s economy.

Manufacturing jobs are high paid, high skilled and predominantly secure jobs – it deserves a government that believes in its future.

Australia has always been a nation that makes things.

We’re great at it and we need to encourage that to continue.

Brendan O'Connor is Shadow Minister for Industry and Employment.

APRIL / MAY 2020

INDUSTRY POLITICS Senator Carr argues that Australia needs a consistent, long term, in-depth policy that will give certainty to industry in the most uncertain of times.

KIM CARR

COVID CRISIS EXPOSES CAPABILITY MYTHS In a recent opinion piece, Labor Senator Kim Carr called for a revitalisation of Australia’s manufacturing industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senator for Victoria lamented the decline of basic industrial capabilities in Australia as exposed by the urgent needs brought about by COVID-19, and the Federal Government’s apparent inaction in the face of that decline.

“Even less [does the Coalition] acknowledge the fact that unless government takes an active and enabling role in shaping the post-pandemic economy,” Senator Carr wrote, “the sovereign capability in producing certain kinds of equipment that [Federal Treasurer Josh] Frydenberg wants will not be possible.”

Industry Update spoke to Senator Carr about the role of Australian manufacturing in a post-COVID future, and what can be done to ensure local industry will be there on the other side.

“In terms of rebuilding industry, we need more than platitudes,” Senator Carr says.

“There’s less R&D than ever in Australia,” Senator Carr says. “Of the 26 OECD countries, we ranked dead last in terms of cooperation between business and research agencies.

“We need to attend to this.”

In the face of the COVID pandemic, industry has stepped up to the challenge of creating crisis goods like masks, gowns and sanitiser, but Senator Carr says it’s too little, too late.

“What’s required goes further than Defence making ventilators. The Government’s response has been tokenistic, and driven by political demands. The plans for industry are not there,” he says.

“There’s no commitment to building what’s needed, no plans for long term engagement with industry. It’s actually pathetic to see the once-thriving textile industry reduced to making masks. It’s not going to cut it.”

“We have the capabilities, the materials and the creativity, that’s certain,” he says.

Rebuilding in a post-coronavirus world is also an opportunity to confront what he calls “the myths of Australian capability”.

“There are people that say it’s too expensive to manufacture here, that it’s too remote, that we don’t have the capabilities. It’s ridiculous to say that we’re too remote when we’re right on Asia’s doorstep, and our domestic market of 24 million people is not insignificant.”

According to Senator Carr, the coronavirus situation is an opportunity to seriously invest in Australia’s capabilities as a manufacturer, and to break from international supply chains.

“What we need is a government that will back manufacturing, that will support new technology, that will boost skills management, that will establish innovation councils and foster Industry 4.0,” he says.

“It’s disappointing that it’s taken a pandemic to highlight the effects of a long and misguided manufacturing policy, but it is an opportunity to improve.”

Senator Kim Carr is the Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

“There’s an illusion that the COVID crisis is all a bad dream, that things will go back to how they were. They won’t.”

In fact, Senator Carr believes that the ‘good old days’ were anything but. The state of Australian manufacturing prior to the pandemic was, he says, “a man-made problem entirely down to policy failure”.

“We have allowed our country to run down, to become dependent on long, fragile international supply chains easily broken, as we’re discovering, in times of crisis,” he says.

“Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry was destroyed. We once had a powerful textile industry, and that’s now a shadow of what it was. So many opportunities for Australians were sent offshore, and we became totally reliant on mining, exports, and an international shipping system,” he says.

Australia’s enormous scientific capabilities could have translated into exclusive, innovative industrial product, but Senator Carr says the Federal Coalition didn’t back it.

“Instead, Canberra was living it up, believing that manufacturing was someone else’s problem, and that the United States would look after us.”

At the same time, Australia’s research and development sector has fallen dramatically from where it once stood.

SRI Tables on Research and Development and the tax incentive show that in 2015/16, the refundable (small firms) was $2.179 billion and non-refundable (big) was $823.7 million, for a total of $3.0027 billion.

In 2018/19, that had fallen to $1.69 billion for the refundable, and $358 million for non-refundable, with a total of $2.048 billion – a 32 per cent reduction.

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APRIL / MAY 2020

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INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF

WILL YOU BE READY TO GO? WINNING COMBINATION FOR HEAVY DUTY APPLICATIONS

With many companies either in total shutdown or reduced production, this otherwise inconvenient time does offer the opportunity to get your plant in top working order to ensure you are ready to go when full production restarts.

Many people now restricted to their homes are using the time to do chores that they would always put off during busier times. Well, industry can pretty much follow suit, taking the opportunity to carry out cleaning, maintenance and process improvements that will lead to a better and more efficient workplace. Such activities also employ people in worthwhile work during this restrictive period.

For major industry, this is a chance to carry out comprehensive preventative maintenance on capital equipment without causing unnecessary downtime, as would occur during normal operations.

This maintenance will ensure plant and machinery are in peak condition to kick-start when full production resumes, greatly reducing the possibility of low performance or breakdown.

For example, if you rely on compressed air to power your vital equipment or production line, this is a great time to have the compressor and system components serviced and inspected for inefficiencies, including air leaks which can halve performance.

Here’s a fact: the cost of the maintenance now on major equipment, will be far less than the cost of potential breakdown, both in the repair bill and the loss of production.

In the case of the compressed air system, Kaishan Australia (formerly Southern Cross Compressors) deploys a national fleet of highly experienced, mobile, compressed-air technicians with the expertise and know how to service and inspect all types and brands of compressors and systems. They also carry a comprehensive range of spare parts for immediate repairs if required.

One visit by a Kaishan technician can give you complete peace of mind that you are assured of a long troublefree operating period ahead. Should breakdown occur, Kaishan technicians are available 24/7 for emergency call out to get you up and running — fast.

Many of Kaishan’s clients operate under customised, regular maintenance programs that ensure their systems are always in peak condition. Kaishan can also update or replace equipment to lift your compressed-air efficiencies to and beyond increasing demands.

Kaishan Australia 1300 098 901 Kaishan.com.au

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

Heavy duty planetary gearmotor leaders Bonfiglioli have broken the mould with their new Combo Unit, for use in apron feeder applications.

Combining Bonfiglioli’s reliable HD series with their robust, best-selling 300M series planetary geared motor, the Combo Unit is a cost effective and lightweight power transmission powerhouse.

The Combo Unit was born during a recent project, when two of Bonfiglioli’s heavy duty gear units were merged to meet the needs of the job.

“This particular project was for an apron feeder, which typically requires low speeds to transport heavy materials,” says Bonfiglioli managing director Martin Broglia.

“In mining, apron feeders ensure smooth operations and increased uptime.

The durability and reliability of the products used in an application like this are crucial.”

With its modular design and versatility, Bonfiglioli’s 300M planetary series is the perfect choice for heavy duty applications.

“The 300 series can withstand the harshest environments without the need for downtime,” Broglia says.

“The planetary gearbox achieves topclass flexibility thanks to several outputs, as

well as input configurations available for all 20 sizes.”

A wide range of electric motors, also available from Bonfiglioli, complement the 300M series.

“Asynchronous motors (BN-BE-BX/ M-ME-MX) can be coupled with 300M series gearboxes, providing our customers a complete solution.”

The HDX series is Bonfiglioli’s heavy duty range of geared motors, and is available in helical parallel shaft (HDP) or bevel (HDO). The HD series can operate in harsh, even explosive atmospheres thanks to high quality materials and welloptimised design.

“Bonfiglioli is well placed to assist customers with their heavy duty applications,” Broglia says.

“We’ve seen more orders for these units as market confidence has grown.”

The Bonfiglioli apron feeder makes use of their new Combo Unit, designed and assembled at their production unit in Sydney. In-house service and spares are available locally.

Bonfiglioli 02 8811 8000 www.bonfiglioli.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF

POWERFUL LIFT TRUCK LEADER HYSTER CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF ASIA-PACIFIC SERVICE AND SOLUTIONS LEADERSHIP A brand renowned globally for powerful, tough and reliable lift trucks backed by strong customer service partnerships, Hyster-Yale Group, Inc., is celebrating 60 years of growth since Hyster’s establishment in Australia and ongoing expansion throughout the AsiaPacific.

The celebrations – marked with a thank you function for staff at the same Sydney HQ inaugurated in 1960 – highlight a series of company milestones and achievements that have seen the Hyster-Yale Group spread its wings locally and regionally with its global range of materials handling equipment and expanding network of strong, serviceoriented dealers responsive to each unique market.

“The range available to satisfy diverse needs throughout the region now extends from the largest container handlers and reach stackers, through nearly every type and size of warehouse equipment, to lift trucks suitable for handling all types of palletised or non-palletised loads,” said Hyster-Yale Vice President, Big Trucks and Solutions, JAPIC, Mr Tony Fagg.

Hyster-Yale Asia-Pacific continues to evolve a stream of innovation, including the introduction last year of the new Hyster UT and Yale UX series diesel or dual-fuel counterbalance lift trucks, pallet trucks and stackers, which deliver an attractive, affordable and uncomplicated range for low intensity applications across many Asia-Pacific industries, including food and beverage, warehousing, manufacturing,

logistics and intermodal distribution.

“Hyster’s reputation for rugged strength, reliability and service backing – originally founded on our machinery’s performance in lumber yards, ports and the military during World War II – was rapidly spreading worldwide as the Australian HQ was established in 1960,” Mr Fagg said.

By 1960, Hyster’s product line had grown from the original Hyster winches used on battlefields and the first “Handy Andy” small forklift, to a range of 130 models spanning five classes.

The company forged powerful partnerships across the globe, a process which was extended down under from those early days by the growth of a strong professional dealer and service network extending across Asia-Pacific. Mr Fagg described these as “strong relationships that are in turn backed

by Hyster Asia-Pacific building relationships and partnering with customers, suppliers, dealers, and employees.”

“Our ongoing objective, now as well as then, is to offer the broadest possible range of materials handling solutions choice to customers in the region. Today, this is supplied through our long-established and expanding local dealer network and draws on the diverse capabilities of manufacturing facilities that have evolved to serve our diverse markets. Our major manufacturing facilities in America, China and Europe all produce to the standards of quality and value on which the Hyster brand was founded.”

Quality and reliability assurance have long been hallmarks of the brand. What began as a two hectare (5-acre) testing site in the US in the 1960s is now a 31.5 hectare (78-acre) facility with a wide range of testing technologies that help ensure every Hyster lift truck exceeds expectations. Hyster Asia Pacific also draws on regional product development centres for lift trucks to produce solutions that drive productivity.

A milestone in this expanding distribution process was established recently when the company complemented its network of south-east Asia dealers with the establishment of Hyster-Yale Lift Trucks Singapore Pte. Ltd. The new entity – which replaces Hyster Singapore Pte Ltd – unites under the one roof the resources of the previously separate Hyster and Yale dealerships to create a stronger and more diverse sales and rental offering from the one outlet, offering strong product range, service and applications engineering.

“Advanced and efficient distribution and service will continue to be a keystone of our performance over our next 60 years, as we embrace the benefits of micro-distribution technologies that swiftly deliver the components needed to maintain productivity.

These technologies will assist us to streamline the supply chain – eliminate entire steps in the process – and further simplify service and parts practices that enable our network to respond to customer need with even greater speed and precision,” Mr Fagg said.

“Product innovation and technology leadership that has been strongly developed in the decades since our establishment will continue to forge ahead, with a stream of new regionally responsive product that emphasises safety, energy efficiency, reliability, sustainability and advanced compliance with environmental safeguards.

“Underlying all this progress will be the tradition of Strong Partners with Tough Trucks for demanding operations anywhere.

Our machinery will continue to combine innovative design, industrial-strength components, state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing – whether Hyster or Yale machinery is designed for 24/7 operation, or cost-efficient smaller operations keyed to the needs of different industries.”

An extended timeline can be viewed at the company’s website.

Hyster-Yale Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd 02 9795 3842 www.hyster-yale.com

GANTRY SYSTEMS LIFT AND SHIFT WITH EASE For reasons of safety, efficiency and precision, tasks that involve the movement of heavy or awkwardly shaped products over a large distance are best left to machines.

Industral robots can transport heavy loads around larger work areas, but for less cost and greater flexibility, a linear motion guided gantry system is undoubtedly the better solution.

With the right gantry in place, even the heaviest load can be lifted and shifted with ease. Staff are kept out of harm’s way, increasing productivity, and expensive industrial robots don’t end up tasked with duties beyond their scope.

Linear motion expert HepcoMotion has supplied its range of HDS2 gantry solutions to bespoke material handlers

APRIL / MAY 2020

Avanti Conveyors for more than 18 years, specifically to lift pallets in a large workspace.

Each gantry has a payload of 120 kilograms. The X-axis moves at a speed of 2m/s, while the Z-axis moves at 1.8m/s and provides a two-metre stroke.

With lengths that range between 12 metres and 30 metres, HepcoMotion’s gantries are well-suited to pick and place across a wide area.

HepcoMotion recently installed a rack-driven HDS2 X-Z gantry system in its own factory to act as a multi-station chemical finishing dipping plant. Based on an overall payload of 700 kilograms with a nominal speed of 0.5m/s, the system provides a long X-axis stroke of 14,000mm.

Four-metre slides are lifted and loaded into seven separate dipping tanks. Two heads provide stability when manoeuvring the four-metre lengths, a challenging shape and size that does not easily lend itself to a robot.

Hepco’s wide range includes all mechanical elements including legs, XZ beams, slides, bearings, rack and pinions, belt drives and cable chains, all tailored to

the individual needs of the customer.

For more information about the HepcoMotion line or linear motion, contact the experts at T.E.A. Transmissions T.E.A. Transmissions 07 4129 2533 visit tea.net.au

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF

HAWKER PACIFIC FLIES HIGHER WITH DOOSAN As aircraft technology has evolved over the past century, the design and manufacture of the components that keep us in the air has become more and more intricate and involved. At best, component failure can leave a plane grounded; at worst, it can cost lives.

able to handle jobs with greater speed and accuracy than Barnard’s team was used to.

Hawker Pacific was established in 1978 to meet the service needs of the Australian aviation industry. Since then, the company has grown across the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, with a list of clients that includes corporate, government, defence and private aviation ventures.

Armed with a powerful machine easily able to compete with its higher end competitors, Hawker Pacific’s manufacturing operations began to expand.

At the core of Hawker Pacific’s aircraft support service is the ability to manufacture custom components. Modifications, retrofits and special fit-outs require parts not readily available on the aftermarket, which is when Hawker’s world-class component manufacturing facilities take flight.

“The work we do requires extreme attention to detail,” says Stedler Barnard, sales and production coordinator at Hawker Pacific’s Brisbane facility, which produces a wide range of aircraft components.

“We create plane frames, landing gear assemblies, everything from large aluminium billets to tiny components.”

This work is largely handled by machines from South Korean manufacturer Doosan Machine Tools’ range of DNM vertical machining centres. The Brisbane factory’s first purchase was a DNM 650, a choice largely driven by the competitive price.

“That was a big factor in our choice of the 650, yes,” Barnard says.

“But then we discovered that the quality of the work done was second to none.”

The three-axis DNM 650, powered by the ever-reliable Fanuc spindle motor, was

“The machine we’d had before was much slower, and the quality was nowhere near as good. We were really surprised by just how good the Doosan was.”

“We found we actually grew with the Doosan,” he says.

“There was no limit to what we could do with it. We never had to refuse a job because the machine wasn’t up to it.”

The DNM 650 was able to handle with ease the tight finishes and fine tolerances demanded by the industry. As a result, Hawker Pacific was being offered bigger jobs.

“Our work with the 650 led to a big OCR project for Airbus,” Barnard says.

“That’s really what got us going with Doosan, and production ramped up from there.”

The extra workload prompted the Hawker team to purchase two second generation DNM 5700 three-axis milling machines from Doosan’s exclusive Australian sales and service agent Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse.

“We have a good relationship with Hare & Forbes, they’re great at keeping in touch.

Whenever we’ve got a question, they’re available,” Barnard says.

The DNM 5700 is used to make tool parts from high carbon, high chromium steel blocks. The main benefit of the 5700 is the 12000 rpm heavy-duty direct drive spindle, which meant that Barnard’s team could provide better quality finishes.

“The 5700s also have a much smaller footprint compared to the 650,” he says.

“But the 650’s size means it can handle larger jobs. It’s a good balance.”

The 5700s proved effective enough that the team ordered a third the following year.

“The 5700s could handle the larger quantity of work, and significantly decreased cycle times,” Barnard says.

“But we got a 20000 rpm spindle for the third machine, which allows for finer tooling and even better finishes.”

Currently, Doosan machines make up 90 per cent of Hawker Pacific’s Brisbane workshop lineup.

“Virtually our entire workload is handled by the Doosans,” Barnard says.

Every Doosan machine at the Hawker Pacific facility features the Fanuc CNC controller, which provides a uniform programming and control environment that makes it easy for operators to master multiple machines.

“We think it’s important to keep things uniform,” he says.

The power and quality provided by the Doosan machines brought Hawker Pacific to

the attention of the Department of Defence.

The two have since formed a solid working relationship that has helped Hawker Pacific continue to grow.

“As the business develops, we’ll invest in new machines,” Barnard says.

“We’ve looked at the five-axis Doosans, actually, and if the quality matches the threeaxis machines we currently use it’ll be an easy choice to make.”

The superior quality and performance of the Doosan DNM range transformed Hawker Pacific’s operations, and allowed them to achieve the high standard of work for which they’re renowned.

“Doosan has been a part of our growth.

We just have no issues with the work they produce, I couldn’t fault them,” Barnard says.

“We started with one mill and one lathe, and now we’ve got a quality lineup of machines that can handle whatever we throw at them.”

Hawker Pacific www.hawkerpacific.com Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse www.machineryhouse.com.au

KEEPING INDUSTRY

Our skilled technicians are still on the road to keep your compressed air system going.

Engineering the Future

Kaishan Australia 38

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

At Kaishan Australia we have put stringent procedures in place to enable our mobile technicians to safely assist our customers and anyone else with compressed air problems around the country.

kaishan.com.au APRIL / MAY 2020

MACHINE BUILDING

BONFIGLIOLI AND KILIC TEAM UP FOR T-PORTS to handle large amounts of grain at a consistent rate, to be competitive and efficient in the long-term.

“The system design, made in collaboration with our customer Ahrens, includes belts, gantries, services, framework, conveyors, piling and concreted works, and is based on ‘off the shelf’ solutions,’ Dennis says.

Bonfiglioli’s trusted gear motors were used to drive the large operation.

“We used a series of HD and HDO heavy duty gear units for this application,” says Danie de Vries, Bonfiglioli state manager for Victoria, SA and Tasmania.

With their high-output torque, superior reliability and long operating life, Bonfiglioli’s HD series packs high-quality materials into an optimised design.

“The HD Series can operate in the harshest environments, as well as explosive atmospheres, with low maintenance costs and long service intervals,” de Vries says.

The Kilic job required four conveyor drives and two bucket elevator drives, all designed and manufactured at Bonfiglioli’s Sydney facilities.

Gearmotor specialist Bonfiglioli has lent its expertise to an Adelaide engineering company for a significant new grain transportation project.

Tasked with creating a ‘boom conveyor’ to load large volumes of grain onto ships in South Australia, Kilic Engineering turned to Bonfiglioli for local support and on-hand expertise.

The project requires the transportation of 1000 tonnes of grain per hour to a 24,000-tonne silo storage. The grain is loaded into trucks via dual hoppers, taken

to the silos, and from there, to a large-haul shipping vessel.

then into the ship,” says Craig Dennis, general manager for Kilic Engineeering.

The ship is loaded by the boom conveyor at a capacity of 13,800 tonnes per day.

The T-Ports system eliminates the need for major jetty structures and other port infrastructure, and can operate in seas of up to five metre wave height and 30-knot winds.

The boom conveyor, which does the majority of the heavy lifting, is part of a large system for T-Ports, which specialises in innovative solutions for commodities exports.

“It’s a long conveyor which goes from the land over to the shipping harbour, and

Its close location to the grain means the T-Ports reduce road haulage distances, carbon dioxide emissions and wear and tear on infrastructure.

Kilic developed the system, designed

“The drives can be customised thanks to an extremely wide range of options and a large accessories portfolio,” de Vries adds.

“We were able to deliver on time, on budget as per the scope. We are extremely grateful to Kilic Engineering for giving us the opportunity to prove our products in this application.”

Bonfiglioli Transmission (Australia) 02 8811 8000 www.bonfiglioli.com.au

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39

PRODUCTS

ANTIMICROBIAL FILM TO SPRAY ALL DAY WITH EXAIR PROTECT PRINT AND LABEL EXAIR’s range of atomising spray INDUSTRY nozzles, combine liquid and compressed In a time when cleanliness is more important than ever, Australian packaging specialist Jet Technologies has come to the rescue of the print and label industry.

SteriLam is a new antimicrobial protective film developed by Jet Technologies for use in a variety of print and packaging applications.

Effective for up to 10 years, SteriLam destroys bacteria, fungi and moulds, as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus.

An invisible and odourless ingredient, Biomaster, is the key to SteriLam films. Based on Silver-ion technology, Biomaster inhibits the growth of microbes by up to 99.99 per cent.

“Now more than ever before, the cleanliness of products, equipment and the things we commonly come into contact with at work and at home is at the forefront of peoples’ minds,” says Jet Technologies director Jack Malki.

While SteriLam films are suitable for a wide range of applications, Malki says the greatest benefit is in areas where people may

be more susceptible to bacteria.

“That’s hospitals, medical facilities, aged care facilities, as well as high-traffic locations such as schools, supermarkets, public transport and government service locations.”

The films can be applied to pharmaceutical and supplement packaging, products aimed at the elderly or people with weakened immune systems, printed products including books, school and university materials, restaurant menus and items displayed in public transport.

air to wash, coat, cool, treat and paint in a variety of patterns. Efficient and versatile, the EXAIR atomising nozzle is easily adjusted to suit your needs, and is available now from Compressed Air Australia.

Used with water, atomising nozzles can humidify, quench, cool hot surfaces in automated processes, and even bring dusty environments under control.

Constructed with stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance, and with a maximum operating temperature of 204 degrees C, the nozzles are available in 1/8-inch, ¼-inch and ½-inch sizes.

While not suitable for direct food contact, SteriLam can be used in indirect food contact applications such as outer layers of food packaging.

The nozzles are also available with EXAIR’s patented No Drip technology.

These add the benefit of positively stopping liquid flow when the compressed air is shut off, so you won’t end up with more liquid than you bargained for.

Jet Technologies 02 8399 4999 www.jet-ap.com

The No Drop nozzles can be used in the same situations as the standard model, including Siphon Fed applications.

Additional air lines aren’t required to

control the No Drip feature; the same compressed air source is used to open a valve to allow liquid to flow, making it an ideal partner to EXAIR’s Electronic Flow Control range.

For even more versatility, EXAIR’s wide range of interchangeable caps can transform the atomising nozzles in seconds, and can be replaced in the field.

Whether you’re after a change in liquid volume or air pattern, EXAIR has the cap – and the nozzle – for the occasion.

Compressed Air Australia Pty Ltd 1300 787 688 www.caasafety.com.au

LOAD UP WITH RHINO-RACK BACKBONE The new Toyota HiAce Gen 6 Backbone from Rhino-Rack allows tradies to transform their home-away-from-home into a tool-shed on wheels. The Gen-6 Backbone is a durable, versatile mounting system that shares the load with ease.

The Backbone connects to your roof via three bases on each side, which distributes the weight of the load evenly to minimise sway.

The load limit is 120kg.

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Whether you’re carrying ladders, pipes or construction equipment, the Rhino-Rack Gen 6 Backbone’s four-bar leg system can handle longer gear. The 120kg load limit, and RhinoRack’s tough-as-nails Heavy Duty bars, ensure you can always have the right tools on hand to get the job done.

Thanks to its quality and non-corrosive stainless steel build, the Backbone won’t rust or fade. This ensures unparalleled longevity.

Its two-piece design allows for a quick, easy installation by a single fitter within two hours.

Rhino-Rack began in Australia in 1992 and now sells its quality roofracks in more than 50 countries.

With all that industry experience, RhinoRack understands what a good roof rack needs to be: solid, rugged and reliable.

Available now from your local authorised

Rhino-Rack dealer, the Toyota HiAce Gen 6 Backbone galvanises your van and transforms it into a mobile toolbox.

No matter what job lies ahead, jump in your HiAce knowing Rhino-Rack has got your back.

Rhino-Rack www.rhinorack.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

PRODUCTS

QUALITY AT ALL LEVELS Food production is a matter of trust, and hygiene is the number one priority in the manufacturing process.

Success is determined by both the reliability and the efficiency that make flawless production possible – whether during bottling, container filling or CIP cleaning.

Plant operators rely on the measurement technology that their processes employ.

That’s why VEGA offers a complete sensor portfolio with compact pressure sensors and level switches. Now VEGA Australia has added two new compact series —VEGABAR pressure sensors and VEGAPOINT level switches — to its portfolio of measurement technology for food production.

Over many decades, VEGA’s level and pressure sensors have built a name for reliability and longevity. They are also robust, versatile and easy to use. Even under extreme conditions or strict regulations, they provide important inputs for delivering greater plant safety and efficiency.

VEGABAR and VEGAPOINT prove that automation can be both simple and highly efficient, without compromising on dependability, hygiene or accuracy.

The new measuring instruments are perfectly tailored to standard applications that still demand the highest quality. Their standardised hygienic adapter system provides the flexibility needed to reduce and keep installation work and parts inventory at a minimum. The process fittings can be selected as needed and adapted to local requirements.

Thanks to the 360-degree switch status display, all sensor states can be seen from any direction. The colour of the illuminated ring, which can be customised from over 250 hues, remains clearly visible even in daylight.

At a glance, the user can see if the measuring process is running, if the sensor is switched or if there is a possible malfunction in the process.

A lot of sensor intelligence is built into the new compact series: the standard IO-Link

protocol ensures both a universal and particularly simple system of communication.

This means that the instruments have a standardised communication platform that enables seamless data transfer and simple system integration.

The new VEGABAR and VEGAPOINT instrument series can be easily read out and configured with a smartphone or tablet. Device set-up and operation are easier, especially in environments such as clean rooms, where physical access involves a lot of effort.

The new VEGABAR pressure sensors and VEGAPOINT level switches represent an important milestone. Food-

production companies that turn to VEGA get not only an entire range of level and pressure measurement technology from a single source, but also hygiene-optimised instrument designs that are extremely easy to install — an application-based combination of reliability, flexibility and reproducibility.

VEGA Australia 02 9542 6662 www.vega.com

KEEP AN EYE ON POWER USE ICP Electronics Australia has introduced its new generation of power meter concentrator, the ICP DAS’ PMC-2241M industrial IoT power meter.

The PMC-2241 was designed to satisfy the energy saving and carbon reduction needs of the Industry 4.0 age. The PMC-2241M can measure your device’s power consumption, analyse energy usage, manage power demands and receive alarm notifications.

The unit features a built-in MicroSD card for saving log files of power data. Once retrieved from a power meter, data is saved and

APRIL / MAY 2020

sent to the back-end management centre for analysis and statistics.

The energy monitoring and management system can be implemented in just a few clicks thanks to the PMC-2241M’s user-friendly and intuitive website interface.

The PMC-2241M can connect to ICP’s DAS XV-Board, M-7000 I/O modules, and standard Modbus TCP/RTU slave modules to offer considered power demand management and alarm notification functions. The LAN interface can connect up to 16 Modbus TCP modules.

Seamless integration with the back-end SCADA/MES/IT/IoT/network management systems is possible via the IoT power meter’s support for the Modbus TCP/RTU, SNMP, FTP and MQTT protocols.

Administrators can monitor the power consumption status of each device and perform statistics and analysis of the data, improving overall efficiency in electricity consumption and bringing utility bills down.

The PMC-2241M’s extensive range of features make it the perfect concentrator of power meter for the Industry 4.0 age.

ICP Electronics Australia 02 9457 6011 www.icp-australia.com.au

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF

GENOX’S EXTENSIVE RANGE OF SHREDDERS EVEN MORE APPEALING THANKS TO ASSET WRITE-OFF SCHEME For anyone contemplating a shredder or granulator, the business case has become even more compelling with the increase in the value of the government’s instant asset write-off scheme to $150,000 as part of the recently announced stimulus measures.

Waste reduction and associated recycling have become crucial parts of the Australian landscape over the last few years. They play a key role in minimising landfill and driving growth in the number of new products manufactured with recycled material.

With the dual benefits of reducing landfill and lowering waste disposal costs, many businesses are looking for effective, reliable and cost-effective solutions for waste reduction.

Applied Machinery, one of Australia’s largest suppliers of recycling machinery, is the sole Australian distributor for Genox Recycling Technology. Its extensive range of shredders and granulators are perfect for reprocessing waste material for direct input into closed loop manufacturing, for secondary processing or for simple volumetric savings in recycling skip bins.

Genox is a combination of the words “Generating Oxygen”, a concept that encapsulates its vision of creating a better environment through innovative technology.

The company’s extensive range of shredders and granulators is suitable for all kinds of waste products. The Vision series comprises high quality, cost-effective shredders, whilst the Gran-Calibur series granulators offer defined size reduction of various materials in a single pass.

The range of products that can be size reduced and then recycled is extensive and includes soft and rigid plastics, plastic film, general plastics, wood, metals, textiles, tyres, e-waste and more. Over 250 companies in Australia now have Genox equipment installed, making Genox one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of recycling machinery.

“Whilst many customers are aware of our larger scale recycling plants, our extensive range of shredders and granulators cater to just about every type of business, all budgets and practically all recycling applications. We have machines available in stock right now or on quick lead times, so customers can start reaping the benefits quickly,” said Applied's Marketing and Project Manager, Daniel Fisher.

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“Genox machines are already extremely affordable and the government’s latest stimulus package makes them even better value,” Mr Fisher said.

burley. This keeps this organic, odorous waste out of traditional landfill, whilst simultaneously generating extra income.

The increasing need for material reduction machines and the crucial role they play in the recycling process is evidenced by the diverse applications in which Applied Machinery customers have put their Genox machines to use.

“One of the key benefits of purchasing from Applied is that we always keep an extensive range of Genox machines in stock which in most cases means same day purchase and delivery. This ensures our customers can take delivery quickly and put the machines to work immediately.”

“We have customers who use a shredder to cut down bulky items such as pipes and large off-cuts to allow them to be more easily packed for transport to recycling facilities.

Applied also holds an extensive inventory of parts and accessories for quick routine maintenance, service and machine upgrades, and add-ons so customers are never kept waiting.

“Many companies are also looking at Genox as a way of generating extra income from the waste reduction process.

One of our customers purchased a Genox granulator to granulate fish waste from his restaurant so he could bag it and sell it as

“Unlike many other machinery suppliers we don’t just sell machinery; we have specialist service engineers who install the machinery and, most critically, train our customers and their staff to use it efficiently and safely. Then we provide

regular servicing and follow up.”

In addition to Genox, Applied is also the distributor for other leading recycling brands including Polystar, Fimic and Greenmax, enabling the company to provide solutions for practically all recycling purposes.

“Now that nearly all companies in Australia can instantly write-off equipment up to the value of $150,000, there really is no better time to invest in one of our recycling machines. However, given the scheme ends 30th June, customers will need to act quickly.”

Applied Machinery 03 9706 8066 www.appliedmachinery.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

Sign Post Sign Post

The multi-purpose Sign Post is designed to support operationalSign requirements by drawing The multi-purpose Post is designed to attentionoperational to advisory,requirements warning and by instructional support drawing information within a facility.

Highly visible both attention to advisory, warning and instructional to pedestrians and avehicle Signboth Post information within facility.traffic, Highlythe visible can be customised with a choice universally to pedestrians and vehicle traffic,of the Sign Post recognised health and directional and can be customised withsafety, a choice of universally hygiene signage.

Post is robust and recognised healthThe andSign safety, directional and easy to install.

It isThe ideal forPost defining pedestrian hygiene signage.

Sign is robust and and traffic routes, wellfor asdefining for directing easy to install.

It is as ideal pedestrian personnel visitors to essential facilities such and traffic and routes, as well as for directing as hand-wash personnel andstations. visitors to essential facilities such as hand-wash stations.

A-Safe Australasia Pty Ltd • 02 9625 8927 • www.asafe.com

Compliant to the global benchmark Compliant to the in barrier safety global benchmark in barrier safety Code of Practice for Workplace Safety Code Barriers of Practice for Workplace Safety Barriers

POLLUTION CONTROL

HOW BIOPLASTICS AND BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS CAN TRANSFORM THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY

By Phil Edwards, outreach specialist for Melbourne Packaging Supplies in Industry News

A lot of packaging suppliers are already offering bioplastic materials as an alternative to traditional plastic packaging products. PLA (or polylactide acid) can be used as a substitute for polyethylene and polypropylene for food containers. It only takes up to a third of the energy to produce PLA compared to similar traditional plastic materials.

Plastic is such a common and versatile material and used in so many different ways, it would be hard to imagine a world without it. You can find it everywhere, from plastic packaging to furniture and even the automotive industry. But with the increased use of plastic has come an increase in the amount of waste it produces.

So how can we create a material that is as versatile and cost-effective as plastic, but without causing damage and pollution to the environment? This is where Bioplastics and recycled plastics come in.

Although plastic is actually made from natural carbon-based materials found in petroleum, a step in the manufacturing process makes the plastic unrecognisable to the organisms that normally break down organic matter. Plastic is unable to decompose on its own like natural materials such as wood. This is one reason that makes it so hard to dispose of and why countries all over the world are looking for solutions to the increase in plastic pollution.

Bioplastics are made to look and function the same as normal plastic, and in a lot of cases, you would never know the difference. Instead of sourcing the carbon-based polymers from petroleum, materials that are less damaging to the environment are used, such as cornstarch.

By combining these materials with different petrochemicals they are designed to break down faster than normal plastic that can take up to 500 years to decompose naturally.

What are Bioplastics?

Another benefit of bioplastics is a reduction in the release of carbon dioxide gasses that are created during the breakdown process. A large number of bioplastics can also be composted and can take less than a month to break down. Materials made from the cornstarch combination will actually absorb the moisture from the soil, making them swell up and break to be easily consumed by the bacteria organisms. Some bioplastics still need industrial composting or to be disposed of in bioreactor landfills.

A lot of companies are listening to the concerns of consumers and are adopting the use of bioplastics in their packaging. CocaCola is using plant-based PET made from Brazillian sugarcane for its recyclable plant bottle and Ford has also adapted its use for their car interiors. Biodegradable and compostable coffee capsules are being used by Lavazza coffee which will allow their customers to throw them away with food waste.

Sustainable packaging using other materials such as rice starch and reusing frying oil is still being explored as well as edible solutions from shellfish waste. Other options, including avocado seeds, seaweed, and banana skins, are being trialed by the bioplastics industry. Even toy giants LEGO have announced they will be trialing the use of bioplastics in the future. The company has invested $1 billion in research and development.

What are biodegradable plastics?

Biodegradable plastics have been treated with additives during the manufacturing process that allows them to degenerate faster than regular plastic when it is exposed to different elements such as light or oxygen, or heat and moisture. These plastics will be labeled as biodegradable, oxo-degradable or photodegradable.

While these products are a great alternative to traditional non-biodegradable plastic, they still pose a risk when disposed of in the ocean. As the water isn’t warm enough to trigger the decomposition process, they will not break down completely and leave harmful deposits that are can be ingested by sea life.

Phil Edwards is an Outreach Specialist for Melbourne Packaging Supplies. Our goal is as with quality comes reliability & safety.

THE RIGHT CHOICE: SLASH BILLS AND REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT Manufacturers are Australia’s biggest consumers of energy, so when power bills rise, the industry feels it more than most. High energy users (HEU) are tied to the discretion of power providers, increasingly volatile pricing, and often confusing energy bills.

Electricity bills are a fact of life, but how much you actually pay isn’t set in stone.

Across Australia, smart businesses have turned to consultants such as Choice Energy to develop comprehensive strategies for short- and long-term savings.

Rooftop solar is an ideal solution for manufacturers looking to reduce their costs and carbon footprint. Solar generation, which is effectively free power once the hardware is acquired, can offset the majority of a business’s daytime power usage without interrupting the flow of operations.

Even on smaller budgets, a solar setup doesn’t have to break the bank. Government rebates and the subsequent savings on electricity bills can put businesses in the black from day one.

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The Federal Government’s newly announced changes to the Instant Asset Tax Write-Off means solar is more financially beneficial for businesses than ever before. If installed by 30 June 2020, Choice Energy can turn your solar system into a $27,500 tax saving on a $100,000 cap-ex solution. Even post-June, businesses can still write off 50 per cent of the system’s value if installation is completed by 30 June 2021.

It’s important for businesses to select a reputable solar installer that can guarantee the monthly solar generation and will cover the cost if the system doesn’t perform as expected. Choice Energy is one of the few companies to provide this unique guarantee along with ongoing support and maintenance.

Victorian manufacturer Recyclable Packaging is a heavy user of energy. As the company expanded and took on more advanced manufacturing, it engaged Choice Energy to see if it could reduce its environmental impact through solar energy.

Choice determined that a 165kW system

would allow Recyclable Packaging to generate its own energy, a move that would offset close to 215 MWh of annual energy consumption and result in annual savings of close to $70,000.

Choice then reviewed Recyclable Packaging’s energy usage and bills, and secured a new retail rate that saved the business $155,255 over four years – an annual saving of $38,814.

“Choice Energy provided Recyclable Packaging with the most competitive professional advice of all those that tendered for the business,” says Recyclable Packaging’s Michael Reed.

“The project had a few difficulties, all of which were handled by Choice without any further stress put on me. We were so impressed by their candour and results that we’ve since contracted with Choice for a fouryear supply agreement at a very acceptable price.”

The experts at Choice Energy say there

are two hidden costs all smart manufacturers should explore.

First, Choice can provide a complimentary network tariff assessment.

“Three out of 10 commercial businesses are on the wrong network tariff due to their usage patterns reflecting a different demand profile,” says Choice CEO Christopher Dean.

“Getting this wrong is costly, as this can often be the biggest part of the energy bill.”

Next, businesses must ensure they have a “good power factor”. This means that the energy supply is running efficiently, and the distributor is only supplying the power required.

A simple power factor correction unit ensures that a business receives extra power if required.

Choice Energy 1300 304 448 www.choiceenergy.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

SUPPLY CHAINS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: CEMAT LAUNCHES WEBINAR SERIES

Your Stamping & Washer Specialists REQUEST YOUR FREE STAMPINGS & WASHERS CATALOGUE & CALENDAR!

3D-Printed Prototypes Available CeMAT, the international intralogistics trade fair, is coming to your house. Forced to postpone its 2020 event, CeMAT Australia has partnered with warehouse automation experts Fuzzy LogX to deliver a nine-part interactive online series focused on future-proofing warehouses.

The excessive demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has left many businesses scrambling to fill gaps in their supply chains. International routes have been hardest hit by lockdowns and social distancing, with many companies out of product and out of pocket, while others have been burdened with excess inventory.

The ramifications for workers, distribution and fulfilment profiles, shipping methods and demand prediction analytics are likely to be felt for a long time to come.

In CeMAT’s view, the situation has

provided a timely lesson on the need for contingency and agility.

Meanwhile, intralogistics technology continues to advance and evolve at a rapid rate. With the right knowledge and the best practices, businesses of every size can design warehouses and distribution systems that can adapt and scale when needed.

CeMAT and Fuzzy LogX’s new series of webinars promise to take attendees step-by-step through each facet of warehouse design and improvement, from receiving and inventory management to putaway and replenishment, as well as picking, packing and dispatch.

The series will feature insights and innovations that can take a warehouse of any size to new levels of scalability, efficiency and resilience during and beyond times of crisis. Included will be how-to guides, best practices, case studies

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Schilders, Jeffrey Triantafilo and Sigma Healthcare’s Peter Petito.

and a panel discussion.

Attendees will be encouraged to interact by submitting questions both ahead of – and in real-time, during – a session.

To sign up for all nine episodes, visit cemat.com.au/webinarsignup.

The series premiere, From Ugly Duckling to Black Swan, premieres at 4pm on Thursday, May 7, and features Bas

CeMAT cemat.com.au

• Wire Marker • Metal Work • CNC Machining • Fibre Laser Engraving • Colour Printing • Functional Test • Logistics Service

Enclosure modification

High mix low volume and quick turnaround

Fully automatic cut/strip/crimp machines

+61 2 8741 5000

sales@ampec.com.au | www.ampec.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

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TENTE CASTORS & WHEELS

SAFETY AT THE WHEEL If logistics is the art of moving products in the most efficient way from A to B, then intralogistics takes the concept to another level.

Within every modern warehouse and distribution centre, the quest is on to optimise the flow of materials and information, using technology, equipment and labour in the best way to get things to market faster and cheaper.

Tente, a leading name in smart mobility since 1923, produces the castors and wheels that keeps industry on the move.

Tente’s product range has been designed to meet the needs of logistics service providers.

Safety, efficiency and ergonomics are all front of mind throughout the development process.

The E-Drive is perhaps the encapsulation of Tente’s design philosophy. An intelligent electric drive system, the E-Drive can shoulder the physical exertion involved in the transportation of large volumes of goods.

Practically built, the battery-powered E-Drive is controlled by a hand-held unit, and is easily integrated into existing appliances. Its ergonomic design helps to prevent employee neck, back, shoulder and hand pain, instantly improving workplace productivity.

Tente’s range of central locking castors further enhance the ease and safety of modern warehouse logistics. Multiple castors can be locked simultaneously with a central operating

lever, while Tente’s Alpha automatic locking system can bring a work platform to an instant standstill with the release of the operating handle.

If you’re working on uneven or slippery floors, the last thing you want is a runaway platform rolling over feet. Tente’s foot protection system cushions castors to prevent contact between a foot and the wheel.

Just as important as accident prevention is ergonomic design that cuts down on the physical effort required by your employees.

One dodgy wheel can make all the difference between a smooth ride and a potential injury.

safe transport of heavy loads. The quadwheel system evenly distributes high-capacity loads without a loss of manoeuvrability, and minimises floor impressions.

Tente has improved the castor design with its two-wheel Linea series, which increases manoeuvrability and cuts down on swivel resistance. An optional kick pedal makes operation even easier.

On the other end of the spectrum, the compact, single-wheel Scout is ideal for driverless transport trolleys. Long-life grease keeps the wheel moving, while the slim design easily navigates narrow passageways.

The safety of your staff is one thing, but the safety of your product is another matter entirely. Fortunately, Tente’s Kappa Flex range has you covered.

It’s not only the way Tente’s wheels move that makes them the ideal choice for your intralogistic needs; it’s how they move.

hardness and flat and crowned profiles provide manoeuvrability at speed.

For the sound of silence, the Elastech series reduce noise emission and provide high running comfort thanks to their elastic and silicone rubber construction.

Tough operating environments can devastate your wheels, making them harder – and more dangerous – to operate. That’s not a problem for the Novatech line, which is built with cut-resistant and anti-static material for the ultimate low-maintenance performance.

A spring-loaded housing construction compensates for uneven floors, and ensures the Kappa Flex can smoothly transport your fragile items.

Tente’s wheels come in four flavours.

Duratech, a near-indestructible combination of polyamide and duroplastic, ensures smooth, precise and quiet operation under highpressure loads in environments hot and cold.

There’s always a way to optimise the logistical flow of your operations, but it’s best to start from the ground up.

Even the heaviest loads need not be a logistical nightmare. The Omikron Quadro features up to four wheels per castor for the

Heavy loads and high speed are a dangerous combination, but not for the Ultratech range of wheels. Their variable

Tente Castors & Wheels 1300 836 831 www.tente.com.au

curve has been very effectively flattened, Tente has experienced a surge in demand for smart mobility.

long-lasting and low-maintenance. They are gentle on floors and easy to move, both over long distances and in confined spaces.

Keeping things clean is a big job that requires not just scrupulous standards but smart mobility. The wheels and castors involved need to be able to withstand conditions that are common in manufacturing, including wet and humidity.

Ease of handling is a given, and so is improved traction on wet ground.

KEEP IT CLEAN Now more than ever, cleanliness and hygiene are vital in industry.

Tente’s expertise in smart mobility has made it a world leader in supplying castors and wheels for medical equipment such as hospital beds and devices.

For a world in the midst of a pandemic, that expertise has proven crucial.

“Worldwide we’ve had a huge increase in demand for our mobility solutions. Our production facilities have been running 24/7 to keep up with worldwide demand,” says Tente’s Australian Managing Director, Grant Smith.

“Our company values state ‘better mobility, better life’, so we’re happy that we can help in the current crisis.”

He attributes much of the demand to the “pop-up” hospitals in the United States and Europe opened to cope with the sudden rise in COVID-19 patients.

Even in Australia, where the COVID-19

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An intelligent mobility solution will improve not just hygiene and safety, it will save companies on time, effort, energy and operating costs. And it makes for happier employees.

Tente, established in 1923, is recognised as the worldwide leader in smart mobility in the medical sector. Based across five continents, Tente offers a wide range of mobility solutions that are perfectly adapted to the specific needs and operating conditions of places such as hospitals, restaurants, hotels and office buildings.

Whether for cleaning trolleys or airport applications, Tente’s castors and wheels are

If your floor is sensitive, choose one of Tente’s non-marking wheels with reduced abrasion. If your environment is humid, Tente offers rustproof models and hydrolysis-resistant materials.

You are also likely to need wheels and castors that won’t be affected by cleaning agents and chemical substances, and that won’t become discoloured, even after long periods of use?

Tente can help there too.

Tente’s Levina castor is particularly suited to the cleaning industry, highly resistant to chemicals and with soft wheels and shockabsorbing plastic housing to keep noise to a minimum.

With soft wheels that ensure smooth

transport and high resistance to many chemicals, Tente’s Mono castor is ideal for cleaning hospitals. All its metal components are available in washable stainless steel.

Safety is further enhanced by Tente’s reliable locking devices and safety brakes that come standard on all wheels.

Almost overnight, the COVID-19 crisis has changed the way the world looks at cleanliness and hygiene. Tente’s range of sturdy, hygienic and washable smart mobility wheels and castors make it easy to keep things clean as we enter ‘the new normal’.

Whatever your needs, Tente’s experts can advise you on the best mobility concept. For more information, contact Tente and ask for its solutions catalogue or visit its website.

Tente Castors & Wheels 1300 836 831 www.tente.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

PRODUCTS

GO WITH THE FLOW the FLT93F is ideal for ventilation air flow, purge gas assurance, gas analysers and sampling systems, inert gas tank blanketing, hydrocarbon gas flows, highpressure relief valve monitoring and much more.

High-temperature, high-pressure, heavy duty processes that require continuous verification of flow and/ or control of air, gases and liquids are a challenge for any engineer.

In response, AMS Instrumentation & Calibration offer the advanced FLT93F FlexSwitch from Fluid Components International.

The new FLT93F is a precision, rugged and reliable solution with full global approvals to maintain a safe work environment.

A technological breakthrough in thermal measurement technology, the insertion-style FLT93F FlexSwitch provides flow, level and temperature monitoring and control.

Highly accurate in air, gas and liquid,

The FLT93F combines an all-welded stainless-steel sensing element with a userfriendly FlexSwitch control circuit to satisfy virtually any combination of flow, level and temperature application requirements.

It’s easily field-configurable to provide unparalleled flexibility, accuracy and stability for all multi-purpose sensing and switching purposes.

Built tough for outdoor use, the FLT93F features a weather-resistant aluminium enclosure and a single one-inch NPT conduit port.

In hazardous areas where transmitter electronics must be separated from the instrument, the FLT93F’s integral electronics can be replaced with a remote option.

AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Pty Ltd 03 9017 8225 www.ams-ic.com.au

WINMATE TABLET IS BUILT TOUGH For mobile productivity, improved efficiency and a versatile form factor, look for Winmate’s M166 Windows fully rugged 11.6” tablet, available now from Backplane Systems Technology.

The M116 series is designed for warehouse, transportation and field service applications. Users can reliably complete tasks thanks to the M116’s multiple wireless connectivity options and data capture modules.

Under the hood is an Intel Pentium N4200 1.1GHz processor (M116P/T model) or an Intel Core i5-7200U Kaby Lake 2.5GHz (M116K model). The removable battery can be hot-swapped for all-day productivity.

On the surface, the tablet features multi-touch PCAP Touch technology with a minimum of 10 points, allowing users to take full advantage of Windows 10’s IoT touch interface. Switch windows, take snapshots, zoom in and out and rotate with ease.

viewing angles, great image contrast and fast response times.

The M116’s enclosure is IP65 rated and MIL-STD 810G certified to survive the harshest environments. The tablet is designed to handle anything you throw at it: the tough exterior is able withstand shock, vibration and drops of up to four feet, and can be operated in a wide temperature range of minus 20C to 60C. It’s dust-tight, waterproof and easily cleaned to reduce the spread of infection during medical use.

The 11.6” LED display features a high resolution of 1920x1200 and high brightness for optimal viewing in any conditions. The panel itself offers wide

Backplane Systems Technology 02 9457 6400 www.backplane.com.au

Australia and New Zealand grows louder, there is hope that the downturn will turn around. Willox believes that although that about face won’t happen overnight, the “overwhelmingly cooperative efforts” of the manufacturing sector will see it through.

health and safety priorities, they’re dealing with similarly stressed customers and suppliers, and they’re pulling out all the stops to ease the burden on their employees.

COVID A HURDLE IN 28-YEAR RUN: PMI The release of the Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index has painted a sobering picture of the state of local manufacturing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, although growth in certain sectors suggests a light at the end of the tunnel.

The Australian PMI figures for April record the largest month-to-month fall in the index’s 28-year history, while local manufacturing has contracted at its worst pace since April 2009.

Of the six manufacturing sectors in the Australian PMI, four contracted in April, while two expanded. Traditional ‘heavy, industrial manufacturers’ reported a decline in conditions.

Although March showed a surge in demand for manufactured food and groceries, April’s results show a reversal.

All activity indices plunged, with activity levels reminiscent of the falls seen during the Global Financial Crisis in 2009.

The most prevalent causes cited by

APRIL / MAY 2020

manufacturers to explain April’s nosedive include an absence of new sales due to shutdowns, order cancellations by major customers, interstate supply chain issues and a bump in the price of raw materials.

“April 2020 was devastating for Australia’s manufacturers and their employees,” says Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox.

“Sales plummeted, new orders fell precipitously, production was culled and employment fell more steeply than at any time since the Australian PMI was launched in 1992.”]

The biggest performance drops across the manufacturing sector were seen in textiles, clothing, footwear, paper & printing, building, wood, furniture, metal products, and machinery & equipment.

On the other hand, the large food and beverage products sector saw an uptick, as did the chemicals sector and its production of cleaning and sanitising products.

As lockdown conditions are eased and talk of a resumption of travel between

“Businesses are doing what they can in these extraordinarily stressful circumstances,” he says.

“They’re managing vastly different

“The sector is determined to come out of this with renewed strength.”

Ai Group 1300 55 66 77 aigroup.com.au

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

47

PRODUCTS

HIGH PERFORMANCE AND LOW LATENCY FROM IBASE The iBase EC-7100 desktop processor-based embedded computer with NVIDIA MXM Graphics is available now from Backplane Systems Technology

The K-Redi-Liner Polyurethane ensures that your equipment is protected when working with fast-moving heavyhitting material.

Built around a high-performance NVIDIA GTX 1080 graphics card, the EC-7100 can access 2560 CUDA cores, 8GB GDDR5X memory, up to nine TFLOPS capability, and four video outputs.

By merging the computing power of NVIDIA’s MXM GPU accelerator with the 7th generation Intel Core processor, the EC-7100 leverages streaming data for AI-driven applications across the transportation, automation and retail industries.

The platform supports Ubuntu and Windows 10 and a maximum of three Gigabit Ethernet ports, and delivers highthroughput interference for computing vision apps including image recognition, object detection and classification.

The standard model is equipped with an Intel Core i7-7700 3.0GHz processor, 16GB DDR4 system memory (expandable to 32GB), and two 128GBN SATA-III SSD storage devices.

The EC-7100 meets the demand for faster data processing and real time analytics with optimal performance and low latency.

Four DisplayPort interfaces and one HDMI make up the graphics ports, while expansion is possible via an M.2 B-key socket, a full-size mPCIe and a SIM card slot.

Backplane Systems Technology 02 9457 6400 www.backplane.com.au

VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT A BREEZE WITH IOLITE The newest member of the IOLITE DAQ family has arrived. Real-time control and feedback monitoring of voltage input data is now possible with the IOLITEi8xLV module from Dewesoft.

An isolated eight-channel lowvoltage module, IOLITEi-8xLV sets a new standard in general purpose voltage input data acquisition. Equipped with an analog anti-aliasing filter with a cut-off frequency of 26 kHz, the IOLITEi-8xLV acquires data across all eight channels simultaneously at a sampling rate of up to 20 kS/sec.

BNC or terminal block input connectors are included in the standard model, along with two input ranges: ±100 V and ±10 V. Further input ranges of ±10 V and ±1 V are optionally available.

Also included are two EtherCAT buses in parallel for DAQ and real-time control, making it possible to mount in both the IOLITEr or IOLITEs chassis. Full speed buffered data acquisition to a PC is possible via the primary bus, while the secondary bus provides a real-time lowlatency data feed to third-party EtherCAT

48

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

POLYURETHANE PROTECTS EQUIPMENT IN HEAVY-DUTY ENVIRONMENTS

Kinder Australia kryptane engineered liner is well placed to provide a solid shield against wear and tear. It is appropriate for conveyor transfer points, screen discharge, feed liners, high wear chutes, hoppers and loading areas.

As an addition, the K-RediLiner Ceramic comes with alumina ceramic beads firmly embedded in the polyurethane.

Both boast a distinctive modular design. They feature a bolt system arrangeable into any required pattern fitting into tighter and bespoke positions.

Saving time and money, the panels - 305mm by 305mm - are easy to replace individually: no need to replace a whole liner. They are much lighter than traditional steel, reducing workplace hazards during installation.

The K-Redi-Liner Polyurethane and K-Redi-Liner Ceramic both come in

various hardness durometers and formulas to suit a variety of uses.

K-Redi-Liner Polyurethane panels come in thicknesses of 25mm, 38mm, 50mm and 63mm, whereas the K-RediLiner Ceramic panels come in thicknesses of 50mm and 63mm. Two sizes of fastening bolts are available: ½ and ¾ inches.

K-Redi-Liner polyurethane is available with fire retardant, fire resistant and antistatic formulated options.

Kinder 03 8587 9111 www.kinder.com.au

A POWERFUL UNDERWATER BOND With so many people forced to stay inside during the COVID-19 crisis, many new homebodies have turned their attention to home improvements.

However, broken roof tiles, leaks, and outdoor fixtures are proving to be a challenge for the laypersons among us.

control systems.

Additionally, IOLITEi-8xLV is powered by the award-winning Dewesoft X data acquisition software. Intuitive, robust and highly intelligent, the software comes with free upgrades for the life of the product.

Enter Sub Aqua, a new high tack adhesive and sealant that doesn’t “see” water. More than just a household glue, Sub Aqua sticks fast in even the wettest environments.

For voltage measurement, you need high accuracy, high channel-to-channel and channel-to-ground isolation, and a great price/performance ratio - and that’s the IOLITE-8xLV, available now from Dewesoft and Metromatics.

Through airborne moisture or direct contact with water, Sub Aqua instantly holds firm to stone, metal, wood and many plastics, and cures over 48 hours into a pliable, hard-wearing rubber form.

Because it seals under water, it’s perfect for rusty gutters, leaky air conditioners, pipes, windows, toilets, baths, showers, and marine repairs.

Metromatics Pty Ltd 07 3868 4255 www.metromatics.com.au

Even in dry spaces, Sub Aqua is pliable enough to create flexible expansion joints between surfaces. Creaky floor boards can be done away with in a single

application.

The high-tack consistency means signs, plaques and outdoor ornaments up to 20 kilograms can be attached to any vertical surface, even in rain.

With winter approaching it’s a great time to fix up the pool, and that’s where Sub Aqua really shines. Pavers, coving or cracks in walls can be sealed instantly, and since Sub Aqua is paintable when dry, any repairs can be made to look seamless.

Sub Aqua is available now from Pack King.

Pack King 03 9720 0425 www.packking.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

ENVIRONMENT / WASTE MANAGEMENT

CALL TO GALVANISE FOOD SECURITY affordability will disproportionately affect the poor, hungry and malnourished people of the world.”

Hunger and malnutrition affect more than 820 million people around the globe, Professor Siddique said, with close to 150 million children stunted due to lack of proper nutrition.

“The role of international organisations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, in reducing hungry and malnutrition is so important, especially now and in the future.”

An agricultural expert from the University of Western Australia has warned that the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis threatens food security among vulnerable communities and nations.

Although Australia is among the world’s most food secure countries, Hacket Professor Kadambot Siddique from UWA’s Institute of Agriculture has

called for emergency support measures for food access.

“COVID-19 does not present an immediate threat to our global food supply, as we have produced enough in previous seasons to have an adequate and stable global supply,” Professor Siddique said.

“However, the ramifications of the pandemic for food access and

AUSTRALIAN PAINT MANUFACTURERS READY TO BOLSTER HAND SANITISER SUPPLY “Many of our members already have the strategic and operational capacity to start producing products like hand sanitiser,” Mr Lee said.

The Australian paint manufacturing industry stands ready to convert production to hand sanitiser to meet the historic demand from government and community, according to a letter from the Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation (APMF) to the Federal Government.

“Their plants are set up to mix large batches of raw materials, they have the necessary regulatory licences, and their work forces are trained and experienced with the handling of the raw materials in a manufacturing environment.

“Several APMF members already have stocks of the necessary raw materials and are willing to use these to make hand sanitiser.

The federation has offered to assist in coordinating and intensifying the national effort to ramp up supply of protective items combatting the spread of coronavirus.

“Our members stand ready to assist in the fight against COVID-19 and we look forward to working with Federal and State Governments to meet demand for these critical products.”

The sector stands out among Australian industry as especially well placed to rapidly switch to hand sanitiser production, according to APMF Executive Officer Bernard Lee.

Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation Inc 03 9611 5400 www.apmf.asn.au

APRIL / MAY 2020

Even in Australia, Professor Siddique has called for action to ensure vulnerable communities are able to access affordable, nutritious food.

“Food relief organisations such as food banks and school meal programs will need continued support during this time.

We will also need transparent monitoring of food prices to prevent inequitable food price increases, especially in remote and

regional areas.”

Professor Siddique has also urged policy makers to ensure producers are given sufficient support for production and delivery of next season’s crops to ensure an uninterrupted flow of produce for international markets.

“Governments need to ensure producers have support for farm workers, as well as transport lines for delivering produce safely and receiving necessary farm inputs, such as fertilisers.”

These measures, in tandem with enhanced research and development in agriculture and food production systems, both locally and overseas, must continue post-COVID-19, he said.

“We need to continue working towards ending hunger and malnutrition, and making our global food systems resilient and equitable.

“This is vitally important, not only during times of crisis but at all times.”

360-DEGREE STATIC ELIMINATOR FULLY CERTIFIED EXAIR's new Gen4 Super Ion Air Wipe provides a uniform 360-degree ionised airstream that clamps around a continuously moving part to eliminate static electricity and contaminants. It is ideal for removing dust, particulates and personnel shocks on pipe, cable, extruded shapes, hose, wire and more.

This engineered product has undergone independent laboratory tests to certify it meets the rigorous safety, health and environmental standards of the USA, European Union and Canada that are required to attain the CE and UL marks. It is also RoHS compliant.

New design features include a metal armoured high voltage cable to protect against abrasion and cuts, a replaceable emitter point, integrated ground connection and electromagnetic shielding.

The Super Ion Air Wipe uses a small amount of compressed air to entrain high volumes of room air. Two shockless ionising points powered by a UL Component Recognised 5kV power supply fills the airstream with static eliminating ions. That airflow attaches itself to the surface of the material running

through the air wipe and neutralises the charge.

Available from Compressed Air Australia, the Super Ion Air Wipe compliments EXAIR’s complete line of Gen4 Static Eliminators. It has an aluminium construction that is lightweight and easy to mount using the tapped holes provided. Two sizes include a 2" (51mm) diameter and a 4" (102mm). There are no moving parts to wear out.

Compressed Air Australia 1300 787 688 www.caasafety.com.au

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

49

WELDING & CUTTING

COREGAS PIPELINE BRINGS ELIZABETH TO LIFE Australian industrial gas manufacturer Coregas has completed installation of a new reticulated gas pipeline system in South Australia.

The project, one of the largest in Coregas’s history, was installed and commissioned on behalf of structural steel fabricator Genis Steel in their new Adelaide fabrication facility.

Genis Steel recently opened the facility at the Lionsgate Business Park in Elizabeth South. The large facility boasts over 15m clear heights and a 100-tonne lifting capacity, and once housed Holden’s press shops.

The facility’s scale will enable Genis Steel to handle a near-unlimited volume of work.

Genis Steel’s South Australia managing director Vince Manuele says the supply of gas is essential to the fabricator’s operations.

“If we run out of gas, certain areas of production stop. So our gas supply needs

to be efficient, dependable and stress-free.

For this to happen, our gas supplier must be proactive, easy to deal with, and always prepared to fix my issues,” he says.

“Coregas is.”

Coregas worked closely with Genis Steel to determine the site’s gas requirements and custom-design an efficient, cost-effective reticulation system. The resultant facility includes four 700m reticulated pipelines for argon, oxygen, LPG and air supply, and over 220 regulated outlets.

According Coregas regional sales manager for South Australia Nathan Lindsay, the system will provide Genis Steel with the capacity and performance required, along with their technical capabilities, workmanship and reputation for quality fabrication, to maintain their position at the top of Australia’s steel fabrication industry.

“Without a doubt, the Genis Steel reticulated gas system is one of the most comprehensive and detailed installations in

which I’ve ever been involved,” he says.

“Genis steel was very clear on their expectations, and how the system should perform. I took great pleasure in working closely with Vince Manuele and the entire Genis Steel team to ensure we not only delivered, but exceeded all expectations.”

Coregas formulates and constantly updates its shielding and cutting gases to help fabricators maintain their competitive edge within the Australian fabrication and welding industry. The bespoke Genis Steel site features quality gas control equipment from Harris Products Group.

The Lionsgate reticulated pipeline also incorporates Coregas’s smart metering technology that will ensure Genis Steel can access critical level alerts and automatically replenish stock levels.

“The system has been set up so it advises us automatically when banks of gas Series 5940 empty,” Manuele says. bottles are nearing

associated with running out of gas. It makes the process simple.”

Manuele says Coregas and Lindsay went out of their way to meet Genis Steel’s needs.

“Nathan understands the concept of good, strong customer service, and drives this continuously. He understands that I need him to make sure our gas supply is seamless.”

Coregas LINEA Hospital Bed Castor

www.coregas.com.au

INTEGRAL

“This removes some of the stress, Unique Advantageous Genis Steel Housing: Made7040 of high grade synthetic Series 2040 / Series To increase the level of comfort and safety • Two precision ball bearings in the swivel and eradicates productivity problems www.genissteel.com.au materials. for patients, hospital beds should be as head provide for a particularly easy

Two precision ball bearings in the swivel action swivel head.

• The maintenance-free central locking Series 2040 Solid engages with the toothed interior of the Wheels: wheel rim • A robust brake system and a solid Housing: UAP Wheel centre: Polyamide housing are especially capable of • Smooth surfacessteel reduce the accumulaTread: Polyurethane, Frame made of pressed steel, resisting stressclean caused tion of dirt and allow for easy up by shock load precisionprecision ball bearing ball bearing in swivel • Outstanding manoeuvrability, and head and wheel, • The colour of the castor can be ordered UAC Wheel centre: Polyamide minimal required, when pushing a housing cover made of synthetic plastics to match bed frames andforce connecting Tread: Polyurethane, bed, are ensured by the ideal combinaparts precision ball bearing, tion of precision ball bearings, polyurestainless,Wheels: washable • Elegant design creates andwheel’s excellent thane confidence tread and the UAP Wheel centre: Polyamide trust with the patients geometry USC Electric conductive, non-marking Tread: Polyurethane, • The easy to operate actuation system Wheel centre: precision Polyamideball bearing performs particularly quiet Tread: Polyurethane, UAX Wheel centre: Polyamide • Beautifully designed synthetic semi precision ball bearing, Tread: Polyurethane, stainless, washable cover are snapped on and ultrasonically precision ball bearing, sealed Comparison of the overall height Housing: welded. They function as a bumper, c Robust 125Specifi mm Wheel-Ø 150 mm Wheel-Ø electric conductive, non-marking Available as: XSX absorbing lateral impacts elastically and Frame made of pressed • Castors in the health care market have • The castor’s framework is made of two Wheelsteel, centre: Polyamide without permanent deformationprecision ball bearing in swivel 5940 Swivel castor Tread: to fulfill the highest demands steel pressed halves to withstand the Polyurethane, • TENTE A symbol forhead stabi-and wheel, precision ball bearing, sealed, high stress caused byINTEGRAL: shocks Thus, a 150 mm castor has an overall 5944 Swivel castor withofcentral-, • Durability, stability, washability and easy synthetic lity, long endurance and safety housing cover made height of only 155 mm. This provides washable total- or directional lock manoeuvrability are basic criteria • The individual parts do not deform or plastics smooth rolling properties of a 150 mm 5946 Swivel castor with central- or break castor with fitting dimensions of a • TENTE twin wheel castors provide low Wheelsizes: total lock Wheels: conventional 125 mm twin wheel castor. roll and swivel resistance, which in turn • The polyurethane treaded synthetic 125 mm, 150 mm and 200 mm Ø offer a smooth and comfortable ride wheels are made of high grade and UAP Wheel centre: Load Wheelsizes: 125 mmcapacity: andPolyamide 150 150 mmkg Ø per castor reinforced base material Tread: Polyurethane,precision according to EN 12531 Load capacity: 150 kg per castor ball bearing, as option washable • Increased rolling comfort coupled with according to EN 12531 version with sealed precision specially low rolling and swivelling conductive ball Electrical bearing available resistances versions can be recognised by the yellow swivel beaUSX electric conductive, non-marking ringcentre: cover. Polyamide Wheel Tread: Polyamide Tread: Polyurethane, precision ball bearing, Fittings: sealed, washable low as possible.

Therefore, TENTE developed the LINEA series of twin wheel castors, with an overall height merely a few millimeters larger than the wheel diameter.

TENTE Medical

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100 mm, 125 mm and 150 mm Ø SERIES SERIES Gute Gestaltung Load capacity depends per castor: German Dsigner Club 125 kg up to 150 kg per castor 294 according to247 EN 12531 Awards forof excellent Design Certified The Design Award the Electrical conductive TWIN CARE Federal Republic of Germany versions can be recognised NOMINATED Award for Highest Design by the yellow dot.

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4

50

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

APRIL / MAY 2020

WELDING & CUTTING

USING THE RIGHT WELDING TABLE IMPROVES ACCURACY AND PRECISION

The Highest Performing Laser Scanner for 2D and 3D Profile Measurement

The ScanControl provides non-contact profile detection of objects of different surfaces with high accuracy and reliability.

• • • • • Welding is an essential activity in so many industries, and the right equipment is critical when complex designs put a premium on accurate work and leave little tolerance for error.

The Demmeler 3D workbench and welding table distributed by Leussink is a versatile jig and fixtures system for all types of welding and fabrication work. Projects such as steel construction, sheet metal processing, robot technology, assembly and measuring equipment, laser welding, laser cutting, prototype construction, body construction and many others can be set up easily and precisely.

The Demmeler system can meet all horizontal and vertical requirements and is complemented by a full range of components to fixture virtually any part.

Due to its modular nature, engineering changes are easily handled, and duplicate fixtures can be ready in as little as 20 minutes. By using modular fixturing, users can recover valuable production space once used for storage of old dedicated fixtures and jigs.

Another factor that needs to be considered with welding table systems is hardness because welding obviously creates a lot of heat. Demmeler’s Demont range uses a high-strength base material for the worktop in combination with a special optimised low heat hardening process that provides the best surface characteristics for any type of project.

Demmeler tables are constructed using a low heat hardening process, which helps stop distortion caused by high heat.

Vawdrey, a Victorian-based company that manufactures truck trailers, used a plain steel bench for small jobs in its workshop before acquiring the Demmeler system from Leussink. Vawdrey’s Quality and Manufacturing Engineer, Bradley Kent, estimates that Vawdrey is

APRIL / MAY 2020

saving about 20% in the time it takes to manufacture the smaller parts, while also boosting accuracy.

“The Demmeler system is more precise, allows us to set up jigs, and clamp anywhere, not just at the sides of the bench. It allows us to repeat the same job over and over and it comes out the same way every time,” said Mr Kent.

Among other accessories, there is a range of angles that allow users to expand the working area of the Demmeler table, both up and out, making it easier to set up jigs or weld larger items. Four new models were recently added to the range.

The new aluminium/titanium Demmeler angles weigh only a third of similar angles made from steel, so a user is lifting only 12 kilograms instead of 35 kilograms.

As well as extending the working surface of the Demmeler table, the angles act as a stop and allow the user to secure workpieces at 90 degrees. The 50mm borehole grid makes the angles easy to handle and move into place for accurate work, and the kidney-shaped 90-degree system groove makes continuous angle adjustment possible.

All the design elements that are incorporated into the Demmeler table system make them very easy and quick to clamp and unclamp. For example, when using the Demmeler power screwdriver with quick-change coupling, the process is ten times faster than conventional methods.

Leussink works closely with clients to make sure the Demmeler 3D table system works for them by providing onsite visits and follow-ups.

Leussink 02 4260 7777 www.leussink.com.au

Integrated, Programmable Intelligence Easy Integration and Data Transmission via SDK or GigE Vision Compact design Red Laser and Blue Laser Options High Profile frequency for Dynamic Tasks

Contact Us for More Information OR Request for a Demo (0)3 9540 5100

enquiry@bestech.com.au www.bestech.com.au GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY LOCAL SUPPORT

3M ADFLO VISOR KEEPS USERS COOL

With a national shortage of respirator PPE stock in Australia, 3M have launched their Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with lightweight clear visor to meet overwhelming demand.

Providing a high level of respiratory protection, the 3M PAPR Visor shields users from thermally generated, mechanically generated and microbiological particles. The head-top’s positive pressure environment prevents the entry of respiratory contaminants thanks to an adjustable clean air flow.

The PAPR Visor is powered by 3M’s Adflo system. Wherever you’re working, Adflo provides cool, clean air around your head, making even the hottest and most

hazardous work more comfortable.

The super-light, battery-powered air respiratory system features a rapid charge, reaching 80 per cent capacity within an hour. A full battery lasts eight hours, with a heavy-duty 12 hour battery also available.

Ergonomically, the 3M PAPR Visor features a task light, two adjustable air flow settings, and a six-point adjustable harness that maximises comfort and allows for clear peripheral and downward vision.

Australian Welding Supplies 02 9439 0111 www.awsi.com.au

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

51

WORKPLACE & SAFETY

SHARPER TOOLS TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE MENTAL WELLBEING and safe workplace for all employees,” she says.

The Australian Resources and Energy Group (AMMA) has launched an industry-first online training program for mental wellbeing in the resources and energy sector.

Employers will be provided with industry-specific awareness and practical tools to support psychological health and safety in the workplace.

AMMA director of operation Tara Diamond says the interactive, groupbased training is the latest and most comprehensive AMMA initiative to assist employers as they work to improve their employees’ psychological wellbeing.

“We are proud to deliver to industry a program giving employers the tools they need to ensure a mentally healthy

The program includes practical activities, key insights and applications, and provides participants with an opportunity to role-play mental healthbased workplace conversations.

“By putting key mental health concepts into action through practical activities and case studies, participants will learn how they relate and apply to resources and energy industry workplaces and situations.”

The launch of this training program is especially topical, Diamond adds, as employers navigate the impacts and challenges to mental health posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is an immensely valuable program under any circumstances, but even more urgent and applicable for workplaces confronting the effects of the COVID-19 crisis,” she says.

“The workplace disruption from the health pandemic has been challenging, but has certainly galvanised the shared commitment of resources and energy employers to mental health and psychological safety across their workplaces.”

The development of AMMA’s Resources and Energy Mental Health Online Training program has been overseen by the Resources and Energy Industry Mental Health Advisory Board, which has lent its expertise to the initiative.

“This period is a crucial time for the whole industry to band together and be proactive with mental health,” Diamond says.

“We must continue to break down stigmas of having regular conversations, and sharpen our tools to identify and assist anyone who may be struggling.”

Australian Resources & Energy Group 07 3210 0313 www.amma.org.au

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INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

APRIL / MAY 2020

WORKPLACE & SAFETY

ON-SITE SAFETY GETS A GROUND-LEVEL BOOST telling them what to do.

“Our research and experience in the field over the past five years has demonstrated higher worker engagement levels with regards to specific messaging by using intriguing visuals and captivating headlines that genuinely invoke interest and consideration, and motivate action,” he says.

A new worksite safety awareness initiative that aims to “democratise safety” is set to launch across Australia.

construction industry, Mansfield understands the challenges of communicating workplace safety issues.

Site Safety Alliance will provide site managers and safety supervisors with the tools and information they need to engage workers about the dangers of worksites.

“Construction companies today typically approach safety communication through consultation, and usually through a meeting called ‘Toolbox Talk’,” he says.

The program takes the form of a monthly information pack that contains safety messaging materials that make workplace safety issues relatable. The information can be used by site managers to hold monthly safety meetings with their workers.

“In my 22 years in the construction industry, I haven’t seen anyone else presenting safety talks in such a way that enlivens workers and actively engages them in safety messaging relevant to their site or sites,” says Site Safety Alliance cofounder Garry Mansfield.

“This is unique internationally.”

Having spent more than 15 years in executive safety roles within the

“But it can be challenging for management to meaningfully connect with workers when there are so many rules and regulations messages coming ‘from the top down’.”

Site Safety Alliance developed its monthly safety packs specifically for these Toolbox Talk meetings. Each pack addresses a specific on-site safety issue chosen on the basis of industry statistics, such as falls from height, nutrition, housekeeping or electrical hazards.

“The Toolbox Talk packages save time and cost by providing site managers with everything they need to present an engaging, effective and consistent safety and wellbeing message for one or multiple sites,” Mansfield says.

The monthly pack includes a comprehensive brochure for managers or supervisors on how to present the information to their workplace, a series of posters and stickers that support the theme, and access to the Site Safety Alliance Facebook group, which provides further tips, giveaways and light-hearted content.

The packs are delivered directly to site, ready for presentation. Mansfield believes the material encourages workers to take a positive approach to safety.

“Our role is to complement compliance and connect from the ground up in a way that cuts through complexity, language and cultural barriers that exist on site, with messaging that resonates with workers as individuals,” Mansfield says.

“We leave the legislative stuff to the regulators.”

Site Safety Alliance co-founder Michael Blumberg says the program’s look and tone of the messaging is unique in that involves workers rather than simply

Blumberg is a 30-year veteran of behavioural marketing and advertising, and currently the CEO of Target Tradies, a site visitation dedicated to safety and wellbeing in the construction industry.

He says Site Safety Alliance was created due to requests for this kind of content from site managers from worksites big and small across Australia.

“By achieving this in context with the compliance information and requirements around specific issues on site, we get higher levels of attention, engagement and involvement around the topics in a collaborative and positive way.”

The duo believe Site Safety Alliance has the power to reach all tradies and workers at a practical level, encourage them to look out for each other and “shift the dial” on on-site safety and wellbeing.

Site Safety Australia is set for a nationwide launch in May. Site Safety Alliance www.sitesafetyalliance.com.au

POWER COSTS OF WORKING FROM HOME REVEALED A new report from Energy Networks Australia has detailed the additional electricity costs that come with working from home.

Those anticipating a monster bill after setting up a home office can breathe a sigh of relief; equipment makes up only a small fraction of daily power costs.

“The costs of running laptops and other equipment are about 18 cents a day,” says Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon.

APRIL / MAY 2020

Housebound kids glued to the TV for an eight hour block costs just 60 cents.

“If the kids are watching TV or using gaming consoles, this by itself is unlikely to lead to a major increase in your power bill, but customers should ensure the devices are turned off when not in use.”

The cost of heating and cooling have topped the list, adding an extra $2 for four hours of runtime.

“Heating and cooling systems will be

well over half your daily energy use.”

To help keep costs down, Dillon says even one degree of temperature can make a big difference.

“Lowering the temperature on your heater by one degree can save up to 10 per cent on your power bill,” he says.

“Setting your air conditioner to 24 degrees for cooling and your heater to 18 or 19 degrees can significantly lower your electricity use.”

A COVID-19 relief package for customers experiencing financial hardship was recently announced by energy networks.

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

53

TEABREAK TRIVIA

THEY SAID IT..

The best industry and political quotes of the past and present: “Suppose that we hit the body with a tremendous, whether it’s ultraviolet or just very powerful light. Suppose you can bring the light inside the body, whether through the skin or in some other way.” Donald Trump “I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside, or almost a cleaning?

Because you see it gets inside the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.” Donald Trump “I can’t believe I have to say this, but please don’t drink bleach.” Joe Biden, US Democrat presidential candidate “I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge…”

Queen Elizabeth II

“As Australians digest this economic news, I would ask that we keep in mind that this period will pass, and that a bridge has been built to get us across to the other side. With the help of that bridge, we will recover and the economy will grow strongly again.” Philip Lowe, Reserve Bank governor “Thank You Illawarra.” Sign on the stern of the Ruby Princess as the coronavirus-plagued cruise ship finally sailed out of Port Kembla “The core challenge was how to design and deliver a new, sophisticated medical product in volume and in an extremely short space of time… The race is now on to get it into production.”

James Dyson on his company’s new CoVent ventilator “I’ve sought to dismantle coronavirus hysteria by sticking to the facts.” Alan Jones

1. A man opens a door, screams, and soon after is found dead. No gunshots were heard in the area. What happened?

2. A woman asks a bartender for a glass of water. The bartender pulls out a gun and points it at her. The woman thanks him and leaves. Why is she grateful?

3. You are given a glass jar. Inside it is a ping pong ball. Your task is to get the ping pong ball out without touching or breaking the bottle. What do you do?

3. How many bones are there in the adult human body?

4. Who wrote the lyrics of Waltzing Matilda?

5. What were the original category colours of the board game Trivial Pursuit?

6. Which city claims to be Australia’s first inland city to be settled?

7. How many times have Australian authors won the Booker/Man Booker Prize?

8. In what century did the Great Plague of London occur?

9. In what century did the Black Death sweep through Europe, wiping out about a third of its population?

10. The 2020 Summer Olympics have been pushed back to 2021. In what city and in what months are they now scheduled to be held?

NEXT ISSUE

Two months on, COVID-19 is still on everybody’s lips (but hopefully not their hands – wash for 20 seconds!). For Australia’s manufacturing industry, the pandemic has been a double-edged sword.

Business has been irrevocably disrupted, but the topic of local manufacturing has been thrust into the spotlight.

The coronavirus fallout continues for the materials handling and packaging & labelling sectors, and we’ll be taking a look at both of those in light of “the new normal” of social distancing and hand sanitiser.

Our profile of the automation industry

rolls on, as production lines consider filling working-from-home voids with staff for whom work is home.

And before we pack up, we’ll throw in a feature on warehousing and storage. With the flow of overseas stock slowing, local warehouses have had, for lack of a better term, to take stock.

On top of that, there’s the regular assortment of Business, Finance and Marketing, Education and Training, Workplace Safety, Security, Waste Management, and Machinery, Metalworking and Machine Tools. Be there.

If you’d like to be a part of the action, calling Scott or Glyn about advertising on 02 9439 1288.

Or send your editorial to editor@industryupdate.com.au. before Friday, 19th June. A deadline always helps.

1: The door the man opened was the emergency exit on an aeroplane. 2: The woman asked for a glass of water because she had hiccups. The bartender went one better, pulling out a gun to give her a fright. 3: Pour water into the bottle until the ping pong ball floats to the top.

Lateral Thinking ANSWERS

1: Gallipoli landing and the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.

2: Alfred Deakin. 3: 206. 4: Banjo Paterson. 5: Blue (Geography), yellow (History), brown (Arts & Literature), pink (Entertainment), green (Science & Nature), orange (Sports & Leisure). 6: Goulburn, NSW. 7: Four (Thomas Keneally for Schindler’s Ark in 1982; Peter Carey twice, for Oscar and Lucinda in 1988 and for True History of the Kelly Gang in 2002; Richard Flanagan for The Narrow Road to the Deep North in 2014). 8: 17th Century. 9: 14th Century. 10: Tokyo from July 23 to August 8.

Teabreak Trivia

INDUSTRYUPDATE.COM.AU

2. Who was Australia’s second prime minister?

In the June/July 2020 edition of Industry Update, we jump into the debate with a feature on manufacturing in Western Australia. With consumers thinking twice about buying Australian Made, it’s a timely reminder of just what’s being done in our backyard.

LATERAL THINKING

54

1. Two of Australia’s most famous military events in World War I took place on April 25 – one in 1915 and the other in 1918. Can you name them?

APRIL / MAY 2020

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02 9439 1288 / sales@industryupdate.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

0202 9439 9439 1288 1288 / sales@industryupdate.com.au / sales@industryupdate.com.au industryupdate.com.au industryupdate.com.au 02 9439 1288 / sales@industryupdate.com.au industryupdate.com.au

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