Industry Update - Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 26

AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST CIRCULATING MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE

Issue 150 Aug/Sep 2026 $12.00 inc. GST

EDITION

EDITION

Awards pin-up in this edition

Australian Manufacturing Awards finalists announced!

E

xcitement is growing ahead of the manufacturing industry’s night of nights with the finalists announced for the Australian Manufacturing Awards, supported by the Victorian Government.

All eyes now turn to the Crown Melbourne on October 8, where the winners will be revealed as part of a gala dinner.

Last year’s event, which was held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, was a roaring success and the 2026 edition in Melbourne is set to be even bigger and better.

Tickets are available now and can be bought directly from Industry Update, either via the website or by contacting the team directly through the awards@industryupdate.com.au email address.

Industry Update, who organise the Awards, was delighted to receive a record number of nominations for the categories, and the feedback from the panel of almost 50 judges was that the standard of applications has never been higher.

“Congratulations to all the finalists,” said Scott Filby, Publisher of Industry Update.

“We have never had such a strong field, and it reflects the breadth and diversity of excellence,

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innovation and achievement taking place across the Australian manufacturing sector.

“Now, the time has come to get excited about the event itself, and plans are progressing to make it truly a night to remember.

“I encourage all finalists - and all who love Australian manufacturing - to book a table and come along to what is sure to be an amazing night at the Crown Melbourne.”

Continues on page 24

Manufacturing looking up in Australia as hiring numbers grow

A

ustralia’s manufacturing sector has returned to growth through the middle of the year, with several key health indicators pointing towards a strong end to 2026.

The S&P Global Australia Manufacturing PMI rose from 51.5 to 52.0, the strongest improvement since January, powered by a growth in hiring and Continues on page 12 new orders.

CONTENTS Pumps & Valves...........................................................................................................9 From the Minister.......................................................................................................10 Test & Measurement...................................................................................................11 Robotics & Automation...............................................................................................14 Editorial....................................................................................................................16 Manufacturing Business & Finance..............................................................................17 Opinion................................................................................................................... 20 Australian Manufacturing Awards.............................................................................. 22 Information Technology............................................................................................. 29 Women In Manufacturing.......................................................................................... 30 Machinery & Tools.................................................................................................... 32 CeMAT Feature......................................................................................................... 35 AMRF...................................................................................................................... 42 Electronics................................................................................................................ 44 Australian Made....................................................................................................... 48 Industrial Flooring..................................................................................................... 53 Materials Handling....................................................................................................57 Compressors............................................................................................................. 62 Products................................................................................................................... 66 Community News...................................................................................................... 70 Events...................................................................................................................... 71

MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE Industry Update Media Pty Ltd ABN 25 083 502 783 Suite 403, Level 4, 116-118 Christie Street, St. Leonards NSW 2065 +61 2 9439 1288 / sales@industryupdate.com.au

Circulation 17,754 Readership 71,016 as at March 2024

All material in this publication is copyright to the publisher and/or its contributors. 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. © Copyright Industry Update Media Pty Ltd 2026 Publisher SCOTT FILBY scott@industryupdate.com.au

Advertising Sales Director SCOTT FILBY scott@industryupdate.com.au

Finance & Accounts MICHELLE ALCOCK michelle@industryupdate.com.au

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SugarAI webinar to reveal manufacturing’s next competitive advantage

I

ndustry Update is set to break new ground with its first webinar, hosted alongside SugarAI, which will be held on Wednesday 23 September at 11.30am.

Entitled Operational excellence beyond the factory floor: The next competitive advantage for Australian manufacturers, it will present an opportunity to learn more about how AI can be harnessed by manufacturers to connect operations, customer value and commercial performance to drive the next phase of growth.

The keynote speaker will be Adam Frank, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific at SugarAI, who will bring all of his expertise to bear on one of the most pressing topics of the day.

Adam will be joined by two leading figures from the manufacturing industry.

Janet Ford is Managing Director of Fischer Plastic Products, a family-owned Australian manufacturer with more than 60 years of history.

She leads the company’s manufacturing operations in Mulgrave, Victoria, overseeing product design, tooling and production while driving continued investment in its people, products and capabilities.

Luke Preston is CEO of the Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC.) His career includes engineering management roles at Quickstep Group and Carbon Revolution, as well as Manager, Manufacturing EngineeringGeneral Assembly at Tesla Motors in the United States.

Further information about the webinar can be found on the flysheet accompanying this edition, or via the Industry Update website.

Robotic Automation acquired by Australian-owned Varley Group

A

ustralian automation specialist Robotic Automation has been acquired by engineering and manufacturing company Varley Group.

The deal brings Robotic Automation, which has operated in Australia since 1988, into one of the country’s longest-established Australian-owned engineering groups.

Varley Group was established in 1886 and operates across engineering and advanced manufacturing, with the acquisition set to expand its capabilities in robotics and industrial automation.

Robotic Automation said joining the group would provide greater access to engineering and technical resources, increase its project delivery capacity and support further investment in robotics, automation and emerging technologies.

The company will continue to operate with its existing customer relationships and focus on supplying and supporting automation systems for Australian industry.

The acquisition is also expected to expand national service and support capabilities, while providing Robotic Automation with the financial backing and resources of the larger engineering group.

For Australian manufacturers, the companies said the combination would support greater investment in locally delivered automation technology and engineering expertise.

Robotic Automation are now part of Varley Group

The deal also keeps Robotic Automation under Australian ownership at a time when manufacturers are increasingly focused on sovereign industrial capability and retaining engineering expertise locally.

Robotic Automation brings almost four decades of experience in industrial automation to the group, while Varley’s engineering and manufacturing operations date back 140 years.

“As I step away from Robotic Automation, I do so with complete confidence that Varley Group, a proudly Australian-owned company that shares our values and customer-first approach, is the right organisation to carry our legacy forward into the future,” said Colin Wells, Group Managing Director and Founder of Robotic Automation.

Varley Group said it remained committed to Australian jobs, engineering talent and manufacturing as part of the acquisition.

Robotic Automation roboticautomation.com.au industryupdate.com.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Major machinery firm launches new brand to focus on manufacturing and recycling

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ne of Australia’s leading providers of sheetmetal, engineering and recycling machinery, Applied Machinery, has undergone a major refresh of brand identity to underline its ongoing and deepening commitment to Australian manufacturing.

The Melbourne-based business has been in operation for over 30 years, and alongside the new look will come a new focus on the main industries that they serve, both in manufacturing and recycling.

Applied is one of Australia’s leading providers of Yawei, Hermle, Akyapak, Cosen and ANTIL machines, and a key destination for manufacturers looking for the best in precision laser cutting, machining, bending and metal-processing capabilities.

Increasingly, their recycling

team operates as a solutions partner rather than simply a supplier, designing and delivering customisable recycling systems tailored to each operator’s material streams, throughput and site requirements across the Australian and New Zealand region.

The recycling side of the business now has its own website, appliedrecycling.com.au, and the logo redesign reflects its growth within the Applied brand.

Where the previous logo’s interlocking cog once held everything within a single mechanical frame, the new brand deliberately opens that space up, freeing the recycling business to establish its own identity and articulate its value beyond machinery supply.

“This rebrand is about backing the future of two industries we

Before and after the Applied Machinery rebrand

care deeply about,” said David Macdonald, Managing Director, Applied Machinery.

“Manufacturing and recycling across Australia and New Zealand are operating in a landscape that’s modern, fast-moving and genuinely challenging, but also full of opportunity for businesses willing to

innovate and stay resilient.

“Our new brand reflects that ambition, while our promise to customers, service and support, every time, stays exactly where it’s always been: front and centre.”

Applied Machinery appliedmachinery.com.au

Workspace marks 115 years of manufacturing with sustainability focus

A

ustralian furniture manufacturer Workspace Commercial Furniture is celebrating 115 years in business while continuing to expand its sustainability and circular economy initiatives.

Established in 1911, the company manufactures commercial furniture for sectors including education, hospitality, healthcare, aged care and accommodation, providing services from design and development through to manufacturing and installation.

The milestone comes as Workspace continues to invest in sustainable manufacturing practices, including becoming the first company in its industry in Australia to achieve ISO 14006 Eco-Design certification.

The certification integrates environmental considerations throughout the product development process, covering material selection, manufacturing, product use and end-of-life recovery.

Workspace also holds ISO 9001

Quality Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management and PEFC certifications, supporting customers seeking independently verified sustainable procurement options.

The company has further strengthened its sustainability credentials through its inclusion on Circular Supply, a national platform connecting architects, designers and procurement professionals with verified circular economy suppliers.

Recent investments have included two sustainability grants through Green Industries SA. One supported the acquisition of specialised equipment capable of processing recycled PET acoustic panels, while the second is helping fund the development of Workspace’s own range of recycled PET acoustic products.

Responsible sourcing remains a key focus for the business, with PEFC certification ensuring timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Workspace has also implemented carbon offsetting across its delivery

6 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

The Workspace factory in South Australia

fleet and introduced packaging made from 100 per cent recycled ocean-bound plastic for its seating products.

The company’s circular economy strategy includes a Take Back Program, which enables products and materials to be recovered at end-of-life for reuse, refurbishment or recycling.

As an Australian-owned manufacturer, Workspace also maintains EcoVadis certification, a Reconciliation Action Plan and Supply Nation membership.

The company’s sustainability efforts have received

industry recognition in recent years.

Workspace won the Community Impact Award at the Australian Manufacturing Awards in 2025 and was a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category at the 2026 Endeavour Awards.

Workspace said the combination of certified eco-design, circular economy initiatives and investment in recycled-material manufacturing would continue to guide its next phase of growth as it enters its 116th year of operation.

Workspace Commercial Furniture - workspace.com.au industryupdate.com.au

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FEATURE

Why one size doesn’t fit all in warehouse racking

Cantilever pallet racking

N

o two warehouses operate exactly the same way. Different products, workflows, equipment and storage requirements mean the right solution for one business may be completely unsuitable for another.

It is something Kurt Oldham has seen repeatedly during more than two decades in the warehouse storage industry.

As Managing Director of Erect-ARack and ReadyRack, Oldham oversees two businesses that approach the storage market differently while sharing the same objective: helping Australian businesses get the right storage solution for what they actually need.

Erect-A-Rack has been designing, supplying and installing warehouse storage systems for almost 25 years.

Since starting in 2002, the company has completed more than 20,000 installations, building a well-established name within the Victorian warehousing and

industrial sector.

“We’ve been doing this for a long time, and one thing you learn is that every business and every warehouse is different,” Oldham told Industry Update.

“You need to understand what the customer is storing, how the operation works and what they are trying to achieve. The racking itself is only one part of getting the overall solution right.”

That project-based approach remains at the heart of Erect-A-Rack.

The company works with businesses on warehouse storage projects ranging from pallet racking and shelving through to specialised racking systems, warehouse layouts and large mezzanine floor projects.

For larger requirements, ErectA-Rack can work with the customer from initial planning and design through to supply and installation, providing a complete solution rather than simply supplying a product.

Mezzanine floors 8 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

But Oldham also recognised that not every storage requirement needs that level of involvement.

Six years ago, Erect-A-Rack acquired ReadyRack, creating a second business designed to service customers looking for a simpler, more direct way to purchase warehouse and storage equipment.

Today, ReadyRack operates as an e-commerce business supplying customers Australia-wide, with products ranging from pallet racking, long-span shelving and cantilever racking to workbenches, trolleys and other warehouse equipment.

“The two businesses really come down to giving customers the right level of support for what they are trying to achieve,” Oldham said.

“If someone is fitting out a warehouse or undertaking a larger project, they generally want someone who can look at the complete requirement, design the system and manage the installation.

“But if someone needs a few bays of shelving, a workbench, some pallet racking or a trolley, they often already know what they need. They want to be able to go online, order it and get on with the job.”

It is a distinction that reflects the way industrial purchasing has changed.

Manufacturers, trades, maintenance departments, warehouses and regional businesses are increasingly comfortable purchasing equipment online when their requirements are straightforward.

ReadyRack gives those customers access to commercial storage equipment regardless of location.

“We supply customers all over Australia, from metropolitan areas through to places like Darwin, Perth, Broome and regional locations,” Oldham said.

“That was a big part of what we wanted ReadyRack to achieve.

Customers shouldn’t necessarily need a salesperson to come out to buy a straightforward storage product.”

The two businesses can also complement each other.

A larger company might engage Erect-A-Rack to design and install its main warehouse storage system, while its maintenance department

Shelving from ReadyRack

or warehouse team may later need additional shelving, a workbench, trolley or other equipment.

Rather than treating that as another project, those products can simply be purchased through ReadyRack.

Even larger products can sit across the two models.

A substantial mezzanine floor requiring design, planning and installation is firmly within ErectA-Rack’s project capability, while ReadyRack can provide modular kit solutions for suitable customers wanting a more straightforward option.

For Oldham, the approach is ultimately about recognising that customers want different levels of service at different times.

“Sometimes a customer needs experience, design and full project management. Sometimes they just need the right product, readily available and an easy way to purchase it,” he said.

“Having Erect-A-Rack and ReadyRack means we can service both.”

After almost 25 years, Erect-ARack’s reputation has been built on experience, long-term customer relationships and practical warehouse storage solutions, while ReadyRack has taken that industry knowledge into a national online model.

Together, the two businesses provide customers with choice, from major warehouse projects through to straightforward storage equipment delivered across Australia.

Because when it comes to warehouse storage, the best solution isn’t necessarily the biggest or most complicated.

It’s the one that fits the business.

Ready Rack - readyrack.net.au

industryupdate.com.au

PUMPS & VALVES

Making industrial batching simpler and more consistent

B

atching should not be a guessing game. Whether a plant is batching a chemical, slurry, paste or viscous liquid, each cycle needs to deliver a predictable amount without creating unnecessary waste or contamination.

Verderflex peristaltic pumps combine controlled flow, repeatable dosing and a simple pumping principle.

With a simplified design featuring the hose as the primary wear component, they provide a practical, low-maintenance option for industrial batching.

Plants batching different products can experience different pumping challenges. Chemicals may create compatibility and leakage concerns, while abrasive slurries can cause wear or blockages.

Pastes and viscous products may not flow consistently through pumps designed for thinner liquids, and in any of these processes, inconsistent batch volumes can affect product quality, increase waste and require operators to measure or adjust

industryupdate.com.au

quantities manually.

Businesses currently use several methods to measure and transfer products in batches.

Manual transfer may be suitable for small quantities, but the result can depend heavily on the operator.

Gravity-fed systems require the product to flow easily and the equipment to be installed at a suitable height.

Other positive displacement pumps can provide accurate flow, though their designs often incorporate additional components that increase complexity. Systems using flow meters or load cells can improve control, although they may add cost and complexity.

Verderflex peristaltic pumps offer a different approach to transferring and measuring products in batches.

Instead of using seals, valves or several components in the product path, rotating shoes compress a reinforced hose to move the product forward.

The product only comes into contact with the hose, helping simplify

maintenance and reduce potential leakage points. Chemical compatibility can also be managed through the correct hose selection. This pumping principle makes Verderflex pumps suitable for batching chemicals, abrasive slurries, pastes and viscous products.

For repeatable batching, the pump speed and run time are set through a standalone control panel or the plant’s existing control system.

The pump then repeats the same operating cycle for each batch.

Depending on the product and configuration, batch volumes can be repeated with less than 2% variation, helping improve consistency and reduce waste.

The physical installation can also be adapted to suit how often the pump is used. In one recent application, the customer only needed to batch product a few times each week.

Verderflex peristaltic pumps combine controlled flow, repeatable dosing and a simple pumping principle

Mounting the pump and control panel on a trolley allowed the complete unit to be moved into position when required and returned to a storage shed afterwards. For processes that operate more frequently, the same pump can be installed as a fixed system.

Global Pumps Australia globalpumps.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 9

FROM THE MINISTER

The tyranny of distance is now part of Australia’s aerospace advantage

S

ixty years ago, the phrase ‘the tyranny of distance’ made its mark on the Australian imagination. It was coined by Geoffrey Blainey – then a young and rising public intellectual – who saw this continent’s isolation from Europe and the isolation of its cities from one another – as a formative influence on Australia. He argued that these distances shaped Australia’s land use, drive for technological ‘inventiveness’ and its external trading relationships.

The phrase still shapes how we understand Australian economic life today. Of course, modern telecommunications and the internet and better transport infrastructure have brought Australians closer together. Yet it’s not hard to see the constraints of external distance on national life. The COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz all starkly illustrate that Australia lives at the far end of the global supply chains on which we too often rely.

But Australia’s wide, open spaces are integral to our national economic strength and competitive advantages in the 21st century.

The vast distances between our capital cities and the big blue skies above them make Australia a major competitor in the global renewable energy race. They also make Australia an attractive destination for investment in the data centres that will power our AI-enabled economy.

Nowhere are the advantages of distance and remoteness more

apparent than in Australia’s burgeoning space industry. The abundance of land, wealth of scientific and engineering talent, unique geostrategic setting and political stability make Australia a natural home for space science, innovation and commercialisation. And unlike the more densely populated northern hemisphere, Australia’s low rates of light and noise pollution and air traffic congestion make it easier to reach and communicate through space.

Australia’s space sector is a hightech industry that employs thousands and delivers major spillover benefits for onshore advanced manufacturing and telecommunications. Homegrown space technologies strengthen Australia’s national security and defence readiness, support climate and environmental hazard monitoring and improve communications and satellite services. In short, the space sector makes Australia stronger, safer and more resilient.

The Albanese Labor Government is maximising this sector’s contribution to our Future Made in Australia objectives. That starts by resourcing the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to perform their core policy and leadership functions. This year’s Federal Budget invests $21.7 million in ASA’s strategic, policy and regulatory capabilities. The Government’s Statement on Space sets out a clear national direction for all industries with a stake in the space capabilities that matter most to Australia.

That kind of leadership makes Australia a world-leader in

Gilmour Space are just one of the many Australian aerospace superstars 10 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

Minister for Industry and Science

Tim Ayres

technological and capability terms. Last year, South Australian aerospace firm Southern Launch facilitated the world’s first atmospheric re-entry of a spacecraft on a commercial licence. The ASA played a crucial facilitating role from the outset.

The National Reconstruction Fund is also investing in the sovereign productive and technological capabilities – and the regional development opportunities – that come with an Australian space industry.

The Fund has invested more than $130 million in aerospace firms, crowding in millions more in private capital investment. That means companies like Gilmour Space Technologies can advance their development of rocket technologies in North Queensland; firms like Myriota can expand their manufacturing capabilities; and Hypersonix can test, develop and produce first-of-a-kind hypersonic aircraft onshore.

The Fund’s recent $10 million investment in Southern Launch shows how much this sector can contribute to economic resilience. The Fund’s investment means more rockets, drones and technologies tested and launched using Australian facilities; greater demand for domestic advanced manufacturing; stronger domestic supply chains; 150 new full-time

Australian jobs; and an active economic partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, who are shareholders and cultural partners in this venture. The $10 million of public investment crowded in a further $15 million of private sector funding, boosting the scale of the ambition and impact for regional South Australia.

From our vantage point in the southern hemisphere, Australians see things others cannot. During the recent Artemis II mission, Australian scientists provided crucial communications coverage when partners in the global north were out of range. The Prime Minister recently announced a new temporary space tracking terminal on Cocos Keeling Islands, supporting India’s landmark Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program. It will track the first launch of four key missions and illustrate Australia’s indispensability as a partner in aerospace mission logistics.

Australian space research and development activity has major economic benefits. The completion of treaty talks on Australian association to the current round of Horizon Europe – the world’s largest research and development fund, valued at A$155 billion – means Australian scientists, researchers and industries will collaborate at scale with global partners, tackling global challenges including in space engineering and technologies.

Australia is still, for all intents and purposes, a country defined by distance. But far from being a constant tyranny, distance is a strategic and competitive economic asset for Australia’s reindustrialisation.

It’s one of the reasons we are home to a rapidly growing and maturing aerospace sector that maximises Australia’s strategic and geographic advantages, supports focused international research partnerships, creates good jobs for Australians and delivers a stronger, more resilient Future Made in Australia. industryupdate.com.au

TEST & MEASUREMENT

Beyond measuring dimensions: Understanding functional performance As manufacturing moves towards smaller, more complex and increasingly functional components, quality assurance is facing a fundamental shift.

Micro holes, freeform geometries and functional surfaces no longer exist as isolated features. Their interaction ultimately determines how a component performs in service.

For many manufacturers, this creates a new challenge. Traditional coordinate measurement systems often capture only discrete points, providing dimensional values but limited insight into the complete geometry.

When dealing with micro-scale features, this can leave critical relationships between dimension, form, position and surface quality hidden.

The next generation of optical coordinate metrology addresses this challenge by moving beyond point measurement.

Instead of reconstructing a

component from selected points, full-field optical measurement captures the complete surface, creating a dense 3D dataset that represents the actual geometry of the part.

This enables manufacturers to evaluate dimensions, form, position and surface roughness within one coordinate system and one consistent workflow.

Bruker Alicona’s new µCMM NEO has been developed specifically for these demanding applications.

Combining non-contact optical measurement, five-axis positioning and full-field 3D data acquisition, it enables reliable inspection of complex micro geometries, deep features, polished surfaces and hardto-access structures - all without physically touching the component.

The result is not simply more measurement data, but a deeper understanding of how functional features interact and influence component performance.

The µCMM NEO is designed for

manufacturers whose quality decisions depend on analysing complete functional features rather than individual dimensions alone.

Typical applications include precision tooling, cutting tools, medical components, micro holes, freeform molds and other highvalue parts where conventional measurement strategies often reach their limits.

As manufacturing tolerances continue to tighten, the question is no longer simply “Can we measure this feature?“ Increasingly, manufacturers are asking a different question: “Can we measure it reliably, repeatedly and in a way that truly reflects how the component will perform?”

Non-contact measurement of EDM electrode

This shift from measuring dimensions to understanding functional performance is shaping the future of optical metrology.

Coherent Scientific coherent.com.au

High-end optical metrology for high-end manufacturing Designed to measure the smallest geometries with unmatched non-contact precision – built for high-end precision components.

Five precision axes for highest dimensional and positional accuracy. Reliable over the entire measurement volume.

+61 8 8150 5200 sales@coherent.com.au www.coherent.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

Industry on alert as safety code of practice made mandatory for manufacturing

M

anufacturers are now facing tougher health and safety requirements in NSW after codes of practice that were previously optional became mandatory on 1 July.

Under the new section 26A of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must either comply with an applicable code of practice or use an alternative approach that provides an equivalent or higher standard of health and safety.

The change significantly strengthens the legal status of codes of practice.

Previously, codes of practice could be relied upon by regulators as evidence of what constituted a “reasonably practicable” safety measure, but compliance with the codes was not itself a separate legal obligation.

Now, the codes have effectively become a minimum benchmark, compelling PCBUs to either comply with them or demonstrate that their alternative approach provides an equivalent or higher standard of safety.

Businesses that fail to meet the new requirement can now face a

separate penalty, in addition to penalties arising from breaches of their broader duty of care.

The news will spark interest among manufacturers across the state, who must now seek higher levels of compliance than were previously required.

NSW currently has 30 approved codes of practice, ranging from construction to waste removal, asbestos and electrical risk.

Many industries, however, are not covered by a specific code of practice and are thus subject to the new legislation’s ‘alternative approach’ provisions.

One such area is forklift segregation.

Machinery and plant operator is already the most dangerous job in Australia - and has been for several years - but there is no agreed standard for forklift barriers for safe segregation in workplace and warehouses.

A-Safe, a leading provider of forklift barriers, has pioneered standards in the sector.

They were part of the group behind PAS13, the global benchmark for barrier safety, which is in use in the United Kingdom and European

Union.

It was created by the British Standards Institution in association with the UK Health and Safety Executive, along with manufacturing giants such as Nestle and Jaguar Land Rover, distribution experts DHL and technical standardisation company TÜV Nord.

A-Safe Director Mark Collins welcomed the news, telling Industry Update that it was a long time coming.

“Standards exist for a reason - to help businesses know what they need to do to look after their staff and maintain a safe environment for all,” he said.

“Investing in safety is investing in productivity, and these new obligations will help manufacturers to do that.

“Industry has been crying out for an agreed standard in barrier segregation safety, which is why we are so passionate about PAS-13 and what it could do in our sector.

“The more and better standards there are, the safer workplaces will be.

“Segregation systems need to be fit for purpose and the only way to achieve this is to have a set standard.”

“PAS13 not only places focus on how safe segregation can be

NSW has made a major change to workplace health and safety practices

achieved and implemented, but also requires the manufacturer/supplier to ensure the product is tested and certified compliant to this standard.

“When carrying out a traffic management plan, the risk assessment needs to encompass a standard such as PAS13 ensuring that safe segregation and compliance is met to provide the safest best practice for staff and plant.”

A-Safe - asafeau.com

All change in Victorian politics as Manufacturing looking up in Australia as hiring numbers grow manufacturing takes centre stage Continued from front page

The PMI reflects the feelings of purchasing managers, is set at a baseline of 50 points - which represents neither growth nor contraction - and thus a score of 52 represents good news for Australian manufacturing.

In particular, the hiring news will be well received across industry.

Staffing is now on a charge, with three months of headcount rises now recorded, and while some of those are temporary workers, the general trend represents a return to growth.

The rebound since January shows how Australia is overcoming the challenges represented by the conflict in the Middle East and subsequent supply chain and energy issues that have arisen from the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Manufacturers continued to cite higher fuel prices, increased shipping costs and longer lead times

for deliveries as issues, with 40% reporting rises in inputs.

“Renewed rises in output and new orders during July provide some reassurance that the Australian manufacturing sector is recuperating from the downturn caused by the outbreak of war in the Middle East,” said Andrew Harker, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

“For now, the recovery is only tentative, however, with only marginal growth recorded amid ongoing price and supply pressures.

“Some deterioration in the situation in the Middle East means that the forward path is highly uncertain, with the possibility that the nascent recovery in the manufacturing sector may prove fleeting should inflationary pressures in particular start to strengthen again in the months ahead.”

12 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

V

ictoria’s political scene has undergone an upheaval in recent weeks, with a change of Premier and a cabinet reshuffle ahead of the state’s election in November.

For our sector, this has had two major impacts - most notably that two of the state’s most important positions are now occupied by politicians with significant experience in manufacturing portfolios.

Firstly, Ben Carroll, a former state minister across several manufacturing-related portfolios, has taken over from Jacinta Allan as Premier of Victoria, placing a man with a long-standing interest in the sector into the state’s top job.

Carroll first held responsibility for the sector as Minister for Industry and Employment from 2017 to 2018, before returning to manufacturing-related portfolios in 2022 and 2023, including as Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty.

One of the Premier’s first announcements after taking office was the postponement of changes to work-from-home legislation, which was greeted warmly by many within industry.

Secondly, former Minister for Industry, Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Colin Brooks has moved to the position of Treasurer, vacating the manufacturing portfolio for Melissa Horne.

Horne’s role is wide-reaching: with all portfolios combined, she is now Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Jobs and Minister for Ports and Freight.

“I want to thank Minister Brooks for all his hard work supporting our manufacturing sector,” said the new minister.

“I’m looking forward to working with our manufacturing industries to continue delivering high skilled jobs throughout Victoria.” industryupdate.com.au

WE'RE COMMITED TO WORKPLACE SAFETY THAT'S WHY WE'RE SETTING THE STANDARDS WITH PAS 13 Did you know that there are currently no official safety standards for the use of safety barriers within a workplace? This means that company owners can take liberties with the levels of site protection they offer there employees. This can seriously impact on the safety of workers in those facilities, as well as creating potential risks to infrastructure, assets, and production itself.

That makes the need for safety standards even more important. PAS 13 is the first step towards creating legal guidelines for workplace safety, to better protect workers and companies from potential hazards. ASAFE is incredibly proud to have been part of the steering group that helped make PAS 13 possible – and we continue to strive for more accountability and transparency in the world of workplace safety.

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ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

Treoflex TA6 delivers EMC protection for VSD applications

V

ariable-speed drive (VSD) cables must do more than carry power.

They also need to manage electrical noise, withstand voltage stress and deliver reliable performance in demanding industrial environments.

The Treoflex TA6 combines XLPE insulation with aluminium foil and tinned copper braid screening to provide effective electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) protection for motor-drive systems.

Available in sizes from 1.5 mm² to 300 mm², TA6 is suited to a broad range of motors, industrial machinery, automation systems and heavyduty VSD applications.

Compared with standard PVC insulation, XLPE offers higher dielectric strength, lower capacitance and greater resistance to thermal ageing.

In VSD applications, where fast-switching pulses and voltage peaks can generate leakage currents, electromagnetic interference and reflected-wave effects, these

properties help reduce electrical stress and support reliable performance over longer cable runs.

The aluminium foil and tinned copper braid screen provide a low-impedance path for high-frequency noise, reducing radiated and conducted interference.

This helps minimise nuisance faults and supports reliable operation where drives, PLCs, sensors and communications networks operate in close proximity.

Achieving maximum EMC performance depends on correct cable termination. The cable screen should be bonded using a metal EMC gland that provides low-resistance, 360-degree contact with the braid.

Treotham recommends the Lapp Skintop MS-M Brush nickel-plated brass cable gland for larger cable sizes and VSD motor applications.

Its brush design maintains continuous contact with the cable braid, while the Lapp Skintop MS-SC-M provides an alternative for smaller cable diameters.

Cable glands should always be

Treoflex can provide the answer in Variable-speed drive cables

selected to match the cable’s outer diameter to ensure the correct sealing range, mechanical grip and EMC performance.

The Skindicht SM-PE-M lock nut completes the installation by securing the gland while maintaining reliable electrical bonding at the enclosure entry point.

This is particularly important on painted, anodised or powder-coated

enclosures, where surface coatings can affect earth continuity.

Together, Treoflex TA6, correctly specified EMC glands and appropriate termination practices help reduce electrical interference, protect equipment and support long-term reliability in industrial VSD installations.

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Treotham Automation 1300 65 75 64 - info@treotham.com.au 14 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

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industryupdate.com.au

ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

Keeping Australia’s robots moving

Robotic Automation are a trusted partner for manufacturers

A

ustralian manufacturers have embraced automation at an unprecedented rate over the past decade. From robotic welding cells and palletising systems to autonomous mobile robots and automated warehouses, automation is now a critical part of maintaining productivity, competitiveness and workplace safety.

Yet there is a question that often receives far less attention than the latest robot, software platform or AI innovation: Who keeps these systems running once they are installed?

As automation ecosystems grow, so too does the challenge of maintaining them.

Many facilities now operate a mix of robotic brands accumulated over years of investment. When everything is running smoothly, this diversity isn’t a problem.

But when a robot unexpectedly stops production, a controller fails, or a critical component becomes difficult to source, many manufacturers discover that finding local

support can be more challenging than finding the robot itself.

Australia has invested heavily in automation over recent decades, with robotic systems now operating across manufacturing, food processing, warehousing and logistics facilities nationwide.

At the same time, manufacturers continue to face challenges sourcing skilled maintenance technicians, electricians and automation specialists.

As automation fleets mature, a new challenge is emerging. Manufacturers are increasingly focused not only on purchasing robots, but on ensuring they can be properly maintained, repaired and supported throughout their operational life.

In an environment where production schedules are tighter than ever and technical labour remains difficult to source, access to experienced maintenance personnel has become every bit as important as the technology itself.

This is creating a shift in how manufacturers view automation support.

Historically, companies focused

primarily on selecting the right robot. Today, leading manufacturers are asking a different question: What does the support look like five, ten or even fifteen years from now?

The reality is that robots often outlive the original project team, the original supplier relationship and sometimes even the technology generation they were built on.

What remains essential throughout the life of the asset is access to knowledgeable technicians, spare parts and trusted local service support.

Robotic Automation has seen this evolution firsthand.

Since 1988, they have supported Australian manufacturers through multiple generations of automation technology.

The company has installed and supported thousands of automation systems across Australia and New Zealand, helping manufacturers maximise uptime and productivity throughout the lifecycle of their equipment.

Today, their national service team supports industrial robots, AGVs, AMRs and automatic wrapping systems across Australia, helping customers maintain and optimise equipment regardless of who originally supplied it.

Robotic Automation has also been Australia’s exclusive Motoman Yaskawa partner since 1988.

They maintain substantial local spare parts holdings and factory-trained expertise for Yaskawa systems while continuing to expand their service capabilities across many of the world’s leading robotic platforms.

Major robot brands serviced by Robotic Automation • ABB • Fanuc • Kawasaki • KUKA • Universal Robots • Motoman Yaskawa Robotic Automation also operates a nationwide service team and local spare parts capability to support customers throughout Australia and New Zealand.

“What we are seeing across the industry is simple: manufacturers no longer want multiple service providers, multiple spare parts channels and multiple support contacts,” said Managing Director Colin Wells.

“They want a trusted partner capable of supporting their entire automation ecosystem.

“The future of automation is not just about installing the next robot. It’s about ensuring the robots already operating in Australian factories continue delivering value year after year.

“Because in the end, the success of an automation project isn’t measured by the day it’s commissioned.

It’s measured by how reliably it performs over the next decade.

“This is where maintenance, service and long-term support become just as important as the technology itself.”

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Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 15

EDITORIAL Publisher

Scott Filby

R

eaching 150 editions of Industry Update is a significant milestone, and one that gives us a chance to reflect on both where we have come from and where Australian manufacturing is heading.

Like any business, we have had our ups and downs over the years. The manufacturing industry we cover has changed enormously, and so has the media landscape around it.

What has remained constant is the strength of the sector and the willingness of manufacturers to share their stories with us.

Over the past year in particular, we have seen Industry Update continue to grow and evolve, both in print and online.

We have welcomed new readers, strengthened relationships across the industry and continued looking for new ways to support and celebrate Australian manufacturing.

Perhaps the best example is the Australian Manufacturing Awards.

When we launched the Awards last year, we knew there was an appetite to recognise the people and businesses doing great things across the sector.

What we couldn’t have predicted was just how strongly industry would get behind them.

This year, we received significantly

more nominations than in our inaugural year - and just as importantly, the quality went up with the quantity.

Our judges had the difficult task of separating outstanding manufacturers, innovators, apprentices and industry leaders from an exceptionally strong field.

Looking through this year’s finalists, you get a real sense of the depth and diversity of manufacturing talent across Australia.

Moreover, the huge wave of support we have received from manufacturing businesses, as evidenced by the sponsor’s announcements page in this edition, tells us we are doing something worthwhile for industry on all fronts.

The Awards have quickly become an important part of what Industry Update does, but they are also a reflection of the wider relationship we have built with industry over 150 editions.

Our job has always been to provide manufacturers with a platform - a voice: somewhere to share ideas, discover new technology, discuss the challenges facing the sector and celebrate its successes.

There will inevitably be more ups and downs ahead. That’s the nature of publishing and it’s certainly the nature of manufacturing.

But as we celebrate our 150th edition and prepare for the second Australian Manufacturing Awards, there is plenty to be optimistic about.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.

Here’s to the next 150.

Editor

Mike Wood

T

he outlook for manufacturing has been looking up - and that works on both a macro and a micro scale.

As you can read in this edition, the Manufacturing PMI continues to back the idea that our sector is a lot more resilient than it perhaps gets credit for.

And as you can see from the Finalists of the Australian Manufacturing Awards, the strength of our sector is in every detail - and you can trust me on that, as nobody reads more entries than yours truly.

When we announce the finalists, it is - for the most part - the start of the countdown.

While the Awards are the manufacturing industry’s night of nights, they’re a year-round job to organise, particularly around nominations and judging.

That ends with the announcement of finalists - the culmination of months and months of planning and execution designed to help discern the true superstars of Australian manufacturing.

Let me show you how the sausage is made.

We sit down with the Advisory Council, the panel of experts drawn from across industry, academia and governmental organisations, to help draft questions and, in the case of 2026, build a framework that improves the process for all involved.

Then there’s the outreach to make sure that every corner of Australian manufacturing knows that the nominations are open, and is able to participate to show what great work is taking place out there in our sector.

After that, there’s the judging: convening a panel that represents a diverse range of industries, then matching them to the category to suit their expertise, then making sure that they have everything they need to make the best decision possible.

In the end, the scorecards roll in and we get to do the fun bit, which is telling everyone that they’ve made the shortlist for the big night.

As Editor of Industry Update, I’m pretty confident in saying that nobody has seen more entries, spoken to more judges, advised more entrants and handled more nominations than me.

In doing so, I get hundreds of first hand interactions with people from across Australian manufacturing.

It’s purely anecdotal, of course, but I’m glad to report that the sector is in great health, with amazing stories of innovation, ingenuity and endeavour to be found.

There’s an awful lot of work that goes into putting on an event like this, but speaking to manufacturers, hearing their stories and (we hope) shining a light on their successes is what makes it worthwhile.

With that in mind - the hard work starts up again on the road to Melbourne. See you there on 8 October.

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16 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

industryupdate.com.au

MANUFACTURING BUSINESS & FINANCE

Why profit doesn’t always translate to cash in manufacturing

By Samantha Zebrowski, Partner, Business Advisory

M

any manufacturing businesses are profitable, yet constantly short on cash.

It’s a conversation that comes up again and again with manufacturing owners and leaders.

On paper, the business looks strong.

Sales are healthy, margins are solid and the production pipeline is full.

And still, the same question keeps surfacing: “Why does it always feel like we’re chasing cash?”

In today’s environment, where global supply chains remain fragile and input costs are less predictable, that question is surfacing more often, and with greater urgency.

The answer lies in the unique cash dynamics of manufacturing. Unlike service businesses or retailers, manufacturers carry significant working capital throughout the entire production cycle.

Cash leaves the business long before revenue comes back in, and the gap between those two milestones can be surprisingly wide.

These dynamics become even more pronounced when conditions are less stable; delivery timelines stretch, supplier pricing shifts with little notice and access to working capital is more tightly scrutinised.

The hidden cash trap in manufacturing Manufacturing ties up cash at every stage of the process: • Raw materials purchased weeks or months before production even begins

• Work in progress sitting on the factory floor, consuming labour and overhead • Finished goods waiting to ship or sitting in a warehouse • Customers who often take 45–60+ days to pay, even after delivery When you add seasonal demand swings, supply chain delays, rising input costs, and the ongoing shipping constraints and changing trade relationships, it’s easy to see how cash can be locked up for months before it returns to the business.

Profit may look strong on the P&L, but the bank account tells a very different story. This is why so many manufacturing owners feel like they’re running hard just to stay in the same place. The business is performing, but the cash conversion cycle is dragging behind.

The profit focus vs. the cash reality What we often see is a strong focus on profit; improving margins, increasing throughput and reducing waste. All of that matters. But far less attention is given to the cash conversion cycle, which measures how long it takes to turn investment in materials and production back into cash in the bank.

A business can be profitable and still run into cash stress if: • Inventory levels creep up • Production bottlenecks slow down throughput • Customers stretch payment terms

• Forecasting doesn’t anticipate seasonal swings • Purchasing decisions aren’t aligned with sales cycles Profit is a measure of performance whereas cash flow is a measure of survival and in manufacturing, survival depends on how efficiently you convert inputs into cash and manage the timing of major capital equipment investments, where significant upfront spend can quickly tighten liquidity.

In the current environment, where equipment lead times are longer and supplier terms less flexible, these investments often require staged payments and careful timing.

Installation downtime and delayed payback can disrupt normal cash cycles if not planned deliberately.

The opportunity: Small changes, big cash impact The good news is that improving cash flow doesn’t always require selling more or cutting costs. Often, the biggest wins come from tightening the operational levers that influence working capital.

A few targeted improvements can release significant amounts of cash: • Inventory management: Reducing excess stock, improving reorder points and increasing visibility across the supply chain • Debtor collection: Shortening payment cycles, enforcing terms and improving invoicing accuracy • Cash flow forecasting: Anticipating

Cash flow is always an issue for manufacturers

peaks and troughs, planning purchases and aligning production with demand These aren’t dramatic changes - they’re disciplined ones. But in manufacturing, even small adjustments can free up tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars that are currently sitting idle in materials, WIP or overdue invoices.

Manufacturing businesses don’t struggle with cash because they’re poorly run. They struggle because the nature of the industry demands large upfront investment long before revenue arrives.

However, by shifting some focus from profit to cash conversion, owners can unlock the working capital already inside their business.

In uncertain conditions, this shift in focus isn’t just prudent. It helps protect cash, preserve flexibility and ensures the business can respond deliberately rather than react under pressure.

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Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 17

MANUFACTURING BUSINESS & FINANCE

Report reveals decade of opportunity for Australian manufacturers

Jeff Hurdis, State General Manager for NSW/ACT, Commercial Banking at Westpac

The Cookie Man have worked closely with Westpac in their scale-up

A

ustralian businesses are currently navigating a more challenging operating environment, but the decade ahead presents significant growth opportunities, according to a new Westpac report.

The report, The Scale-up Opportunity: Australia’s Next Decade, argues the country is entering a “nation-building” phase that will create sustained demand across advanced manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, defence and industrial supply chains over the next decade.

It identifies four major drivers of business growth: population growth through migration, a $120 billion infrastructure pipeline, increasing entrepreneurship and major international events including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Jeff Hurdis, State General Manager for NSW/ACT, Commercial Banking at Westpac, said that the report reflected what he was hearing from business owners and leaders across the country.

“When I sit down with business owners, the conversation is rarely just about today’s challenges. It’s also about what’s coming next and where they see opportunity. Despite the uncertainty, many businesses are already thinking about how they can position themselves for growth over the next decade.”

“The businesses that stand out are the ones that really understand their customers and aren’t afraid to invest in their future. They’re making considered decisions today that will help set them up for tomorrow.”

“That’s especially important at a time when population growth, major infrastructure projects and changing customer needs are creating opportunities across many parts of the economy. For businesses, there’s a real opportunity to grow alongside it.”

Among the biggest opportunities identified for manufacturers is the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, where industries including aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and freight are expected to cluster around the new Western Sydney International Airport and the city of Bradfield.

The report says the region is forecast to create more than 200,000 jobs while attracting significant new business investment and supply chain activity.

“It’s an exciting time for Western Sydney. In conversations with customers, we’re seeing real optimism about the opportunities being created by major infrastructure projects, population growth and increasing business activity,” said Hurdis.

“The Aerotropolis is a great example. It’s creating opportunities

18 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

not just for manufacturers, but for businesses right across the supply chain.”

“Many businesses are already taking action. They’re investing in capacity, building new capabilities and positioning themselves for growth. We’re seeing similar trends emerge in growth regions across the country.”

The report highlighted several key businesses who were able to access support from Westpac to enable successful scale-ups.

One example is food manufacturer Cookie Man, which has grown from almost no wholesale presence in 2020 to more than 150 retail customers, with ambitions to reach 1,000 by the end of next year.

The expansion has been supported by automation, including investment in new production equipment at the company’s northern Sydney facility, alongside a marketing strategy targeting a younger consumer demographic.

“Our older clientele are really fond of our biscuit-style products – what we would consider to be in the biscuit aisle of a supermarket – and we have a strong market for that,” said Cookie Man Managing Director Michael Elligett.

“But for the relaunch I looked at what was selling in big volumes, and it was the highly indulgent cookies loaded with ingredients

like chocolate chips, nuts or caramel, and its key consumer was the younger demographic, aged 18–40.

That became our key product focus.”

The expansion has been a positive feedback loop, with the company now hiring more staff to cope with demand.

“There’s a direct ROI on all of our equipment because of the automation, and we haven’t replaced any of our workforce of close to 100 people, because we’re still growing,” said Elligett.

Westpac’s report identified six key areas that businesses could use to check if they were ready to scale.

1. Product-market fit Your product or service solves a repeatable problem with strong demand.

2. Retention and referrals You have high customer retention and referral rates.

3. Unit economics Your customer acquisition cost is lower than the lifetime value of your customer.

4. Infrastructure readiness Your technology, operations and support systems can handle 10x growth and processes are scalable without breaking under increased load.

5. Leadership and talent You’ve brought in the right leadership when moving to high growth and your marketing, finance and operations teams are established.

6. Capital efficiency You have the funding and the financial discipline to grow quickly.

Westpac - westpac.com.au

The Scale-up Opportunity: Australia’s Next Decade industryupdate.com.au

Banking for the business of manufacturing Strong relationships drive success. Our Relationship Managers partner with you, offering tailored support and solutions.

Matthew Kelly Head of Manufacturing & Wholesale matthew.kelly@westpac.com.au 0412 265 197

Westpac Industry Banking © Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714. The Westpac Group, 275 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, AUSTRALIA.

OPINION

What the Tomago bailout means for Australian manufacturing

By Professor Roy Green, Emeritus Professor and Special Innovation Adviser at the University of Technology Sydney

Professor Roy Green

Anthony Albanese and Chris Minns at the Tomago announcement

T

he deal to save the Tomago aluminium smelter is no ordinary bail-out.

It’s the result of more than a year’s negotiations, with a return to the taxpayer, the workforce, the shareholders, and the planet.

Hard to believe? Stick with me; this is the new approach to industrial policy.

Tomago is Australia’s largest aluminium smelter. It contributes $2.2 billion annually to the Australian economy with exports of $3 billion.

The facility employs a thousand workers directly and many more in local supply chains.

Tomago is not only critical to the Hunter region’s manufacturing base but is also an important part of the national energy transition.

Aluminium is pivotal to the jobs and industries of the future.

As Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres noted back in May, “The full benefits of new industrial firms and technologies are less likely to materialise if there are smelter-sized holes in regional industry”.

However, the fundamental challenge for Tomago is its power price, which accounts for around 40 per cent of its costs. This is the largest electricity load in Australia, representing 12 per cent of NSW’s entire electricity demand.

Tomago has announced it wants to shift to 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 per cent

by 2035. This makes good sense as solar and wind are now recognised to be the cheapest form of new power generation.

However, with its electricity supply contract expiring in 2028, Tomago was unable to secure power, either coal-fired or renewable, at a commercially viable cost. The prospect of closure loomed with a massive loss of jobs and industrial capacity.

After bail-outs of smaller facilities around the country, the Federal government was averse to directly subsidising a global company of the scale and profitability of Tomago’s majority owner, Rio Tinto. But nor could it allow Tomago to close.

The government was in a bind, until an ingenious solution emerged.

This solution is based on the government’s ability to create ‘special investment vehicles’ (SIVs), which provide equity or loans across a range of co-investment opportunities, including clean energy.

What if the government were to use one of these special investment vehicles to provide an electricity offtake to Tomago at a price that enabled its operation to remain competitive in global markets and value chains?

And what if the SIV at the same time provided concessional loans to investors prepared to build the renewable energy capacity that would supply the offtake?

Government-backed finance would

20 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

lower the cost of capital for new projects, guaranteeing Tomago a stable, long-term power price.

Even better, what if the SIV was Snowy Hydro, whose business model is already geared up to supply renewable energy and to optimise its use through pumped hydro? It is well positioned to bring more renewables into the grid by de-risking investment.

Crucially, for every 1 per cent reduction in the cost of capital, enduser energy costs are reduced by around 10 per cent.

This is not a new idea. It’s a proven financial structure, used by the former Neville Wran NSW government in the 1980s to secure coal-fired power for industry, and it can be applied just as effectively today for the new era of clean energy transition.

However, there will inevitably be a gap at the initial stages between the market price for electricity and the price negotiated as part of a ‘power purchase agreement’ (PPA) with the company. And this is where the Federal and NSW governments come in to underwrite the difference.

They will provide $250 million a year from 2028 over the following 10 years in a time-limited arrangement, with the prospect of taxpayers recouping their investment through a combination of aluminium revenues and the contribution of Tomago to stabilising the grid.

In other words, there is every chance that this arrangement will be cost-neutral over the decade, while at the same time turbocharging the energy transition and economic diversification of Australia’s most prominent industrial region.

For its part, Tomago has committed to investing a minimum of $1.1 billion in reducing energy usage and switching to renewables. Not only will closure be avoided, but there will be a value-add to the region.

Too often in the past, governments have leant on economic orthodoxy to justify inaction, or at most to confine themselves to addressing market failure. The consequence has been a hollowing out of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability, declining business R&D and stalled productivity growth.

The approach taken to save the Tomago aluminium smelter is an example of how governments can also shape markets. It’s an approach that has been characterised as ‘green energy statecraft’. And it can be replicated and built upon as part of the government’s Future Made in Australia plan.

Significantly, the Federal and NSW governments have sent a clear signal to investors, workers and the community that Australia is prepared to address the overdue task of diversifying its narrow, resources-heavy trade and industrial structure.

The foundations have been laid at Tomago not for bail-outs but for a modern and sophisticated industrial policy.

Roy Green is Emeritus Professor and Special Innovation Adviser at the University of Technology Sydney. He chairs the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub and is on the board of CSIRO and the Industry Capability Network (ICN).

This article first appeared in The Point as ‘Tomago aluminium deal is no ordinary bail-out’, and is reprinted with permission. industryupdate.com.au

esence

FEATURE

Why manufacturers still need an Australian expert when buying overseas

A

ustralian manufacturing is an increasingly global game - but to get the most from importing, it helps to have an expert on your side.

That’s where PBE Roboplas come into their own.

They’re Australian owned and operated - and have been for 40 years - but have deep connections in the plastics manufacturing space and can help Australian businesses to work out what they can do themselves and what they can import.

Their network runs across multiple industry sectors in Australia, and connects with a huge variety of suppliers abroad, enabling them to be the link between the two.

“We receive enquiries from all sorts of industries,” said Gerald Frutschi of PBE Roboplas.

“Word of mouth goes a long way, advertising goes a long way, and we receive enquiries from a wide range

PBE Roboplas can assist with a variety of manufacturing needs

of industries.

“Because we source products from both Europe, Japan, US and China, we’re able to match the right solution to each customer.

“Whether they’re looking for the most price-competitive option or a high-quality long-term solution, we can supply something that suits their requirements.

“If you understand exactly what

Gerald Frutschi at work

a customer is trying to achieve, you can target the right solution for them.”

That comes with a commitment to putting the customer at the heart of decision-making, and turning that into a unique selling proposition.

“We’re a good resource because we’re honest,” said Frutschi.

“It’s not about maximising the dollar on one sale. It’s about keeping our customers profitable and

keeping their businesses running.

“We receive a lot of enquiries, even from companies that haven’t bought equipment from us.

“People contact us and we do our best to assist.

“There is always competition, so you have to be honest. That’s really important.”

PBE-Roboplas pbe-roboplas.com.au

High-efficiency Energy-saving

Swiss made

Headquarters and production Switzerland

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Since 1973, Tool-Temp has engineered and manufactured high-quality mold temperature control units and water chillers for diverse industries.

From injection molding, die casting and rubber processing to printing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food production, our systems deliver consistent temperature, peak efficiency and maximum energy efficiency for reliable, optimized processes.

Product overview

E: Sales@pbe-roboplas.com.au P: 0411 645 647

industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 21

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING AWARDS AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING AWARDS

From first-year apprentice to award winner: Ben Humphrey’s year to remember

Ben ( left) with Bob Griffin of 2025 Apprentice of the Year Award sponsor BAC Systems

W

inning Apprentice of the Year would be a major achievement at any stage of an apprenticeship.

Doing it in your first year makes it all the more remarkable.

That was the position Ben Humphrey found himself in at the inaugural Australian Manufacturing Awards, where the young Plasser Australia apprentice walked away with one of the biggest individual honours of the night.

A year later, Humphrey is still only a second-year apprentice - but plenty has changed since he took to the stage.

“I still sometimes pinch myself.

It still doesn’t feel real,” he told Industry Update.

“I was very grateful and proud that people who had never met me thought I was good enough for it.

“It’s an amazing opportunity and it’s going to open so many doors, not just at the moment but later on.”

His colleagues made sure their Apprentice of the Year received the full treatment.

“I was all over Plasser’s social

media - LinkedIn and everything else,” he joked.

“Our employee newsletter went out with lots of photos in it as well.”

More importantly, Humphrey said the recognition has given him greater belief in his own abilities.

“I feel like I have a lot more responsibility that I put on myself now,” he said.

“It’s given me a lot more confidence as well, knowing that people actually believe I can do it.”

Plasser Australia specialises in the manufacture of track maintenance machines, as well as providing spare parts and services for the rail industry in Australia and New Zealand.

Their commitment to bringing through the next generation is well known, with an extensive intake of apprentices at their facility in St Marys in western Sydney.

They have been rotating their apprentices through different parts of the business, giving Humphrey experience in everything from CAD and pre-production to maintenance and electrical work on

22 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

the company’s track maintenance machines.

“We’ve been rotating the apprentices through different departments at Plasser, so we get a good all-round understanding of the different areas of our trade,” he said.

“I did a stint in the design office, learning how to do CAD drawings

and going through the pre-production stage of what we do here at Plasser.

“Then I did about three months in maintenance, learning not just how to wire up our machines, but also factory maintenance and power distribution.”

For whoever follows him, Humphrey’s advice is simple.

“As much as it’s a good opportunity, you’ve still got to enjoy it,” he said.

“If you enjoy what you do, you’ll be good at it.”

For an industry that needs its next generation of skilled workers, Humphrey is also conscious of the opportunity presented by working alongside people with decades of experience.

“It’s very exciting because, with the older generation eventually retiring, they’re passing the torch down to me,” he said.

“I can learn from people with a lot more experience, people who have been doing this trade or working in manufacturing for longer than I’ve been alive.

“I can pick and choose the best bits from everyone, try to take that on myself and make myself the best tradesman I can be - and then pass that torch on again.”

The 2026 Australian Manufacturing Awards, supported by the Victorian Government, will be held on 8 October at Crown Melbourne.

Plasser Australia - plasser.com.au

Ben Humphrey with his award in 2025 industryupdate.com.au

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING AWARDS

Taking stock of a year of adding value to additive manufacturing

AMCRC Managing Director Simon Marriott

Additive manufacturing is a major growth area in Victoria

A

year is a long time in manufacturing, and in a fast-moving sector like additive manufacturing, it can pass in a heartbeat.

For the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), which commenced operations in July 2025, the first anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on a year spent bringing together the best of Australia’s additive manufacturing expertise to accelerate commercial outcomes and lay the foundation for a stronger, more connected Australian manufacturing sector.

Backed by $57.5 million in Federal Government funding, and supported by the Victorian Government, the CRC has attracted more than $200 million in additional cash and in-kind support from industry and research partners, helping strengthen Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability.

Australia has long been recognised as a global leader in additive manufacturing research, but has often struggled to translate that expertise into commercial success.

A key reason for establishing the AMCRC was to bridge that gap by connecting industry with researchers and helping manufacturers adopt additive manufacturing where it delivers genuine commercial value and creates new business opportunities. industryupdate.com.au

Headquartered at Swinburne University in Melbourne, the CRC helps manufacturers identify opportunities for additive manufacturing, reduce the risks of adoption and strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability.

Victoria was a natural choice for the headquarters. Home to Australia’s largest concentration of additive manufacturing expertise, the state brings together leading research institutions including Swinburne, RMIT, Monash, Deakin and CSIRO alongside strong aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The Victorian Government’s support for the CRC reflects the priorities outlined in the new Victorian Industry Policy, which has a strong focus on using innovation and technology to unlock new opportunities for industry.

The close partnership between the AMCRC and the Victorian Government during the establishing phase has continued through its first year of operations.

While Melbourne serves as a national coordination hub, AMCRC’s reach extends across the country, with projects and partnerships now operating in every state and a growing presence in Adelaide and Perth to support strategic industries, including defence.

The CRC’s ambition extends well beyond 3D printing itself. It aims to

improve the entire manufacturing value chain, from materials, design and production through to post-processing, workforce capability and commercialisation.

As manufacturers around the world increasingly adopt additive manufacturing to improve production flexibility, strengthen supply chains and respond rapidly to market demands, AMCRC is working to ensure Australian industry can capture those benefits and compete more effectively on a global stage.

Building the foundations When the AMCRC was officially launched in Melbourne in October 2025, its mission was clear: connect manufacturers, researchers and government to accelerate innovation and strengthen Australian manufacturing capability.

With a network of more than 70 industry, research and government partners, the CRC is uniquely positioned to align expertise, funding and industry capability around common challenges and opportunities.

The CRC has moved quickly.

Within its first year, it has approved 12 Fast Track collaborative R&D projects, funded seven projects through its inaugural Core Project Funding Program, launched its Starter Project Funding Program for SMEs and invested more than $6 million in cash towards projects representing over $25 million in total

collaborative research initiatives.

Many of these projects address challenges in high-priority sectors including defence, aerospace, mining, transport and medical technology, highlighting the growing role additive manufacturing can play in improving productivity, resilience and sovereign capability.

According to Managing Director Simon Marriott, the organisation’s first year has been defined by a rapid ramp up of operations to meet significant industry demand.

“Our first year has been about building the foundations for longterm impact while demonstrating that industry-led collaboration can deliver outcomes quickly,” Marriott said.

“We’ve focused on turning ambition into action, bringing together the right partners from industry, research and the Victorian Government, and investing in projects that solve real industry challenges. The strong response we’ve seen demonstrates both the demand for additive manufacturing and the opportunity it presents for Australia’s future manufacturing capability.”

One year in, the AMCRC has already moved from establishment to delivery. As industries increasingly look to advanced manufacturing technologies to improve competitiveness and strengthen supply chains, the CRC is helping position Victoria and Australia at the forefront of additive manufacturing innovation and commercialisation.

AMCRC - amcrc.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 23

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING AWARDS

Finalists

Australian Manufacturing Awards 2026

Manufacturer of the Year Award

Excellence in Manufacturing - Male

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Finalists

Finalists

• Alstom Transport Australia

• Nexans Australia

• Apollo Engineering

• JL King & Co

• Integra Systems

• Braille Tactile Signs (Aust)

• Stahl Metall Pty Ltd

• Moduplay Group

• Techmine Solutions Pty Ltd

• Allied Pinnacle

• Composite Stands - Mathew Dow • Stahl Metall Pty Ltd - Anton Fonseka • Allied Pinnacle - Matthew Arblaster • Techmine Solutions Pty Ltd - Leon Ball • Lindner Quality Socks - Andrew Lindner • BAB Aluminium Pty Ltd - Brian Blowes

Excellence in Manufacturing - Female

Australian Made Manufacturer of the Year

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Finalists

Finalists

• Kitchens by Emanuel - Sheree Bounassif • Fischer Plastic Products - Janet Ford • Integra Systems - Erika Hughes • Tindo Solar - Ziyi Zhao • SDIP Innovations - Maryam Parviz • The Goodside Project - Karen Jones Hauser

• Bomac Engineering Pty Ltd

• Leitz Tooling Systems Pty Ltd

• Multipanel

• Integra Systems

• Tindo Solar

• Crimsafe Security Systems

• Braille Tactile Signs (Aust)

• Australian Lock Company

• Capral Aluminium

• Packserv

Lifetime Achievement - Hall of Fame

Innovation Award

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Finalists

Finalists

• Kookaburra Sport Pty Ltd - Ross and Peter Thompson • East West Engineering - Ron King • BAB Aluminium Pty Ltd - Brian Blowes • Ego Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd - Dr Jane Oppenheim & Mr Alan Oppenheim AM • Applied Robotics - Dr Paul Wong • Safetech Pty Ltd - Bruce Cox

• Process Evolution

• BioNtech Australia Pty Ltd

• All Table Sports Australia Pty Ltd

• Successful Endeavours Pty Ltd

• Multipanel

• Perfect Windows and Doors

• Decon Corporation Pty Ltd

• IMRA Surgical

• Custom Denning

• Apollo Engineering

24 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

industryupdate.com.au

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING AWARDS Safety Award

Best Medium Business Award

Best Small Business Award

Best Start-Up Award

Finalists

Finalists

Finalists

Finalists

• Wire Aid Pty Ltd • Composite Stands • Mondelez Australia Pty Ltd • Kattsafe • Reflective Fabrications

• Bowhill Engineering • Workspace Commercial Furniture • Apollo Engineering • BioNTech Australia Pty Ltd • Health Focus Manufacturers • Leitz Tooling Systems Pty Ltd • JL King & Co • Integra Systems • Tindo Solar • Original Engines Co

• Infinispark Pty Ltd • CKAS Mechatronics • BAB Aluminium Pty Ltd • TPS Pty Ltd • Reflective Fabrications • Process Evolution • Multipanel • Braille Tactile Signs (Aust) • Parforce Mining and Industrial • AW Bell Machinery Pty Ltd

• SDIP Innovations Pty Ltd • The Goodside Project • Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) • Pure Solutions Australia

Exporter of the Year Award

Apprentice of the Year Award

Food & Beverage Award

Food & Beverage Innovation Award

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Finalists

Finalists

Finalists

Finalists

• Siemens Ltd. • Custom Denning • HMPS • Morlife Pty. Ltd. • Ontrak Engineering • Care Essentials Pty Ltd

• Workspace Commercial Furniture - Charlotte Watson • AMRF - Lachlan Holman-Lee • HSR Southern Cross - Toby Mead • Australian General Engineering - Kai Trigg Graynoth • Plasser Australia Pty Ltd - Tara Vella

• Morlife Pty. Ltd. • Turck Australia • Apollo Engineering • Edlyn Foods Pty Ltd • Allied Pinnacle

• Allied Pinnacle • Barcomation Pty Ltd T-AS Automation Systems and Controls • Process Evolution • Apollo Engineering • Orora • BOC Limited

Sponsored by

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Award

MaXXflow Supply Chain Award Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Finalists

Finalists

Finalists

• Anvil Enterprises • HSR Southern Cross • Autotest Products Pty Ltd • Volgren Australia Pty Ltd • Techmine Solutions Pty Ltd

• Tindo Solar • Composite Stands • Stahl Metall Pty Ltd • Multipanel • Workspace Commercial Furniture

Digital Transformation Award

Best Regional Manufacturer Award

• Workspace Commercial Furniture • Tindo Solar • John Cotton Australia

• Elpro Technologies Pty Ltd • BAB Aluminium Pty Ltd • Apollo Engineering

Defence Award

Advanced Manufacturing Award

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Finalists

Finalists

Finalists

• Copamate • Hetech Pty Ltd • AW Bell Machinery Pty Ltd • Platypus Research and Development • Stahl Metall Pty Ltd

• Reflective Fabrications • AME System Pty Ltd • Infinispark Pty Ltd

Renewable Energy Manufacturer Award

Manufacturing Worker of the Year Award

• Integra Systems • Elpro Technologies Pty Ltd • Anvil Enterprises

• Perfect Windows and Doors • Bowhill Engineering • Lindner Quality Socks

• Apollo Engineering • Paarhammer Pty Ltd • Safetech Pty Ltd

Medical Device Manufacturing

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Finalists

Finalists

Finalists

• Powerplus Energy • Tindo Solar • Solidity • Decon Corporation Pty Ltd • Halocell Energy Ltd

• Alstom Transport Australia - Ben Laguador • Workspace Commercial Furniture - Ivana Dutton • Edlyn Foods Pty Ltd - Irfhan Varvani

• IMRA Surgical • Care Essentials Pty Ltd • Pure Solutions Australia

industryupdate.com.au

• Applied Robotics • Nexans Australia • Custom Denning • Automaint Solutions Pty Ltd • Successful Endeavours Pty Ltd

• Para Mobility Pty. Ltd. • SDIP Innovations Pty Ltd • Ego Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 25

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING AWARDS

Major sponsors line up behind Australian Manufacturing Awards

The Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company won the Australian Made Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2025

C

orporate partners are lining up to support the Australian Manufacturing Awards, with huge names from across the manufacturing sector joining as official sponsors.

This year has seen unprecedented interest from the highest levels of government and business, including the Victorian Government, who are the principal partner and naming rights sponsor.

“The Australian Manufacturing Awards were set up to celebrate the best of the sector - and from the start, that included corporate partners,” said Industry Update publisher and Awards founder Scott Filby.

“I am delighted to have this concept vindicated again this year by the involvement of names that every manufacturer in Australia will recognise.

“Events like the Awards are not possible without the support of the industry, and that includes backing from businesses.

“I encourage all readers and manufacturers to back the businesses that back us!”

The Green and Gold Kangaroo returns The Australian Manufacturing Awards are all about celebrating the very best of Australian manufacturing - which is why, for the second year in a row, Industry Update is delighted to welcome the Australian Made Campaign back as a sponsor.

They will again take up the Australian Made Manufacturer of the Year Award, which is open to all licensees of the Australian Made Campaign, and was won in 2025 by the Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company.

“We are proud to partner with Industry Update and sponsor the Australian Made Manufacturer of the Year category,” he said.

“These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the innovation, capability and commitment of manufacturers across the country.

26 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

“Australian manufacturers produce world-class products that meet some of the highest quality and safety standards.

“By choosing Australian Made, consumers are also helping to support local jobs, strengthen Australian businesses and drive economic activity in communities nationwide.

“With nearly nine in ten Australians more likely to buy Australian Made products, there is a clear and growing appetite to support the businesses making products right here in Australia.”

Central Innovation double up their support for Australian Manufacturing Awards Central Innovation are the latest Australian Manufacturing Awards sponsor to return for 2026 - and this time, they’ve doubled their support.

The Australian Made software experts took the naming rights for the Best Medium Business Award in

2025, and will sponsor two categories this time around.

That includes the MaXXflow Supply Chain Award, which is renamed to recognise their AI-enabled, Australian Made MRP solution, designed in collaboration with Australian manufacturers.

The Defence Award will also carry the Central Innovation branding, reflecting the importance of their software to the many Aussie businesses that work improving our sovereign capability.

“Central Innovation is evolving into an end-to-end solutions partner for manufacturing, a partner that brings together software, our own intellectual property, systems integration, consulting, education, implementation, technical support, and decades of practical industry knowledge,” said Central Innovation Managing Director Shannon Reshno.

“MaXXflow is the clearest expression of that direction. It represents our investment in Australiandeveloped technology and our confidence in local manufacturing - which is why we’re so proud to industryupdate.com.au

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING AWARDS have it attached to the Australian Manufacturing Awards.”

Central Innovation have recently received Australian Made certification, further underlining their commitment to making software solutions that suit our local market here in Australia.

Innovation to the fore with SEW-Eurodrive The list of recently announced sponsors includes the first to confirm their commitment into next year, with SEW-Eurodrive, who had the naming rights for the Innovation Award at the inaugural event last October in Sydney, set to make it a hat trick in 2027.

“SEW-Eurodrive is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Australian Manufacturing Awards 2026 and sponsor of the Innovation Award, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of all manufacturers big and small on the night,” said SEW-Eurodrive Managing Director Robert Merola.

“We recognise that innovation is not only about having good ideas, but also about taking new approaches to a problem, product or process and developing measurable solutions.

“Innovation is at the core of what

we do, from advanced drive technology and automation solutions, helping Australian manufacturers improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

“Our partnership with Industry Update spans more than 30 years, making our support of the Australian Manufacturing Awards a natural continuation of our shared commitment to the manufacturing community.”

Bus manufacturer Volgren come on board Volgren has underlined its commitment to the manufacturing sector by taking the sponsorship of the Digital Transformation Award.

The business is one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of bus and coach bodies, which are produced across their three facilities in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Around 90 per cent of the content used in Volgren’s route bus bodies is sourced in Australia, with the company working with a growing network of local suppliers, making them perfect partners for the Awards.

“Volgren is proud to support the Australian Manufacturing Awards because recognising and celebrating local manufacturing is critical to the future of our industry,” said CEO Thiago Deiro.

“Australian manufacturers create skilled jobs, strengthen local supply chains and build capability that stays within our communities.

“The Awards provide an important platform to recognise the people and businesses continuing to invest, innovate and prove that Australian manufacturing can compete at a world-class level.”

Beckhoff throw weight behind renewables Beckhoff Australia have joined the 2026 Awards as sponsor of the Renewable Energy Manufacturer Award, recognising manufacturers developing and producing technology for Australia’s growing renewable energy sector.

The Renewable Energy Manufacturer Award is a new category for 2026, reflecting a key government priority to make Australia a global leader in the sector.

“Australia’s transition to renewable energy presents a significant opportunity to strengthen our local manufacturing and engineering capability,” said Nick Psahoulias, Managing Director of Beckhoff Australia.

“We need manufacturers that can develop and build solutions locally.

We also need an industrial ecosystem that supports them with necessary tools to compete and grow.

Integra backing advanced manufacturing Victorian manufacturer Integra Systems have provided manufacturing solutions by manufacturers, for manufacturers, particularly at the forefront of Industry 4.0 tech.

The independent, Australianowned family business have been operating since 1991 and have established themselves as one of the leading names in Victoria’s advanced manufacturing sector.

That makes them the perfect fit for the Advanced Manufacturing Award, which recognises businesses pushing Australian manufacturing forward through new technologies, processes and capabilities.

“Australian manufacturers have created their own momentum,” said Integra Systems founder and director Paul Hughes.

“They are pushing the boundaries of technology, automation, digitalisation and AI, and using those capabilities to replace imports, improve productivity and keep valuable manufacturing activity here in Australia.

“It is the courage, resilience and determination of Australian manufacturers that keeps the heartbeat of our industry alive. That is why Integra is proud to sponsor the Advanced Manufacturing category.\

Innovate AG won the Innovation Award sponsored by SEW EURODRIVE in 2025 industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 27

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING AWARDS earning sooner!”

Export Finance Australia supporting Australian manufacturing abroad The Australian Manufacturing Awards will include an Exporter of the Year Award for the first time in 2026, and it will be backed by one of the biggest names in the sector with Export Finance Australia (EFA) sponsoring the award.

Plasser Australia claimed Apprentice of the Year at the Australian Manufacturing Awards 2025, after competing as a finalist across multiple categories

SEMMA invests in next generation via Apprentice of the Year sponsorship The Australian Manufacturing Awards were set up to reward the best in manufacturing – and that includes the future of the industry.

That’s why the Apprentice of the Year Award is so important, and why Industry Update are happy to welcome the South East Melbourne

Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) on board as sponsor for the category.

Won last year by Benjamin Humphrey of Plasser, the Apprentice of the Year Award recognises the next generation of talent.

“SEMMA is extremely excited and proud to be sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year Award,” said CEO Honi Walker.

“These apprentices are our future, and we need to do everything we can to promote careers in manufacturing and to bring our young people into this smart, secure and

sustainable industry.

“There’s a dozen different types of apprenticeships in manufacturing – from metal fabrication, electrical to mechanical. The careers offer great pay and career opportunities and with technology so prevalent, gender is no longer a factor. Anyone can become an apprentice – you just need to be willing to learn!

“Apprentices have the added bonus of earning while they learn and you hit the ground running ahead of the pack without a HECS debt! You’ll be independent and

EFA has been supporting Australian exporters of all sizes for almost 70 years with flexible finance solutions.

They provide finance solutions that can help small, medium and large Australian manufacturers secure new contracts, increase production, enter new markets and build their global footprint.

With their sponsorship of the new Exporter of the Year Award, they are building on long-term support for the Australian manufacturing industry, as the partner that can help our exporters take on the world. ”It’s a great pleasure to be supporting this inaugural award, for what is an industry with a great deal of export potential for Australia”, said Richard Coath, Chief Investment Officer, Business Financing.

“As Australia’s export finance specialists, we understand the pressures manufacturers face, from tight cash flow to large upfront costs. If you need finance to close a cash flow gap, buy equipment or scale up for a new contract, we’re here to help.”

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY OUR 2026 AWARDS SPONSORS

28 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

industryupdate.com.au

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Digital transformation that meets Australian manufacturers where they are

By Shannon Reshno, Managing Director, Central Innovation

F

or more than 35 years, Central Innovation has had the privilege of working alongside Australia and New Zealand’s engineering, design and manufacturing businesses.

Over that time, we have supported thousands of organisations with the technologies, expertise, training, implementation and technical support they need to design better, manufacture smarter and compete with confidence.

Our history is built on partnership.

We have always believed that innovation should not be reserved only for the largest enterprises, or for businesses with the biggest budgets and the most complex systems.

Innovation should be practical.

It should be accessible. And most importantly, it should help real businesses solve real problems.

That belief is what led us to MaXXflow.

Over many years of working closely with manufacturers, we saw a persistent challenge in the market.

Many businesses were ready to improve the way they planned, managed and delivered production - but they were being held back by disconnected systems, manual processes, spreadsheets, whiteboards and critical knowledge that existed only in people’s heads.

At the same time, many enterprise systems felt too complex, too expensive or too disruptive for the small and medium-sized manufacturers that form the backbone of our economy.

So we asked a simple question.

What would happen if we built a manufacturing planning platform designed specifically for these businesses?

Not overloaded with unnecessary complexity, not built for a theoretical version of manufacturing, but built for the realities of Australian and New Zealand manufacturers.

Built with them, and built to help them move forward with confidence.

That is why we created MaXXflow.

MaXXflow is Central Innovation’s Australian-developed MRP solution, designed to give manufacturers everything they need - and none of what they don’t.

It helps bring together the industryupdate.com.au

Shannon Reshno, Managing Director, Central Innovation

information that matters: jobs, inventory, bills of materials, purchasing, scheduling, customer requirements and production priorities.

It is designed to give teams clearer visibility, stronger control and faster access to the information they need to make better decisions.

And today, I’m proud to announce that MaXXflow is now available to the market to buy, implement and put to work.

Over recent months, many of you will have seen MaXXflow introduced through industry media, trade shows, customer conversations and digital campaigns.

Now, we are moving from awareness to action.

Small and medium-sized organisations can now engage with Central Innovation to assess MaXXflow for their business, begin the implementation journey and build a more connected, efficient and resilient supply chain operation.

For us, this is more than the release of a new product. It marks an important new chapter for Central Innovation.

Our heritage will always remain deeply connected to engineering and manufacturing technology. But our future is broader than being a provider of software developed elsewhere.

Central Innovation is evolving into an end-to-end solutions partner for manufacturing.

A partner that brings together software, our own intellectual property, systems integration, consulting, education, implementation, technical support and decades of practical industry knowledge.

MaXXflow is the clearest expression of that direction. It represents our investment in Australian-developed technology.

It represents our confidence in local manufacturing.

And it represents our commitment to helping businesses modernise in a way that is practical, achievable and built around people - not around complexity.

Because digital transformation does not have to begin with disruption.

It can begin with clarity. It can begin with one connected view of

your materials, your production, your priorities and your risks.

It can begin with giving your team the tools to see what is happening, understand what comes next and act with confidence.

That is the promise of MaXXflow.

Practical innovation for manufacturers who are ready to take the next step.

To our customers, partners, and the manufacturing community across Australia and New Zealand: thank you for helping shape this journey.

Your challenges, your feedback and your ambition have guided the development of MaXXflow from the beginning.

And now, we are ready to help you bring it into your business.

MaXXflow is available now - and Central Innovation is ready to work with you to implement it.

Together, we can make your business more connected, more capable and more competitive.

Thank you.

Central Innovation centralinnovation.com

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 29

WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING

SPONSORED BY

Janet Ford on changing perceptions of women in manufacturing

F

ischer Plastic Products are one of the success stories of Australian manufacturing.

They’ve been in business for over 60 years, and proudly carry the Australian Made green-and-gold kangaroo logo, producing plastic products such as storage boxes, spare parts trays and pails from their facility in Mulgrave, Victoria.

At the forefront of it all is Janet Ford, Managing Director of Fischer Plastic Products and a nationally recognised leader for women in manufacturing.

She is a finalist in the Australian Manufacturing Awards Excellence in Manufacturing - Female category, and sat down with Industry Update to discuss her illustrious career in Australian manufacturing.

“It’s been a journey of over 25 years with many highs and many lows, from challenging times to where we are today as a market leader!” she began.

“I’m glad to have been part of the Fischer story.

“My journey in manufacturing has been one of learning, growth and taking opportunities as they presented themselves.

“Manufacturing is an industry where you are constantly learning because there are so many moving parts from people and production through to product development, customers, technology and the broader commercial environment.

“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to understand Fischer from many different perspectives, and that has been incredibly valuable.

“Reaching the position of Managing Director wasn’t

something that happened overnight. It came through experience, taking on greater responsibility and developing a genuine understanding of both the business and the people behind it.

“For me, being MD is not simply about running the business today; it is about making decisions that ensure Fischer remains relevant, competitive and proudly Australianmade well into the future.”

Being a prominent woman within manufacturing has presented different challenges, but according to Ford, things are changing for the better.

“There is no question that manufacturing has traditionally been a male-dominated industry,” she said.

“I have certainly seen attitudes change. There is greater recognition today that manufacturing benefits from having people with different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking.

“We are seeing more women enter areas that historically may not have been considered obvious career choices for them, and importantly, more women are moving into management and leadership positions.

“There is still progress to be made, but I believe the direction is positive.

“As a woman, there can sometimes be an expectation that you need to prove your knowledge or capability before being given the same level of credibility.

“My approach has always been to focus on knowing the business, understanding our products and customers, making sound decisions and allowing results to speak for themselves.

Fischer are one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of plastic products 30 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

Janet Ford of Fischer Plastic Products

“Confidence also comes with experience. You learn that you don’t need to lead in the same way as somebody else in order to be effective.”

The job is far from done, and Ford said that, in her opinion, it was optics that needed to change as much as anything else.

“I think one of the biggest challenges is perception,” she said.

“When young people hear the word ‘manufacturing’, they can still picture a traditional factory environment and may not appreciate how diverse modern manufacturing actually is.

“There are careers in engineering, design, automation, technology, marketing, sales, finance, operations, logistics, sustainability, product development and leadership – as well as production itself.

“We need to do a much better job of showing young women the breadth of those opportunities.

“But attracting women is only the first step. Businesses also need to create environments where women can genuinely develop, contribute and progress.

“That means providing opportunities based on capability, investing in training and mentoring, and ensuring there are visible pathways into management and senior leadership.

“Seeing women already succeeding in manufacturing is also extremely important. It makes a career path feel achievable when you can see someone else who has already travelled it.”

The message to women entering

the industry was simple: don’t let perceptions get in your way.

“You can work with advanced machinery and automation, develop new products, work in engineering or design, build brands, manage supply chains, work with customers, lead teams or eventually run a manufacturing business,” said Ford.

“There is also something particularly rewarding about manufacturing because you can see the tangible result of what you do.

“At Fischer, we design, tool and manufacture our products here in Australia. There is a real sense of pride in seeing an idea progress from a concept through to a finished Australian-made product being used by customers.

“My advice would be to be curious, ask questions and don’t be intimidated by entering an industry where you may initially find yourself in the minority. Learn the business, understand how things are made and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities.

“There is absolutely a place for you in manufacturing.”

Janet Ford will be a speaker at Industry Update’s webinar on Wednesday 23 September, entitled Operational excellence beyond the factory floor: The next competitive advantage for Australian manufacturers.

She is also a finalist for the Australian Manufacturing Awards, which will be held at Crown Melbourne on Thursday 8 October.

Fischer Plastic Products fischerplastics.com.au industryupdate.com.au

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Fischer Plastic Products Pty Ltd | 1-13 Kalimna Ave, Mulgrave VIC 3170, Australia | +61 3 9548 0977 | info@@scherplastics.com.au

MACHINERY & TOOLS

80 years of high-quality solutions from Century Engineering

C

entury Engineering, a privately-owned South Australian business, has built a strong reputation in the field of advanced engineering and manufacturing, delivering high-quality solutions for clients across a wide range of industries.

Established in 1947, the company began as a local engineering and manufacturing business focused on supporting South Australian industry with quality machining, fabrication and engineering services.

As a result of strong workmanship, reliability and long-term customer relationships, the company has steadily expanded its capabilities and enhanced its reputation within the manufacturing sector from its 32,000m2 manufacturing ecosystem plant.

Located at Edinburgh North, South Australia, Century Engineering has evolved from a traditional engineering and manufacturing business into a modern advanced manufacturing business with broad ranging capabilities.

Today the site supports engineering and manufacturing operations including CNC machining, additive manufacturing, fabrication, industrial painting services and specialised engineering solutions.

Century Engineering continues to modernise with investments in advanced machining technology, improved production systems and modern manufacturing processes to support a wide range of industries and customer requirements across South Australia and Australia.

These include sovereign defence,

mining, rail, water, power generation, heavy industry, manufacturing and industrial maintenance sectors.

The company continues to expand its capabilities through investment in advanced equipment and upskilling its personnel.

The most recent addition to the plant in 2025 was a new Okuma CNC Vertical Machining Centre Model MB-66VB with OSP-P500m control.

“The new machine has provided us with complete confidence in machining some of the toughest materials such as wear components where other machines have struggled,” said Machine Shop Supervisor, Mark Kearns.

“The selection process and guidance from Okuma engineers was invaluable working through our requirements given the level of investment with options, add-ons etc., ensuring the most suitable machine was selected to meet our requirements going forward.”

This made a difficult decision much easier, while the strong support and technical knowledge provided by Okuma saved a lot of time and made the whole selection process much easier.

“In the area of technical support, this is where Okuma really stands out as we never have to wait long for answers and any issues and learning challenges are resolved quickly,” said Kearns.

“In many cases the Okuma team has even come out to the workshop to help us understand and guide us through the process.

“This exceptional hands-on support enables our team to gain confidence and

Century use an Okuma MB-66VB machine 32 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

The Century Engineering team

understanding to take full advantage of the machine’s capabilities.

“From the beginning of the process through to technical discussions and planning, the level of service and communication has been excellent.”

Century Engineering employs more than 120 skilled personnel across its operation and invests heavily in staff development, training and modern manufacturing skills to support its diverse customer base with high-quality engineering and manufacturing solutions.

As part of this, the company takes full advantage of training opportunities offered by Okuma on an ongoing basis as this hands-on support assists the engineers to become comfortable with the latest technology and provides a high level of confidence with the machines to maximise their capabilities.

While some older larger machines are still heavily used at Century, the new Okuma Machining Centres open up new business opportunities in the size and complexity of components, enhanced production efficiency and the ability to handle a broad range of highly specialised and difficult new materials.

The company’s in-house design facilities enable special purpose designs from concept to finished product with problem solving, reverse engineering and refurbishment.

“Apprenticeship training has always played an important part in the future of the company in building the next generation of skilled tradespeople who have traditionally been in short supply,” explained Kearns.

“There is an ongoing program of taking on apprentices who are then

trained on some of the most advanced manufacturing processes and equipment from the earliest stages.

“The introduction of the latest technology and advanced programming creates a better learning environment where apprentices gain hands-on experience.

“Apprentices are also working and trained in the latest quality systems and production systems in which the company is accredited, which includes LRQA, ISO9001Quality, ISO14001Environment; ISO45001Safety and ISO3834.2 Welding.”

Kearns added that the investment in the latest technology Okuma machines has provided major benefits for the personnel in this engineering workshop, particularly in the area of skills development, confidence and the opportunity to enjoy some of the most advanced manufacturing technology available.

There is an air of excitement in exploring the machine capabilities particularly using new metals and plastics with consistent high-quality precision output and outstanding production efficiency.

“Century Engineering currently services a broad range of markets across South Australia and throughout mainland Australia and with ongoing investment in advanced machining technology, additive manufacturing and modern workshop programmes,” he said.

“The type and scale of projects we can now undertake for our customers continues to expand with greater potential in local, interstate and export markets.”

OKUMA - okumaaustralia.com.au industryupdate.com.au

MACHINERY & TOOLS

MCHND brings four decades of collective CNC machining expertise to precision work

T

he two principals of MCHND, Mike Harding and James (Jimmy) Jolly, were born into a lineage of engineers with their early years shaped by the captivating spectacle of their elders meticulously crafting and machining parts.

MCHND formally came into existence late in 2015 within the confines of a humble garden shed making BMX parts and motorsports products after work and at weekends, but transitioned into a dedicated factory in Richmond, South Australia in 2018.

By 2021, the company had a stateof-the-art fully refurbished facility marked by the installation of 96 solar panels in line with the commitment to environmentally conscious ‘green machining’. The company has now expanded into a second factory next door.

The company’s growth led to the commissioning of its first robot, along with dedicated Okuma fourand five-axis CNC machines featuring 10- and 20-pallet pools, enabling ‘lights out’ 24-hour machining to maximise productivity.

Today the company has a climate-controlled metrology room with 5-axis CMM plus in-house Type II anodising, Type 2 Chemical Conversion facilities plus a Rotary Fibre laser to add to vertical integration, improved lead times and

quality control.

Accreditation to IS0 9001:2015 was achieved in 2020 with future ambitions to secure AS9100 certification and DISP clearance.

With a staff of seven employees including two apprentices, MCHND services clients across a broad range of markets including Sovereign Defence, Space, Aerospace, Mining, Medical, Agriculture and Motorsport, with the major client base for the company being South Australia.

“Over the years of development, we have enjoyed a long association with Okuma and we have always admired their service, professionalism and the quality and stability of their machines, some of which are running 24/7,” said James Jolly.

“We give Okuma a ten out of ten for performance, spare parts availability, service and technical support and we take full advantage of their on-going training.

The sovereign defence and space sectors are booming for MCHND Pty Ltd which is in a strong position to support this growth however, other sectors are equally important as diversity in the workload mitigates any risk factor for this highly motivated precision engineering and specialised service company.

“Items produced on the Okuma machines include components for

Mike Harding and James Jolly from MCHND

Sovereign Defence and the Space industry however the commissioning of the new machine provides us with a much larger machining envelope and tool storage enabling us to take on larger and more complex 5-axis machining with improved accuracy and faster cutting times,” said Jolly.

“We are all excited to get our first

Okuma 5-axis machine with OSPP500 controller with super highspeed and high-accuracy simulation as this will speed up the verification cycles and with built in machine collision avoidance it is a huge step up in machine tool safety.”

OKUMA - okumaaustralia.com.au

STOCK MACHINES Available for quick delivery within Australia When production can’t wait, neither should your machine.

Okuma Australia stocks an extensive model range of Okuma CNC machines, ready for fast delivery. Whether you’re expanding capacity, replacing ageing equipment or responding to increased demand, our stock machines help minimise lead times and maximise productivity sooner.

Ph: 1300 1 OKUMA www.okumaaustralia.com.au industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 33

FEATURE

Turck ANZ reaches for great heights under new leadership

W

hen Geoff Thorp stepped into the role of Managing Director at Turck Australia New Zealand in July 2025, he inherited a business with a strong reputation, a loyal customer base and more than two decades of successful growth; but he also saw an opportunity to reposition the company into its next phase of evolution.

With extensive experience across industrial automation and technology sectors, Thorp has spent his first year focused on sharpening strategy, strengthening leadership and creating a culture designed to support sustainable long-term growth.

His approach combines operational discipline with a strong emphasis on people, collaboration and customer outcomes.

“As industries across Australia and New Zealand embrace digitisation and AI, we need to go beyond the ‘automation norm’ to adapt and grow with our customers,” said Thorp.

“As a result, we are uniquely positioned to play a much bigger role not simply as a provider of automation components, but as a solutions provider, helping customers navigate increasingly complex operational challenges.”

One of his first priorities in the role was to establish greater clarity across the organisation.

“My focus has been on strategy, people and culture to ensure sustainable, long-term growth,” he said.

While Turck was established internationally in Germany in 1965, its presence locally began as a smaller start-up operation and has since developed into a well-established, medium-sized business with offices located in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and New Zealand.

The team currently comprises of 30 team members across engineering, customer support, supply chain, technical support and sales.

As part of the global Turck network, the Australian and New Zealand business benefits from the strength of a family-owned company that is recognised worldwide as a leader in industrial automation.

Turck specialises in sensors, fieldbus technology, connection interfaces, RFID systems and human-machine interfaces (HMI), helping optimise factory, process and logistics automation by bridging

the gap between physical production environments and the cloud.

Early in his tenure, Thorp restructured the leadership team, clearly defining functional responsibilities across finance, sales, customer service and technology while encouraging stronger collaboration between departments.

He also introduced greater operational discipline through improved business processes, performance metrics and data-driven decision-making.

“Transparency has been a major part of that journey,” he said.

“We now regularly share business performance, priorities and progress with the entire organisation so everyone understands where we are, where we’re heading and how they contribute to our success.”

The result is a more connected organisation with stronger accountability and clearer direction.

People remain at the centre of Thorp’s leadership philosophy.

“My priority has been to build a culture that’s accountable, transparent and collaborative - where people understand what’s expected of them, feel supported to grow and are aligned around delivering strong business outcomes.”

To support this vision, Turck has expanded its team across Australia and New Zealand, strengthening customer support in key growth regions including Western Australia and Central and Far North Queensland.

The company has also enhanced its New Zealand presence through expanded distribution partnerships and local support capabilities.

Alongside recruiting experienced industry professionals, Thorp is committed to developing future talent.

“One recent initiative involved bringing a graduate engineer into the business while completing their final year of university studies, giving them practical experience in real-world industrial applications. We hope to do more of this in future,” said Thorp.

“Our growth is highly targeted.

We’re investing in the regions, capabilities and skillsets that align with where our markets are growing, ensuring we continue to deliver responsive, technically robust support to customers across industries.”

Perhaps the most significant shift under Thorp’s leadership is the company’s evolving market position.

34 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

Geoff Thorp, Managing Director at Turck Australia New Zealand

“Ultimately, Turck is evolving from a component supplier to a solutions partner, focused on helping customers harness connectivity, data and intelligent automation to improve performance, reliability and scalability in their operations.”

As industries face increasing pressure from labour shortages, productivity demands, sustainability goals and global economic uncertainty, automation has become a strategic necessity rather than a future aspiration.

“A shift toward smarter, more connected and more flexible automation is underway,” he explains.

“AI at the edge, open architectures and data-driven decision-making will fundamentally change how industrial businesses operate.”

Importantly, Turck’s technology philosophy centres on openness and interoperability.

“Customers are increasingly seeking solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure rather than requiring complete system replacement,” said Thorp.

“Our ability to connect with almost any platform or technology ecosystem allows customers

to adopt new capabilities without starting from scratch. That flexibility is becoming incredibly valuable.”

Looking further ahead, Thorp sees Turck playing an increasingly important role in helping customers navigate industrial transformation.

“Our vision is for Turck to be a critical enabler of Australia and New Zealand’s industrial future through the use of decentralised automation and control platforms, systems and solutions - helping customers become smarter, more connected and more efficient.”

For Thorp, success will ultimately be measured not by products sold, but by the value created for customers.

“We want to be known as a trusted partner that helps customers solve real operational challenges - whether that’s remote operations, workforce shortages, productivity improvements or sustainability goals,” he said.

“If we can contribute directly to their long-term competitiveness and performance, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”

Turck Australia - turck.com.au industryupdate.com.au

CeMAT FEATURE

Graph-Pak’s BoxWay workflow wins over the CeMAT crowd

By Tom Ralph, Graph-Pak

G

raph-Pak returned from this year’s CeMAT with tired feet, hoarse voices and a stand diary full of new contacts — proof that nothing beats face-to-face conversation when it comes to showing off what a machine can really do.

From the moment the doors opened, the Graph-Pak stand was one of the busiest corners of the show. Visitors queued to watch live demonstrations, ask questions and put our team through their paces on the finer points of modern packaging workflow. By the final afternoon, the numbers told their own story: more than 100 genuine enquiries logged directly from the stand, a result that comfortably outstripped what we walked in expecting.

Long days, no doubt about it — early starts, late pack-downs and a lot of talking. But every one of them was worth it. There’s a real energy that comes from standing in front of a live audience and watching the moment a customer sees exactly how a piece of equipment solves a problem they’ve been wrestling with for months. That’s the kind of interaction no email or brochure can replicate, and it’s exactly why Graph-Pak keeps showing up to CeMAT year after year.

A big share of the interest centred on BoxWay, our carton-handling workflow solution, which had visitors leaning in for a closer look at how it moves product from infeed to finished carton with barely a hand needed in between. Operators, engineers and plant managers alike wanted to talk through how the

workflow could be configured for their own lines — and more than a few left with a demonstration booked in.

It’s exactly the kind of response we’d hoped for, and it lines up with what we’ve been telling customers directly through our recent campaigns: BoxWay isn’t just another machine on the floor, it’s a workflow that pays for itself in reduced handling, fewer bottlenecks and a cleaner, safer packing line.

To everyone who stopped by, asked a question or queued for a demo — thank you. The follow-up calls are already under way, and if this year’s show is any indication, it’s going to be a busy back half of the year for the Graph-Pak team.

BoxWay Benefits • Cuts manual handling at carton in-feed and outfeed, freeing operators for higher-value tasks.

• Configurable workflow that adapts to your existing line layout rather than forcing a rebuild.

• Reduces bottlenecks between processes, keeping the whole packing line moving at a consistent pace.

• Backed by local Graph-Pak support and service, so help is never far away.

• Proven on the show floor - the same workflow visitors saw running live at CeMAT. • Straightforward ROI: less labour, less downtime, more cartons out the door.

A tired but happy Graph-Pak team

Graph-Pak - graph-pak.com.au

The machine in action industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 35

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CeMAT FEATURE

Dematic showcases scalable warehouse automation at CeMAT

The FD Multishuttle on display

A

utomation is nothing new to Australian manufacturing in fact, the sector embraced robotics and automation long before most other industries.

This willingness to adopt automation has extended to supply chains, with Australian companies at the forefront of investing in the latest automation innovations to drive productivity and reduce reliance on labour, increase storage capacity, and optimise customer service levels in the face of increasing customer expectations in terms of speed and accuracy of order fulfilment.

In an increasingly competitive Australian market where companies are not only facing ambitious local and international players but also changing consumer preferences, supply chain disruptions and increasing safety regulations, companies large and small recognise the imperative to automate their warehouse operations to stay ahead of the competition and increase resilience and agility in their supply chains.

However, while historically companies would tend to invest in automation in greenfield sites, with recent challenges in land availability and cost, and increased building costs, companies are looking at how they can optimise their current warehousing operations with automation.

That was a key discussion point at CeMAT Australia 2026, where the world’s intralogistics, warehousing and supply chain industries gathered to showcase the latest

technology.

Front and centre was Dematic, the 2026 event partner.

David Rubie, Director of Sales at Dematic ANZ, spoke to Industry Update from their stand at CeMAT 2026 - and, naturally, the topic of scale was high on the agenda.

“One of the biggest changes we’re seeing this year is a shift in a lot of the technologies for applicability, more for brownfield and existing sites, and allowing the solutions to scale,” he said.

“The Dematic Multishuttle FD System we’re showing today is designed for high storage but lower throughput, and it’s not as capital intensive.

“The idea is we can scale and grow the solution. As the business grows, we can add another crane into the same aisle, have multiple cranes per aisle or even stack cranes on top of each other, so the investment grows

with the customer’s requirements.”

The Multishuttle FD is designed for manufacturers looking to maximise storage within constrained metropolitan sites and can be tailored to suit existing facilities, and can be customised to meet businesses where they are.

“The FD Shuttle is designed to go up to 24 metres, which is significantly higher than most comparable systems, giving much greater storage density,” said Rubie.

“We also manufacture the racking locally, so we can adjust the frame sizes to reduce the load onto the slab and make it much more applicable for existing buildings and more cost-effective.”

The Multishuttle FD was on display at CeMAT alongside the AutoStore system, which smaller manufacturers can access easily at a price point that is not a hurdle for SMEs. “AutoStore is a great solution where customers are constrained by either height or footprint,” explained Rubie.

“It operates up to six metres high and provides the highest-density goods-to-person picking solution currently available.

“For businesses entering warehouse automation, it’s often a lower level of investment while still delivering all the benefits of goodsto-person technology, complete visibility and traceability, along with a highly ergonomic and efficient storage cube.”

Dematic had gone all out with its stand, and designed their activation at the show to bring together the key propositions that the company can bring to market.

Dematic were official event partners of CeMAT Australia 2026

38 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

Dave Rubie of Dematic

“The way we’ve laid out our stand reflects the different challenges manufacturers face,” said Rubie.

“The Multishuttle FD focuses on improving productivity in case and tote picking. AutoStore is about cost-effective goods-to-person solutions.

“At the front of the stand is our four-way pallet shuttle, which is focused on storage density by making better use of existing warehouse space.

“Then we’ve got our Automated Guided Vehicles solution, which is all about moving pallets efficiently throughout a warehouse.

“Together, those four technologies cover movement, storage, order picking and goods-to-person automation.”

Rubie said one of CeMAT’s biggest strengths was allowing manufacturers to compare technologies side by side.

“One of the biggest advantages of events like CeMAT is that people can see everything in one place,” he said.

“There’s a huge variety of companies exhibiting different technologies, different strategies and different ways of solving problems.

“Customers can see the equipment working, speak directly to the experts and get a much better understanding of what these technologies could do for their own businesses.

“There’s no single way to solve warehouse automation challenges.

An event like this lets people compare different approaches in a single afternoon.

They can also attend the knowledge theatres, hear from logistics practitioners about the challenges they’re facing and learn how other businesses are solving those problems.”

CeMAT - cemat.com.au industryupdate.com.au

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING AUTOMATION & SUPPLY CHAIN EVENT 27-29 July 2027 The Dome Sydney Showground

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Be Part of CeMAT Australia 2027 Pre-register or enquire about exhibiting at

cemat.com.au

CeMAT FEATURE

From record to guidance: The future of manufacturing sales

Vineet Mangal, Solutions Consulting Director at SugarAI

M

anufacturers love data, especially when it can help them get ahead. On the operations side, that data is typically well structured. From Bills of Materials to Bills of Manufacturing and Material Requirements Planning, there is a record of almost everything.

On the sales side, things can be less clear. The data is there, but it often sits across different systems, leaving salespeople to connect the dots themselves.

It’s a problem SugarAI is working to solve. Rather than giving salespeople more data to work through, its approach uses AI to identify the signals that matter and help teams understand where to focus.

This was a central theme of SugarAI’s presentation at CeMAT 2026 in Melbourne, where Vineet Mangal, Solutions Consulting Director at SugarAI, demonstrated how AI can help sales teams make better use of the data they already have.

Industry Update caught up with him afterwards to discuss what this means for manufacturers and their sales teams.

“Thirty years ago, CRM was really just a system of record. It did that extremely well,” he explained.

“Then we moved into analysis - suddenly we had reports and dashboards coming out of our ears, and that was insightful and useful, but it never took the next step into action.

“AI allows us to do that by connecting all these different systems and distinguishing the signal from the noise.”

For salespeople, that means a clearer picture of what is happening across their accounts. For sales leaders, it provides greater visibility into where their teams may need to focus.

“Typically, organisations will have a CRM platform, an ERP and other operational systems such as customer service platforms, so there is already data sitting in different

40 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

systems,” explained Mangal.

“The challenge, particularly for manufacturers today, is that frontline staff and salespeople aren’t able to pick up the signals from all of those systems because they can’t make sense of what all that data means.

“What SugarAI is doing with Precision Selling is making sense of those signals and surfacing insights directly to the salesperson in near real time, then using those insights to guide action.”

Traditional reports and dashboards are useful for understanding what has already happened. CRM shows the history of customer interactions, while ERP data can show changes in orders and buying behaviour.

SugarAI’s Precision Selling takes those existing signals and helps salespeople understand what may need their attention next.

“Many salespeople are selling highly complex products - they

might have 1,000 SKUs or 200 customers,” said Mangal.

“They’ll know their top ten customers extremely well, but the remaining 90% not nearly as well.

“Our solution is able to detect subtle changes in buying behaviour and help drive those customer conversations, so salespeople can spend more time focusing on relationships.

“Having that near real-time view of the signals coming from the ERP data means salespeople can intervene earlier.

“They can act on information sooner, identify missed opportunities, potential opportunities or churn risks.

“It also helps them build better customer relationships because they understand what’s happening before they walk into the meeting, and they can also benchmark that customer against others in the same industry, giving them valuable context around trends and performance.”

Bringing those signals together also reduces the amount of work required from salespeople to understand what is happening across their accounts. At the same time, sales leaders get a clearer view of where attention may be needed.

“If you look at the current state, businesses probably have a CRM, an ERP and a customer service platform,” said Mangal.

“You’re expecting your salespeople to log into every one of those systems and somehow analyse all that disconnected information before they walk into a meeting.

“That’s a huge administrative burden just to understand what’s happening with one customer.

“How do you make sense of what one system is saying versus another?

“Sales leaders generally manage by exception. They trust their teams to do the right thing, but they need visibility into where attention is required.

“Additional capabilities on the SugarAI product roadmap will support this by surfacing recommendations, such as accounts with no recent opportunities or other areas that may need attention.

“That kind of insight can help sales leaders focus their attention where it matters most.

“AI isn’t replacing sales leaders.

It’s helping them focus on coaching, relationships and leadership instead of administration and account planning.”

SugarAI - sugarai.com

industryupdate.com.au

CeMAT FEATURE

What more could your forklift do with the right attachment?

A

forklift is one of the most versatile machines in a workplace. But if it is only being used to move pallets from A to B, there is a good chance its capabilities are being underutilised.

The right attachment can turn a standard forklift into a specialised handling solution. Add hydraulics to the mix and you take handling to the next level. Hydraulic attachments can allow operators to clamp, rotate, tip, position or handle loads that would otherwise require additional equipment or manual intervention.

East West Engineering has been designing and supplying forklift attachments to Australian industry for more than 45 years.

While well known for its broad range of material handling equipment, the company also has extensive experience in hydraulic forklift attachments and stocks a range of solutions that can transform everyday material handling tasks.

Consider a business handling waste bins every day. With a rotator base fitted to 660L wheelie bins, a 360° rotator allows operators to lift,

industryupdate.com.au

rotate and empty bins without leaving the forklift, reducing manual handling and the associated risk of workplace injuries.

In another application, a customer handling two metre-high bulk bags filled with 1,200kg of macadamia nuts needed to load them into a container without pallets. Handling loose product can be challenging due to shifting weight and sensitivity to over-compression.

East West Engineering tested its ZXC Carton Clamp under the same conditions, demonstrating that the attachment could securely grip and transport the bags without damaging them.

In a food production operation where packed goods are stored in a cold room, a TLQ Push Pull forklift attachment enabled the customer to efficiently handle products on slipsheets rather than pallets. This allowed goods to be stored without pallets, helping optimise space and support hygiene requirements, before being transferred onto a pallet for dispatch. The solution streamlined the movement of

goods through the operation, demonstrating how a hydraulic attachment can adapt a forklift to perform specific handling processes.

In busy operations, forklifts need to keep working.

When a forklift is critical to moving product, loading trucks or keeping production flowing, the attachment needs to be reliable and fit for the job. With an extensive range of spare parts stocked at its Sydney facility and technical staff available to assist with product selection, installation and troubleshooting, East West Engineering supports customers well beyond the initial sale.

East West Engineering stocks a large range of standard hydraulic attachments for fast delivery, including rotators, sideshifts, fork positioners, clamps and double pallet handlers. When an attachment is needed to keep an operation moving, customers often need it yesterday, not 8 to twelve weeks away.

TLQ20K-B100 Push Pull fitted to a Hyundai forklift

The question for many businesses is simple: what more could your forklift do with the right attachment?

East West Engineering eastwesteng.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 41

AMRF

How the AMRF is bringing Powerhouse Parramatta’s 100-year time capsule to life

T

he best manufacturing outcomes rarely happen in isolation. They emerge when expertise, technology and industry partner together to solve complex challenges.

At the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) in Bradfield City, that exact philosophy underpins every project.

The latest partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta is a powerful example of this approach in action. The project ambition is clear: create a landmark time capsule capable of withstanding more than 100 years underground.

Designed by industrial designer David Caon, the time capsule is being engineered and manufactured by the AMRF ahead of its installation at the new Powerhouse Parramatta in late 2026.

Inside, it will preserve a snapshot of the science, technology and stories for future generations. Outside, the capsule itself will stand as a

lasting legacy of today’s advanced manufacturing capability.

The challenge extended beyond simply manufacturing the capsule. Every stage of the process, from material selection through to production, has been driven by the question: how will the capsule perform 100 years from now? This is exactly the type of challenge the AMRF is designed to solve.

To answer this, the AMRF team combined their expertise in engineering and advanced manufacturing to transform the world-class industrial design into a manufacturable vessel.

Leveraging integrated capabilities available at the AMRF including additive manufacturing, precision CNC machining, wire cutting and metrology, the team crafted a solution that stayed true to the design vision.

Rather than moving directly into production, the AMRF team has rapidly designed, tested, refined

Powerhouse Parramatta Time Capsule render. Supplied by David Caon Office 42 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

Powerhouse Parramatta Time Capsule render. Supplied by David Caon Office

and validated the capsule. The creation of two sub-scale prototypes helped identify potential issues and optimise the design ahead of the final build. This rigorous approach has minimised risk throughout the project to ensure the final design is fit to last.

Advanced technologies play a critical role. Key components will be produced using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), an advanced additive manufacturing process that makes it possible to create complex forms that would be difficult to achieve using traditional methods.

The team also worked through technical challenges, including distortion caused by high temperatures during production, however rapid testing and prototyping have helped reduce these issues.

To preserve the objects inside, the capsule will be purged with nitrogen. A secondary sealed enclosure will prevent any leakage, ensuring they remain in a protected environment for 100 years once buried.

While the project is unique, the approach behind it is one the AMRF applies every day. It demonstrates how manufacturers can validate design rapidly, reduce risk, accelerate innovation and ultimately bring products to market faster from concept to commercial outcome.

The value lies not in any single technology, but in partnering with the right people and expertise to make it happen.

For Bradfield Development Authority CEO Ken Morrison, the

collaboration highlights AMRF’s role in strengthening manufacturing capability.

“The time capsule partnership with Powerhouse and David Caon is a great way to demonstrate what the AMRF does best – promoting advanced manufacturing technologies that transform productivity and unlock the strength of manufacturing design collaborations,” he said.

When the capsule is finally opened in 2126, it will reveal more than the stories preserved inside. It will stand as a lasting testament to the power of collaboration, innovation and advanced manufacturing.

More importantly, it serves as a reminder that the decisions made today can create value for generations to come. We hope that in 100 years’ time, the AMRF stands as proof that investing in innovation, capability and people creates lasting impact.

The future of Australian manufacturing will be shaped by the problems we choose to solve, the ideas we choose to back and the partnerships we build along the way.

The question isn’t what manufacturing challenges the future will bring, but how prepared we are to solve them.

We encourage you to connect with the AMRF, identify the opportunities that will drive you forward and explore how we can help you prepare for what’s next.

AMRF - amrf.sydney industryupdate.com.au

De-risk your next production step with the AMRF Need to increase productivity across your product or process?

The AMRF helps manufacturers validate, qualify, and optimise, before scaling with confidence.

Book a project scoping call today E: enquiries@amrf.sydney

W: www.amrf.sydney

ELECTRONICS

Building cyber-resilient embedded systems: Insights from industry leaders

By Shawn Luke, technical marketing engineer at DigiKey

A

s connected devices have become ever-present in our lives, the need for robust embedded security has never been greater. In a recent “Let’s Talk Technical” roundtable with top embedded and microcontroller suppliers, I spoke with experts from Analog Devices, STMicroelectronics, NXP and Microchip Technology to hear their perspectives on the evolving landscape of embedded security and its critical role in today’s connected world.

Embedded devices require robust, decentralised protection strategies, unlike centralised data centres, which can be vulnerable to physical tampering like side channel attacks.

The decentralised nature of embedded devices demands security that is built in from the start, not bolted on later.

Let’s dive into some insights on securing embedded systems, navigating new global regulations, advanced concepts and more.

The Cyber Resilience Act: Raising the Bar Carlos Serratos from NXP explained how the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) shifts accountability to manufacturers. Adhering to the CRA impacts manufacturers across the globe, not just in Australia. It requires risk assessments for hardware and software, countermeasures against identified threats and vulnerability reporting throughout the product life cycle. This ensures every layer of the value chain, from microcontrollers to finished goods, meets new security expectations.

Doug Gardner from Analog Devices added that regulations such as NIST, PSA, IEC 62443 and ISO 21434 are shaping development workflows across top industries in Australia. Companies must integrate cryptographic primitives, isolation mechanisms and secure identity management into their engineering processes. To help Australian developers manage these growing requirements, chipmakers are providing tools, SDKs and lifecycle monitoring solutions that simplify compliance and reduce the risk of implementation errors.

Xavier Bignalet from Microchip

provided an overview of threat modelling, which defines the risk landscape for each device and application. He explained that modern development must include post-production lifecycle management, ensuring that devices remain secure even after deployment through regular updates, monitoring and incident response. He stressed that security doesn’t end at deployment.

Continuous monitoring, firmware updates and incident response are essential to maintain resilience against evolving threats.

Secure Design Principles Mena Roumbakis from STMicroelectronics underscored that strong security starts early.

From the first design phase, developers must conduct risk assessments, follow secure coding practices, implement secure boot and zerotrust systems, confirm supply chain integrity, and maintain documentation to support regulatory compliance. These principles ensure trust from silicon to cloud.

The panel also agreed on the importance of a secure supply chain and the use of zero-trust programming to protect private keys, IP and firmware from tampering during manufacturing. As AI and machine learning move to the edge, ensuring that data remains authentic and reliable becomes even more vital.

Advanced Security Concepts The experts also explored Secure Enclave technologies, isolated hardware environments designed to safeguard critical keys and processes. NXP, Microchip, Analog Devices and STMicroelectronics each implement this concept differently through platforms like Crypto Authentication, Trusted Execution Environments (TEE) and TrustZone. Despite different branding, the core principles are similar: protect credentials, enforce trusted execution and comply with evolving regulations.

The concept of a Secure Enclave is central to modern embedded security. It acts as an isolated environment within a processor, like a hotel safe, designed to protect sensitive data and execute critical security functions.

44 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

Shawn Luke, technical marketing engineer at DigiKey

These solutions physically and logically isolate sensitive operations from general processing, reducing the attack surface and ensuring a hardware-based root of trust. As AI and machine learning move to the edge, ensuring data authenticity and integrity becomes even more critical.

Panel members emphasised that complexity is the enemy of security, underscoring the importance of isolation and layered defences. Large systems, such as operating systems, inevitably contain flaws, so critical assets must be stored in highly secure environments to prevent catastrophic “break one, break all” attacks.

While the concept of isolation is not new—credit card chips, SIM cards and TPMs have used it for decades—it is now being extended

across industries. Technologies like ARM TrustZone add another layer by creating hardware-enforced secure states for running critical code, complementing dedicated secure elements for maximum protection.

The Bottom Line Wrapping up, Bignalet emphasised the legal and operational consequences of noncompliance.

Manufacturers in Australia that fail to design security into their products risk not only breaches but also potential litigation under new global standards. Security is no longer optional—it’s a legal, operational and ethical necessity.

DigiKey Australia digikey.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

ELECTRONICS

Pre-assembled harnessing helps manufacturers improve quality, consistency and efficiency

L

app Australia is helping manufacturers take the complexity out of equipment wiring by moving labour-intensive assembly work into a controlled, repeatable manufacturing process.

As equipment becomes more complex and manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve productivity, quality and time to market, wiring can become a significant source of production labour and variability.

Lapp Australia’s Harnessing Solutions Division designs and manufactures application-specific, pre-assembled cable harnesses that allow customers to shift wiring work away from the production floor and into a controlled factory environment.

According to Stuart Fleming, General Manager of Lapp Australia’s Harnessing Solutions Division, the approach provides manufacturers with greater consistency while reducing the labour and risk associated with wiring individual machines.

“Rather than having operators or technicians build and terminate cables individually on the production line, we can take that work

into a controlled manufacturing process,” he said.

“This allows us to standardise the assembly, inspect it throughout production, and test it before it reaches the customer, providing greater certainty around quality and installation.”

Harnessing can reduce wiring errors through controlled engineering drawings, bills of materials, work instructions and testing, while providing traceability and inspection documentation.

The completed assemblies can also be labelled and packaged according to the customer’s requirements – whether by machine, module, rack or installation sequence – allowing them to be installed more quickly and with less interpretation on site or on the production floor.

For manufacturers scaling production, this can help increase output without proportionally increasing internal wiring labour.

“Customers can effectively outsource a complex part of their assembly process without losing control over quality or traceability,” said Fleming.

“It also allows us to provide feedback during the design phase,

Lapp Australia’s Harnessing Solutions Division helps to make equipment wiring less complex

helping identify opportunities to improve manufacturability before production begins.”

Pre-assembled harnesses can support applications across manufacturing, automation, intralogistics, agriculture, data centres and other industrial environments, with cable, connector and protection solutions selected according to the specific operating conditions.

By combining engineering, manufacturing, testing, labelling, and packaging into a single process, harnessing can help manufacturers

reduce production labour, improve repeatability and shorten installation and commissioning times.

“Ultimately, it’s about taking variability out of the process,” said Fleming.

“The customer receives a tested, documented and ready-to-install assembly, rather than a collection of components that still needs to be wired.”

LAPP Australia lappaustralia.com.au

Bonfiglioli drives power Australian-made marine winches

A

ustralian manufacturer Lone Star Marine is continuing to expand its locally made marine anchoring systems, with Bonfiglioli drive technology playing a key role in the company’s flagship drum-style anchor winches.

Established 15 years ago as an importer of marine products, Lone Star Marine now designs and manufactures advanced anchoring systems from its facility in South East Melbourne, supplying customers across Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Lone Star Marine recently expanded its manufacturing footprint with a third production facility and an additional 400 m² of manufacturing space, including a new laboratory for producing electrical components, printed circuit boards and motor controllers in Australia.

The move to local manufacturing has given the company greater control over machining, assembly and quality assurance while strengthening its Australian supply chain.

The company said the investment would support the development of next-generation marine control systems, including custom speed controls, operating systems and firmware for future products.

46 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

Bonfiglioli supplies VF/W worm gear drives for Lone Star Marine’s drum-style anchor winches, with customised bronze and stainless steel output bores designed to withstand harsh marine environments.

“Bonfiglioli’s focus on consistently delivering high-quality products and engineering capability aligns with Lone Star Marine’s philosophy of investing in the best components available,” said Lone Star Marine Managing Director Malki Ary. “Bonfiglioli take pride in their products and approach engineering with care and precision, which is critical given the complexity of our systems.”

The VF/W gear drives provide high torque density, compact right-angle design and low-maintenance operation, making them well suited to marine winch applications where space is limited.

“These drives are designed to deliver reliable load management and a long service life, with low maintenance requirements,” said Bonfiglioli Sales Manager for Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia Amit Shukla.

Bonfiglioli - bonfiglioli.com The Haulmaster from Lone Star Marine industryupdate.com.au

ELECTRONICS

Why specialisation matters in industrial cable management

I

n today’s industrial landscape, reliability isn’t simply a desirable feature - it’s an operational necessity.

Whether in mining, manufacturing, ports, logistics or automated production facilities, equipment performance often depends on components that rarely attract attention until something goes wrong.

Cable management is one of those critical elements.

At Chain Systems Australia (CSA), the philosophy is straightforward: specialise in one product and do it exceptionally well.

Rather than offering an extensive catalogue of unrelated industrial products, CSA focuses exclusively on cable chains. That dedicated approach has allowed the company to develop extensive technical expertise and provide customers with practical solutions for demanding applications.

CSA is the exclusive distributor of Brevetti Stendalto throughout Australia and New Zealand, supplying premium nylon and steel cable chains recognised worldwide for

industryupdate.com.au

their quality, durability and engineering excellence. The products are designed and manufactured in Italy and are used across industries where continuous movement, harsh operating conditions and long service life are essential.

Quality products are only part of the equation, however. CSA has built its reputation on responsive customer service and technical support.

The team works closely with OEMs, system integrators, engineers and end users to help customers select the most appropriate cable chain solution for each application, maximising performance and long-term reliability.

CSA also supports customers nationwide through offices and extensive warehousing facilities in Perth and Sydney. The company maintains substantial local stock of nylon and steel cable chains, allowing it to respond quickly to customer requirements, minimise lead times and reduce costly equipment downtime.

As Australian industry continues to invest in automation and

Chain Systems Australia’s philosophy is straightforward: specialise in one product and do it exceptionally well.

advanced manufacturing technologies, dependable cable management has never been more important.

Chain Systems Australia combines premium products with local expertise, comprehensive stock holdings and responsive service.

It’s an approach that continues to demonstrate the value of specialisation.

For businesses looking for reliable cable chain solutions backed by technical knowledge and local support, CSA remains a trusted partner throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Chain Systems Australia chainsystems.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 47

AUSTRALIAN MADE

AUSTRALIAN MADE

Australian-made grid technology reaches Europe with first Portugal export

Q

ueensland manufacturer EcoJoule Energy has exported its Australianmade EcoVAR grid technology to Portugal for the first time, marking the company’s entry into the European market and expanding the global reach of locally manufactured clean energy equipment.

The EcoVAR units were manufactured at EcoJoule Energy’s facility in Brisbane before being shipped to Portugal this month.

The export means the company’s technology is now operating across four key regions: Oceania, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The milestone follows a $15 million capital raise completed in 2025, including a $3 million investment from the Clean Energy Finance

Corporation (CEFC) through its Powering Australia Technology Fund.

“I started EcoJoule after seeing, at a utility, how quickly rising solar exports push voltage outside limits on the low-voltage network,” said EcoJoule Energy founder Dr Mike Wishart.

“The EcoVAR was designed to correct that at the point where it occurs, without taking customers off supply.

The CEFC backing has helped us take that technology from Australia to the world.”

CEFC Head of Growth Capital Malcolm Thornton said the export demonstrated the international potential of Australian manufacturing.

“We backed EcoJoule through

EcoJoule Energy has exported its Australian-made EcoVAR grid technology to Portugal for the first time

the Powering Australia Technology Fund to help a market-leading Australian technology company scale up and get its grid solutions to more customers. Seeing that technology now exported to Europe shows Australian clean energy innovation competing on the world stage,” he said.

EcoJoule said the funding has enabled it to expand manufacturing capacity, build inventory and grow its commercial team to support increasing domestic and

international demand.

The EcoVAR is a low-voltage distribution STATCOM designed to help electricity distributors manage voltage, balance loads across phases and improve power quality on existing networks. The technology can be installed without interrupting electricity supply and helps networks connect more rooftop solar while reducing the need for traditional network upgrades.

EcoJoule Energy - ecojoule.com

YOU MAKE IT LOCAL. THE LOGO MAKES IT

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48 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

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AUSTRALIAN MADE

Australian Made cranes get Italian assistance with new link-up

T

he relationship between Australia and Italy goes back generations, with countless examples in the manufacturing sector - not least in F&B, where we can be proud of making some of the best coffee in the world.

Now, you can add materials handling to that - thanks to a link-up between a long-standing Australian made machine and an Italian partner.

Bomac, who manufacture Altrac crane systems in Melbourne, have announced a deal to be the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor for Indeva Liftronic industrial manipulators, based just north of Bergamo.

Both companies have a history of material handling solutions leading up to their key modern offering.

Liftronic began in the 1970s by the Scaglia family, while Altrac dates back to the early 2000s, where the McFarlane family, who are still involved with Bomac, first developed the system.

“There’s a great synergy between

the two products from both companies, not only because of how minimal effort is required to lift and move a load but also how both products can be custom designed to suit the customers application,” said Tate Macfarlane, Engineering Director at Bomac.

A Liftronic can be customised to pick up awkward items that might not be easily lifted with traditional hoists.

Attachments can be a clamp, magnetic or other type of custom attachment that can tilt and rotate the item being lifted.

Instead of holding on to a control to lift and lower the item, the operator can physically grab the item and locate or manipulate it into a specific location.

The Liftronic also continuously measures the weight of the load and automatically balances it hundreds of times per second, rather than the operator controlling the lifting force.

Whether the load weighs 20 kg or 200 kg, the operator experiences

Indeva Liftronic industrial manipulators are now available from Bomac

almost no effort and no manual adjustments are required when load weights change - making Liftronic Industrial Manipulator ideal for assembly lines with repetitive lifting and greatly reduces user fatigue.

The product is now available from Bomac Engineering, and can be easily used alongside existing Altrac products.

Bomac - bomac.com.au

Whatever you need to lift & move . . . there's an Altrac crane for that!

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Made in Australia with high-quality materials for quick turnaround from design to install.

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Contact us for a quote 03 9796 5300 www.bomac.com.au Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 49

AUSTRALIAN MADE

Good for Australia, better for your business

P

ositioned at the end of the supply chain, as Australia is, supply chain disruption has become a threat on the horizon of all businesses.

Recent years have seen shipping delays, volatility in fuel prices and shipping rates, fuel shortages, labour shortages and trade disputes, all of which affect the flow of parts and raw materials into our ports. It is evident now that supply chain risk management is an ever-increasing priority for business.

When businesses invest in workshop infrastructure, they often focus on the upfront cost of the equipment - yet the true value of a purchase is measured over many years.

Can additional units be supplied if the workshop expands? Will replacement parts still be available in ten or 20 years? Can the manufacturer provide technical support when requirements change?

These questions are becoming just as important as the price printed on the quotation.

A genuine advantage is gained

when dealing with local Australian manufacturers.

The proximity makes communication simple. Seeking advice, such as choice of configurations and workshop layouts, sourcing spare parts and after-sales support, even the faster initial lead time when first fitting out your facility - these benefits are hard to put a dollar value on, but they are real.

Combined with the security of a reliable supply chain and knowing that you will be able to get the equipment and workshop furniture you require, and then you have a quality service that you can plan around.

BAC Systems has built its reputation around this philosophy for almost 50 years.

Manufacturing workshop storage equipment in Australia since 1977, BAC has supplied generations of workshops with drawer storage cabinets, modular workbenches and workshop storage systems engineered to provide decades of reliable service.

The company’s modular designs allow installations to grow and

By Bob Griffin, BAC Systems

evolve with changing workshop requirements, rather than becoming obsolete when the business changes.

Support doesn’t end when the equipment is delivered. Spare parts remain available for many years, existing installations can be expanded or reconfigured, and BAC’s technical sales team works with customers to develop practical storage and workstation solutions tailored to their individual operations.

Just as importantly, the majority of the materials used in BAC products are sourced within Australia, including Australian steel processed at Port Kembla, reducing dependence on lengthy international supply chains.

Buying Australian has always supported Australian jobs and Australian industry.

Today, however, it offers something equally valuable – greater certainty. In an increasingly uncertain world, choosing equipment backed by local manufacturing, local engineering and long-term local support is not simply a patriotic decision.

BAC Systems products are all manufactured in Australia

It is sound business practice and an investment in the resilience of your operation.

If your next workshop upgrade involves storage cabinets, workbenches or specialised workshop equipment, it may be worth looking a little closer to home. You might find that the best combination of quality, flexibility and long-term value has been here all along.

BAC Systems bacsystems.com.au

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50 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

25/05/2026 11:56:43 AM

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AUSTRALIAN MADE

Store your hoses better with BAC Systems

U

ntil recently, it was a given that you stored your small bundles of uncut hydraulic hose in a pigeon hole beneath your bench, your large bundles on a pallet in your racking, and all of your spools on a long spoolbar below your racking.

People began experimenting next, and you ended up with such solutions as PVC Pipe that you could feed your hose into, a hose bundle tree with baskets spinning around a central axis and a customised welded frame that could hold a couple of reels on a spoolbar.

While these ideas were being explored, BAC Systems was quietly developing its own range of ergonomic high-density storage solutions for hydraulic hose that solved most of the problems that the other garage solutions could not.

BAC Systems is an Australian manufacturer of industrial storage solutions and modular work benches. It is also the manufacturer of the world’s only modular, mass-produced range of industrial

storage solutions for uncut hydraulic hose for hose-making workshops.

BAC Hose Storage Modules are affordable and effective, being designed around one clear principle: “To store as much hose as close to the saw as possible, and with easier access to the hose than any other solution available.”

BAC offers three levels of hose storage solution: 1. Hose Drawers - For smaller loose uncut hose coils, up to about 1.5” NB, which are stored in a drawer on a turntable and are smoothly drawn out to be cut, with the excess easily rewound afterwards.

2. Hose Reel Rack - Designed to store either narrow or wide reels on conveyor rollers to allow smooth drawing of hose and smooth rewind, storing up to nine smaller reels on a footprint of less than 1m².

3. Hose Bundle Shelving Modular Shelving with adjustable Vertical Locations for storing large loose hose bundles

at ground level, for quick access, requiring no forklift.

BAC has focused on storing as many hoses on the smallest footprint possible. Using smooth bearing systems to unwind the hose, instead of having to completely pull the hose out from its storage location before it can be fed through the cutting saw, means that you have less handling, fewer tangles, cleaner hoses and a smaller storage footprint.For busy hose shops with large stock ranges, BAC acknowledges that you may not be able to store all of your key uncut hydraulic hose stock around your cut-off saw.

For this, BAC has developed the BAC Hose Unwind Transfer Cart, allowing you to store your hose across the workshop in your Hose Bundle Modules, wheeling the bundle over to the saw on the cart.

The key feature of the transfer cart is that it has a built-in Turntable and Hose Roller Side Guides.

This system allows you to unwind your hose onto your Hose Making

BAC Systems are experts in hydraulic hose storage

Bench to be cut without fearing that it will become tangled or dirty, or that its internal tension would cause it to spill out everywhere.

This ergonomic cart takes the burden off the work and increases your production efficiency.

With a growing number of customers around the world turning to BAC to increase the efficiency of their Hose Making Workshops, the BAC Hose Storage Range is a must for all workshops serious about increasing productivity.

Contact the BAC Technical Sales Team to learn more about the modular BAC hydraulic hose Storage Range for Uncut hydraulic hose.

BAC Systems bacsystems.com.au

Ora et Labora

BAC Systems Pty Limited Phone: (02) 9832 2777 industryupdate.com.au

Order the latest BAC Catalogue online now!

www.bacsystems.com.au

Inspired by Real Intelligence Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 51

AUSTRALIAN MADE

Take back control by bringing blasting and painting in-house

I

n today’s competitive manufacturing environment, companies are under increasing pressure to improve quality, reduce costs and

deliver projects faster.

While outsourcing blasting and painting may seem convenient, it often introduces hidden costs,

We solve your toughest blasting & painting challenges.

protoblast.com.au sales@protoblast.com.au 1800 772 320

52 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

Protoblast can help with all blasting needs

longer lead times and reduced control over the finished product.

Bringing these processes in-house offers a practical way to strengthen operations and improve business performance.

When blasting and painting are performed internally, businesses gain direct control over every stage of the process.

From material preparation to coating application, quality standards can be closely monitored and maintained. This level of oversight helps reduce defects, minimise rework and ensure consistent results that meet customer expectations.

Outsourcing can create delays due to transportation, scheduling conflicts and reliance on third-party contractors. In-house capabilities allow businesses to streamline workflows, improve response times and reduce project bottlenecks.

Faster turnaround times not only enhance productivity but also help organisations meet customer demands more effectively.

Although establishing in-house blasting and painting operations requires an initial investment, the long-term savings can be significant.

Eliminating contractor fees, transport costs and external mark-ups helps reduce operating expenses.

Businesses also benefit from

greater control over resources, minimising material waste and improving overall productivity.

These efficiencies contribute directly to stronger profitability.

An in-house operation provides the flexibility to accommodate urgent projects and changing customer requirements without depending on external schedules.

At the same time, employees gain valuable hands-on experience and specialised expertise, creating a more knowledgeable workforce and supporting a culture of continuous improvement.

For businesses considering the move to in-house blasting and painting, choosing the right equipment partner is essential.

With decades of industry experience, Protoblast is a trusted Australian manufacturer of abrasive blasting and painting equipment, helping companies improve process control, efficiency and productivity.

By investing in reliable equipment and proven solutions, businesses can confidently take ownership of these critical operations. Success begins when you take the reins into your own hands.

Protoblast - protoblast.com.au

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INDUSTRIAL FLOORING

Roxset flooring solutions keep bad bugs at bay

H

ygienic flooring is a must when it comes to food and beverage facilities. That’s why it’s important to have experts on hand to deliver the right solution.

For companies searching for a flooring solution that offers both durability and superior cleanliness then Roxset HACCP Health and Safety Epoxy Flooring Solutions might be the answer.

Suitable for a variety of settings, such as large food processing factories, abattoirs, wineries and industrial facilities, these floors are designed to minimise contamination while providing a seamless finish that is easy to maintain.

Roxset has been operating in Australia for more than 30 years and is the largest applicator to the food, beverage and manufacturing industries in Australia.

Roxset has worked with many key players in the Australian manufacturing sector, such as Nupal Packaging, Encore Tissue, Norco Milk, Goodman Fielder, Nestle Foods, Steggles Chicken and Bega Cheese.

Key features It is critical in all factory facilities – both large and small – to meet the strict regulations around HACCP OH&S compliance and to adhere to safety and hygiene at times.

Hygienic epoxy flooring is more than just a surface; it is a flooring solution built to withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh conditions.

This flooring option is water-resistant, allowing for easy cleaning and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. With this epoxy flooring system, users can maximise hygiene levels while maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic in the surrounding space.

First and foremost, epoxy flooring solutions feature a non-porous surface that does not trap dust, dirt or allergens, making them suitable for environments where safety and cleanliness are paramount.

Furthermore, the hygienic nature of this flooring contributes to overall health by minimising the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, as well as preventing the spread of germs in shared spaces.

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Roxset are F&B experts

Robust and durable Many production facilities suffer from badly maintained floors containing cracks coming from old concrete and dated tiles. Roxset can provide a full range of repairs and upgrades with screeding and jointing to ensure the floor is properly prepared prior to the epoxy coating.

These flooring solutions are built to withstand the rigorous demands of any food and beverage or heavy production environment.

With features like resistance to spills, chemicals and heavy foot traffic, the specialised coatings ensure that flooring maintains its integrity over time.

Available in various textures and colours, clients can achieve the aesthetic they desire while not compromising on quality. A facility deserves flooring that can handle temperature fluctuations and damp conditions without compromise.

Easy installation and maintenance Installation of Hygienic Epoxy Coating solutions will be both efficient and straightforward.

Roxset’s professional in-house team, who can mobilise from its NSW or Queensland facilities, will ensure that the new floors are installed to the highest standards, minimising disruptions to daily operations.

Once installed, the maintenance of the flooring is straightforward – with a commercial scrubber for large areas, or just regular sweeping and occasional mopping is enough to keep floors looking new.

Transform a production or processing facility now and experience the difference with high-quality epoxy flooring.

Roxset - roxset.com.au Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 53

INDUSTRIAL FLOORING • Outright Purchase – Your choice of new and professionally refurbished equipment of reliable, fit‑for‑purpose machines to suit different operational needs and budgets.

• Hire-to-Buy – Conquest’s NEW offering, allowing customers to place equipment into operation immediately, with the flexibility to hire now, buy later.

Together, these options acknowledge a simple truth: certainty is not always available at the point procurement decisions need to be made.

Fast, Flexible Fleet is designed to keep operations moving while allowing decisions to evolve over time.

Conquest Equipment can assist with all your fleet needs

Tired of running your operations with an under-resourced fleet?

F

or manufacturing operations leaders, fleet procurement has become increasingly complex.

Capital expenditure is under closer scrutiny, approval cycles are longer, and the certainty required to commit to long-term rental contracts or outright purchases is harder to achieve.

At the same time, operational demands have not eased - facilities still need to run, sites still need to be maintained and equipment must perform reliably day in, day out.

This tension is most visible where equipment needs are short-term, project-based or variable.

Ad-hoc shutdowns, seasonal

The Fast Flexible Fleet offering is designed to suit the needs of manufacturers 54 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

spikes, trial projects or interim coverage often require capable equipment without the confidence to commit to long ownership horizons.

It is within this context that Conquest’s approach to fleet procurement stands out.

Founded on principles of reliability, innovation and flexibility, Conquest has spent decades working alongside customers across a wide range of sites nationwide and understanding how they can help reduce this pressure.

Fast Flexible Fleet: designed for modern operational realities Conquest’s response is its Fast Flexible Fleet offering - a structured range of access options designed to support changing requirements without locking customers into rigid commitments.

Rather than a single model, this brings together multiple pathways to procure: • Short-Term Hire - Rapid access to well-maintained equipment when needs are immediate, uncertain or temporary – from just one day.

• Flexible Rental Contracts - A stable, predictable option where operational requirements are ongoing, but ownership is not preferred, with fully maintained options available.

Additional peace of mind, built into the model Flexibility alone is not enough if equipment performance or support falls short. In addition to procurement choice, Conquest reinforces confidence through a set of protections designed to reduce risk and remove common supplier concerns: • Zero Downtime Program Focused on keeping equipment operational with same day breakdown response and loan machines.

• Unmatched Warranty Protection – If you can find the same specification and quality machine with a better warranty term, they will match it.

• 60 Day Money Back Guarantee - If a product is not performing to expectations, they will upgrade, swap or refund.

• Intelligent Solutions Program (ISP) – All of this is possible due to their ISP, taking the time to understand your operations with site audits and ensuring the right fit for all applications.

For operations teams weighing procurement decisions under pressure, these programs act as safeguards - addressing the downstream risks that often sit behind hesitancy to commit.

In an environment where flexibility, reliability and accountability all matter, Conquest’s model reflects the realities customers face on the ground. Conquest is here to help.

If you want to discuss your facility maintenance equipment requirements, Conquest offers free site assessments and product demonstrations to support informed, confident decisions.

Conquest Equipment conquestequipment.com.au

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Fast, Flexible Fleet Access We do business your way, with flexibility at every stage.

Short-Term Hire

Hire-to-Buy

Outright Purchase

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INDUSTRIAL FLOORING High-performance flooring solutions for demanding industrial environments

I

ndustrial flooring systems are often subjected to some of the harshest operating conditions within a facility.

Whether in food and beverage manufacturing, heavy industrial processing, mining operations, workshops or mechanical facilities, flooring must withstand heavy traffic, impact, chemical exposure, thermal shock and rigorous cleaning regimes while maintaining safety and long-term performance.

Selecting the right flooring solution is critical to ensuring operational efficiency, asset protection and workplace safety.

Fosroc ANZ has built a strong reputation as a leading manufacturer of high-performance flooring systems, protective coatings and infrastructure solutions designed to perform in challenging industrial environments across Australia and New Zealand.

“Our customers need flooring systems that can withstand demanding operational conditions while delivering durability, safety and ease of maintenance over the long term,” says Andrew Nelson, Fosroc Product Segment

Specialist - Flooring & Coatings.

Fosroc’s portfolio includes industrial flooring systems, protective coatings, waterproofing and concrete repair solutions suitable for a broad range of applications, from food processing plants and commercial kitchens through to manufacturing facilities, warehouses, workshops, processing plants and mining operations.

Among the company’s flagship flooring systems is the Nitoflor PU600/PU200 polyurethane cement flooring system.

Designed for the most demanding industrial environments, it delivers excellent resistance to chemical attack, impact, abrasion and thermal shock.

This makes it particularly well suited to areas exposed to heavy mechanical loads, washdown procedures, temperature extremes and aggressive service conditions.

Recent enhancements have improved installation efficiency, including formulation refinements that improve product flow and workability, together with new bulk pack formats that reduce mixing

requirements and enhance onsite productivity.

The system also offers significant performance advantages over traditional flooring materials used in industrial environments.

Its highly durable, bonded construction provides longterm resistance to wear, impact and operational abuse, helping reduce maintenance requirements and downtime.

Another key solution within the Fosroc range is Nitoflor FC150 HP-SL, a heavy-duty epoxy flooring system developed for industrial facilities requiring superior abrasion resistance, chemical resistance and durability.

The seamless finish supports easy cleaning and maintenance while standing up to continuous industrial use.

Beyond product performance, Fosroc works closely with contractors, applicators, engineers and facility owners to ensure the most appropriate flooring solution is selected for each application.

This includes support with

Fosroc ANZ are experts in industrial flooring

specification, substrate preparation and installation methodology to maximise long-term performance.

Combined with local Australian manufacturing and nationwide technical expertise, Fosroc provides industrial operators with reliable, high-performance flooring solutions designed to meet the demands of modern manufacturing, processing, heavy industrial and mining environments.

Fosroc - fosroc.com.au

FUTURE

PROOF.

Engineered for the long haul.

At Fosroc, building for the future isn’t just a figure of

speech. It’s a promise. Our range of industrial flooring

products aren’t just formulated to work in industrial and commercial settings – they’re engineered to last.

Industrial Flooring & Protective Coatings | fosroc.com.au | 1800 812 864 Fosroc and the Fosroc logo are trademarks of Fosroc International Limited, used under licence. Parchem Construction Supplies Pty Ltd is the licenced manufacturer and distributor of Fosroc products in Australia. Concrete Plus Ltd is the licenced distributor in New Zealand.

56 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

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MATERIALS HANDLING

Swisslog launches next-generation pallet transport system

The FastMove monorail solution from Swisslog

S

wisslog has launched FastMove, a next-generation electrified monorail system designed to improve pallet transport across high-throughput warehouse environments.

Building on more than 40 years of monorail technology, FastMove is designed to move palletised goods over long distances while improving throughput, flexibility and equipment lifecycle.

The system is capable of transporting more than 600 pallets per hour at speeds of up to 2 m/s, providing manufacturers, logistics operators and distribution centres with a high-capacity alternative to conventional conveyor systems.

The system’s modular design enables operators to expand capacity by increasing the number of vehicles rather than replacing infrastructure, allowing warehouses to scale operations as demand grows.

FastMove is also designed to support retrofit and modernisation projects, enabling existing Swisslog monorail installations to be upgraded through new software, controls and selected mechatronic components without requiring complete system replacement.

The company said the approach helps customers protect existing industryupdate.com.au

investments while extending the operational life of warehouse infrastructure.

Designed for demanding industrial environments, FastMove operates in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 50°C and can transport loads of up to 1,500 kg, or up to 3,000 kg in twin-load configurations.

The system integrates with Swisslog’s SynQ warehouse software platform, providing real-time material flow management and coordination between automated and manual warehouse operations.

FastMove is already in operation at Australian sites, including Linfox BevChain.

“FastMove represents the next step in the evolution of monorail technology at Swisslog,” said Giovanni Franco, Product Manager, Pallet Transportation at Swisslog.

“By combining high performance with modular scalability and cost efficiency, we provide our customers with a future-ready solution that supports growth, modernisation and long-term operational excellence.”

Swisslog Global - swisslog.com

DUST SETTLES

TENNANT DOESN’T Industrial Cleaning Equipment

Book onsite demo

www.tennantco.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 57

MATERIALS HANDLING

Rethinking warehouse capacity in Australia

A

cross Australia, warehouse operators are facing a familiar pressure point. Facilities are running close to capacity, inventory profiles are getting more complex and the cost of expanding or relocating your warehouses have become eye-watering.

Industrial land is scarce, and even when expansion is possible, the disruption alone can cripple operations.

For many operators, the instinctive conclusion is simple: we’ve run out of space.

But according to Pride HC owner Darrin Pride, that assumption is often wrong - and after walking through hundreds of Australian warehouses, he has seen the same pattern repeat itself.

“Most warehouse managers think their storage problem is a space problem,” he explained. “In reality, it’s usually a layout and equipment problem.”

In most conventional warehouses, a significant portion of the floor area is consumed by aisle space.

These wide corridors exist for one reason only: to allow forklifts to manoeuvre. And while aisles are essential for movement, they don’t generate revenue. Pallet positions do.

“Every extra centimetre of aisle width is space that could otherwise be holding stock,” said Pride.

“Yet aisle space often consumes a huge percentage of the warehouse footprint without anyone questioning whether that space is being used efficiently.”

The limiting factor is rarely the racking itself. It’s how many rows of racking can physically fit into the building, and that comes down to the type of forklift a warehouse uses.

A typical reach truck requires around three metres of rack-torack clearance. Counterbalanced forklifts need even more, often close to 3.9 metres.

When those dimensions are multiplied across an entire facility, the amount of space lost to wide aisles becomes substantial.

For warehouse operators under pressure to store more without moving walls, that lost space represents a major missed opportunity.

Real-world results This is where very narrow aisle (VNA) forklifts enter the conversation.

While narrow aisle systems have

existed for years, they have often been perceived as expensive, specialised or impractical for everyday Australian operations.

Pride HC’s new ProfitMAX range was designed to challenge that perception.

“The goal was simple,” said Pride.

“Build a forklift that makes narrow aisle storage accessible, affordable and practical for real warehouses.”

With a ProfitMAX VNA forklift, rack-to-rack aisle widths can be reduced to around 1.9 metres, depending on pallet size and capacity requirements.

That single design change can unlock an additional 30–50 per cent in pallet positions within the same building footprint.

For operators staring down the barrel of an expansion or relocation, those numbers change the conversation entirely.

From a commercial perspective, increasing storage density is about far more than fitting in extra pallets.

Firstly, it can delay or eliminate the need to expand or relocate. In the current Australian property market, avoiding a new lease or build can save millions over the life of an operation.

Secondly, additional pallet positions directly increase revenue potential. More stock on hand means greater flexibility, improved service levels and the ability to take on new contracts without immediately outgrowing the facility.

Thirdly, a well-designed narrow aisle layout can improve overall operational flow. Reduced travel distances, fewer workarounds and less double handling all contribute to smoother day-to-day performance.

“When operators run the numbers over a three- to five-year period, the return on investment becomes very hard to ignore,” said Pride.

Storage density alone is not enough. Any forklift must be reliable, versatile and capable of handling real-world conditions.

“The equipment still has to perform day in, day out,” added Pride.

“Increasing storage is only half the equation.”

The ProfitMAX has been engineered with fully steel construction and is designed to operate both indoors and outdoors.

Unlike many narrow aisle solutions that are limited to pristine indoor environments,

58 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

The new ProfitMAX range from IFE Forklifts

the ProfitMAX can handle loading docks, yard work and variable surfaces while maintaining the precision required for very narrow aisle, high-lift operation.

This versatility allows operators to consolidate tasks that would otherwise require multiple machines.

Lift height, capacity and power One of the lingering misconceptions around VNA forklifts is that they lack lift height or capacity. In practice, the ProfitMAX is designed to meet the needs of most high-bay warehouses.

It features a full free mast with lift heights of up to 15 metres and lifting capacities ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 tonnes. That range covers the vast majority of Australian warehousing applications.

Power comes from 80V AC lift and drive motors. These motors deliver strong, consistent performance while remaining maintenance-free, helping to reduce long-term operating costs and unplanned downtime.

Energy costs are another area where warehouse operators are feeling the squeeze.

Pride HC has gone all-in on lithium battery technology for the

ProfitMAX, and the rationale is straightforward.

“An LPG forklift costs around seven dollars an hour to run,” Pride explained. “A lithium-powered ProfitMAX brings that down to roughly sixty cents an hour.”

In a multi-shift operation running several machines, that difference adds up quickly.

Compared to traditional leadacid batteries, lithium also delivers significant productivity gains.

Lead-acid batteries typically require eight hours of charging for around five hours of runtime.

Lithium batteries need only two hours of charging to deliver approximately six hours of operation.

That means less downtime, fewer spare batteries and more productive hours on the floor.

Maintenance is another factor.

Lead-acid batteries require regular watering and monitoring and often last around 1,500 charge cycles.

Pride HC’s lithium battery packs are maintenance-free and still retain around 80 per cent capacity after 4,000 cycles.

From both a cost and sustainability standpoint, the case for lithium is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. industryupdate.com.au

MATERIALS HANDLING Reducing fatigue, improving control In high-throughput environments, operator fatigue directly impacts productivity, accuracy and safety.

Pride HC has placed a strong emphasis on ergonomics in the ProfitMAX design.

The operator cockpit includes a suspension seat, electric handbrake and an electrically adjustable fingertip control armrest. All major functions: lifting, lowering, side shift, tilt, fork positioning, travel direction, horn and emergency stop, are integrated into a single fingertip control unit.

This layout reduces repetitive movements and allows operators to work with greater precision and less physical strain over long shifts.

Electro-hydraulic proportional valve technology further enhances control by adjusting valve speed based on working conditions, delivering smoother, more intuitive handling.

Visibility and Confidence at Height Working at height in narrow aisles places heavy demands on visibility.

The ProfitMAX addresses this with a combination of mechanical design and technology.

A 220-degree articulating angle improves manoeuvrability, while high-visibility guiding lasers above the tyres and inside the tyne’s assist with pallet alignment.

An internal fork-mounted camera system feeds live vision to a cockpit-mounted monitor, significantly improving visibility at height and reducing the risk of rack or product damage.

“These systems aren’t about gimmicks,” Pride notes. “They’re about giving operators confidence and reducing costly mistakes.”

been configured. In an environment where margins are tight and costs are rising, that complacency can be expensive.

Rethinking What ‘Full’ Really Means The key message for Australian warehouse operators is clear: reaching capacity does not automatically mean you’ve run out of options.

By challenging layout assumptions, reviewing aisle widths and reassessing forklift strategy, many warehouses can unlock significant gains within their existing footprint.

“With the right equipment strategy, you can store more, move faster and spend less,” Pride said. “All without adding a single square metre to your building.”

In a market where space is scarce and efficiency is everything, that is a message worth taking seriously.

Challenging the Status Quo For many warehouse owners, the biggest barrier to adopting narrow aisle equipment is not cost or complexity.

“Most conversions are far more straightforward than people expect,” said Pride. “The bigger risk is never reviewing your current setup at all.”

Warehouses often continue operating with inefficient layouts simply because that’s how they’ve always

The new ProfitMAX range from IFE Forklifts

PRIDE Forklifts prideforklifts.com.au

ProfitMAX Increase warehouse storage capacity by

30-50%

*

Fingertip Control Unit intergrates: liiing lowering side shiiing tilting fork positioner horn direction switch emergency stop laser control

Standard feature

Tyne Mounted Camera Whilst standard on the ProfitMAX, this high-tech internal tyne mounted camera system with monitor can be fitted to any make or model of forklii!

PRIDE Forkliis 3/58 Stennnett Road, Ingleburn, NSW 2565 *compared to warehouse operations utilising standard reach truck (30%) or counterbalanced forklii (50%)

industryupdate.com.au

Side mounted lasers for ultra precise rack positioning Robust solid tyres for use on any solid surface - inside or out

T 1300 138 620

E info@prideforkliis.com.au W prideforkliis.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 59

MATERIALS HANDLING

Two decades on, Scholastic keeps conveyors moving with Adept

Continuing the relationship Scholastic was setting up a new, completely separate warehouse with no requirements to continue with existing vendors for their infrastructure.

In this situation, many companies reconsider using their existing vendors to ensure they are getting the best price and value.

The decision to continue the vendor relationship was not made based on unfounded brand loyalty or familiarity, but rather on the value Scholastic received from the long relationship with Adept.

“Adept are knowledgeable in the solutions that we have put out here on the floor to tailor to Scholastic’s business,” said Daniel Grimm, Warehouse Manager at Scholastic.

He added that the installation and ongoing servicing were “seamless”, and that the system was tailored to suit both the facility and Scholastic’s picking processes.

Scholastic’s relationship with Adept Conveyors resulted in a conveyor system that was tailored to perfectly suit their operation with ongoing durability and efficiency.

The relationship payoff The conveyor system for Scholastic’s latest warehouse was installed in two stages, with the second installation taking place after the warehouse was operational.

Grimm described the second install as a “plug-and-play system”,

emphasising that “[the Adept team] came through, assembled it, and got it running without any interruption.

Since going live, there’s been zero breakdowns.”

That last part is a major achievement over three years in a high-throughput facility that processes between 5,000 to 6,000 cartons per day.

Another factor that influenced Scholastic’s decision to stay with Adept Conveyors for this latest conveyor project was the support and service they are able to provide thanks to their ongoing relationship and resulting knowledge of Scholastic’s specific processes and requirements.

“The other main factor is the level of support that we get out of Adept,” explained Grimm. “(They’re) always willing to jump to our [help] when there’s a pressure situation - and the turnaround time is just what we need.”

To achieve this level of reliability

Scholastic is a massive operation

and support with a one-off purchase from a vendor is a lot more difficult, as they do not have the extensive experience of what the customer requires.

As Scholastic has proven, continuing with one long-term vendor when there is no requirement to do so can have extensive benefits. It is the real proof of a great partnership and is a decision based on the supplier’s ongoing expertise and support.

Adept Conveyors adeptconveyor.com.au

“ OUTSTANDING

THE QUALITY AND THE SERVICE LEVELS FROM ADEPT HAVE BEEN

DANIEL GRIMM, SCHOLASTIC

CONTACT ADEPT CONVEYORS FOR CONVEYORS AND MATERIALS HANDLING SYSTEMS (02) 9771 4655

sales@adeptconveyor.com.au

60 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

“

I

n early 2023, Scholastic was expanding into a new warehouse and placed an order with Adept Conveyors for the conveyor system required in their sortation and packing processes.

For over 20 years, Adept Conveyors had been supplying and servicing conveyor systems for Scholastic warehouses, but the decision to order this latest system from them was based on continuing a long relationship of understanding and expertise.

It begged the question: what actually justifies continuing a long relationship with one vendor when there are so many other options available?

SEE THE FULL TESTIMONIAL ON OUR WEBSITE www.adeptconveyor.com.au

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MATERIALS HANDLING

The true meaning of value in forklifts

I

n life as well as manufacturing, the concept of value is one that has many meanings.

With forklifts, it can be easy to see the price tag as the be-all and end-all, but it is only one aspect of value that matters.

How much product can be stored, how efficiently materials can be moved and how much it costs to expand when a facility reaches capacity can have a far greater impact on the bottom line beyond upfront costs, but rarely enter into thinking.

For Combilift, they are central to how they see materials handling.

Rather than treating a new forklift as simply a replacement for an ageing machine or an addition to a fleet, the Irish manufacturer works with customers to identify where equipment can improve productivity, safety and space utilisation.

At the heart of their proposition is an understanding of warehouse capacity - and how best to utilise it.

With industrial land and construction costs continuing to rise, manufacturers that need additional storage can face the expensive choice of extending an existing facility or relocating altogether.

Combilift’s multidirectional forklifts, articulated trucks and pedestrian stackers are designed to reduce the aisle space required to move materials, allowing businesses to install additional racking and make greater use of vertical storage.

This approach can increase available storage capacity by up to 50 per cent without increasing the building footprint.

For businesses approaching their storage limits, the potential value is significant. Increasing pallet positions within an existing facility can reduce the cost per pallet position while delaying or eliminating the capital cost and disruption of expansion or relocation.

Reducing lifetime costs Combilift has also increasingly moved towards electric equipment, with more than 70% of its production now electric and 98% of R&D dedicated to electric-powered and energy-efficient equipment.

Electric forklifts can reduce operational emissions while lowering maintenance and operating costs, but the sustainability equation extends beyond the powertrain.

Making better use of an existing warehouse can also avoid the materials, energy and cost associated with constructing additional facilities.

That longer-term calculation is central to what Combilift offer.

Increased productivity, additional storage capacity, reduced product damage and lower operating costs all contribute to total cost of ownership rather than simply the upfront purchase price.

Value goes far beyond the price tag in forklifts

Longevity also plays a role.

The first Combilift C4000 manufactured remains in operation almost three decades later, while the company supports its equipment through its dealer network, after-sales services and Combi-Connect telematics platform.

For manufacturers facing rising property, labour and operating costs, the calculation is increasingly about what a piece of equipment allows the wider operation to achieve.

By making more of existing space and improving the efficiency of every material movement, Combilift aims to ensure the return extends well beyond the forklift itself.

Combilift - combilift.com

25

ENHANCE THE SAFETY, STORAGE & EFFICIENCY OF YOUR LOGISTICS WITH COMBILIFT Combilift’s range of multidirectional forklifts, pedestrian reach trucks, straddle carriers and container loaders will allow you to maximize the capacity, improve efficiency and enhance the safety of your facility.

Contact Us Today

To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every inch of your storage space.

STORE MORE. WORK SAFER. combilift.com

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02/06/2026 17:27:33

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 61

COMPRESSORS When these are designed to operate as one coordinated system rather than separate assets, the cumulative efficiency gains can be significant.

Simplifying complexity As utility infrastructure expands over time, many industrial sites end up managing multiple suppliers, technologies and service arrangements. This can make troubleshooting, optimisation and long-term planning more difficult.

Working with a single partner simplifies system design, installation, monitoring and ongoing support while providing expertise across the entire utility network.

This reduces complexity and creates a clearer roadmap for future optimisation and expansion.

The Smart Utility Solution in action

One partner, one Smart Utility Solution

M

anufacturing and industrial facilities are facing more pressure to do more with less.

Rising energy costs, increasing sustainability targets, labour shortages and growing production demands mean every utility system is expected to deliver greater efficiency while consuming fewer resources.

Yet many plants still operate their utilities as separate systems.

Smart Utility Solutions take a broader view, treating compressors, blowers, dryers, generators, chillers and controllers as one integrated utility system.

This integrated solution helps customers reduce energy consumption, improve reliability and simplify day-to-day system management.

Looking beyond individual equipment For decades, many efficiency projects have focused on replacing a single compressor, installing a more efficient dryer or upgrading one section of a plant.

While these improvements remain valuable, they don’t always unlock the full opportunity. For many facilities, one of the biggest opportunities sits in the compressed air system.

Compressed air is essential across manufacturing, food and beverage, wastewater treatment, mining and other industrial applications, but it

can also be one of the most energy-intensive utilities on site.

Changes in demand affect the performance of connected systems, while waste heat and intelligent controls create opportunities to improve overall efficiency. When utilities operate independently, these opportunities are often missed.

A Smart Utility Solution considers the entire utility network by analysing the full network, matching technology to the application and using intelligent controls to keep the system operating efficiently.

The goal isn’t simply to install new equipment. It’s to create a smarter, more efficient system that continually adapts to changing operating conditions.

Data drives better decisions One of the biggest changes in industrial utilities has been the growing availability of operational data. Modern utility systems generate large amounts of operational data, but its real value comes from turning that information into better decisions.

When this information is brought together through intelligent controllers and monitoring platforms, plant managers gain a much clearer understanding of how their utilities are performing.

Instead of relying on assumptions or periodic manual checks, they can identify inefficiencies in real time.

For example, a central controller

62 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

can coordinate multiple compressors or blowers so they operate as one optimised network rather than as separate machines competing.

This helps reduce unloaded running, improve pressure stability and ensure the most efficient unit is used at the right time.

Connected monitoring also supports predictive maintenance by tracking running hours, energy use, pressure, temperature and other key performance indicators. This helps identify leaks, pressure losses and developing equipment issues before they affect production, improving uptime while reducing unexpected maintenance.

Energy efficiency beyond the compressor room Compressed air is often described as one of the most expensive utilities in manufacturing, with energy typically representing most of the compressor’s lifetime operating cost.

However, improving efficiency isn’t simply about purchasing a more efficient compressor.

System design, controls, storage, pressure optimisation, leak management and equipment sequencing all contribute to overall performance.

Smart Utility Solutions combine the right mix of technologies - including oil-free or oil-injected compressors, blowers, air treatment, industrial gases, cooling, energy recovery and intelligent control to meet each application’s specific requirements.

Building for the future Industrial facilities are under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining productivity and profitability.

Achieving both objectives requires more than replacing ageing equipment.

It requires understanding how utilities interact, where energy is being lost and how technology can continuously optimise performance over time.

Variable Speed Drive technology, heat recovery, efficient dryers, correctly sized equipment, leak management and intelligent control all contribute to a more efficient utility room.

Smart Utility Solutions are not limited to new facilities.

Existing sites can benefit from a system assessment that reviews demand, energy consumption, and operating hours conditions to identify practical improvements, such as intelligent control, remote monitoring, equipment upgrades or distribution network optimisation.

Even small changes can have a significant impact when they address the real cause of inefficiency.

As industries continue to evolve, manufacturers are looking beyond individual assets towards integrated utility strategies that improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability.

Smart Utility Solutions provide a practical framework for reducing energy consumption while preparing facilities for future growth.

Industrial utilities may sit behind the scenes, but they are fundamental to productivity. The future isn’t about managing more systems; it’s about managing one smarter system.

Atlas Copco - atlascopco.com industryupdate.com.au

COMPRESSORS

Ceccato marks 90 years of compressed air innovation

I

n 1936, Ceccato began with a simple mission: to provide reliable compressed air solutions that help businesses work more efficiently. Ninety years later, that mission remains unchanged.

Over the decades, industries have transformed, technologies have advanced and customer expectations have evolved.

Through every change, Ceccato has continued to adapt, innovate, and grow while staying true to the values that have defined the brand from the beginning: evolution, trust and partnership.

Innovation has always been part of the Ceccato story.

From the first compressors manufactured in Italy to today’s modern range of compressors, dryers and compressed air solutions, the brand has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of industry.

This evolution has never been about change for the sake of change.

Instead, it has been guided by listening to customers, understanding operational challenges and

developing practical solutions that improve efficiency, reliability and ease of use.

Today, Ceccato continues to invest in technologies that help businesses reduce energy consumption, improve productivity and operate with confidence in an increasingly competitive environment.

Trust is not built overnight. It is earned through consistent performance, dependable products and strong support.

For generations, Customers around the world have relied on Ceccato equipment to keep their operations running. Whether supporting small workshops, manufacturing facilities or industrial applications, the focus has always been on delivering solutions that customers can depend on day after day.

Behind every compressor is a network of engineers, technicians, dealers and partners committed to helping customers achieve their goals. This dedication to quality and service has helped establish Ceccato

as a trusted name in compressed air for nine decades.

90 Years of Partnership Strong businesses are built on strong relationships.

Throughout its history, Ceccato has worked alongside customers, distributors and partners to understand challenges, share knowledge and create long-term value. These partnerships have been instrumental in shaping the brand’s success and extending it’s reach across industries and markets worldwide.

In Australia and around the world, Ceccato’s distributor network continues to play a vital role in delivering local expertise, responsive support and reliable compressed air solutions to customers every day.

Looking ahead While this anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the past, it is also a moment to look to the future.

The industries we serve continue to evolve, bringing new opportunities and new challenges.

Ceccato are celebrating a major milestone

As technology advances and sustainability becomes increasingly important, Ceccato remains committed to developing practical, efficient and reliable solutions that support customers for years to come.

Ninety years is an important milestone, but it is only one chapter in a much larger story.

Ceccato Australia ceccato.com.au

Proven worldwide. Now available in Australia!

Class 0 oil-free compressed air protects your products from contamination, helping you maintain food quality, compliance, and consumer trust.

Scan here to get a quote from our friendly Air Technology Group team.

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11/08/2026 5:29:18 PM

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 63

One Partner.

Compressors, gas generation, cooling, monitoring and energy recovery—integrated into one optimised system.

Water Cooling

Process Filtrations

Heat pump

Air treatmen

Steam compressors

One system. One partner. Total utility performance.

Compressed Air | Gas Generation | Cooling | Energy Recovery | Smart Controls

One Smart Utility Solution.

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THE CHALLENGE

TCS Chillers

Managing industrial utilities is becoming increasingly complex with rising energy costs, multiple suppliers, limited system visibility, unplanned downtime and growing sustainability pressures.

The challenge isn’t managing one utility, it’s bringing them all together efficiently.

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PRODUCTS

Data centres warned not to overlook physical security amid cyber focus

A

s Australia prepares for a wave of new data centre investment, operators are being warned that physical security could become the industry’s weakest link if too much attention remains focused on cyber threats.

More than $50 billion worth of data centre investment has been announced across Australasia, bringing renewed scrutiny to the resilience of facilities that underpin the nation’s digital economy.

While operators invest heavily in cyber security, network resilience and critical infrastructure, entrance security is often treated as a static system rather than an evolving operational risk.

“Loss” in a data centre environment typically means breaches, outages, or downtime,” said Boon Edam USA Senior Vice President Greg Schreiber.

“But some of the most significant losses caused by physical security weaknesses don’t show up in those reports at all.

“As staffing levels become stretched, people start optimising for speed. Nothing fails. But the process no longer works as designed.”

The consequences extend beyond

Boon Edam are global experts in doors and entrance solutions

security breaches, with poor entrance management increasing labour costs, creating bottlenecks, delaying maintenance and exposing operators to compliance risks.

Temporary workarounds - such as leaving doors in override mode, delaying the removal of contractor access or routinely dismissing alarms - can quietly become permanent practices that weaken a

facility’s security posture.

Rather than reviewing entrance systems only after an incident or before an audit, he urged operators to regularly assess whether physical access controls still reflect the way facilities actually operate.

“If you answered yes to any of these questions, even if it’s only caused you minor issues in the past, you could potentially be losing

money today,” said Schreiber.

Schreiber said as Australia’s data centre footprint continues to expand, operators will need to give physical security the same ongoing attention they already devote to cyber security and critical infrastructure.

Boon Edam - boonedam.com

Why keeping your cool is vital in choosing industrial doors

M

aintaining a comfortable internal environment is becoming an increasingly important consideration for industrial facilities, from logistics depots and workshops through to food

production and cold storage.

EBS Entrance Solutions’ Isotherm sectional door range is designed to help businesses improve thermal efficiency while maintaining functionality, durability and

EBS are celebrating another successful installation 66 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

natural light.

When a leading Australian logistics company envisioned their new Melbourne depot, the goal was clear: to provide the ideal working environment for their team.

Comfortable environments drive better outcomes, because when people are comfortable, they perform at their best.

This naturally extended into the vehicle maintenance workshop, and in a market where skilled motor mechanics are increasingly hard to find and retain, this matters.

The result was a climate-controlled workshop, incorporating hydronic floor heating to deliver consistent, efficient warmth.

EBS Entrance Solutions supported the project by supplying insulated Isotherm sectional doors with double-glazed viewing panels, providing natural light while helping maintain the optimal internal climate.

As the facility manager noted, the maintenance team love the doors, which are smooth, quiet and make a real difference in keeping the workshop comfortable - a considered approach to work environment supporting both operations performance and people.

EBS Entrance Solutions ebssolutions.com.au industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCTS

Tente Kappa castors handle heavy industrial loads

T

he Tente Kappa and Kappa Load ranges of heavy-duty castors are designed to provide strength, manoeuvrability and controlled movement when handling high loads in demanding industrial environments.

Kappa castors can handle loads of up to 1200 kg, while the higher-capacity Kappa Load range supports loads of up to 2400 kg.

Both ranges feature welded solid steel housings with galvanically finished surfaces for durability in tough operating conditions.

The Kappa range is available in swivel, fixed, directional lock and total lock configurations, allowing users to select the appropriate setup for different industrial applications.

The mounting plate is secured using a kingpin and safety nut, while the swivel bearing combines an axial ball bearing with a tapered roller bearing to provide easy steering and smooth swivelling under high loads.

Wheel characteristics vary

according to the material and bearing selected. The range is designed for reduced abrasion and high wear resistance, supporting a long service life while reducing maintenance requirements.

Wheel materials include polyurethane on cast iron and polyamide, providing options for different loads, operating environments and floor surfaces.

The castors are available in two mounting plate sizes, with the Kappa Load range using a larger plate designed to accommodate its increased load capacity.

With capacities reaching 2400 kg and a range of wheel and locking configurations available, the Tente Kappa range provides a heavy-duty mobility option for industrial equipment and other high-load applications where manoeuvrability and durability are required.

Tente - tente.com MOP Wheel Polyamide (Extra Heavy Duty)

FTP Wheel Poly on Cast Iron industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 67

PRODUCTS

Enter the Matrix: the bulk bin solution from Pack King

W

hat if every storage container in your factory locked into every other

one?

That’s the thinking behind the Matrix Series of bulk bins - a range of Australian-made bins and containers designed to interlock with each other, regardless of size.

From the smallest six-litre container through to the largest 610litre bulk bin, every unit forms part of the same secure system.

It’s a design concept that really works - whichever bin you choose to pick into, the end result is that you can build an interlocking stack that is ultra secure for transportation purposes.

The current range of containers available in the Matrix Series starts from the small at just six litres, and runs through twelve sizes all the way up to the Matrix Model B-9825 at 610 litres.

The biggest container is a serious bit of kit.

It is heavy duty injection moulded in grey colour, food grade virgin

The Matrix series from Pack King

polymer and weighs in at over 40 kilos. It has solid walls that are fully waterproof and a lid is also offered.

The internal dimensions are 1110mm x 910mm x 600mm high (outside 1200 x 1000 x 760mm high).

The four way access bin also features heavy duty base boards, so it is ready for use in any production or farming capacity, is stackable and can be rotated using a fork-attached rotator for speedy product removal.

An optional wheeled dolly is available - ideal for keeping the base of the bin dirt free, especially during rotation.

The wheeled option allows for a fast moving transfer system from one work station to another without spending time locating and using a hand pallet truck.

If the dolly is fitted with a tow bar and rear hitch, a convoy of wheeled bins can be moved using a forklift or a Pack King Tow Tug. Users can stack the bins two high 68 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

for increased volume, and they can be individually numbered for tracking and branded with business names for advertising.

It is also possible to zip tie the lid to the bin wall for security purposes, or the whole bin plus lid can be strapped. For extra tight security, numbered ties can be used.

The Matrix series is cost competitive, well designed and locally manufactured, with hundreds of uses commercially, And, of course, it is fully interlockable – even with their lids on - allowing for bulk products in the base bins and accessories or other ingredients pertinent to the whole in smaller containers on top – all locking together, and never lost or separated.

This is clever thinking, design and manufacturing - Australian innovation, available from Pack King.

Pack King - packking.com.au industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCTS

ISOIL launches integrated thermal energy control valve

A

MS Instrumentation & Calibration is now supplying the new ISOIL Thermag valve CS611, an integrated two-way control valve and electromagnetic thermal energy meter designed for heating and cooling applications.

Combining flow control and energy measurement in a single compact unit, the Thermag valve enables accurate monitoring of thermal energy consumption while reducing installation time and simplifying system design.

The unit is certified to EN1434 and approved under the MID 2014/32/EU directive for billing applications, making it suitable for both new installations and retrofit projects where accurate energy measurement is required.

Using electromagnetic flow measurement based on Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction, the Thermag valve delivers high measurement accuracy across a wide

range of conductive thermal fluids, including water and water-glycol mixtures.

The valve features a corrosion-resistant DZR brass body and a PEEK flow sensor fitted with HC276 electrodes, combining durability with long-term measurement performance.

Designed for integration into modern building management systems, the Thermag valve supports Ethernet connectivity together with Modbus and BACnet communication protocols, allowing seamless connection to building management systems and IoT platforms.

The valve can also be programmed to control flow according to a range of process variables, including: • Flow rate • Thermal power • Temperature differential • Inlet temperature • Outlet temperature

The Thermag valve is now available from AMS

• Pressure differential • External control signals from the process or the building management system By integrating flow control and thermal energy measurement into a single device, the Thermag valve offers building operators and facility

managers a compact solution for improving energy management, system performance and billing accuracy.

AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Solutions ams-ic.com.au

INSTRUMENTATION & CALIBRATION PTY LTD S P E C I A L I S T S Analytical Process Division AMS have been suppliers of instrumentation and calibration equipment to all industries since 1973 representing some of the world’s leading manufacturers of the equipment in their field.

www.ams-ic.com.au sales@ams-ic.com.au industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 69

COMMUNITY NEWS

Coles launches national food relief appeal at Bill Crews Foundation

C

Coles’ annual food relief appeal is underway

oles has launched its inaugural Community Food Relief Appeal, bringing together customers, suppliers and team members to raise funds for Australians experiencing food insecurity.

The appeal will support Foodbank Australia and SecondBite, two of the country’s largest food relief organisations, amid research showing an estimated 3.6 million Australians experienced food hardship for the first time in the past six months.

One in three Australian households, equivalent to 3.5 million households, also experienced food insecurity during the past 12 months, according to the latest Foodbank Australia Hunger Report.

To mark the launch, Coles team members in NSW gathered at the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation in Sydney to pack food hampers for people in need.

Throughout August, Coles customers can make donations at the checkout, with 100 per cent of funds raised going to Foodbank and SecondBite.

The appeal is also being supported by 11 Coles supplier partners, which will donate 20 cents from the sale of more than 160 participating products during the campaign.

The initiative builds on Coles’ long-running partnerships with both food relief organisations.

Coles began working with Foodbank in 2003 and SecondBite in 2011, with the supermarket saying it has since donated the equivalent of 377 million meals to Australians in need.

The Community Food Relief Appeal expands that work into a national fundraising campaign, bringing Coles, its suppliers and customers together to support food relief organisations as demand continues to grow.

Coles launched their campaign at the Bill Crews Foundation 70 | Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026

industryupdate.com.au

EVENTS

Hunter manufacturers urged to celebrate resurgence at Awards

The 2026 Awards were launched at Varley Group

M

anufacturing in the Hunter and surrounding regions is entering a period of renewed confidence, with major investment in industrial capability providing plenty to celebrate ahead of the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards.

Now in its 22nd year, the awards recognise manufacturers across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and Mid North Coast, from emerging start-ups and family businesses to some of the region’s largest industrial operations.

This year’s event arrives against a backdrop of significant developments in steelmaking, rail, advanced manufacturing and other major industries.

For Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Chris Kelleher, that makes it an ideal time for manufacturers to tell their own stories.

“Manufacturing across our region is far more diverse than many people realise,” he said.

“From advanced technology and energy storage to food production, agriculture and medical products and exports, what unites the sector is the capability and determination of the people behind it.

“Manufacturers are often humble about what they’ve achieved.

Whether it’s a family-owned business, a growing SME, a major manufacturer or an individual making a difference in their workplace, there are remarkable stories right across our region that deserve to be recognised.”

Recent developments have reinforced the Hunter’s position as one of Australia’s most important manufacturing centres, with investment in steelmaking and specialised industryupdate.com.au

transport manufacturing alongside support for the future of Tomago Aluminium.

Beyond the major industrial players, that investment flows through to smaller manufacturers, suppliers and the skilled workforce supporting them, creating opportunities for apprentices, engineers and tradespeople across the region.

The awards have also sought to showcase that wider manufacturing ecosystem throughout the year.

Recent Meet the Manufacturer events have taken attendees behind the scenes at Downer and Varley, two businesses recognised at the 2025 awards.

Downer received the Excellence in Sustainability award for its approach to rail maintenance, while 140-year-old engineering and manufacturing company Varley was inducted into the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Hall of Fame.

The awards also recognise individuals working within the sector, including emerging manufacturing talent.

Elecbrakes Electronic Product Design Engineer Brandon Lane, who won the 2025 Rising Star Award, said the recognition had given him confidence beyond the awards night itself.

“Winning the 2025 HMA Rising Star Award meant a tremendous amount to me,” he said.

“Having work that you see as your normal day-to-day contribution recognised by an external judging panel and deemed worthy of an award reaches a whole new level of recognition.

“Hearing my name called and walking onto the stage was an

experience I could never have imagined.

“More than anything, it has given me a boost in confidence and is something I’ll carry forward into whatever I take on next.”

Kelleher said manufacturers should not underestimate the achievements taking place within their own businesses.

“Be proud of what you’ve achieved and don’t let your success go unnoticed,” he said.

“We have world-class manufacturers right across our region, and the Hunter Manufacturing Awards are an opportunity to celebrate that success and showcase it to a wider audience.

“If you’re making something here, you’re part of this story.”

Finalists are to be announced on 1 October and winners will be revealed at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Gala Presentation Evening at NEX Newcastle on 30 October.

Upcoming Events Land Forces 2026 6-8 Oct 2026 Perth, Western Australia Australian Manufacturing Awards October 8 2026 Crown Melbourne

Hunter Manufacturing Awards 2026 30 Oct 2026 NEX, 309 King Street, Newcastle West Exclusive SugarAI webinar Operational Excellence Beyond the Factory Floor 23 September - Register online now

Hunter Manufacturing Awards hma.org.au

Industry Update Issue 150 - Aug/Sep 2026 | 71

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