Industry Update magazine issue 65

A u s t r a l i a ’s L a r g e s t C i r c u l a t i n g M a n u f a c t u r i n g M a g a z i n e - CAB Member

Industry Update austech1056

Issue 65 April 2012

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Have yourManufacturing say & Advanced Connect with large numbers of key industry contacts help make change at in one place Learn about the latest products and services the Industry Update designed to help grow your business Combining with National Manufacturing Week to Skills p29solution create yourForum total manufacturing

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How one Australian company is thriving in tough economic times Australian manufacturers are now facing more challenges than ever before.

The robust Australian dollar, cheap overseas labour, cheap imports, chronic skills shortages and more recently the global economic crisis has put enormous pressure on many businesses to survive.

To survive, companies must be innovative.

One company that has defied the current trend is Inductotherm, a leader in induction melting and heating technology.

Established in Australia 43 years ago, Inductotherm now employs 49 people at its Melbourne plant.

This includes administration staff, sales and design engineers, a full service department and a factory with about 20 tradespeople of various disciplines.

“I am an engineer, I like to build things,” says Bill Henry, Managing Director of Inductotherm Group Australia.

“Yes, with Australian manufacturing economy sliding downwards and the strong Australian dollar (against the $US and Euro) making our costs higher, it can be difficult, but we’re here to stay,” Mr Henry says.

Inductotherm is part of the global Inductotherm Group, which turns over more than $750 million in sales annually and employs over 4000 people worldwide.

“It is all part of the global yet local approach

that has been so successful for us over the years,” says Mr Henry.

Inductotherm offers a wide range of equipment for the thermal processing industry, including furnaces for melting metals from gold to steel and aluminium to zinc.

It supplies forging systems, annealing systems, welding systems, brazing (air and vacuum) systems, heat treatment systems, cap sealing systems, pipe heating systems and more.

The company recently made the furnace for the Perth Mint so that they could make the world’s largest coin, weighing more than 1 tonne of pure 24k gold.

“One of our best products is our high speed ACR copper tube annealing line, says Mr Henry.

“We specially developed this product here in Australia and we are now exporting this all over the world. Almost every air conditioning system uses copper tube, and that copper tube

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New IU search engine is here Earlier this year Industry Update proudly unveiled it’s fresh new website featuring the latest advances in search engine technology.

This isn’t just a redesign or a refresh.

The new portal represents the result of a year-long research, surveying and web development effort.

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You can now find thousands of products and companies at lightning fast speeds as well as the latest industry news and features.

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Publisher Scott Filby scott@industryupdate.com.au

Circulation & Data Manager Tracy Filby circ@industryupdate.com.au

Editor Tim Michael editor@industryupdate.com.au

Finance & Accounts Michelle Alcock michelle@industryupdate.com.au

Advertising Director Scott Filby scott@industryupdate.com.au

Accounts Receiveable Lyn Sligar production@industryupdate.com.au

Advertising Sales Manager Danuta Forster danuta@industryupdate.com.au

Webmaster Aurelien Labonne webmaster@industryupdate.com.au

Design & Production Tanya Best production@industryupdate.com.au

Web Development Jason Smith info@industryupdate.com.au

Editorial contribution Karl Boothroyd, Steve Hather, Darren Emery, Ron Mileham and Drew Valentine

Industry Update Manufacturing Media

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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 responsiblity 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 Product Update Publications Pty Ltd 2012.

Product Update Publications Pty Ltd Suite 203, Level 2, 621 Pacific Highway, St. Leonards NSW 2065 Phone: 02 9439 1288 Fax: 02 9439 3233 Email: sales@industryupdate.com.au Web: www.industryupdate.com.au ABN 25 083 502 783

Web Development Matt Crawford info@industryupdate.com.au

18,220 as at November 2011

How one company is thriving in tough economic times “These are our challenges as we move deeper into the 21st century, he says.

“In our planning for the future, we know that there will be all these pressures as well the continual pressure to reduce our costs and improve the efficiency and reliability of our products.

“Our goal is to grow, not just survive, and we are now trying to broaden our market.

“Induction heating is perfectly controllable to a place, temperature and time – a precision heating process that can be used time and again to minimise energy loss, reduce manufacturing time, and maximise productivity.

“We find new applications almost every day, and currently we are willing to talk to anyone who needs some sort of thermal processing.”

from front cover

needs to be annealed to form the coils in the air conditioning systems.

“With global warming, the world is getting hotter, and when you start to think of the number of air conditioners currently sold around world, you can see why we are busy with this product at this time.”

About 20-30 per cent of the company’s work is local, with exports throughout the world, mainly to South East Asia.

“We have recently exported copper tube annealing lines to Chile and China and furnaces for melting gold and silver to Mexico and the UAE and iron melters to Saudi Arabia,” says Mr Henry.

To control our costs Mr Henry says the company imports equipment and sub-assemblies from sister companies in the US, UK, China, India, and even Turkey.

Inductotherm also offers an outstanding support service.

As well as its Melbourne headquarters,

Inductotherm has service experts in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Auckland, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Bangkok.

“It’s the support that we can provide that makes our customers confident and is often

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This is a key to the company’s huge success.

Mr Henry says there are not many suppliers in today’s market place that really understand their products.

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Publisher Scott Filby

Be a part of major change at Skills Forum Here is your chance to make a big difference to the future of manufacturing in Australia.

Australia is facing its biggest ever skills crisis and our industry urgently needs to find a solution.

We all know that a skilled and adaptable workforce is vital if Australia is to maintain its strong economy.

The team at Industry Update has had a strong focus on skills for several years now – and now is the time to take action.

To this end we are co-hosting a major Skills Forum with NSW State Training Services to address the problem.

The main theme will be Building Skills in

the Workforce (Skills Development – Solving the Skills Crisis) – with a strong focus on recruiting and maintaining apprentices in the manufacturing sector.

Limited places are available, but we are now inviting industry representatives to have their say.

We welcome your input.

The free Forum will be held at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park on May 10 in conjunction with National Manufacturing Week (NMW), which runs from May 8-11.

Reed Exhibitions Australia are providing marketing support for the Skills Forum as part of its NMW promotion.

Key speakers will include NSW Parliamentary Secretary, Gabrielle Upton (Member for Vaucluse).

Guests will include representatives from Australian Industry Group Training Services (AiGTS) and Federal bodies including iTAB and Manufacturing Skills Australia.

Employers, senior management and HR managers from leading Australian manufacturing companies and union representatives will also attend.

Attendees will be invited to contribute at a number of round table meetings in the Sommerville Room between 2.30pm-4.30pm.

This is an opportunity too good to miss.

By Scott Filby Publisher scott@industryupdate.com.au The Australian apprenticeship system must be simplified, streamlined and better targeted to meet the critical skills needs of the Australian economy.

Have your say now!

Full details and registration information for the Skills Forum is available now at: www.industryupdate.com.au

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Editor Tim Michael

Minister Carr a victim of political loyalty It would be remiss of our magazine not to acknowledge the great contribution made by the former Minister for Manufacturing Senator Kim Carr.

Senator Carr not only penned a regular column for this publication, but was also a staunch supporter and major ally of Australian manufacturing.

In a Federal Cabinet where mediocrity abounds, Senator Carr was a shining light.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Senator Carr on more than one occasion and found him to be a straight shooter, with the strong interests of manufacturers at heart.

There is no doubting the man’s passion. He was passionate about the sciences and even more passionate about industry.

In short, Senator Carr relished his former role.

Though Industry Update did not always Page 4

industryupdate.com.au

agree with his policies, no-one could doubt his commitment and dedication.

The now defunct Green Car Innovation Fund and Cleaner Car Rebate Scheme (“cash for clunkers”) vehicle rebate scheme, built on ideology rather than practically, were doomed to fail.

This aside, Senator Carr built a solid record of achievement during his stint as Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

He can take much of the credit for saving Australia’s automobile industry from extinction and steered the manufacturing industry through the Global Financial Crisis.

He was the driving force behind an economic package designed to breathe new air into Australia’s rapidly deflating steel industry.

And the R&D tax credit legislation, which he stewarded through Parliament, will effectively

reduce by 10 per cent the cost of conducting eligible R&D in Australia.

But perhaps his greatest achievement was to secure a government commitment to double indirect funding for research, and apply an improved indexation formula to research grants.

Senator Carr presided over the single largest injection of research infrastructure investment in Australia’s history.

A former teacher and university academic, he was highly respected in the higher education and science sector.

He championed the need for Australian universities to keep pace with the world’s best.

But it seems Senator Carr, a leading figure in Labor’s left faction, paid the ultimate price for his loyalty to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

He could not come to terms with the knifing of the former Prime Minister in mid-term and

By Tim Michael editor@industryupdate.com.au was outspoken over key Government policy backflips and funding cutbacks.

The Senator has admitted he was dumped from his previous portfolio against his wishes.

His only “crime” it seems is he backed the wrong political horse.

His demotion does not reflect his many achievements as industry, innovation and science minister.

We wish the new Minister for Innovation and Industry Greg Combet every success in this challenging portfolio.

And we sincerely thank Senator Carr for his contribution. We wish him the best of luck in his new role as Minister for Human Services.

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Business, Finance, Legal & Marketing for Manufacturing

Cash flow issues threatening survival of Australia’s SMEs New Bibby survey a wake-up call for manufacturers

Greg Charlwood … cash flow is more difficult

In the past 12 months the survival of 22 per cent of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) was threatened due to cash flow shortages, according to the latest Bibby Barometer Small Business Survey.

The survey found that Australia’s small business owners are increasingly concerned about the current global economic situation, with around half (47 per cent) more concerned than they were a year ago.

Twenty-six percent of decision makers had difficulties meeting liabilities to suppliers on time, and 24 per cent had difficulties making their tax payments.

The majority of SMEs were also worried about interest rates, with 54 per cent believing that an interest rate hike of 25 basis points will impact or seriously impact their business.

Conducted in February this year, and the second of its kind, the Bibby Barometer Small Business Survey is a national study run twice yearly, surveying primary decision makers in over 200 non-retail SMEs. From the overall Bibby Barometer Small Business Survey, a Bibby Barometer Index was constructed which measures small business expectations for a healthy business environment – based on intention to invest in the business, expectations of sales growth, ease of managing cash flow, business confidence, and levels of business stress.

Since the previous reading in July 2011, this Index shows that small business expectations have decreased overall by 6 per cent.

Greg Charlwood, Bibby Financial Services Managing Director, said: “Our second Bibby Barometer Index has revealed that expectations regarding sales growth have deteriorated and cash flow is more difficult.

‘Length of payment time a concern for SMEs’ “It is clear that current global economic conditions are not only impacting large corporations but also filtering down to Australia’s SME sector, he added.

“According to the Bibby Barometer Small Business Survey, managing cash flow (39 per cent) ranks at the same level as three other major business headaches: staffing issues (40 per cent), a lack of time to enjoy family life (40 per cent), and Government red tape and tax administration (39 per cent).

Federal Cabinet is currently considering

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a package of reforms for small businesses, including tax relief to commence in July 2012, in addition to other measures to reduce red tape and provide exemptions from unfair dismissal laws.

‘Key challenges for small business in months ahead’ “Given the Bibby Barometer Small Business Survey findings, we believe that these measures are indeed desirable. The proposed package of reforms will start to address the major small business headaches identified in our survey, and will provide some much needed relief for the SME sector,” Mr Charlwood said.

A contributing factor to business cash flow problems is the length oftime small businesses are waiting to be paid, with 49 per cent of small business decision makers experiencing delays in payment, and 27 per cent experiencing bad debts in the past 12 months, according to the survey.

“Not surprisingly, many remain pessimistic about their future payment terms. Over a third (36 per cent) expect the length of time they must wait to be paid will increase further in the coming quarter,” said Mr Charlwood.

Small businesses dealing with big companies and government clients have additional sources of frustration.

Of these, 52 per cent say that slow payment from big companies is a major source of frustration.

Other issues are being able to find someone who can resolve invoicing problems quickly (25 per cent), delays in issuing purchase orders (24 per cent) and the need to comply with complex invoicing procedures (23 per cent).

Funding will continue to be an issue for small business decision makers over the next 12 months, with 17 per cent intending to seek new funding for growth, and 13 per cent looking for funding to provide working capital.

While 28 per cent will be looking to pay down an existing loan, 17 per cent intend to refinance existing debt.

The key challenges for small

businesses in the months ahead are increased staff wages (38 per cent), cash for issues (35 per cent), and high fuel costs (32 per cent).

“The combination of these factors suggest tough economic conditions for small businesses that are likely to place even greater pressure on cash flow management,” Mr Charlwood said.

“The majority of small business decision makers are of the opinion that banks require too much security these days. As a result, many small businesses are looking beyond the traditional sources of funding, with 34 per cent more likely to seek credit from sources other than banks in the next 12 months,” Mr Charlwood added.

The Bibby Barometer Small Business Survey found that small businesses with 10 to 19 employees (63 per cent) and those with turnover of $1 million or more (64 per cent) are most likely to feel that the banks require too much security.

“It is to be expected, in these circumstances, that factoring is growing in popularity, since it gives SMEs almost immediate finance when they bill their clients – without needing to provide their home or commercial property as collateral,” Mr Charlwood said.

Bibby Financial Services Ph: 1300 850 322 www.bibby.com.au

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THEY BACKED THEM ....AGAIN. Rod Sawyers, Managing Director, Bronx International

It was an opportunity 20 years in the making. A leading steel company in Latin America awarded us a large contract to upgrade an old galvanising line provided to the original buyer almost 20 years ago. They were willing to provide an advance payment as part of our contract terms, but naturally required an advance payment bond to protect both parties.

We knew where to turn for support. EFIC has a history of financially backing us on successful contracts in Turkey, Ukraine and Argentina. The outcome of working with them this time was just as positive.

EFIC supported us by issuing the bond to the buyer on our behalf. This allowed us to hold onto the working capital we needed to deliver on a contract we saw as key for our growth in Central America.

Overcoming financial barriers for exporters.

Visit efic.gov.au/ia

industryupdate.com.au Page 7

Why more companies are employing CROs From reading various marketing journals from around the world it seems there is momentum in the development of a new role within B2B companies – Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).

According to Vinoem Nowogrodski, the CEO of Clarizon, a Silicon Valley software company, “The role is a necessary element for any modern day company to be successful. As the link between sales and marketing is becoming more crucial than ever before, the CRO role is critical for cutting-edge companies.”

He is not alone. In early 2009 a search on LinkedIn would have found 90 people with a CRO title. Today there are over 500.

What does a CRO do?

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As described in a recent UK marketing publication, the CRO role is a curious hybrid being part sales, part marketing, part customer service and part corporate strategy.

The role ultimately exists to balance the competing, and sometimes conflicting, demands of these different areas of business.

The CRO ensures that all areas of the business are focussed on short and long-term efficient revenue creation.

The CRO builds the bridge between long-term corporate strategy and in-market execution.

The role is charged with ensuring the entire

organisation has the direction, information, resources and support to successfully execute in the field.

Every business wants to gain and sustain a competitive advantage. Because products are so quickly copied these days, the best way to gain differentiation is brilliant day-in, day-out execution of customer touch points. Someone needs to ensure all these touch points are onbrand and consistent.

Why the rise in CROs? Anyone who has worked in sales, customer services or marketing is well aware of the tension that exists between these divisions.

It’s a tension driven from competition for expenditure, focus, recognition and blame.

Add to this the emergence of new buying processes and the line between sales, marketing and customer service is becoming very foggy. The way we as individuals behave in our personal transactions is quickly spreading to the B2B environment. A buyer will conduct research online to gather information on their options and review opinions from experts and peers. By the time they meet with a salesperson they might already be informed about the product and aware of any after-sales issues. As a result the activities of Marketing

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are now reaching deeper into the Sales and Customer Service cycles. The Sales function can no longer work in isolation, nor can Customer Service.

These tough economic times have most companies desperately looking for ways to generate more revenue and cut costs. As mentioned in B2B Marketing magazine, “CEOs can no longer have marketing managers arguing they need more money for new campaigns and sales managers claiming they need more sales staff. What CEOs need is to understand exactly how the two disciplines, in conjunction with customer service, work together to generate more revenue and create long-term customer satisfaction.

A CRO’s role is to always know whether the company has a sales problem, a marketing problem or a customer service issue.

So what background does a CRO come from?

In B2B companies that don’t have stand alone marketing people, I’ve always believed the sales manager should take on marketing responsibilities. It amazes me the type of people that some companies let control their marketing spend and strategy.

I’ve seen secretaries, financial controllers

By Karl Boothroyd

and operations managers controlling marketing activities and budgets – and these companies wonder why they can’t grow enquiries and sales!

Many Australian manufacturers can’t justify full time marketing staff, just as they can’t justify in-house lawyers. The difference being that they don’t let just anyone brief a lawyer.

An experienced sales manager will at least understand whether he needs professional marketing help and only he can brief an agency on what’s truly happening out in the frontline – why orders are won and lost and the competitive landscape.

We have numerous clients that have the sales manager responsible for marketing and it works well. The question is would it work better if they had the responsibility for allthings revenue?

Karl Boothroyd is the founder and CEO of IMA, a specialist B2B marketing agency. IMA is owned by Australia’s largest marketing communications company, The STW Group.

Karl can be contacted at karl@imadvertising.com.au or (02) 4627 8011

Aussie companies to benefit from EXIM China deal Australian companies stand to benefit from a Reciprocal Risk Participation Agreement signed last week between the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) and the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM China).

The agreement is a framework for financing goods and services exported from Australia or China and overseas investment from the two countries. It follows a multi-lateral framework agreement endorsed by the Asian EXIM Banks Forum at its 16th Annual Meeting on October 2010 in Busan, South Korea.

Under the Agreement, eligible Australian exporters can benefit from financing jointly provided by EFIC and EXIM China particularly when Australian and Chinese companies are working together in a third country.

“With this agreement we will broaden the ways our organisations work together to help exports and investments to continue to grow between our two countries, to the benefit of Australian and Chinese companies,” says Angus Armour, CEO and Managing Director of EFIC. The agreement also could be used to facilitate the financing of resource projects in Australia where the resources are to be exported to China.

“Risk-sharing agreements allow us to pool resources to meet the financing needs for projects which we wish to support. Recent projects in the resources sector in Australia, where EXIM banks and ECAs play a crucial role in the financing, are examples of situations where both Australia and China

can mutually benefit,” Mr Armour says.

“With EFIC‟s support Australian companies can win sub-contracting work to these projects either as Tier-One suppliers, supplying directly to the project, or as Tier Two subcontractors to these suppliers.”

The new arrangement will help streamline business between Australia and China.

When a company is financing a transaction under this framework agreement only one set of documents needs to be negotiated with the party providing the loan, which then enters a separate risk-sharing agreement with the other EXIM Bank or ECA. This can free up an EXIM Bank or ECA’s capacity to support more exports, and will allow one party to provide a financing facility on the condition that other party guarantees a portion of such facility.

The agreement can be used to leverage capacity through co-financing to offer meaningful financial support, especially for larger projects located in China or Australia, that are beyond the capacity of the commercial market or a single EXIM Bank or ECA. This is especially relevant in today’s volatile financial markets.

By leveraging capacity, it can help project sponsors overcome credit headwinds, where credit is in short supply.

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) Ph: 02 82735276 www.efic.gov.au

Major win for Australian exporters Eligible Australian SMEs can now better manage their exposure to volatile currency markets following an agreement between online foreign exchange company OzForex and the Australian Government’s Export Credit Agency: Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC).

With the benefit of EFIC’s guarantee, OzForex will be able to provide exporters with higher limits of foreign exchange hedging, one of the most common ways to protect their profits against sudden shifts in currency’s exchange rates.

EFIC will offer a guarantee of up to $250,000 per eligible exporting customer enabling OzForex to increase the exporting customer’s hedging facility by the same amount.

A foreign exchange facility can help exporters hedge against currency fluctuations by locking in exchange rates.

In that way, companies which trade internationally are better able to protect their profit, and have more capital to further invest in their business.

Other benefits of applying for the guarantee are that it comes with no additional charge to exporters, and companies do not need to provide additional security for it, giving

exporters the tranquillity of mind to focus on growing strategies, and help them to move into global markets.

The application process for this service is also quite direct, and it can be done following a simple few steps online. Once the exporter has approval for a FX facility from OzForex, they can request an EFIC FX facility guarantee to increase the trading limit on their facility.

OzForex CEO, Neil Helm, said the EFIC guaranteed foreign exchange facility represents an excellent tool for exporters managing their profits margins in times of economic uncertainty.

“We are very pleased to work with EFIC to help our clients to focus on growing their business without having to worry about the risks of international trade and protect their export business due to events beyond their control,” he said.

EFIC’s Executive Director, SME & Mid Market, Andrea Govaert, said: “EFIC works with SMEs that have all the ingredients for export success – innovation, drive and professionalism – but they are often restricted by the amount of collateral they can offer to underpin the growth of their business. Our work with OzForex is another way we can work with the commercial market to support SMEs in their export growth.”

To apply for this new service, exporters need to be (or become) an OzForex customer and must also meet criteria associated with this product.

For more information or to find out if you are eligible for the new service, contact OzForex on: 1300 300 524 or visit www.ozforex.com.au/efic Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) Ph: 02 82735276 www.efic.gov.au

New chairman for national Super Fund The Self-Managed Super Fund Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) has appointed Andrew Hamilton as Chair, for a two-year term ending in February 2014.

Mr Hamilton is Managing Director of, and a Shareholder in, Cavendish Superannuation Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s largest administrators of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs).

Mr Hamilton succeeds Sharyn Long with new two-year mandate.

“As the peak association representing the fast growing SMSF sector, SPAA is critical to the future structure of superannuation in Australia, said Mr Hamilton. “As the Self Managed sector is so fragmented, having a single major body representing trustees, advisers, accountants and auditors provides cohesive representations for all participants. I look forward to devoting time in my capacity as SPAA Chair towards making this happen.”

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industryupdate.com.au Page 9

Cutting through Fair Work maze Legal opinion Modern awards consist of more than 122 legally enforceable industrial instruments, made under the Fair Work Act 2009.

Since January 1, 2010 modern awards have applied to all private sector employers, in most jurisdictions, where those employers are not bound by another enforceable industrial instrument (such as, an enterprise agreement, workplace determination, or transitional instrument). Only a limited class of private sector employers operating exclusively within WA (such as partnerships, sole traders, and some private sector not for profit companies), are excluded from reach of the Act. Employees not caught under the Act as ‘high income earners’ (with guaranteed annual earnings above the indexed ‘high income threshold’), or bound by another industrial instrument, will be covered by a modern award most applicable to their industry or industry specific work classifications.

Two years on, however, many smaller employers, and employees, are still in the dark as to their rights and obligations under the National Employment Standards (NES) and more particularly – modern awards.

Employers should be aware that the NES and modern awards operate by force of law, outside of their employee contracts. Employers may also need to observe more than one modern award depending on the scope of employee

classifications applicable to their own workplace.

The existence of multiple sources of statutory rights and obligations arising from the NES and modern awards, will invalidate inconsistent contractual terms. They may also expose employers (and in the case of companies; their directors as well), to hefty penalties under the Act for non-compliance with statutory employer obligations.

Employers should also consider whether the terms of a modern award are properly excluded from their employee contracts. If not, employers may find themselves in breach of their contract (where a breach would not otherwise have occurred), and exposed to a range of ‘statutory’ remedies (in addition to contractual remedies), not otherwise available to an employee suing in breach of the employment contract.

Employers should be aware that some modern awards may also provide for long service leave entitlements which are better than those entitlements currently preserved under state legislation. Many modern awards also provide for extended termination notice periods, and caps on reasonable working hours, than otherwise provided for under the NES. Astute Legal Solicitors & Barristers, a Sydney-based firm, consults with employers to determine what awards apply to their workplace.

Our practitioners also prepare employment contracts to comply with the Fair Work Act, and

any applicable industrial instrument.

Alternatively, our practitioners can also assist employers in negotiating and drafting enterprise agreements for their workplace.

Employees who are not senior managers or have guaranteed annual earnings (excluding superannuation, bonuses and penalty rates) of less than $118,100 a year (the current high income threshold), should ask their employer for a copy of the modern award applying to their industry and employment classification, if a copy is not readily available on the employers noticeboard or intranet.

Modern awards provide employees with a safety net of entitlements. As such employees should ensure they are receiving the minimum amount of remuneration applicable to their classification, including all loadings, as well as all their other entitlements. If employed under a contract, employees should ensure their guaranteed earnings will exceed their award entitlements, taking into account their work hours and patterns (including shifts, where applicable), and forgone loadings. Employees should also ensure their minimum award and NES entitlements are included in the contract.

Employees should also pursue from their employer all of their rightful entitlements. Cost effective mechanisms are available for recovery of employee entitlements. Even in instances of employer insolvency, company directors are

When the going gets tough, the tough get marketing Is there ever a time for business to cut back on marketing?

So long as you are vertical, breathing and able to pay, NO is the answer we are looking for.

But then again, as someone who has made marketing his career, naturally I want you to keep spending money. That’s how I make my money.

But I’m here to say if you shut off supply as soon as it gets a little choppy, pretty much everything goes south – and to turn the business around at some time in the future is a long, slow and expensive task – with no guarantee of success.

It’s been said that marketing adds muscle to your business. And you don’t want to go cutting muscle, do you? It’s fat that you want to lose.

But marketing is a cost I can cut, I hear you say.

For some, it’s almost first cab off the rank.

Cut advertising, cut the Christmas party, cut sponsorships, cut PR, cut that SEO stuff. Cut, slash and burn until there’s not much left.

So, let me see if I’ve got this right?

You see it this way. Our economy has tightened (at least it has for those of us not mining our way through to China), a lot of economies are in trouble already. Ours is next.

Page 10

industryupdate.com.au

We see trouble ahead.

So in the face of that, you (you know who you are) start battening down the hatches.

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Repeat this after me: when the going gets tough, the tough get marketing. Go on, when the going gets tough, the tough get marketing.

Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?

This is your golden opportunity to increase your market share.

While your competitors have wimped it to ride out the storm with their marketing tails between their legs, you should be out there doing what you should always be doing – looking for the next sale, uncovering new markets and planting seeds for when the good times roll.

There will never be a better time. While the others have taken their bat and ball and gone home, you are out there as strong as ever in a less-crowded marketplace. So, if not now, when were you going to get back to marketing?

What? When the good times roll?

By then the competitor’s horse/horses will have bolted over the hill and far away.

Probably with a fair bit of your market share in its saddle-bags.

Your brand needs the protection of ongoing

and sustained marketing. Jerking it in and out of the marketplace trying to match it to a heaving economy is playing with fire. Consistency of appearance is protection for your brand.

Inconsistency is the enemy of any brand (in our own backyard there are a few multi-national auto brands that come to mind that would plead guilty to this – and they have suffered for their sins).

Consumers want to be able to trust their favourite brands and know that they will be there for them, through thick and thin.

This is certainly the case for Coca-Cola, Colgate, Kelloggs and every other FMCG known to man. But how can you possibly compare toothpaste with my business, I hear you cry?

Okay, even if you are a lowly widget maker at Sunshine or Liverpool, the same principle applies to your business. In tough times the big brands go for broke to increase their market share. When the economic cycle is in a positive mood, they go for profit. You should do the same.

You don’t see Coke or McDonald’s pulling back, do you? They see it as an opportunity to get ever closer to you and your family for when the good times do come again. Remarkably, when that time comes (and it will), not only have they retained their market share, its

By Darren Emery

not absolved from their duties owed to their former employees under the Act. Alternatively, the GEERS scheme may also be available to compensate employees for lost entitlements, following their former employer’s financial collapse.

Our practitioners act for both employers and employees, and can provide frank and timely advice on any employment law issue.

Astute Legal Solicitors and Barristers Ph: 02 9238 2207 www.astutelegal.com.au * Darren Emery is Principal, Astute Legal Solicitors & Barristers.

The content contained in this article is meant to be informative, and of a general nature only. No warranty arises as to the accuracy of this content.

Nor does this content contain legal advice, and as such, no reliance should be placed whatsoever on this content, or the opinions contained within.

Where necessary, readers should obtain their own legal advice, specific to their individual needs and circumstances.

Liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Legal practitioners employed by Astute Legal Services Pty Limited are members of the scheme.

By Drew Valentine actually grown.

Actually, it’s not all that remarkable – they work hard at it the whole time consistently through good times and bad. That’s how it all works. And just like really good, effective marketing, basically it’s quite simple.

So what to jot down from all this.

• Stay strong during a period of turbulence.

Be sure to let the marketplace and all your stakeholders know that you are there for them.

• If you have to make cuts to keep your balance sheet looking half-okay start with the fat, not the engine-room marketing muscle that will help you ride out the storm and emerge well-positioned when we get into smoother sailing.

• Don’t panic! Stay calm in the knowledge that marketing dollars spent during tough times are going to pay off for you in the long run. *Drew Valentine is a leading Melbourne PR and marketing consultan Drew Valentine Ph: 03 9372 5133 vpr@valentinepr.com.au www.valentinepr.com.au

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industryupdate.com.au Page 11

Austech 2012 Preview Austech 2012 australia’s premier advanced Manufacturing & Machine tool exhibition

Never a better time to buy imported machinery

8th – 11th May 2012 sydney showground sydney Olympic park, sydney

Ken Richards … good time to buy

It’s all on show at Austech 2012

With the Aussie dollar continuing to spiral against Australian dollar means any imported major world currencies, many manufacturers machinery or office equipment is dirt cheap.

It’s time to take advantage of these savings, are battling for survival.

A spate of plant closures, including a decision says Mr Ken Richards from Interlease Co Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s largest business finance

by Toyota earlier this year to shed 350 jobs at its plant in Altona, VIC, has been blamed on broking companies. the strength of the Australian dollar.

“The high dollar means it’s a good time to buy an imported machine and most of the The high dollar has had a significant impact on the Australian manufacturing industry – high value, high precision, latest technology machines are imported,” Mr Richards says. particularly exporters.

Over the past two years the Australian dollar “Therefore, there’s never been a better time gisterhasat austechexpo.com.au appreciated 17 per cent against the US to buy and whilst exports may be hurting, dollar, 8 per cent against the English pound, upgrading to the latest technology and automation may enable companies to reduce and a whopping 33 per cent against 2/03/12 the Euro.

12:24 PM overheads and become more cost effective as That means companies’ spending money goes a third further in Europe than it did two years well as offering greater precision. The greater ago. precision cannot also be underestimated, as it’s not as easy for companies to import components For small business, the high value of the that require a high level of precision.”

Interlease is the major sponsor of this year’s Innovate Showcase at Austech 2012 to be held in conjunction with National Manufacturing Week at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from May 8-11.

Organisations will display latest manufacturing technology and techniques, as well as typical manufactured Call u s components in their industry. t od to fin d out ay This will provide Australian component how comp manufacturers, precision engineering etitiv e firms, toolmakers, advanced manufacturers and general engineering companies visiting the stand with a unique opportunity to discuss their manufacturing capabilities and to network.

“Austech is a premier event for the manufacturing industry and in the Leadwell LTC25i X 450 mm x Z 760, 1020, 1550, 2030 current economic environment, making companies aware of the range of options available in the market to finance capital

High quality now affordable

equipment is important,” Mr Richards says.

“Additionally, most incumbent banks only offer the products they prefer to offer and on the terms they want. As such, some companies may not consider implementing the latest technology as they incorrectly believe it is not cost effective or will be difficult to finance.”

And more investment in intelligent manufacturing techniques and prioritising key technologies are crucial if Australia is to avoid losing its competitive edge in manufacturing, Innovate organiser AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited) points out, and innovation will play its part in ensuring Australia’s manufacturing productivity.

“The key to the industry’s survival depends on innovation and ensuring businesses can adapt to the ups and downs of economic change,” says AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti. “While some businesses have had to downsize,

many have managed to adjust to the economic conditions by outsourcing, innovation and quality improvement and introducing new technologies and skills.”

Some economists predict that the Aussie dollar will be back in the mid-US$0.90 by the end of the year, so Australia’s exports will be more competitive and will hopefully help our manufacturers currently battling for survival.

“Until that happens,” Mr Infanti says, “take advantage of the currency while you can and invest in new technology and machinery. Austech 2012 comes at the right time, as it offers the unique opportunity to source the latest in production technology available today.”

Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) Ph: 03 9800 3666 www.austechexpo.com.au www.amtil.com.auu

New DDM technology on show at Austech

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Page 12

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industryupdate.com.au

Austech 2012 will for the first time see a dedicated additive manufacturing (AM) pavilion, with a focus on Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM).

And Melbourne-based Tasman Machinery will demonstrate its Fortus 400mc 3D Production System at Stand D164.

The machine, powered by FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) technology from Statasys Inc, will allow visitors to gain an understanding of how AM and DDM can help organisations save money, reduce lead times, and increase design and manufacturing flexibility.

While many AM processes have become popular for rapid prototyping of new product designs, FDM has expanded beyond simply proving out designs, says Tasman Managing Director Dermid McKinley.

“Where once people viewed the 3D printing sector as the domain of designers and the prototyping sector, our most successful customers use our machines as full production machines, producing everything from assembly jigs through to end-user parts to replace injection moulded and CNC machined components.”

The Fortus 3D Production Systems

have a place in nearly every modern tool room in Australia. Powered by FDM technology, they free users from traditional design and manufacturing limitations, enbabling them to produce manufacturing tools and put them into service just hours after your design is complete.

Mr McKinley believes that every engineering shop that currently has a CNC machine, will one day also have an AM machine in the future.

Tasman Machinery Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9584 8355 www.tasmanmachinery.com.au

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industryupdate.com.au Page 13

Thinking smart in tough times Expanding and diversifying may hold the key While many Australian companies in the manufacturing and engineering sectors have struggled during the past 2-3 years of economic turbulence, a small firm in NSW has bucked the trend.

Janette and Wayne Fletcher, the owners and operators of Intricate Engineering, have expanded and diversified during this time.

In 2002 they moved their machines into a factory at Mulgrave, west of Sydney, offering all the usual services of small owner-operated workshops. However, they quickly found a niche in the market for components that other workshops found difficult to make.

From the start, the duo wanted to be versatile, with the ability to help customers solve a wide range of engineering problems.

As the reputation of Intricate Engineering spread throughout manufacturing and other industries, the growing company purchased additional machines to meet the requirements of its customers.

In 2012, new additions to the workshop include a press-brake, a laser-cutting machine, and a CNC machining centre.

Already, the word has spread that the company has broadened its base, and customers are taking advantage of the fact that they can get several operations completed under one roof – with worthwhile savings in time and expense.

“We work our machines really hard,” says Wayne, “and one of our oldest no longer met our current criteria for accuracy, repeatability, and throughput, and had to be replaced.

“Accordingly, we bought our fourth YCM machine, an XV560A machining centre with fourth-axis capability.”

“This acquisition was part of our diversification project and, along with the laser-cutter and press-brake, means that we can now offer a significantly wider range of services to our customers.”

Janette says the type of work carried out by Intricate Engineering demands high levels of accuracy.

“The machines in our Wingate Road workshop have to be sturdy and reliable, she says. “After our long experience with the YCM machines, we did not have any hesitation in selecting the XV560A model. It has already enhanced our production capability and capacity.”

Almost all the machines at Intricate Engineering have been supplied – new or preowned – by Sydney-based 600 Machine Tools.

It was the built-in quality of the machine tools produced by the YCM company that prompted the UK-based 600 Group to add the company to its extensive portfolio of brands for which it acts as distributor in world markets.

The managing director of 600 Machine Tools in Australia, Cliff Purser, said: “I have visited

Taiwan and toured the factory of this 58-year old company, and witnessed the remarkable attention to detail of the tradesmen during the building of each machine tool. I was not in the least surprised to discover that YCM was the first Taiwanese manufacturer of machine tools to be accredited to the prestigious ISO9000 world standard for quality assurance.”

One of three vertical machining centres in this range, the XV560A has a 700 by 420mm worktable. Travel is 560mm in the X-axis, 410mm in the Y, and 450mm in the Z. The tool capacity is 20.

The spindle-speed is 10,000 rpm, with a spindle-taper of BBT40, which is standard and a significant advantage in cutting times, and 11 kW spindle power.

The model installed and commissioned at Intricate has the added advantage of throughspindle coolant delivery.

To complement their sturdy and rigid construction, all YCM machines are be fitted with the advanced MXP Fanuc control that boasts a user-friendly interface, along with innovative features designed to foster increased productivity.

Pat O’Doherty, a sales engineer in the Sydney office of 600 Machine Tools supervised the project in tandem with the two working proprietors at the Mulgrave factory.

Peter Griffiths, an applications engineer

at 600 Machine Tools, completed the commissioning and training.

Janette says: “Our motto is ‘service with a smile,’ but that counts for little unless you have machines capable of producing the accurate work, accompanied by exemplary levels of service, that we have been able to provide to our customers.

“With the new press-brake, laser cutter, and CNC machining centre, we are now able to undertake jobs ranging from prototypes to production runs, for clients of all sizes in NSW and further afield. The increased capacity means that we are not fazed when a customer occasionally requires delivery ‘yesterday’.”

600 Machine Tools Ph: 02 9674 4738 www.600machinery.com.au

What recession? … Janette and Wayne Fletcher with their latest YCM machine

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2/03/12 12:24 PM

The future of digital readouts is here now From their years of experience in digital readout (DRO) system manufacturing, Easson has achieved a high level of reliability and durability.

Not only the electronics and mechanical system design are important, it is also essential that the system must be constructed with highest possible specifications, good material and advanced production technology.

The ES12 is a step forward in DRO technology.

Efficient production management and low overhead cost have allowed substantial savings and have made it possible to produce the ES-12 with the highest possible specifications and quality in material & components. This has achieved the highest reliability and durability.

The ES12 DRO display has a colour graphic LCD screen and is programmed to allow for ‘’full options’’ and ‘‘all-in-one’’ system.

This makes it possible to select the required application (eg lathe, milling, EDM, drilling, grinding) during the setup of the DRO. Also it allows for the selections of the number of axis and either 5um and 1um accuracy on each axis.

The ES12 series has been specifically designed for retrofitting.

The many functions available like the Non Linear Error Compensation, Anti-Vibration Filter and Speed Axis Display make it the ideal solution for any type of machine tool.

Each preset program has its results displayed on the graphic led screen. This allows the operator to see what the program will produce before any machining takes place.

The value for money Easson ES12, available from Hare & Forbes, can be seen at: www.machineryhouse.com.au/d705

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Reliability and durability … the Easson ES12

How local companies can fight back against outsourcing Contract fabrication and engineering specialist Sevaan Group has devised a new business model and delivery system to bring back to Australia work that is being channelled off overseas to reduce costs.

The company has set itself up to manage orders for clients in three-month segments to effectively give them product on demand.

This opens potential for its contract clients to cost effectively manufacture in niche size batches – or even large batches – domestically rather than continue outsourcing to Asia.

It is giving its clients much better cost control, while eliminating the lengthy process of logistics and shipping that comes with them outsourcing fabrication to Asian markets and subsequently stocking high volume inventory within their own premises.

Chief Executive Officer of Sevaan Group, Mr Tony Panrucker, says what his company is doing is in fact segmenting the delivery of orders sensibly over fixed timeframes to eliminate a lot of old-style running costs that have been costing Australian manufacturers a lot of money.

“Far too many of Australia’s larger manufacturers have been fixated purely on price when farming out fabrication work to various Asian countries without properly understanding where the true cost come from,” says Mr Panrucker.

“In reality, by introducing the risk of distance and the risk of time and coupling this with potential to compromise on the quality standards normally expected by an advanced industrial country like Australia makes the whole fabrication outsourcing abroad venture a very costly mistake if the wrong overseas supplier is used, he says.

“What we do differently is explore the nature of your fabrication contracts, identify

a pro rata price over a 12 month period and then establish a course of action.”

Sevaan Group not only supplies the outsourced engineering and/or fabrication, it also manages the stocks and inventory in three-month segments.

“What this achieves is a system where we know when to reduce or increase inventory at the right point during every three-month segment according to the frequency of orders from our client, says Mr Panrucker.

“What the client obtains is a product made to exact Australian Standards as is required, an outcome that is delivered on time and definitely on budget and stocks which are kept at an optimum level so it costs neither party any extra expense.

“In the modern engineering and fabrication world, obtaining product/price is no longer the sole issue.

“The true value in a contract fabrication/ engineering arrangement between two parties is to deliver not just the product but also the inventory and scheduling management as part of a whole package to ensure that profits are maximised for the client and that everything runs on time.”

Sevaan Group Ph: 02 9824 5555 www.sevaangroup.com.au

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Telephone: (03) 9450 1900 Facsimile: (03) 9458 3217 Website: www.mtiqualos.com.au Email: sales@mtiqualos.com.au

industryupdate.com.au Page 15

ART making a big splash in 2012 Australia’s premier manufacturer of CNC routers and plasma cutters, Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) is introducing a new retrofitting service and expanding its sales team as part of its growth strategy this year.

The new service will allow manufacturers in Australia to retrofit their outdated CNC routers and plasma cutters with new state-of-the-art CNC motion controllers.

A CNC retrofit counteracts the signs of ageing and modernises outdated flatbed machinery to improve productivity, enable new functions, and increase energy efficiency.

“If the mechanics are still in good condition yet the control unit or drive is no longer stateof-the-art, CNC retrofit often is much more cost effective than buying a new system,” ART

Director David White explains.

“Also, a CNC retrofit will provide significant performance improvements, increased efficiency, and greater spare part availability.”

The comprehensive package involves replacing the motion controller board and all relevant wiring inside the control box, as well as a new high end Windows 7 touch screenbased controller interface.

Mr White, a co-founder of ART, took over full ownership of the company in late 2010 and has since introduced many new services and products to lead the company’s expansion efforts into new and existing markets.

“While we see huge potential for growth in the local oil & gas industry, I believe we will see long-term growth coming from overseas

markets such as the United States,” he explains.

As part of these efforts, ART has recently appointed a new distributor in the US to support the local target market.

Consulting and Field Service Engineer Brad Westenhover and ART’s ToolShop software distributor Dean Fowell will support ART’s move to increase export business as part of the company’s strategic plan to grow markets outside Australia.

Additionally, Mr White expects positive impacts on sales through a new business structure, including a new re-organised marketing and sales team and improved production processes.“2012 is going to be a big year for us,” he says. “Our existing tried

and tested machinery as well as our extended product and services range have generated a lot of interest amongst our customer base and our order books are really starting to fill up.”

The company’s constant investment in R&D and its commitment to quality has secured a global recognition in the market and has resulted in an ever-expanding product range.

Currently, ART is developing a revolutionary new portable CNC Engineering Solution under the metaltek brand, designed to take the workshop into the field, and will soon release version 2.0 of its popular toolpathing and nesting software ToolShop.

Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) Pty Ltd Ph: 07 3393 6555 www.advancedrobotic.com

Swift service from Aussie metal forming experts Swift Metal Services Pty Ltd is renowned for pushing the frontier in metal forming and steel stamping techniques.

They have excelled with new high efficiency, high speed fabrication of a wide range of products including pipe brackets and tube supports.

And as more manufacturing goes offshore, Australian-owned Swift Metal Services are investing in automated and semiautomated machinery and increased training of staff to extract greater efficiencies in its metal manufacturing plant.

This has resulted in high-speed repetition fabrication of brackets, cleats, tube clamps and multi-adjustable cable and hose hanger brackets, for the Australian market.

The pipe cradles (pictured) provide an insight into Swift’s metal processing ability.

The end result is more cost-effective products produced faster with greater reliability and consistency.

Swift Metal Services Pty Ltd. Ph: 1800 626 525 www.swiftmetal.com.au

Fresh thinking in machining and laser marking solutions FANUC ROBODRILL

ELECTROX Laser Marking

Intelligent high speed CNC milling and drilling.

Utilise a range of technologies to addresss a broad spectrum of marking applications.

ALPHA CNC Lathes

Perfect for producing high quality one-offs and small to medium sized batches.

COLCHESTER Manual Lathes

Full range with models including CSS DRO.

Sydney

Phone: 02 9674 4738 Fax: 02 9674 7641 Email: machines@600machinery.com.au

Sole Page 16

agents

Melbourne

Advanced Machine Tools Pty Ltd Phone: 03 9793 0053 Email: advancedtools@bigpond.com

Brisbane

Phone: 07 3277 4844 Fax: 07 3277 9360 Email: qldbch@600machinery.com.au

West Australia

Ambassador Machine Tools Phone: 08 9321 3611 Fax: 08 9321 3511 Email: amt@iprimus.com.au

YCM Range

High performance vertical machining centres and turning centres offering excellent versatility.

South Australia

All-Mac Machinery Phone: 08 8449 9400 Fax: 08 8449 9622 Email: harry@all-mac.net

Electrox Victoria

Rubyworks Phone: 0457 333 927 Email: sales@rubyworks.com.au

f o r … C o l c h e s t e r, H a r r i s o n , E r l o , C l a u s i n g , F a n u c R o b o d r i l l s , T o s , L a g u n , Y C M , E l e c t r o x

industryupdate.com.au

Paying too much for your cutting?

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www.advancedrobotic.com (07) 3393 6555

New heavy-duty Hafco drill packs a punch There is a new magnetic base drill on the The addition of a forward and reverse market that is attracting plenty of attention. switch and the low speed allows this The new Hafco HF-750/4 speed drill, machine to be used as a tapping machine from Hare & Forbes Machinery House, has with a capacity to 25mm at a depth of 40mm. all the strength of a heavy-duty core broach The Hafco HF-750/4 is an ideal addition drill with the flexibility needed in a portable to every workshop where versatility is drill for industrial use. required. When it is not being used or is This magnetic base drill can cut a 75mm being transported the strong plastic case diameter hole through 50mm plate with a will protect this investment. carbide broach drill, and then can be easily The Hafco HF-750/4 can been found at: converted to a powerful 3MT drill able to http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/d9507 drill with taper shank drills to 31.5mm.

Hare and Forbes A quick change again and a drill chuck Ph: 02 8838 3502 can be added, and depending on the drill www.machineryhouse.com.au chuck size, can drill up to 16mm.

The secret to the drill’s success is that the manufacturer originally specialized in electric motors.

This ensures the motors of the Hafco magnetic base drills have had the best in research and development in motor design – the heart of the machine.

This is vital as the motor is required to cope with the stress that it is placed under with a range of processes and operators.

A powerful 1800W motor drives the cutters through a 4-speed gearbox, with speeds ranging from 90-380rpm.

The base is held firm with a magnetic adhesion of 32000N to insure that the drill remains firm when operating and a safety chain is also supplied for those places where the magnetic adhesion may be Digging deep … the 1 new Hafco HF-750/4 speedAM drill Page 1 compromised.

SEICarbide_IndustryUpdate01_11:Layout 17/1/11 9:42

DMG machinery makes life easy for Ezy-Fit Ezy-Fit Hydraulics has extended its South Australian headquarters enabling it to increase production and create new jobs.

A leading manufacturer of quality hydraulic cylinders for a wide range of industries, EziFit has 75 employees at its Salisbury factory.

The 700sqm extension has already created employment for about 15 additional people.

Managing Director Terry Kerin says the company is well-placed to continue its current growth, with further extension opportunities in the future.

“We are in expansion mode again with increased sales and market share across Australia,” says Mr Kerin.

“We have invested in a new hone with a 7.5m stroke, a 12m-bed lathe and have recently ordered a DMG DMU 65 MonoBlock 3-pallet machining centre and a state-ofthe-art CTX beta 1250 TC turn/mill centre, also with the help of a government grant.”

Since its foundation in 1993 the company attributes much of its success to its emphasis on ethics, fair dealings with suppliers and customers, service as well as its focus on niche specialised products.

As technology changes Ezi-Fit Hydraulics must be at the forefront of this change to maintain its competitive edge, says Mr Kerin.

Ezi-Fit installed its first DMC 60 T five pallet machining centre in 2006.

Since then there has been a significant investment in manufacturing technology with the installation of machines to improve output and reduce parts handling.

“Machines like the CTX beta 1250 TC are designed to significantly reduce setups and give greater flexibility to production shops whilst maintaining high accuracy,” says Phil

Green, DMG/Mori Seiki Area Sales Manager in Adelaide.

The new turn/mill centre offers the combined milling and turning technology of the CTX Series, plus an integrated disk magazine of 24 tools with fast tool exchange, 120 tools are available as an option. Users also enjoy the integration of a controlled slide with a powerful B-axis milling spindle for five-axis simultaneous machining.

The CTX turn/mill centre is DMG/Mori Seiki’s top model for the production of medium-sized workpieces up to 1250mm long by 390mm in diameter, or for bar material up to 104mm in diameter.

“While employing more people due to our continuing growth, we now need less operators because the machines are self-sufficient, are bar-fed and automatic conveyors remove the parts,” says Mr Kerin.

DMG Mori Seiki Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 03 8545 0900 www.dmgmoriseiki.com

Top model … DMG’s CTX turnmill centre

TURNING HOLDING TOOLS TAPPING MILLING ROTARY TOOLS END MILLING THREADING

NSW Toll Free 1300 307 099 VIC 03 9548 8516 SA 0418 826 155 QLD 0418 732 729 industryupdate.com.au Page 17

Swift by name ‘Must-have’ tool from CEJN swift by nature

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CEJN has released its new MultiFLOW Blowgun into the Australian Market – a ‘must-have’ tool for industry professionals.

MultiFLOW Blowgun is a premium tool for premium performance.

The quality of tools has a direct link to the quality of the work they perform.

That has been the driving force behind CEJN’s commitment for more than 50 years to provide customers with pneumatic tools that standout in performance, craftsmanship and durability.

CEJN’s success in the blowgun market is the result of continuous research and development activities that enable it to continually introduce new products that are hardworking and unmatched by the competition.

Professionals throughout the world depend on CEJN for premium tools for premium performance.

When CEJN engineers set out to design an all-new, all-powerful blowgun, they first interviewed end-users to identify its job responsibilities.

They learned that their new design would need to offer unique flow and flow control, as well as versatile nozzle adjustments.

By transforming customer needs into design features – a CEJN trademark – CEJN has developed the MultiFLOW Blowgun.

Whether the job calls for cleaning with water or air, CEJN’s MultiFLOW Blowgun delivers high power with exceptional flow control.

To be considered a ‘must-have’, a tool

needs to outperform the competition, endure repeated wear and tear, and be useful for a variety of tasks.

CEJN’s new MultiFLOW Blowgun meets all three requirements. • Performance – The premium blowgun offers extreme flow for cleaning, cooling and drying applications. • Durability – Able to withstand tough handling and tough working environments, day after day. • Versatility – Cleans surfaces with air or water, making it a handy tool for applications as far reaching as sterile surgical areas to heavy industrial foundries.

CEJN’s new MultiFLOW Blowgun cleans with compressed air or non-flammable fluids. It offers unmatched blowing force for removing heavy swarf, wood shavings and foodstuffs.

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Contact Swift Metal 1800 626 525 www.swiftmetal.com.au Fax 1300 799 373 Email sales@swiftmetal.com.au

305mm diameter capacity production bandsaw

CEJN Australia Ph: 02 9838 0225 www.cejn.com.au

Performance and durability ‌ CEJN’s new MultiFLOW Blowgun

DC-310NC II

Dual Column Band Saw

Solutions For ALL Your Sawing Needs Standard Equipment • Multiple index 10X • Floating indexer • Touch screen controls • Split front vise • Powered band brush • Flushing hose • Coolant applied through saw guides • Discharge tray • Saw head rapid approach control • Work height sensor • Job selector • Out-of-stock sensor • Spring-loaded, zero clearance, carbide-faced saw guides • Band break switch • Band door interlocks • Powered chip conveyor • Variable vise pressure

Distributors: Newcastle:

H E Dingle Pty Ltd Ph. 02 4969 1988

Adelaide:

Queenstown Saws Works Ph. 08 8341 1788

Mackay:

Wallers Precision Tooling Ph. 07 4952 3336

Brisbane:

Alkem Industrial supplies Ph. 07 3356 1919

Perth:

Carbide Tool Industries Ph. 08 9345 3499

Melbourne:

Carb-i-tool Ph. 03 9555 2966

Wollongong: SEPOL Products Ph. 02 4272 3347

DoALL Australia Pty Ltd 1/13 Penny Place Arndell Park NSW 2148 Ph: (02) 9671 5011 Fax: (02) 9676 8775 Email: sales@doall.com.au Website: www.doall.com Page 18

industryupdate.com.au

DETAILED INFORMATION

Why 5 Axis machining is the smart way to go Many engineering shops are reluctant to consider the advantages of 5 Axis machining in today’s world of shorter runs and more complex parts.

While only a very small percentage of components manufactured today require 5 Axis simultaneous machining, there are many components that can benefit from a machine fitted with a tilting rotary table.

Such a machine can be supplied in what is known as 4 + 1 configuration.

The 4 axes are X, Y, Z and the rotary table.

The fifth axis or the (+1) is a tilting table. This configuration allows for finishing of a multi sided part in one setup with improvements in the accuracy between machined features. This machine configuration can be used for production of components requiring drilling type operations at compound angles to the central axis of the part, for example Hydraulic manifolds, cylinder heads for engines, special drilling tools in the mining industry and so forth.

With longer lead times for castings and forgings it is now becoming practical to machine short run components from solid stock. Often these components do not need 5 axis contouring so the 4+1 configuration is ideally suitable for the job.

The additional machining time and cost is offset by the savings in setup for short run castings or forgings, and the

reduction in fixture costs in-house.

Leadwell CNC Machines, from leading Australian supplier Hitec CNC Machines, have released a new range of 5 Axis Vertical Machining Centres – the V-20iT, V-40iT and the newly released V-60iT. With stroke capacities of X,Y,Z of 1270, 760 and 680mm this is a larger capacity machine.

The rotary table features a diameter of 630mm and distance from table to spindle nose ranges from 100 to 780mm.

Load capacity when tilt angle is 0’ is 200kg, reducing to 150kg when the tilt angle is in the range of 60’ to 90’.

The smaller machines maximum work piece weight reduces to 75kg and 120kg at the 60 – 90° tilt angle.

With 10,000rpm standard spindle speed, 30 m/min rapid X and Y - 20 m/ min rapid on the Z axis the V-60iT is capable of handling a wide range of components.

The addition of the optional 2-speed gearbox increases the cutting power across the range of spindle speeds further enhancing the capability of the machine.

Rigid Tapping, Auger style swarf conveyors inside the machine, Spindle oil Chiller and remote MPG

are just some of the standard features of the Leadwell machines.

Optional additional equipment includes such items as Tool overload detection, Auto Tool measurement, Auto Work piece datum measurement, Tool Tip Air blow system and Coolant Thru Spindle add to the versatility of the V-60iT Leadwell machine.

The trunnion table also has the ability to be locked in the 0° position to allow the machine to be used for heavier duty cutting of regular 2.5D components that are produced on a day-to-day basis.

The rotary table has three configurations for mounting of components.

Hitec CNC Machine Tools Ph: 08 83219511 www.hiteccnc.com.au

Thinking outside the box Sydney-based 80/20 Australia specialises in T-Slot aluminum extrusion.

The company offers an endless list of applications that can be innovatively tailored to any industry or application required.

This includes “out of the box” solutions to suit your imagination and creativity.

With all 80/20 products there is a strong focus on workplace safety and injury prevention.

T-slotted aluminum profiles, mesh paneling and linear motion bearings can be customised to create innovative safety solutions, such as fencing and machine guarding.

Aluminum profiles are lightweight and easily adjustable, allowing them to adapt to any industry or environment.

This helps to safeguard both temporary and permanent workspaces.

80/20 Australia Ph: (02) 9838 9900 www.8020.com.au

Innovative solutions … 80/20 aluminium extrusions

industry update ad.indd 1

30/08/2011 5:25:30 PM

industryupdate.com.au Page 19

FES gives Aussie industry a winning edge

Since its inception nearly 15 years ago, Fabrication Equipment Supplies (FES), has grown to become a market leader in the highly competitive Australian plate rolling industry.

The company specializes in steel fabrication – everything from cutting, bonding to forming and rolling – with a strong focus on customer service.

FES supplies press brakes, guillotines, laser and plasma profile cutters as well as plate rolling machines, band saws and punch and shears.

Perhaps the jewel in the FES crown has been its association with DAVI, the world’s largest manufacturer of plate and angle roll and automatic rolling systems.

FES has been the exclusive Australian agent for high quality DAVI products for more than seven years.

DAVI’s state-of-the-art engineered machines are manufactured in Italy and sold worldwide.

The company has become synonymous with high precision, exceptional productivity, efficiency and long-lasting value.

FES has supplied many of Australia’s leading companies with the latest DAVI technology.

And by investing in DAVI Rolling Systems these companies have been able to increase their productivity, efficiency and profits (PEP).

“Our aim is to increase control, efficiency and productivity – resulting in better profits,” says FES managing director Mike Dye. “FES has direct links to the most sophisticated products to the most basic machines, covering all price ranges.”

Industries now using DAVI Rolling Systems include shipping, mining, structural, civil, training education, specialist stainless steel and general rolling services.

DAVI are the most sold huge “giant rolls” for manufacturing heavy-duty pressure vessels, boilers, energy applications (oil and gas and nuclear), for thickness between 40-50mm up to 400mm and more.

For lighter application, high-tech DAVI rolls, CNC controlled, have set a new benchmark.

DAVI is the world leader in Wind Towers and Off-Shore, thanks to its patented High

Productivity Package that enables the towers and piles manufacturers to greatly increase productivity, while ensuring the highest quality standards.

Other applications include: Energy industry Davi 3 and 4 rolls are the industry leader to roll the heavy duty, thick plates to build nuclear reactor and turbine housings.

Earth moving machines DAVI plate rolls are the ideal choice to roll thick plates with high resistance and special anti-abrasive steel.

Truck containers Davi CNC controlled 4 rolls machines are the right choice to produce truck tanks, to 12 meters (40 feet) long and more.

Aerospace/aircraft DAVI supplies the turn-key solutions to produce aircraft and aerospace components such as wing and fuselage sections, and components for aerospace vehicles and capsules.

Shipyard DAVI rolls are used to produce all the different rolled shapes in the shipyard industry.

Structures DAVI angle rolls and section bending machines are widely purchased for building heavy and large dimensioned structures.

Off-Shore platforms DAVI 3 and 4 rolls are the plate rolls of choice to build monopiles and tripods, in thick plate and high resistance steel.

Boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers The high accuracy required to form these components, Davi 3 and 4 rolls have the technology to be the leading choice among top manufacturers to produce these large components.

DAVI offers a professional worldwide customer care service for any need.

Fabrication Equipment Supplies Ph: 07 5478 3387 or 1300 556 576 www.fes.net.au www.davi.com

Mitutoyo delivers enhanced performance, improved economics the effective measuring range at a given measurement tolerance as compared to typical CMMs in its class.

Also, the CRYSTA-Apex S drive features highspeed (max 519 mm/s) and high acceleration (max 2,309 mm/s2). These advances result in higher throughput for greater productivity and lower total owning and operating costs.

The CRYSTA-Apex S uses the new UC-400 controller to manage digital servo system control loops for position, speed, and current.

This makes it easy to implement various types of control algorithms. Additionally, the digital ! PCS3000SR. ! servo system has a wide dynamic range and is highly resistant to drift over time. *SOLID CONSTRUCTION.Extreme rigidity helps the CRYSTA-Apex S maintain accuracy. The Y-axis guide rail is Performance plus … the new Mitutoyo CRYSTAinto one side of the granite surface Apex S from MTI Qualos *DUAL SIDE AC DRIVES.integrated plate. Precision air bearings located on the The new CRYSTA-Apex S Coordinate Measuring bottom, front, rear and upper surfaces of the Machine from Mitutoyo brings new levels of X-axis slider minimize vibration and ensure *TWO GAS CUTTING TORCHES performance and economy to the 1.7μm class stability even during high-speed, highAS STANDARD. of CNC CMMs. acceleration operation.

With a maximum error of MPEE = Accuracy is further enhanced by an advanced (1.7+3L/1000) μm, the new Mitutoyo CRYSTATemperature Compensation System. The System Apex S from MTI Qualos, more than doubles

consists of a thermometer unit that measures the temperatures from thermal sensors located on the scale units of the CMM main unit and from a set of workpiece thermal sensors.

The temperature data is transferred to the UC-400 machine controller for thermal compensation. For proper workpiece compensation, the thermal expansion coefficient of the workpiece material is entered by the user. Since the material of scale units of the CMM! is constant, this expansion coefficient is permanently stored in the temperature unit.

The CRYSTA-Apex S supports a wide range of probes that offer increased capabilities including the MPP-310Q scanning probe that collects cloud point data at speeds of up to 120 mm/s. Other probes suited for screw depth measurement, ultra-small diameter measurement and non-contact measurement are also supported.

Available software options enable the CRYSTA-Apex S to tackle a wide variety of measurement applications. Software packages include GEOPAK, a high-functionality generalpurpose measurement program which is at

the heart of MCOSMOS (Mitutoyo Controlled Open System for Modular Operation Support) software. MCOSMOS supports virtually every CAD format while providing routines for in-line measurement, data feedback, and process management. Additional software supported includes: CAT1000S for freeform surface evaluation; CAT1000P, an offline teaching program; SCANPAK, for contour measurement; and a range of programs supporting laser and vision probes.

CRYSTA-Apex S provides USB communications for connectivity. Additionally, CRYSTA-Apex S supports MeasurLink STATMeasure Plus, Mitutoyo’s proprietary statistical-processing and process-control program.

MeasurLink STATMeasure Plus performs statistical analysis and provides real-time display of measurement results for SPC applications.

The program can also be linked to a higherlevel network environment for enterprise-wide functionality.

AFFORDABLE PROFILE CUTTING

www.profilecuttingsystems.com

HEAVY DUTY DRILLING PCS DRILL.

*DRILLING, TAPPING, MACHINING. *10hp, HOLES UP TO 32mm.

www.profilecuttingsystems.com

.

Page 20

industryupdate.com.au

MTI Qualos Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9450 1900 www.mtiqualos.com.au

industryupdate.com.au Page 21

Hare & Forbes: more Family owned company continues to spread its wings

The phrase “we need a bigger shed” has been echoing around the offices of Hare & Forbes for the past couple of years. Fortunately it hasn’t fallen on deaf ears.

Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse main Sydney warehouse was bursting at the seams with the expansion of its product range.

Late last year they found the answer to their warehousing needs – a new 5000sqm warehouse double the size of their previous warehouse – right next door to their current Sydney showroom.

The move has made it even more convenient for their customers. The past few months have been a busy time for the company fitting out the new warehouse with new facilities for run, testing their machinery and the installation of over $100,000 worth of new pallet racking allowing for around 2100 pallets of machines and accessories to be stored.

The warehouse will be home to eight

technicians that have the responsibility of testing the machinery before it is ready to hand over to the despatch process.

The despatch team co-ordinate in excess of 180 dispatches and pick-ups a day.

Sydney wasn’t the only branch bursting at the seams. The Perth branch was also operating under cramped conditions so they have also moved to larger premises at 41-43 Abernethy Road, Belmont, WA. The new “shed” is 2600sqm – three times larger than their old premises.

“We now wonder how we operated out of the old premises,” said Greg Adams the State manager.

The new shed boasts an impressive display of around 1100sqm full of engineering, woodworking and workshop equipment.

“The 1500sqm warehouse lets us carry a bigger range of stock so we can service our customers better,” said Greg.

Growing with the times … Hare & Forbes’ new Sydney warehouse

Page 22

industryupdate.com.au

Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse has been suppling machine tools for over 80 years. Since its humble beginning in 1930, the foundation principles of John Edward Hare and Henry Forbes are still the same today; to offer one of Australia’s most extensive range of workshop machinery and machine tool accessories, at the best possible price.

The company is still operated by the Hare family and is one of the largest stockists and suppliers of conventional & CNC machine tools, sheet metal and fabrication equipment in Australia, with more than 140 staff nationwide.

Hare & Forbes has showrooms in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and New Zealand.

Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse Ph: 1300 909 111 www.machineryhouse.com.au

than just machinery A household name in workshop machinery Hare & Forbes has been supplying new and used machine tools and workshop equipment for more than 80 years.

Since its humble beginning in Redfern, NSW in 1930, the company still maintains the principles of its founders – John Edward Hare and Henry Forbes.

The company has always used a winning formula – to offer one of Australia’s most extensive ranges of workshop machinery and machine tool accessories – at the best possible price.

The company is owned and operated by the Hare family with eleven family members still actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

Steve Hare is now the driving force between Hare and Forbes Machineryhouse, overseeing branches in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and New Zealand.

Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse is now Australia’s largest supplier of new and used workshop machinery.

The family company has been 100 per cent Australian-owned since 1930 and now employs more than 140 staff nationwide.

A large part of their success is due to the diverse range of equipment in stock.

The company boasts machinery displays covering more than 7000sqm and some of the largest showrooms in Australia where you can view and handle in excess of 4000 pieces of equipment.

Catering for the whole spectrum of engineering from the hobbyist to the largest manufacturers, their business philosophy is to keep sufficient products in stock so delivery can be provided promptly and efficiently.

To maintain its market leadership Hare & Forbes has a dedicated purchasing department that constantly monitors industry requirements.

Their goal is to improve the product range by evaluating and sourcing new and innovative products and agencies from the worlds leading manufactures.

At the same time they are keen to ensure their valued clients receive high quality products at affordable prices.

Products are sourced worldwide, including recognised manufacturers such as Doosan, Hartford, Baykal, Sunrise, Measumax, Metalmaster, Sahinler, Soco, Bemato, Imet and Cosen to mention a few.

One of the strong points of a partnership with Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse is the knowledge that the business has been built on a reputation of service Quality control staff check every shipment to ensure quality and reliability. If required, full workshop facilities are available for modifications and pre-delivery testing.

The company has separate service divisions for both CNC and conventional machines.

A team of 35 experienced factory-trained technicians assist clients nationally with spare parts and machine tool maintenance.

Hare & Forbes has proven by its success that it is possible to hold on to traditional values while advancing with the latest technology.

The company’s dedicated team can assist you in choosing the finest machine tools and workshop equipment for a wide range of applications.

Hartford PRO-1000 Machining Centre

New 2012 priced Catalogue

Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse Ph: 1300 909 111 www.machineryhouse.com.au

Website with over 4000 products online

Sunrise IW-100S Punch and Shear

industryupdate.com.au Page 23

Here’s a motor system that won’t let you down Fastech is dedicated to the development and production of new products in the field of motion control using DSP technology.

M Rutty & Co, a leading supplier of high-precision drive systems, now offers the high-precision, high-performance closed loop stepping motor driven, control system Ezi-Servo.

These products are currently exported to more than 50 countries and are being used by about 560 equipment makers or companies.

There is a big difference between closed loop stepping motor systems and conventional servo systems.

Conventional servo systems, to ensure machine performance, smoothness, positional error and low servo noise, require the adjustment an initial step.

Even systems that employ auto-tuning require manual tweaking after the system is installed, especially if more than one axis are interdependent.

Ezi-Servo employs the best characteristics of stepper and closed loop motion controls and algorithms to eliminate the need of tedious gain tuning required for conventional closed loop servo systems.

This means that Ezi-Servo is optimized for

the application and ready to work right out of the box.

The Ezi-Servo system employs the unique characteristics of the closed loop stepping motor control, eliminating these cumbersome steps and giving the engineer a high performance servo system without wasting setup time.

At 3000 rpm Ezi-Servo is reliable for positioning without loss of synchronism.

Holding a stable position and automatically recovering to the original position even after experiencing positioning error due to external forces, such as mechanical vibration or vertical positional holding.

Ezi-Servo utilizes 100 per cent of the full range of rated motor torque, compared to a conventional open-loop stepping driver that can use only up to 50 per cent of the rated motor torque due to the loss of synchronism.

With the capability to operate at high speeds due to load-dependant current control, open-loop stepper drivers allow a constant current control at all speed ranges.

M Rutty & Co. Ph: 02 9457 2222 www.mrutty.com.au

High performance … the Ezi-Servo closed loop motor system

New cutting-edge pin mill from Munson A new 864mm sanitary stainless steel Pin Mill model CIM-34-SS from Munson Machinery provides coarse to fine grinding of friable powders, flakes and granules into controlled particle sizes.

High-speed rotation of the inner disc creates centrifugal force that accelerates bulk material entering the central inlet of the opposing stationary disc.

As material travels from the centre to the periphery of the discs at high speed, it passes through a path of five intermeshing rows of rotating and stationary pins, with the desired tight particle size distribution obtained by controlling the rotor speed.

Setting the infinitely variable rotor speed between several hundred rpm and 5400 rpm provides the flexibility to use the machine for coarse grinding and de-agglomerating as well as for fine grinding down to 400 mesh.

Vertical orientation of the mill housing results in a smaller footprint than horizontally-oriented units, and allows the outer disc to hinge open, providing instant Page 24

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access to all product-contact surfaces for cleaning and inspection.

Also called a Centrifugal Impact Mill the unit provides high throughput rates per horsepower relative to machines employing screens, hammers, knives or rolls, depending on application.

Other size reduction machinery offered by the company includes screen classifying cutters, attrition mills, lump breakers, rotary knife cutters, hammer mills and shredders. www.munsonmachinery.com

Fine job … new stainless steel Pin Mill from Munson

Flexible bunding takes on new meaning There are endless configurations available to the user, depending on the “footprint” which best suits the available floor space.

Corners can also be used to advantage when bunds are joined in an “L” configuration.

Each bund has a capacity of 130L, which means that when two or more are connected they can be safely used to store 200L drums.

This satisfies all government regulations, which require a bund to safely contain at least the single largest container in the case of a spill.

This new range includes a non-slip ramp, which offers a very gentle slope for ease of

ART launches new CNC retrofit service Advanced Robotic Technology (ART), a leading manufacturer of CNC routers and plasma cutters, is introducing a new service that will allow Australian manufacturers to retrofit their outdated CNC routers and plasma cutters with new state-of-the-art CNC motion controllers.

A CNC retrofit counteracts the signs of ageing and modernises outdated flatbed machinery to improve productivity, enable new functions, and increase energy efficiency.

“If the mechanics are still in good condition yet the control unit or drive is no longer state-of-the-art, CNC retrofit often is much more cost effective than buying a new system,” ART Director David White explains.

“Also, a CNC retrofit will provide significant performance improvements, increased efficiency, and greater spare part availability.”

The comprehensive package involves replacing the motion controller board and all relevant wiring inside the control box, as well as a new high-end Windows 7 touch screen-based controller interface.

Company Director and co-founder David White took over full ownership of the company in late 2010 and has since introduced many new services and products to lead the company’s expansion efforts into new and existing markets. “While we see huge potential for growth in the local oil and gas industry, I believe we will see long-term growth coming from overseas markets such as the United States,” he says.

As part of these efforts, ART has recently appointed a new distributor in the US to support the local target market.

Consulting and Field Service Engineer Brad Westenhover (www.cncminimills.com) together with ART’s ToolShop software distributor Dean Fowell will support ART’s move to increase export business as part of the company’s strategic plan to grow markets outside Australia.

Currently, ART is developing a revolutionary new portable CNC Engineering Solution under the metaltek brand, designed to take the workshop into the field, and will soon release version 2.0 of its popular toolpathing and nesting software ToolShop.

Advanced Robotic Technology Ph: 07 3393 6555 www.advancedrobotic.com

drum handling. When moving 200L drums (which weigh up to 300kg) on a drum truck, this is a significant manual handling advantage.

Another unique feature is the spill “gutter” around the perimeter of the unit – eliminating the need for large holes in the poly grate – which can be a weak point and a trap for wheels.

Spilldoktor Ph: 1800 365 867 www.spilldoktor.com Endless configurations … new low profile connectable bund system

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DAVI machine systems have become synonymous with high precision, exceptional productivity, efficiency and long-lasting value.Their impressive client base includes aerospace giants NASA, AIRBUS and Boeing.

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Poly drum bunding and low profile poly bund units are not new concepts.

But now Spilldoktor, a market leader in environmental spill response solutions and storage, has launched a new low profile connectable bund system, giving clients more flexibility than ever.

The units come in compact “two drum” modules, which can be connected in many configurations to suit almost any application.

And the modules come with marks on all sides, showing where the connector is to be fitted for joining of units.

industryupdate.com.au Page 25

Cutting edge scissor lift Smart option …

Optimum’s electric hydraulic scissor lift tables

Optimum Handling Solutions’ electric hydraulic scissor lift tables with the popular Logic Lift height sensor option are a smart lifting solution.

These tables are being implemented and applied across a large range of industries

– especially those that frequently handle palletised goods.

A large national distribution centre recently put into action multiple scissor lifting units into their Wetherill Park branch, with outstanding results.

“The whole de-palletising process has sped up amazingly and most importantly has reduced a lot of safety hazards,” says the Wetherill Park plant manager.

Contact Optimum Handling Solutions to find practical solutions to your manual handling issues.

Optimum Handling Solutions Ph: 1800 066 008 www.optimumgroup.com.au

Fast crane solution for foundry A Demag double-girder process crane is now responsible for the fast and reliable collection of scrap material and its transfer to the induction smelting furnace, at a leading Swedish iron foundry.

The foundry, Arvika Gjuteri AB, commissioned the new Demag process crane, which features an integrated weighing and position measuring system, as part of its strategy to considerably increase its handling rates for scrap in line with its increased production capacities.

For the company, this is an important step in consolidating and further expanding its competitive position on international markets.

“In order to meet the growing requirements of our customers, speed and precision are the decisive factors when collecting the material”, reports Anders Nilsson, Project Manager at Arvika.

“We achieved this through implementation of the new crane installation. While the old crane needed up to 60 minutes for a single operating cycle, the new crane manages this work in only 12 minutes.”

The Demag ZKKW double-girder process crane has replaced an older crane model and is responsible for much faster and more reliable collection of scrap material, also known as charge make-up, and moving it to the smelting furnace.

With the old crane, the Arvika employees had to work 24 hours a day in the scrap yard and melting shop, now the new crane can handle the same weight of scrap in less than two shifts.

So the charging crane is also designed for future increases in capacity. “The start of productive operation already confirmed our decision to trust Demag Cranes as a solution provider to supply us with tailored technology”, continues Anders Nilsson.

“Our in-depth know-how of the foundry industry and the related development of customer-specific charging cranes was a great advantage for our customer Arvika”, adds Lutz Dowy, Senior Vice President Process Cranes at Demag Cranes. “The excellent cooperation with our Swedish agent Dematek also contributed to the successful processing of the project.”

The integrated weighing and evaluation system has not only improved efficiency, but has also significantly cut costs for Arvika Gjuteri AB. The scrap is prepared and correctly sorted in nine boxes. Orders for material pick-up are transmitted to the crane staff in the control Page 26

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station. The orders include information about the quantities to be removed from each of the individual boxes. These quantities are specified in formulations so that the resulting cast material contains exactly the desired properties.

The crane, which works five days a week in two-shift operations, first takes the material with the largest quantity from a box and, at the same time, determines the weight via calibrated crane scales integrated in the open winch crab. On the basis of this data, the quantities for further material are determined, transmitted to the cab by radio and displayed there. As soon as the desired final formulation is complete, the mixture is then tipped onto a heap of scrap from where it is conveyed to the smelting furnace. The more precisely the respective mixture is produced by the crane, the fewer high-cost alloys are required.

The Demag ZKKW double-girder crane has a span dimension of 22.65m and travels on a 40m-long crane runway. It is equipped with a multi-purpose MPW open winch, characterised by its compact and maintenance-friendly design. The load is picked up using a round magnet connected to the hoist by a 4/2 reeving arrangement.

High handling rates require high speeds.

With up to 80 m/min in long travel, cross travel from up to 60 m/min and loaddependent hoist speeds up to 66 m/min, the crane corresponds exactly to this requirement profile. Infinitely variable motions in three axes are regulated via frequency inverters, thus contributing to safe operation in two shifts, five days per week.

The crab and crane are equipped with cameras via which the process is permanently monitored in detail from the control station.

This control station is installed as a cab.

Demag Cranes has equipped the control panel inside with ergonomically arranged operating elements.

Demag Cranes Ph: 02 9609 9500 www.demag.com.au

Fast and reliable … Demag double-girder process crane

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Life in the fast lane for Uplifting Solutions

Highly efficient … the refurbished NSW Transport Management Centre

Efficient traffic circulation, optimizing delivery of both goods and people, is the lifeblood of a city and vital to the economy of the state.

The NSW Transport Management Centre in Sydney was established to ensure efficient management of traffic flow.

The recent refurbishment of the Centre has seen operators equipped with highly advanced IT and communication tools integrated with advanced ergonomic workstations, operator seating and monitor arms.

Uplifting Solutions, a specialist in ergonomic office furniture and workstations, played a key role in the design and fit-out of the new centre.

The new equipment is designed to enable

operators to effectively direct traffic and co-ordinate emergency and essential services responses as required.

The Transport Management Centre NSW is a key focused delivery agency. It is now part of the new Transport for NSW structure, established in 2011 by the NSW state government to integrate transport policy, planning and procurement.

The centre consists of two dozen workstations, each equipped with up to eight monitors – staffed 24/7 on a rotating shift basis.

“Traffic never sleeps,” says Joe Morabito, Manager of Traffic Operations, “and neither does our operation at the Transport Management Centre.

“It is vital for us to ensure the 18,000km

State Road network operates with maximum efficiency, including during peak commuter travel times, special events and following unplanned incidents such as vehicle accidents, Mr Morabito says.

Uplifting Solutions is an Australian company offering a range of ergonomic commercial office furniture including task chairs, ergonomic chairs and adjustable workstations. The company also provides a complete range of LCD monitor arm mounts.

Uplifting Solutions Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 79 80 50 www.uplifting.com.au www.lcdmonitorarms.com.au

Prestigious award for NACCO chief NACCO Materials Handling Group’s (NMHG) Asia-Pacific Region managing director Andrew Satterley, has won international recognition for his business achievements.

Earlier this year, International business network, Stanford Who’s Who, named Mr Satterley as an Executive of the Year for leading corporate growth through many years of formulating and successfully implementing strategic and operational plans.

The recognition is for achievements over 25 years across materials handling, access equipment and logistics in a wide variety of markets such as building construction, mining, manufacturing and government.

Mr Satterley joined NMHG as the Sydney-based MD of the global materials handling equipment specialist’s Asia-Pacific region in July 2011 and has embarked on a comprehensive growth program for the company’s Yale and Hyster brands.

He previously played major roles in business transformation processes with well-known companies Crown Equipment Corporation, Linde Material Handling and most recently as Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support for JLG Industries.

Mr Satterley is responsible for planning and implementing strategic financial management, marketing and sales systems

to help drive regional growth for NMHG. NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc, the parent company for Yale and Hyster, is a global leader in the industry with manufacturing and technology centres around the world producing quality components and assembling complete trucks.

NMHG is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NACCO Industries, Inc. NACCO Materials Handling Group Ph: 02 9795 3057 www.nmhg.com

Andrew Satterley … international recognition

industryupdate.com.au Page 27

Skills Forum a star attraction at NMW 2012 The one-day NMW 2012 Conference to be held at this year’s National Manufacturing Week in Sydney on May 9 is again expected to attract widespread interest.

And for the first time, IU is proud to co-host with NSW State Training Services a groundbreaking Skills Forum, aimed at finding solutions to Australia’s current skills crisis.

The main theme will be Building Skills in the Workforce (Skills Development – Solving the Skills Crisis) – with a strong focus on recruiting and maintaining apprentices in the manufacturing sector.

The Forum, to be attended by Government, industry, union and training institute representatives will be held in the Sommerville Room, Sydney Showground Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay on Thursday May 10 between 2.30pm-4.30pm.

The Forum includes a workshop with a series of round-table discussions aimed at developing practical recommendations to help solve the chronic skills shortage.

Registration and full details are available now at: www.industryupdate.com.au.

This year’s NMW Conference, to be held the preceding day, will give manufacturers tips, tools and strategies for addressing industry’s big issues such as boosting productivity, sustainability and innovation.

Themed Essential Strategies, Tools and Methodologies for Australian Manufacturers, the NMW Conference will provide a closeddoor forum for manufacturers to hear from and talk with industry experts.

Among the topics to be addressed are: • Dealing with the challenges of manufacturing in a high cost environment • Overcoming the skills shortage • Boosting innovation • Addressing sustainability issues.

The NMW Conference’s speakers are drawn

from businesses that have overcome businesscritical challenges – such as Bluescope Steel, Siemens and Boeing – along with government and industry experts who bring actual case studies and strategies that are boosting the bottom-line results of manufacturing businesses.

Structured around presentations, discussion and panel sessions to encourage discussion and deeper insights, the one-day conference aims to provide new ideas and strategies that participants can implement straight away in their business.

The NMW 2012 Conference (May 9) program includes: • John Duddy, MD Boeing Aerostructures Australia – Facing up to economic realities including the carbon tax and manufacturing in a high cost environment • David Rowlinson, CEO Ontera Carpets Sustainable practices and developing a sustainability mindset • Richard Rowe, Sustainability Manager Bluescope Steel - Competing with innovative, sustainable product development • Nick Juniper, Workforce Development Manager, Manufacturing Skills Australia Building and retaining a highly skilled workforce • David Keenan, VP, Industry Sector, Siemens Taking a “can do” approach to building a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable industry (Round table discussion) Registration is available at: www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au.

“Between the NMW Conference and our partner program, there is a wealth of opportunity for visitors to NMW 2012 to gain new ideas, as well as seeing the latest products and services that can help strengthen their businesses,” said NMW Exhibition Director, Paul Baker.

NMW is co-located with Austech at Sydney Showground, from May 8-11.

Full NMW 2012 events program In addition to the NMW 2012 Conference, NMW will also host an extensive program of partner events – such as industry-specific events and training sessions – as well as a rolling program of NMW exhibitor demonstrations on the exhibition floor.

These will include: May 8-11: innovateAustralia - Running throughout NMW in a dedicated showcase area, innovateAustralia is designed specifically for Australian precision engineers and advanced manufacturers who wish to discuss business opportunities in emerging industries – aerospace, defence, renewable technologies, automotive transport and medical. Further details at austechexpo.com.au Page 28

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Tuesday, May 8 (10am): RDA Western Sydney Manufacturing Leaders Forum The key opening event for NMW 2012, this forum will open with an address by NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner. It will be followed by a facilitated panel discussion on future directions and global opportunities for Western Sydney’s vibrant manufacturing industry. For details contact Regional Development Australia: (02) 9890 7804 or anne.malsbury@rdasydney.org.au Wednesday, May 9 (from 6.15pm): WTIA Annual Awards Dinner and AGM Following the AGM, the WTIA Annual Awards honours companies who have demonstrated leading expertise and innovation in welding technology. Awards will be presented in several

categories, including Company of the Year, Top Training Organisation, Young Tradesperson of the Year, State Awards and more. For details, contact WTIA: (02) 9748 4443 or info@wtia.com.au Thursday, May 10 (from 2.30pm): Skills Forum Hosted by Industry Update Magazine/NSW State Training Services, this forum will explore solutions to Australia’s current skills crisis. Full details and registration at industryupdate.com.au Thursday, May 10: WTIA Manufacturers Forum ‘Welding and the Engineer’ The Forum will give engineers a general introduction to welding technology (especially advances in welding and inspection), standards and education, with panel discussions

providing opportunities to ask questions and share experiences. For more information, contact WTIA: (02) 9748 4443 or info@wtia.com.au Thursday, May 10: WSBC – Manufacturing Connection ‘Improving the Bottom Line’ A one-day program for manufacturers and allied businesses operating in Western Sydney. Presentations will focus on strategies and methods for improving efficiencies and boosting the bottom line. Speakers will present research and case studies relevant to the local manufacturing industry. Further details are available at wsbc.org.au

Learn about the latest products and services designed to help grow your business

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NMW 2012 a ‘crucial’ industry event: NSW Premier

Premier Barry O’Farrell … crucial event

National Manufacturing Week 2012, Australia’s largest integrated manufacturing industry event is a “crucial” industry event, says NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell.

“As Premier and Minister for the nation’s largest manufacturing region – Western Sydney – I am keenly aware of the value that a healthy and dynamic manufacturing sector delivers for the NSW economy, he says.

“By bringing together customers and suppliers, and promoting new technologies and innovations, trade events such as NMW are crucial to ensuring our local businesses remain internationally competitive.”

National Manufacturing Week aims to strengthen industry through technology, innovation and education.

This year’s event will feature innovations from many of the world’s leading manufacturing suppliers – including Nord Drivesystems, Kemppi and BOC. Alongside them will be smaller companies reflecting Australia’s growing capabilities in

manufacturing for low volume, high value niche markets. This group includes CGB Precision Products, suppliers of precision bearings for specialist manufacturing applications, who will be participating in NMW for the first time in almost a decade.

Mr Paul Baker, NMW Exhibition Director, says the event’s mix of large and niche exhibitors reflects an industry that has grown steadily in absolute terms over the last decade – albeit at a slower rate than other sectors of the economy.

Last financial year the manufacturing sector contributed $111 billion to Australia’s economy.

“Australia’s manufacturing industry is alive and well,” says Baker. “There’s no denying that manufacturers are operating in a tough environment, with the high value of the Australian dollar and higher cost base presenting a competitive challenge.”

However, Mr Baker says there is clear evidence Australian industry is responding with increased productivity and innovation.

“NMW 2012 will, once again, feature a showcase of the latest capabilities available to industry – and we believe there will be strong interest in these new developments,” he says.

NMW 2012 will be held at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park - the gateway to Australia’s largest manufacturing zone.

Event organiser, Reed Exhibitions is confident that the show will again deliver essential networking opportunities for industry.

When last held in Sydney (2010), NMW attracted about 10,000 trade visitors.

New features for NMW 2012 include a record 12 Product Zones (including two new Product Zones, focusing on Sustainable Manufacturing and Metals & Composites) which make it easier for visitors to find areas of specific interest.

The event will also include a one-day conference focusing on Essential strategies, tools and methodologies for Australian manufacturers.

“I’m confident exhibitors will be bringing innovative ideas that will, as the Premier acknowledges, help ensure local manufacturers remain globally competitive,” says Mr Baker.

For more information on NMW 2012, visit www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au.

8th – 11t sydney s sydney O sydney

Australia’s leading manufacturing industry event, National Manufacturing Week is focusing on helping manufacturers boost their green credentials.

This year’s event will give manufacturers greater access to ideas and technologies for reducing their environmental impact while strengthening their competitive edge.

NMW 2012 will for the first time feature a dedicated Sustainable Manufacturing Product Zone, with companies including Solar Switch, EnDuraSim, Autonomous Energy and others showcases their products and services.

A key component of this Product Zone will be demonstrations of how exhibitors can help Register at manufacturers develop lean, clean, green manufacturing practices.

Alongside the exhibition, the one-day NMW 2012 Conference (May 9) will also focus on sustainability issues.

Industry leaders – including from Bluescope Steel and Ontera Carpets – will share the thought processes and strategies that have helped them successfully develop sustainable products for global markets.

Government agencies will also speak, and there will be a closed-door panel discussion in which industry can speak frankly about their efforts to move towards sustainable manufacturing.

Above all, NMW 2012 – the event that brings industry together under one roof – will provide a great opportunity to network with Australia’s manufacturing sector.

More than 450 companies are exhibiting at this year’s event at the Sydney Showground – Sydney Olympic Park.

Entry to NMW is free to the trade.

To register or for further information visit: www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au

Have your say & help make change at the Industry Update Skills Forum Register now at: www.industryupdate.com.au

industryupdate.com.au Page 29

au

The infrared revolution continues...

New Long Super Air Knives will blow you away Exair’s new Long Super Ion Air Knives neutralize static electricity while blowing away dust and particulates from printed surfaces, paper, plastics and three-dimensional shapes up to 2438mm across.

The wide laminar airstream full of static eliminating ions is effective at high speeds and provides superior cleaning up to 6.1m away.

Poor print quality, dust attraction, tearing, jamming, and related equipment downtime can be eliminated.

The Long Super Ion Air Knife is highly efficient, using only a minimal amount of compressed air at 5 PSIG to entrain high volumes of surrounding room air.

An electrically powered static control bar fills the uniform sheet of air with a high

Highly efficient … Exair’s new Long Super Ion Air Knives

concentration of positive and negative ions.

The laminar airstream increases the surface exposure to the ions, making it effective for high speed processes and over long distances.

Force can be adjusted from a “blast” to a “breeze”. The shockless design is UL Component Recognized to US and Canadian safety standards. Power Supplies are CE and RoHS compliant. There are no moving parts to wear out.

Long Super Ion Air Knives are available in 60” (1524mm), 72” (1829mm), 84” (2134mm) and 96” (2438mm) lengths that are fully assembled.

A factory installed plumbing kit is also available that makes it easy to connect Long Super Ion Air Knives to any plant’s compressed air system and obtain the best performance.

Compressed Air Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 787 688 http://caa.exair.com

Safetech provides the perfect lifting solution

Favourite … Gorbel ceiling mounted workstation crane

Locate electrical problems

Check mechanical devices

FLIR i3, i5, i7 The smallest, lightest and most affordable thermal imaging cameras on the market. They are incredibly easy to use and require no former experience. It really is a matter of “point and shoot” to obtain high-quality thermal images that will immediately give you the thermal information you need.

Workers at a large Australian automotive plant were using an I-Beam crane to move transmissions weighing up to 500kg in a final testing area.

“It was wearing our people down,” said the production manager.

to 140 x 140 pixels ◊ Detect temperature

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Page 30

industryupdate.com.au

on that side of the building.

By installing the 500kg bridges on 2000kg runways, the bridges can work side-by-side without buffers, giving the workers a very lightweight crane that doesn’t restrict accessibility in any way.

Since installing the first Gorbel system, the Gorbel workstation cranes have quickly become the favourite cranes of the workers using them.

“Of all the cranes we own, the Gorbel cranes are the Rolls Royces,” said the Production Manager.

Safetech Ph: 1800 674 566 www.safetech.com.au

New rental solution from Nilfisk

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differences as small as 0.10°C (FLIR i5, i7) Spotmeter in the centre of the image Store images on a removable SD card in JPEG format Extremely rugged, withstands 2 meter drop, IP43 FLIR Tools software included

“It’s too much effort, he said. “It is hard enough to move the weight of a transmission – which could be 500kg – but then you’ve got the weight of the crane that doesn’t move very well.

“It is like pulling a wagon from one end of the work cell to the other.”

So the company, which provides truck transmissions, rear differentials and steering components, decided to install a Gorbel ceiling mounted workstation crane from Melbournebased materials handling specialists Safetech.

The crane used had two-tonne capacity runways and multiple 500kg capacity aluminum bridges.

The system was designed to cover not only the testing cells, but several other work cells

Why not rent … smart option from Nilfisk

Nilfisk is offering solutions to short and long term cleaning equipment needs and now has a comprehensive rental offering available.

You can now control your cleaning budget in advance and optimise operating costs by

adjusting your fleet size to the minimum number of units needed.

By renting you can adapt your cleaning fleet to sudden peaks in demand, based on unforeseen circumstances.

Long term rentals give all the benefits of use with none of the risks of ownership.

Short term rental solutions mean you can react immediately to a situation with a predicted cost.

Other benefits include a single point of contact and simplified fleet management.

The Nilfisk rental program is backed by the strength and flexibility of our branch network.

Whether you need short, medium or long-term rental, Nilfisk offers cost-effective, peace-ofmind solutions.

Benefits include: • Minimal capital outlay – usually just monthly payments • Flexible terms • New or near new equipment • Access to the most up-to-date technology improving operator satisfaction, OH&S and overall efficiencies.

• Competitive rental rates • On-site delivery and training • All scheduled service and maintenance is included in the monthly rate Nilfisk-Advance Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 556 710 www.nilfisk.com.au

Stylish new accessories from Wastech Wastech Engineering has unveiled an exciting new range of high quality, stainless steel products ready to be custom made to suit any space.

The Etcetera range offers designers, builders, building owners and home renovators a chance to brand their space through beautiful accessories.

Indoors, outdoors, public spaces or stylish new houses can be supplied with unique stainless steel products for every situation.

Etcetera is backed by the reliability of Wastech’s national distribution and its proven ability to deliver on both large and small scale projects.

Wastech are experienced specialists in

providing smooth, one-stop solutions for the building industry.

Beyond the catalogue of ready-made products, Etcetera offers design-specific products with high aesthetic value and beautiful design.

Wastech Engineering Ph: 1800 465 465 www.wastech.com.au

Unique … new Etcetera range from Wastech

New Spitwater G-Series hits the spot

Simple to use … the Spitwater G120 Plus

Spitwater, a leader manufacturer and supplier of pressure cleaners, has introduced a new range of upright machines designed for hobby and handyman use.

The two new Spitwater models, G120 and G120 Plus, are Italian designed and built.

They have been introduced by Spitwater to cater for the important handyman and hobby market where there is a clear need for a pressure cleaner that delivers reliability, water flows and pressures of a commercial unit but at a more affordable price level.

The two models offer identical performance: pressure of 120 Bar (1800psi) and the water flow of 7.5L/min.

Model G120 is the basic unit offering a

single detergent tank, 8m wire-braided high-pressure hose, professional quality gun and a standard 4-way adjustable nozzle.

Model G120 Plus is a de-luxe version offering twin detergent tanks, 12m wire-braided high pressure hose mounted on an in-built hose reel, professional quality gun, standard lance with a 4-way adjustable nozzle and a lance with a turbo nozzle.

This is more than enough to efficiently clean driveways, the deck, around the house, patio furniture, the kids’ outdoor play area, lawn equipment, bikes, cars and motorcycles.

The heart of the new machine is the proven, axial pump with metal body, brass head and ceramic coated pistons.

The materials used will ensure longer life and resistance to corrosion. The pump is powered by a maintenance free, two pole, continuous duty electric induction motor, with thermal protection.

Both machines are fitted with large, sturdy wheels and an ergonomically designed handle and are able to be moved around with ease. Both machines have useful, built-in accessory holders for the gun and lances.

The Spitwater G120 and G120 Plus are simple to use.

Just connect the water from your tap to the long life brass hose connection on the pump. Remove the power-cord from the built in electric cable holder and connect to a normal 240Vt 10 Amp power supply. Turn the start switch on at the front of the machine, pull the trigger and the machine is ready to clean.

And pressure cleaners save valuable water. According to water supply authorities, you can flush up to 30L per minute of valuable, clean fresh water down the drain, using a garden hose. The Spitwater G-Series uses only 7.5L per minute at 120 Bar (1,800psi) pressure delivering excellent cleaning results as well as major savings in time and energy.

The new machines are backed by the Spitwater comprehensive 12-month warranty.

Spitwater Ph: 02 8788 6200 www.spitwater.com.au

Guaranteed to get your product

need stock of clear tubes for product packaging or mailing? at sTockcap we have a complete range from 7mm to 90mm diameter in 1.22 metre lengths ready for immediate delivery. if it's mailing tubes you need, we've got 34mm to 90mm diameter in lengths of 305mm and 610mm. For the finishing touch, we stock flexible vinyl caps for all tubes in black, with other colours available made-to-order. plus at sTockcap, there's competitive pricing, convenient pack sizes and no minimum order value. call us today to discuss your clear packaging needs.

info@sinclair-rush.com.au Fax: (02) 9627 5156

1800 003 211

Tel: (02) 9627 3211

T h e c l e a r c h o i c e F o r T r a n s pa r e n T pa c k a g i n g

SIN441–Clear tubes ad 74x155.indd 1

7/11/11 12:06 PM

TRANSMIG MULTI-PROCESS WELDING INVERTERS

The right tool for every job.... big or small.

The CIGWELD complete range of TRANSMIG multiprocess welding inverters, come loaded with features sure to satisfy any trade professional in any industry regardless of the welding application.

SINGLE PHASE INVERTERS Multi process; MIG, Stick & Lift Tig Voltage Reduction Device (VRD) Light weight and compact power sources Robust 50mm twist lock connections Quick connect shielding gas connection Digital voltage and amperage meters Power Factor Correction in 200i and 250i models for up to 50% savings in power.

Compliant to AS 60974.1 & AS 1674 3 year limited warranty*

1300 654 674

I

www.cigweld.com.au

3 PHASE INVERTERS Multi process; MIG, Stick & Lift Tig Voltage Reduction Device (VRD) Welding setup program storage (10 programs) Fan on demand Digital Voltage & amperage meters Gouging capability (550i model only) Compliant to AS 60974.1 & AS 1674 3 year limited warranty* Pictured: power source with optional wire feeder.

*Refer to CIGWELD website for further warranty details.

industryupdate.com.au Page 31

Advancing Hand Protection Bollwerk arc+fuse

Bollwerk arc+fuse Precision gloves

Never before has this level of performance been offered in a glove for welding and fabrication. Designed to improve productivity, the glove offers enhanced dexterity and freedom of movement without compromising hand protection. The Bollwerk arc+fuse Precision glove will alter your definition of work.

Using the finest materials available, the arc+fuse range incorporates world-leading design, which has proven to outperform the alternatives during development and testing.

It is important to protect your hands with the right glove, as 63% of all workplace injuries are hand and finger related and the average direct cost of a single hand injury is over $8,000.

The Bollwerk arc+fuse Precision glove offers an expansive size range to ensure that there is a glove available to suit all hand sizes, and that the gloves feel comfortable to stay on while you work.

Time is valuable and your craft defines your work, you need the best solution to exploit your talents. The Bollwerk arc+fuse Precision glove is truly revolutionising performance gloves for the Welding and Fabrication in any industry.

Black and Hi-Impact Black Builders Film Thomas Thoms Pty Ltd locally manufacture medium and high impact black builders/concrete underlay film for the building, construction and mining industries.

Available through Blackwoods in a range of widths from 2m-6m and gauges 50um200um our film complies to AS2870.

Black builders film is suitable for all of your general purpose requirements.

Black Builders Film

Thomas Thoms Pty Ltd Blackwoods Ph: 13 73 23 blackwoods.com.au

Garlock, a Gasket solution for your leaks – every time

Performance On Hand Blackwoods Ph: 13 73 23 blackwoods.com.au

Meet Your Marker uni Paint Markers feature opaque, glossy, oil based paint in a handy marker. The most popular paint marker on the market. Marks on virtually every surface. Extensively used by manufacturers, construction professionals and ideal for industrial use. Great for marking sheet metal, auto parts, glass, pipes, wood, concrete, leather, stone and tile.

Available in a range of colours and tip sizes.

uni Paint Markers

uni Paint Blackwoods Ph: 13 73 23 blackwoods.com.au

A versatile Non Toxic Welding Anti Spatter

Lanolin Based Anti - Splatter

Lanotec’s lanolin based anti-spatter does not contain Methylene Chloride – a known carcinogen which is found in most anti-spatters on the market. Lanotec’s AntiSpatter is ideal for use in the Manufacturing

Page 32

industryupdate.com.au

industry - it delivers corrosion and spatter protection of welding beds, robots and spot welders. Lanotec Anti-Spatter offers long lasting corrosion protection of your welding jobs. A versatile workshop product, AntiSpatter can also be used as a preserver of leather gloves, perfect as a nozzle spray as well as a lubricant for drilling and tapping.

If you’re looking for an Anti-Spatter, that is safe, natural and outperforms petrochemicals every time – do not compromise; demand Lanotec Anti-Spatter from your local Blackwoods branch. Available in 750ml spray packs and 5ltr jerry cans.

Test Welds meet Standard - AS/NZS 1554.1 2004 category SP. Lanotec Australia Pty Ltd Blackwoods Ph: 13 73 23 blackwoods.com.au

Garlock 3535 PTFE Gasket Tape in use

When a leaky flange is causing you a problem you can check and measure, find some sheet, cut and punch, back and forth, only to find after bolting up it still leaks and so back to the start.

Or you can grab your roll of Garlock 3535 PTFE Gasket Tape, quickly lay down a strip, overlap the ends, tighten her up and away you go. Job Done, first time. Who needs stress?

Made from PTFE with an adhesive back for ease of installation and supplied on a roll, Garlock 3535 saves you money with no waste, FDA rating, max. Temp 260°C and suitable for virtually any chemical process.

Great for large flanges or hard to access spots, conforms to damaged flange surfaces and provides a very tight seal.

Sizes range from 3mm wide up to 25mm wide and every workshop should have a few rolls. When you want a leak gone with no fuss use Garlock 3535!

Garlock Pty Ltd Blackwoods Ph: 13 73 23 blackwoods.com.au

The Future of Stretch Wrap Technology

ExCell 210 Stretchwrap Machine

If you are currently performing your stretch wrap applications manually it is worth considering using a machine. The benefits of using a machine Vs. the manual process are: • OH&S Friendly • Semi-automatic Cycle • Safe wrapping station area • Improving productivity

• Increasing load containment • Less roll changes for operator (Machine film has more meters per roll) • Less film required to wrap pallet • Lower cost per pallet wrapped • Consistent application Designed here in Australia the new ExCell series is the most exciting stretch wrapping equipment to hit the market.

We have listened to our customers and can now offer a host of upgraded features to make our ExCell machines the best value and most efficient stretch wrappers in Australia. Apart from a host of features and extras available, the ExCell 210 is robust in design with standard 2 tonne capacity turntable. The control panel is operator friendly and equipped with a service reminder alarm.

Intergrated Packaging Blackwoods Ph: 13 73 23 blackwoods.com.au

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industryupdate.com.au Page 33

BAC Mobile Workbenches & Tooltrolleys

BAC Workplace Systems

(DRSS Certified)

ASK NOW FOR THE LATEST BAC CATALOGUE AND OUR FREE PLANNING SERVICE

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Tel. (02) 9832 2777 Fax (02) 9675 3645 BAC Mobile Workbenches & Tooltrolleys

BAC Racking & Shelving Systems

No need for ladders with handy Bravi Caddy efficiency with minimum dimensions.

It can make a complete rotation on its axis due to its innovative drive system and easy to use controls.

The Caddy moves quickly and lifts and lowers the operator and the goods to a desired height.

The Caddy makes your picking, packing and stocking area safe. It is easy to use and offers ergonomic designs.

Contact Warequip for more information or to arrange an onsite demonstration.

AuSTrAliA'S lArgeST rAnge Of Tube end inSerTS fOr rHS, CHS, & SHS

NOW INSTOCK StockCap’s extensive range of tube inserts is the inexpensive way to provide that finished look to tube ends on furniture, fencing, balustrades, awnings, exercise equipment, in fact anywhere metal tubing is used. Choose from square, round, or rectangular designs in literally hundreds of sizes. And by buying direct from STOCKCAP, you’ll get very competitive pricing, our famous fast friendly service, and as always, there’s no minimum order value.

So put an end to your tubing with STOCKCAP. info@sinclair-rush.com.au Fax: (02) 9627 5156

1800 003 211

Tel: (02) 9627 3211

Page 34 industryupdate.com.au SIN445-Tube Ends 74x155.indd 1

7/11/11 2:08 PM

Warequip has released the latest addition to its expanding Powered 2 Go range – the Bravi Caddy Electric Work Platform.

Traditionally, workers used large cumbersome ladders to perform duties at height.

The Bravi Caddy now allows workers to increase productivity with absolute safety and maximum comfort.

The Caddy Electric Work Platform unit has a maximum working height of 5.3m. Once goods are placed into the Caddy the operator does not have to go back down to move the ladder or move around on foot.

The Caddy offers maximum

Warequip Ph: 1800 337 711 www.warequip.com.au

Ergonomic design … the new Bravi Caddy

www.bacsystems.com.au BAC Dust Suppression Cabinets

New IP laws a win for business Australia’s intellectual property system will be strengthened with the recent passing of new laws.

Mark Dreyfus, Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation, said the new laws marked a new era for Australia’s IP system.

“Changes to Australia’s intellectual property laws are crucial to Australia’s productivity challenge and maintaining employment in high skilled and high paying jobs,” Mr Dreyfus said.

The Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Bill 2012 provides a timely overhaul of Australia’s IP system and builds on the successful R&D Tax Incentive introduced last year to support the transition to a knowledge economy.

“Researchers will benefit from the certainty that they can explore new ideas free from the threat of patent infringement,” said Mr Dreyfus.

“Intellectual property is one of the cornerstones of a successful and flourishing innovation environment, which is why our IP system must be robust,” Mr Dreyfus said.

For more information visit: www.ipaustralia.gov.au.

New FLIR thermal imagers pack a pixel punch Lightweight … new i-Series infrared cameras from FLIR

FLIR Systems has released its new range of entry level i-Series thermal imaging cameras – the i3, i5 and i7 – an affordable and lightweight addition to its impressive infrared camera range.

FLIR i-Series delivers high quality “commercial functionality” IR technology at a price designed to suit the budgets of a wide range of end-users including electrical technicians, maintenance and building personnel, HVAC and many other trades.

The three cameras now match the look of FLIR’s more expensive models and are available in a smart all-black casing with the i5 and i7 models getting up-rated IR pixel resolution as standard.

Beneath the new exterior, FLIR has been getting tough with these cameras which now boast a 2-metre drop (IP43) standard to add to their already long list of features. The IP43 standard means they are designed and made tough by FLIR to withstand the inevitable on-the-job knocks and scrapes and will go on working accurately and reliably.

The 2M drop standard is especially good news for those in the electrical, building, plumbing and mechanical inspection trades – industries where the tools of trade, including thermal imaging cameras – have to be able to withstand the ups and downs of everyday work life.

FLIR i-Series thermal imaging cameras can be used to: • Avoid unplanned shutdowns • Verify repairs • Check electrical installations • Identify electrical and mechanical problems • Inspect building and plumbing work For improved clarity of image, pixel power has been strengthened along with field of view – the FLIR i5 is now available with an IR resolution of 100X100 (10,000 pixels and 21º X 21º field of view) and the FLIR i7 at 140X140 (19,600 pixels and 29º X 29º field of view).

The pocket-sized, compact and lightweight (365g) FLIR i3 is the most affordable and cost-effective infrared camera in the range.

The FLIR i3 produces instant, point-andshoot JPEG infrared imagery that carries all required temperature data and can be stored internally or externally.

Both the FLIR i5 & i7 infrared cameras allow for large memory storage. Up to 5000 Radiometric JPEG format images can be saved onto the included MicroSD card. These images can be analysed using the included QuickReport PC Software.

The cleaning system for the future Dry ice blasting is a revolutionary blasting method that uses small, compact dry ice pellets as the blasting material. The unique feature of dry ice as a blasting material is that it vaporises on contact with the surface to be cleaned. As the process is completely dry and non-conductive, electric motors and equipment with electric, pneumatic or hydraulic components can be cleaned direct using dry ice blasting.

For more information or to organize a free demonstration, please contact us

02 8796 3008 michael@dryicetech.com.au or visit our website

www.icetech.net.au

FLIR SYSTEMS Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9550 2800 www.flir.com

Compact safety light curtains from Reer

The EOS4 IP69K safety light curtain from Reer with its small-size housing and minimum dead zone is ideal for the protection of any food manufacturing machine.

It is especially suited to businesses with space restrictions.

Its very small dead zone allows the EOS4 to keep its resolution up to 30 mm if installed on a plan and up to 40 mm if installed at 90° against another EOS unit.

EOS4 is available in the X and XHversions, with the integration of start-restart interlock and external contactor monitoring (EDM), as well as in the A and AH versions with automatic restart.

The following models are now available from Treotham Automation: • Resolution 14 and 20mm for finger detection • -Resolution 30 and 40mm for hand detection • -Resolution 50 and 90mm for presence detection in a hazardous area.

• -Resolution 90 mm and 2, 3, 4 beams for access control • -Master / Slave (M/S) models for cascade connection of up to three light curtains Technical specifications include: • -Selectable maximum scanning distance for X and A versions: 4 m or 12 m; 3 m or 6 m (only 14 mm) • -Power supply 24 Vcc ± 20 per cent

• -2 PNP safety static outputs protected from short circuits and overloads • -Connection with M12, 5 poles connector (Emitter, A versions Receiver) and M12, 8 poles connector (X versions Receiver) • -Integrated start/restart interlock (X versions) • -External Device Monitoring (EDM) input (X versions) • -Master / Slave models (for the connection of up to 3 light curtains) • -Diagnostics and beam status indicator LEDs • -Suppression of the optical interferences through the range selection • -Fastening from back slot • -Connection cable length between barriers and safety relay: 50m Treotham Automation Pty Ltd Ph: 9907 1778 www.treotham.com.au

Compact … the EOS4 IP69K safety light curtain from Reer

industryupdate.com.au Page 35

we’re eXPanDing

To blog, or not to blog: is that the question?

By Ron Mileham

our range of

heat shrink At STOCKCAP we have one of the most extensive ranges of heatshrink products available in Australia. If it’s thin-wall or medium wall tubes you need, we have sizes to suit cables from 0.6mm up to 150mm and if it’s heatshrink end caps, our range covers cables from 4mm up to 120mm.

And best of all they’re in-stock for immediate delivery.

At STOCKCAP you’ll get very competitive pricing, our famous fast friendly service and as always there’s no minimum order value. So if you need heatshrink in stock, get ours ex-stock.

info@sinclair-rush.com.au Fax: (02) 9627 5156

1800 003 211

Tel: (02) 9627 3211

SIN444–Heatshrink ad 74x155.indd 1

Have you tried to write a blog?

Are you looking to: • Find new clients.

• Engage with potential prospects or existing buyers.

• Offer special deals – only to readers of your blog.

• Enlighten them as to who you are or what you do.

• Sell your products.

The company blog can be boring.

Many people will simply click “delete” when an unknown blog pops up on their in-box.

On the other hand, a well-crafted blog can draw you in.

The recipient will not only open it, but read it from top to bottom, as they never know what delights they will find.

If you manage to make the reader smile, tug on the heart strings, inform without boring, sell without selling, or tell them some interesting facts that may them in their business, you probably have a winner.

I started writing our company blog with products in mind. Surely my clients and prospects wanted to know what we did and what we could do for them based on our product offerings?

Wrong!

7/11/11 2:02 PM

I then went in with some light-hearted banter, and got a few responses, informing me the newsletter was cool.

Later, I added personal anecdotes and jokes. More good reviews.

I think I have the format sussed now. I speak from the heart. I tell the readers of my personal experiences and journeys. I review one product only. Occasionally I offer a special deal.

I introduce other people’s experiences and their businesses, so that the reader can have the same experiences I have had.

Blogging is hard work. Everyone has a day job, and blogging takes up quite a deal of time in collating the material, then fashioning it in a way that makes it interesting.

Blogs need to get out on time and regularly.

I only have time to produce one a fortnight. I’m not sure if this is too many or too few, but it’s what I can manage.

Blogging can be rewarding.

This is especially true when you get client feedback that your last blog was interesting and they had the same experience.

Similarly, when I include travel snippets in my blog and people tell

you: “its the place where I grew up,” you realise they are not only reading your ramblings, they are connecting with you.

Unless you get feedback you never know what the reactions are, or what affect your writing is having on others and on your business.

When you run a promotion and the enquiries start coming in, you know that there is interest, but in the normal course of events, feedback is rarely offered.

Blogging can be frustrating, because there is always a dropout rate.

Dropouts can be for a million reasons.

The trick is not to take it personally, and always try to improve.

If you can ask the question: “What do you think of the blog?” the responses are invaluable.

So, don’t delay, start now, and whatever you do, make it interesting. * Ron Mileham is Managing Director of King Materials Handling. Ron’s blogs can been seen by clicking on OUR BLOG at: www.kinggroup.com.au

King Materials Handling Ph: 03 9720 7181 www.kinggroup.com.au

Major announcement By popular demand Industry Update product cards return!

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Who would have thought you could ride a pressure washer?

Nilfisk has introduced a new compact ride-on high-pressure washer that is taking industry by storm.

The new Nilfisk Cyclone is ideal for the every-day cleaning of transit authorities, airport ramps, city parking garage, car parks, public works, resorts, theme parks, roads, factories, warehouses, loading docks, environmental clean-up and spill recovery.

Basically, anywhere you can find a concrete and sealed pavement The machine is easy to operate and maintain, offering convenient access to components.

It cleans large areas in less time than traditional walk-behind pressure cleaners.

Its standard power steering makes it easy to operate a long side curbs and around corners.

Also, the Nilfisk Cyclone can be transformed from a surface cleaner to a curb cleaner or a hand-wand cleaner with a simple turn of a lever.

The patented cleaning and recovery head aggressively removes build-up, marks and petroleum deposits from concrete and asphalt with absolutely no discharge into

the environment and no damage to cleaned surfaces.

All water used in the cleaning process is recovered and filtered so all contaminants are removed, contained, and the water is recycled. Nothing is left behind but a clean surface that dries quickly and is usable immediately.

The Nilfisk Cyclone eliminates dragging hoses, surface runoff, frequent stops for dumping and refilling, wet feet and polluting the environment.

• Efficient • Easy • Effortless Stainless Steel E• fficient • E asy • E ffortless Stainless Steel Pipe Systems Pipe Systems

Nilfisk-Advance Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 556 710 www.nilfisk.com.au

STAINLESS STEEL AISI 316L

Easy to operate … the new Nilfisk Cyclone

Meet the new members of the Cigweld family Cigweld has released a complete family of six Transmig 3-in-1 MIG, Stick and TIG welding inverters, ranging from 175 amps up to 550 amps.

Late last year the Transmig 200i and Transmig 250i single phase portable Multi-Process Inverters with power factor correction (PFC) hit the market and created quite a stir.

Now Cigweld has released the 3 phase versions to complete the Transmig inverter range.

The Transmig Series 3-in-1 multi process welding systems are setting a new standard in portable welding equipment.

Transmig delivers 3-in-1 MIG, Stick and TIG capability from one integrated system.

The Transmig single-phase inverters (175i, 200i and 250i) are lightweight units weighing in under 30kg.

These inverters are packed full of functionality and safety features such as integrated wirefeeders, adjustable burnback control and VRD, making them suitable for the serious tradesperson/fabricator who is looking for the total welding package and value for money. All three machines are portable power houses able to deliver high output and high duty cycle for the serious hobbyist wanting to complete a home project right through to the boiler maker wanting to complete light industrial welding in a workshop or out and about on site. The 200i and 250i can save you nearly 50 per cent on your annual power costs over other conventional based machines due to Power Factor Correction, a widely recognised method of reducing the electrical power consumption of inverter power supplies and allowing maximum performance to be achieved for a given input.

The Cigweld Transmig 350i, 450i and 550i are three phase multi process welding

inverters that meet workshop and site standards.

They are AS 60974.1 and AS 1674 compliant and are equipped with an integrated voltage reduction device (VRD), an electrical safety device that protects the user against electric shock by reducing the open circuit voltage when not welding.

Fitted with digital voltage and amperage meters, fan on demand, 10 welding setup programs, fault indicators, and a host of other advanced features, the Transmig 3 Phase Inverters will fully satisfy the broad operating needs of the modern welding professional requiring welding amperage between 40-550 Amps.

The Transmig Inverter range provides excellent welding performance across a broad range of applications.

All units come with a plant option, which includes a Tweco MIG gun, feed rolls, electrode holder leads, clamp leads and Professional Argon regulator/flowmeter.

Optional extras include wire feed units, trolleys and roll cages.

Cigweld Thermadyne Ph: 03 9474 7400 www.thermadyne.com.au

Looking for the advantages of a stainless steel pipe system, without long and tedious installation time, hassles of hot work permits or dangers of welding?

Now you have the answer!

The EuroPress 316L Stainless Steel Press Fit System • FAST – Modular system is up to 10 times faster than conventional welding • SIMPLE – does not require skilled labour or hot work permits • CONSISTENT – Pressing Tool ensures each press is the same every time – no uncertainty of weld integrity • SAFE – makes it a lot easier to comply with OH&S Requirements, with no heavy tools, no fire hazard, no mess • COST EFFECTIVE – reduced installation time, no consumables or welding gas hire • HYGIENIC – Polished stainless steel surface on tube, free from grease, oil and any corrosion aiding materials. Each tube comes capped for integrity.

• UNIQUE PRESS INDICATOR – each joint has a highly visible successful crimp indicator on fittings up to and including 54mm – don’t wait till it leaks to verify correct installation.

Excellent performance … the new Cigweld Transmig inverter range

Europress 1800 477 377 industryupdate.com.au Page 37

Swapping oil for automobiles Saudi Arabia driving hard to establish a car industry

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to establish an automobile manufacturing industry may have hit a roadblock.

Skeptics now doubt whether the oil rich kingdom will be able to achieve its early goals, reports the Jerusalem Post …

Not content with its oil riches, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now looking to build its own vehicles.

Two years ago, the Saudi Arabian government announced with great fanfare – and was met with some skepticism – plans to manufacture automobile parts by 2013 and assemble cars by 2021.

King Saud University engineering students, who designed an economical sport utility vehicle called the Ghazel, bolstered those plans with a tangible vehicle ready for production.

Saudi economic analysts are optimistic that automobile manufacturing in the kingdom will help reduce the economy’s reliance on oil exports. Yet roadblocks persist.

Already the goal to manufacture car parts next year is in jeopardy as infrastructure and a trained labor pool are not in place. It begs the question of whether Saudi Arabia can pull off a massive undertaking within its stated timetable or even come close to it.

“It’s not realistic,” Asaad Jawhar, an economics analyst and professor at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz University, told The Media Line. Jawhar says manufacturing automobile parts is more likely to get underway within five years.

Saudis love their cars, purchasing an estimated 800,000 last year. About one million cars are expected to be bought annually by 2020.

The Petroleum and Minerals Ministry and the Commerce and Industry Ministry are investing in research and development, design, vehicle assembly and infrastructure to create enough exports to help the kingdom wean itself from oil revenues.

The ministries initiated the National Industrial Clusters Development Program to help achieve those diversification goals by focusing on five industries: automobile manufacturing, solar energy, plastics, home appliances and minerals processing.

The most ambitious challenge is building cars.

Fayez Al-Sharef, chemical project director for Saudi Aramco, told Bloomberg News in Page 38

industryupdate.com.au

October that he expects the nascent Saudi automotive industry to eventually create 100,000 jobs and produce a half-million cars every year.

If the vision of self-sufficiency through diversification sounds familiar, it’s because Saudi Arabia has been down that road before and failed.

Saudi Arabia has been looking since the 1970s for the magic export product that will minimize its dependency on oil. The government implemented an ambitious plan to develop its agricultural industry to become self-sustaining and provide every Saudi household with food grown within its borders. Production of wheat and rice rose steadily, but so did the expensive proposition of building irrigation systems to bring groundwater to the crops. Between 1984 and 2000, Saudi Arabia spent an astronomical $83.6 billion to irrigate crops and build agricultural infrastructure. The project cost more than twice it would have to import foodstuff, according to the School of Oriental and African Studies at King’s College London However, the 1991 Gulf War put a severe strain on the Saudi budget and groundwater – its availability in the desert always an issue – was increasingly difficult to bring to the surface. Efforts to maintain irrigation of 1.12 million hectares, the level irrigated in 2000, is almost an impossible task. The project could not be sustained.

“The most important thing was not to rely heavily on oil, but to rely on agriculture and they (Saudi government) failed in agriculture,” Jawhar says. “And now they are trying to find another way of transforming technology.”

There are signs that creating an automotive industry could work. During the third quarter of 2011, non-oil exports rose by 34 per cent mostly in petrochemicals and plastics, according to the Saudi General Statistics Department.

China was the biggest consumer of these products.

Didier J. Vigouroux, vice-president of the Automotive Cluster for the National Industrial Clusters Development Program, says the Saudi automotive industry is capable of matching petrochemicals and plastics as viable exports.

“No one is thinking of giving up oil and gas, but to diversify from oil and gas,” Vigouroux says. “And petrochemicals are a logical

continuation. New industries like automobile manufacturing would target the success of petrochemicals and plastics as a goal.”

The brightening picture in exports lays the foundation for developing parts manufacturing plants and ultimatelyautomotive assembly.

Isuzu Motors Ltd. has an assembly plant in Dammam for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

The plant is expected to begin this year to produce about 25,000 vehicles annually for export to Asia.

Vigouroux says any timetable to bring other automobile assembly plants online is flexible.

“The only true assembly plant project in Saudi Arabia is the Isuzu plant, but as far as developing other plants we are still talking to certain companies,” he says.

Following its unveiling of the Ghazal sport utility vehicle, King Saud University inked an agreement with the South Korean engineering company Digm Automotive Technology to develop a car priced under $10,000. Saudi Arabia would export the car to neighboring Gulf countries and North Africa.

Jawhar says that producing inexpensive cars makes sense. “Saudi Arabia should approach this step-by-step like Hyundai. They can succeed if they model after Korea. Korea produced small and bad cars at first, but is now doing well,” he says. “By first producing [cheap] cars efficiently, they then build an institution.”

He notes, however, that exporting the Ghazal, or a similar inexpensive automobile, would not be competitive in foreign markets, but sell better domestically. “Perhaps there’s a market in Africa, but even there I’m not sure.”

However, a slow start to get the fledgling industry out of the gate may not only scuttle 2021 timetable for automobile production but also doom Saudi Arabia’s diversification plans.

factory jobs with Saudis and they will probably need to hire cheap foreign labour.

Jawhar says finding Saudis in the skilled labor market is another story. “The world doesn’t know that Saudis are learning fast,” he says.

“Saudis between 20 and 25 years old with engineering education will be producing great cars with high technology 20 years from now.”

Vigouroux agrees. “The right perspective to put on diversification is the significant desire to create employment for young Saudis coming out of universities,” he says. “This means creating new curriculum and the right kinds of training and work ethic.”

While the Saudi government is financing production and logistics facilities through 20-year loans in the remote regions of Najran and Tabuk, the question remains whether employers can find competent Saudi labor. The government’s Nitaqat program requires that companies with more than 3000 employees must employ Saudis for 30 per cent of its workforce.

But experts believe it will be difficult to fill

marketable exports: the government and private business.

“If the government heads this they will fail and the private sector has not taken (automotive manufacturing) seriously,” Jawhar says. “It’s a matter of trust between the two sectors that determines the outcome.”

But Vigouroux acknowledged that for 2012 Saudi Arabia’sautomotive manufacturing infrastructure is minimal, although the know-how for developing automotive zones is available. “We are addressing investment issues and there some impressive botanical parks in Yanbu and Jubail where there is already an expertise for mapping and running industrial cities.”

The key to overcoming infrastructure and labor issues is better cooperation between agencies. Jawhar observed that a successful automotive industry depends on two groups that historically have done a poor job developing

FLIR unveils new rugged E30 thermal camera

State-of-the-art … FLIR E30 thermal camera

FLIR Systems, the world leader in infrared technology, has unveiled its latest FLIR E30 thermal imaging camera – the latest addition to its Australian market leading E-Series range for electrical and mechanical maintenance inspections.

The new FLIR E30 is equipped with a 2-Megapixel visual camera, which enables the operator to clearly reference the exact position of the identified problem with a visual image.

By pressing just one button the camera stores the thermal image and the visual image simultaneously.

A LED-lamp at the front of the camera

ensures good quality visual images can be taken in darker environments.

Just like all FLIR E-Series cameras, the FLIR E30 is equipped with a laser pointer to help the user to associate the hot spot on the thermal image with the real physical target in the field.

The FLIR E30 is equipped with a stateof-the-art uncooled Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector that produces clear thermal images of 160 x 120 pixels.

Temperature differences as small as 0.1˚C become clearly visible on a crisp thermal image. The FLIR E30 can measure temperatures between -20˚C and +350˚C. The FLIR E30 is built tough and rugged to face up to everyday use in harsh environments and applications. The vital inner core is well protected (IP54 rated).

Easy-to-use, all buttons for controlling the FLIR E30 are right underneath your fingertips. The large 3.5” LCD touchscreen shows clear thermal images and allows access to all camera features.

Every FLIR E-Series thermal imaging camera comes with FLIR Tools software.

FLIR Tools delivers thermal images directly from the FLIR E-Series to a PC and for basic reporting and analysis of your findings.

FLIR SYSTEMS Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 729 987 www.flir.com

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industryupdate.com.au Page 39

It pays to go green Massive fuel savings for vehicles using environmentally friendly new tyres: new study

A recent study in Singapore found that drivers using “green” tyres can save 144 million litres of fuel a year and CO2 emissions can be cut by 350,000 tonnes.

The revolutionary new green tyres are slowly being rolled out across the world. And experts say the savings would be staggering if all drivers “go green.”

CO2 emissions can be cut by 350,000 tonnes in Singapore if drivers take to the roads with “green” tyres, a recent study has found.

The study commissioned by global rubber producing giant Lanxess and conducted by industry researcher Frost and Sullivan found tyres with low rolling resistance (‘Green Tyres’) consume 5 per cent less fuel across all vehicle types An astonishing 7.1 million tonnes of the total carbon dioxide (CO2) output recorded in Singapore in 2010 was emitted by vehicles on the road.

This is 16 per cent of the 44.3 billion tonnes of CO2 recorded for the year – 45 per cent of this was emitted from passenger cars.

The study, carried out over a nine-week period, was conducted with a total of 250 drivers aged between 20 to 60 years of age. Of these, 30 were owners of hybrid cars.

The study revealed that while individual drivers were concerned about the environment and were undertaking measures within their homes to reduce pollution, their environmental concerns stopped short at home and didn’t

translate to their driving habits.

This was attributed largely to a lack of appropriate information.

About 86 per cent of respondents cited the ‘energy labels’ on electrical appliances as a primary guide when selecting a choice home appliance. However only 41.6 per cent of respondents cited referring to external sources when selecting their car-parts ie tyres.

World leader in green tyre technology The Frost & Sullivan study examined the “green” habits of the Singapore drivers.

Most drivers and the car industry itself were unaware of the benefits of “green” substitute tyres for the environment.

As tyres are one of the most frequentlyreplaced auto-parts over a car’s driving cycle, 95 per cent of respondents indicated that they would consult guidelines in the form of information labels when purchasing tyres, if available.

Vivek Vaidya, Vice-President for the automotive and transportation division at Frost & Sullivan said: “According to our findings, over 70 per cent drivers agreed that energy conservation and labeling were important in selecting environmentally-friendly products. “However, only some 6-7 per cent of respondents were aware of any available measurements for road grip, noise or rolling resistance. About 90 per

cent of drivers surveyed agree that government regulated labeling for a wide range of products would increase usage of energy-efficient products.”

The study found ‘green tyres’ would achieve national savings of 352,600 tonnes of CO2 (5 per cent carbon reduction).

Significantly, the conversion to ‘green tyres’ would save 144 million litres of fuel annually for Singapore.

Fuel savings were based on a driver travelling 20,000km a year – the average distance recorded according to government records.

Motorists using green tyres could expect to save about .95c on fuel for every 100km travelled – a total saving of about A$190 a year.

According to Lanxess, the type of rubber used in tyres is a key to achieving maximum fuel efficiency.

Ethan Sigler, Marketing Manager, India and SEA, Lanxess, said: “We’ve seen that neodymium polybutadiene rubber can be used and it can reduce rolling resistance by 20 to 30 per cent in a tyre.”

With demand of such rubbers set to rise, Lanxess has invested in a second manufacturing plant in Singapore.

It will produce 140,000 metric tons per annum when in full operation.

More than 70 per cent of the synthetic rubber produced at the new Lanxess plant in Singapore will be used to make high performance “energy saving” tyres.

The new generation tyres will be “safer,

quieter and longer lasting, says Lanxess CEO Dr Axel Heitmann.

Lanxess is leading the world in “green tyre technology,” Dr Heitmann says.

The Lanxess group currently supplies the world’s leading tyre manufacturers including Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Pirelli and Hankook.

Industry sources say more education and better labelling is the key to creating environmental awareness for consumers.

Already governments in Europe, Japan and South Korea have plans to introduce tyre labelling.

Similar schemes are also being discussed in the United States and Brazil.

Christoph Kalla, Global Head of Marketing for the Performance Butadiene Rubber (PBR) business unit said: “Tyres with an excellent performance profile in terms of rolling resistance, road grip, mileage and noise emissions are known as ‘green tyres’.

“More stringent emission standards are being placed worldwide, including in Singapore, Mr Kalla says.

“Faced with soaring energy prices, both drivers and the automobile industry are feeling the crunch and are aware of the need for groundbreaking measures to fight the increase in carbon emissions. Green tyres, moderate driving and appropriate tyre pressure are practical, effective low-cost measures that can help reduce CO2 output and save on fuel costs without compromising on vehicle performance.”

In the early days of the automotive industry, tyres were made from natural rubber, a precious and extremely expensive commodity found in rain forests along the equator.

The invention of synthetic rubber by the German Bayer group more than a century ago has made tyres affordable for all drivers.

Tyres contribute to roughly 20 per cent of a vehicle’s total energy consumption.

Full results of the study can be found at: www.lanxess.sg

Using these new air tools is simply a breeze Industrial Air Tools has been an importer and wholesaler of pneumatic tools since 1976.

A family company, they have experienced personnel with a vast product knowledge built-up over many years.

Industrial Air Tools offers a wide range of products to suit Australian industries.

This includes the Shinano SI-5506 10mm

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industryupdate.com.au

reversible air drill. (pictured) So why use air tools?

Air tools are: • Strong • Light • Compact • Long lasting • Safe • Secure Industrial Air Tools has more than 1000 industrial distributors throughout Australia.

The distributors not only sell the products

but provide spare parts and service back-up, supported IAT’s large spares inventories and fully equipped service workshop.

Industrial Air Tools Ph: 1800 62 72 82 www.iatps.com.au

Call to Action for local industry

Cutting edge … a Redback Spyder Body using Action’s advanced 3D technology

Action Bearings realised in the early ’90s that the traditional business of bearing sales would not sustain them as a stand-alone product line into the new century.

Most industries were looking for extra productivity as a means of lowering their cost base with added competition from overseas.

Automation was seen by many as one of the means to survive and achieve those gains.

To that end, the company launched a new division as a channel partner of Thomson USA to provide the market with world’s best quality linear bearings and ball screws, which are the backbone of mechanical automation.

Thomson Linear Bearings (Kensington) and LinearWorld (Braeside) are now the established market supply points for full range linear motion products.

These new Automation product

lines brought with them the opportunity to develop Turnkey product builds and fully integrated system packages.

In 2005 Action became Victorian distributor for MayTec of Germany, a global leader in structural aluminium profiles which added in-house capability for safety frames, workbenches, modular conveyors and functional office space and load trolleys of all shapes and sizes.

In fact, the usage opportunities for this product are so versatile that expansion into the field of temporary structures was the next progression.

In conjunction with Roder HTS of Germany and under the new divisional banner of Action Engineering Services Group the company has designed stand alone stair sets as well as balustrades for major venue Grandstands and Corporate Entertainment Facilities.

Venues such as the Australian Tennis

Open, Melbourne Cup, Clipsal 500, Gold Coast V8’s, Sydney V8’s and the Melbourne Grand Prix have all enjoyed the benefit of specially designed products from Action.

EGDJ9AN 9>HIG>7JI:9 7N Development of these new opportunities also brought with it the need to grow skills internally with not only new machinery and handling equipment but also 3D design skills.

This would enable prospective customers to be able to better appreciate what the finished product would bring and offer them the chance to have input at the design stage by seeing a life like replica of their particular product. That could then translate into engineering approval and workshop drawings using the most versatile 3D design Suite on the market today developed by IronCad USA. Iron Cad is without doubt the most productive 3D Design Suite on the market today and as a special entry level offer Action can provide you with a full licence to this easy to use product at a price that cannot be met by other 3D design offerings and have you working effectively with the package within hours.

Action Engineering Services Group Ph: 03 8586 6900 www.action-esg.com.au

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Fanmaster turns up the heat with its latest offering The VAL6 series from Fanmaster has everything you need in a space heater.

Whether it’s portability, efficiency, power, or all of the above, the VAL6 series has the perfect heater.

The VAL6 uses state-of-the-art combustion chambers, which enables virtually a 100 per cent fuel to energy conversion. This translates to clean, odourless, smokeless operation and, more importantly, fuel savings.

Impervious to wind, rain, and snow, the KBE1S can transfer infrared heat directly to the object without loss of heat or air movement.

The KBE1S is suitable for applications such as factories, plants, workshops, outdoor projects and construction sites (including indoor use).

The secret to the VAL6 KBE1S diesel heater

is its use of radiant heat over the traditional space heating that Diesel heaters often use.

Radiant heat allows you to heat an object without heating the air and losing efficiency at the same time. Heat penetrates evenly just like heat from the sunlight.

Val6 heaters are not affected by wind as forced air heaters that suffer from heat loss in the ambient air. Radiant heat travels in a straight line, unlike hot air, it is unaffected by wind or cold ambient air. Since infrared heat can penetrate into the object, the targeted surface and object are warmed and/dried in a uniquely different way from any conventional heater, which utilizes heated air.

VAL6 heaters generate infrared heat directly to the object without any air movement

creating a dust-free comfortable environment.

Clean, complete combustion system produces no odour or smoke while it is running.

The state-of-the-art combustion chamber enables virtually 100 per cent fuel to energy conversion, thus making it the most efficient form of heating per BTU energy burned.

Because of the quality of craftsmanship, VAL6 heaters are guaranteed to last on average three times longer than typical convection heaters.

Safety features include a tip over sensor and an overvoltage detector.

Fanmaster Ph: 1300 900 345 www.fanmaster.com.au www.heataustralia.com.au

Clean … the new VAL6 KBE1S diesel heater

industryupdate.com.au Page 41

Must-do’s to prevent a product recall crisis Many Australian manufacturers may at some stage face the daunting task of recalling a product from the marketplace for a wide variety of reasons.

Therefore it is vital to have systems and strategies in place to avoid a public relations crisis.

The consequences of “getting it wrong” can be devastating.

A University of Melbourne study in 2004 showed that a corporate crisis of this kind can cost a company more than $10m. In 25 per cent of cases it can wipe more than $100 million from the bottom line.

And alarmingly, over a quarter of those companies will not survive.

Product recall specialists RQA have captured some very valuable lessons from working with consumer goods industries to prevent incidents and recalls escalating into crises.

As an exclusive for Industry Update readers I will highlight selected cases and the lessons that can be learned from our involvement in hundreds of product-related incidents and recalls.

Most importantly I will discuss the best ways to prevent crises.

Unfortunately, we have seen some companies go out of business in the past year through poorly managed incidents and recalls.

So how can you avoid that fate?

We have found through experience that there are ten key elements – “must-do’s”, that companies should have in place to prevent incidents and recalls escalating into crises.

Some are process-driven, others relate to having people with the right personal and professional skills, knowledge and attitudes to act quickly and effectively.

In the previous edition, I referred to a new certification scheme – RABQSA’s International Product Recall Coordinator program – and how this should, if adopted by consumer goods companies, lead to better systems and processes and ultimately safer products.

Senior management commitment to ensuring your company has an effective recall program is the first of our must do’s.

In this article I would like to look at the second must-do – some of the systems themselves.

By systems, I am referring to those programs that responsible companies put in place to ensure their products consistently meet appropriate quality standards and expectations.

The company’s quality management system is clearly an important program to reduce the risk of incidents occurring.

In the context of a product recall, traceability is a key system.

To illustrate, here are two case studies: The first is a recall conducted by one of our New Zealand clients, Zespri, one of the world’s largest suppliers of Kiwi fruit.

In May last year Zespri learned that one of their workers had contracted typhoid.

Although the risk of the disease being passed on through fruit was low, effective traceability systems enabled them to quickly identify and

isolate around 100,000 trays of fruit that the worker and his co-workers may have come in contact with.

Engaging the regulator and their customers by providing accurate, timely information on affected product prevented the incident from escalating and enhanced Zespri’s reputation as responsible, high quality supplier.

Compare that to an electrical goods company that had made appliances with a faulty component part that created an electrical safety hazard.

Although only a small percentage of the finished product actually had the faulty part, they were unable to determine which units were affected and so the entire line had to be recalled. What should have been a relatively small scale recall became a million dollar one.

Traceability refers to a system that enables an organisation to trace the history, application or location of a product, ingredient or part, through all stages of production, processing and distribution.

In the context of a product recall, good traceability enables an organisation to quickly identify and isolate an affected product which can mean only a certain batch needs to recalled rather than whole lines or even brands.

In addition to an internal system, product recalls often involve a chain of organisations – supplier-manufacturer-distributor-retailer for example, which makes accurate and timely information exchange critical for quickly removing potentially unsafe product from the market.

This is where standards are important for a

Steve Hather

common understanding of product identification information.

The non-profit organisation GS1 have established a global traceability standard that makes traceability possible on a global scale for small and large organisations.

Closer to home, GS1 Australia has recently developed and released a new online Product Recall and Withdrawal notification process based on GS1 Standards.

According to Marcel Sieira, Business Development Manager, GS1 Australia: “Recallnet enables the accurate communication of recall and withdrawal notifications to trading partners and government agencies, saving valuable time and lowering risk.”

GS1 Australia and RQA Product Risk Institute will jointly present a half day training program in early 2012 focussed on developing some of the key elements of product recall programs including establishing plans, assessing recall risk, effective traceability systems and the use of Recallnet in communicating recall information.

For more information visit: www.gs1au.org or www.rqainstitute.com * Steve Hather is Managing Director of RQA Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, the region’s only specialised product recall consulting company. Steve will answer your questions on product risk, recall and crisis management. Contact Steve on info@rqainstitute.com

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industryupdate.com.au

SENSORS | NEtwORkS/fiEldbuS | Rfid | cONNEctivity | iNtRiNSic SafEty

Lighter pressure pots improve portability The new D series range of Iwata Pressure Pots are now available from Cormack Anest Iwata.

Ideal for the continuous application of large volumes of a single material like paint or adhesive, Iwata Pressure Pots are available in non-agitated, manual and automatic agitated models.

The smallest pressure pot is the PC.18D, which is made of heavy-duty aluminium.

The larger models, the PT.10 and PT.20, are made of heavy-duty steel, which make them suitable for industrial and manufacturing applications where robustness is required.

The PC.18D features a D handle for easy pick-up.

Weighing only 1.3kg, the unit is highly transportable. The D series pressure pots are 15 per cent lighter than the units they are replacing.

The use of high specification materials means there is no sacrifice in the durability of all units, which will last longer.

New air motors on the PT10.DM and PT.20DM feature 50 per cent more torque

than previous models for longer service life and more thorough and even mixing of paint material.

An economy range of pressure pots are also available in both 2L and 10L nonagitated sizes.

Anest Iwata Australia Ph: 02 9853 2000 www.anest-iwata.com.au

VAHLE Electrification, Data Transfer & Positioning Systems for Mobile Equipment Lightweight … the new D series range from Anest Iwata

Wastewater pump cuts carbon footprint Hydro Innovations, the Australian distributors for Gorman-Rupp pumps, say the new Ultra V Series of wastewater and sewage pumps can reduce the carbon footprint of a standard pump installation.

They say the new series up to 20.6 per cent more efficient than industry “standard” self-priming centrifugal wastewater pumps performing similar duties.

Because the pumps are more efficient than other designs, smaller motors are often used, says Hydro Innovations spokesperson Garry Grant.

This means less energy is needed at the duty point in all cases, reducing energy costs and the carbon footprint (CF) for any application.

The more this style of pump is used (compared to conventional submersible pumps), the greater the carbon footprint gap becomes, Mr Grant says.

“When operators use submersible pumps, they are faced with having to replace wearrings to maintain peak efficiency, he says.

To do this, they need to remove wet well lids, employ an electric crane or winch (adding to energy costs and carbon footprint), clean down a pump dripping with sewage (usually a pressure cleaner – again adding to costs and CF).

It is then send to the workshop for a wear-ring change (often by vehicle – adding to cost and CF).

Exclusive Australian supplier of

“This is of course, not an easy task, so pumps are generally left for as long as possible between wear-ring changes, Mr Grant says.

“This is the hidden cost. As the wearrings wear, the pump is losing efficiency and operating for more hours during the day (again adding to costs and CF). Further to this, as wear-ring clearances open up, pumps block more often, needing operators to lift them up, clean them and remove the blockage (again adding to cost and CF).”

Mr Grant says the Gorman-Rupp Ultra V series alternative clearance adjustment is done externally, without needing to open the pump, without disconnecting the drive and without removing the pump from the piping.

“Clearances can be adjusted by one person with two small spanners, in under five minutes, he says.

“There is no crane or winch, no cleaning device and no transportation vehicle.”

Mr Grant says if this process occurs several times a year at multiple installations the cost savings would be significant.

“And the carbon footprint gap between the two systems would also be quite large,” he says.

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Green machines … Gorman-Rupp Ultra V Series pumps

industryupdate.com.au Page 43

Brought to you by

Safety in the workplace

Trust us to have an eye on standards.

for Manufacturing

Why welders need maximum protection Sperian is now Honeywell

Protective products a ‘necessary evil’

For more information on our world class personal protective equipment call 1300 139 166 or visit www.sperian.com © 2011 Honeywell Safety Products Australia Pty Ltd

such as grinders, knives, welding equipment, hand tools, and fixed machinery.

The American Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are 365,000 welding accidents a year in the US. However, it is easy to protect yourself against these risks so long as you know what they are.

Eye and ears should also be well protected.

Bright, intensive light automatically triggers the body’s natural defence mechanism: the eyes are covered by the eyelids.

As this mechanism is obstructive during welding but also because open eyes can lead to tired and red eyes, the intensity of the welding arc must be lessened. In active welding protection products, this function is taken on by liquid crystal displays or dark glass. The welder is still able to view the weld object, but the intensity is diminished.

Another great risk is presented by UV and IR radiation. The fact that the radiation cannot be detected by the naked eye lures many a welder into a false sense of security.

Due to its intensity, even the briefest moment of exposure is enough to irritate the eyes and to seriously damage them in the long term.

To be sure that the eyes are protected, a UV and IR filter that reliably and permanently reflects the radiation is required.

In all Optrel welder protection systems, a great deal of importance is attached to the permanent filtration of this radiation. Ears also require particular protection against UV and IR radiation due to their thin layers of skin. With TIG welding, for example, approximately 120 dBi are generated, which can lead to irritation and irreversible damage. The Howard Leight by Honeywell range provides suitable ear/hearing protection products.

Specially designed earmuffs such as the Leightning LON, which is ideal for use with welding helmets, face shields and visors are available. Optrel welding helmets are designed for a wide range of welding methods, cater for the most diverse of needs and meet even the most discerning demands.

Another risk that welders face is injury to the respiratory trac.

Depending on the welding process and material, fine particles, smoke or poisonous vapours and gases may be released.

Special blower powered helmets provide ideal protection

Freedom of movement … the Galaxy helmet

Most welders see buying and wearing protective products as a necessary evil.

Despite this attitude, protection is essential as welding involves various risks that you can Page 44

industryupdate.com.au

see, but also some that you can’t.

An examination of the major injury factors for workplace injuries revealed more than a quarter of injuries involved tools and equipment

In the short term, these substances usually lead to headaches, nausea and coughing.

Without you noticing it, these can then result in serious illnesses and long-term damage.

An analysis of the materials, additives and welding processes used in the working environment concerned should help you to find the right protection.

Air-fed filter units with gas and /or particle filters or systems with a central air supply can be use to minimise the risks of respiratory problems.

Special blower powered welding helmets like the Optrel e1100 provide ideal protection

against UV and IR-radiations, flying particles, metal fumes and dusts emitted during the welding and associated processes.

Depending on the materials that are being worked on and the environment where the work is carried out, a suitable P2 disposable mask may be sufficient.

Honeywell offer a range of disposable masks that can be worn during certain welding processes. These will protect against nuisance levels of acid gases, vapours and fumes.

Skin should also be protected.

Burns and injuries caused by flying hot particles account for 70 per cent of the most commonly caused accidents among welders, according to the aforementioned study by the American Bureau of Labor Statistics.

UV and IR radiation also cause dangerous burns, which can eventually result in skin cancer. Just a few minutes of exposure are enough to cause skin irritation and for this reason. Welders are to pay particular attention to adequately protecting the entire head, including the neck, chest and back of the hands and feet.

Reliable … Optrel e670

As already mentioned, welding generates hot particles and flux chippings which may cause burns to exposed parts of the body.

In some working environments the welder may need to be protected from falling parts whilst adequate foot and hand protection is normally seen as essential to the welders‘ safety. Despite all the risks, the welder should feel safe at work and most importantly be able to perform his demanding work without having to concentrate on other matters.

Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and research, Honeywell Safety Products is able to offer welders optimum and reliable protection without restricting their freedom of movement.

Honeywell Safety Products Ph: 1300 139 166 www.honeywellsafety.com

complete confidence fRom HeAd to toe

Salisbury provides complete confidence at work when Arc Flash injury and electric shock is a risk. The ultimate in durable, comfortable, dependable protection and reliability, all of our hoods, jackets, pants, overalls and face shields are rated between 8cal and 100cal and gloves are rated from class 00 to class 4. All products comply with strict international standards, coupled with our unrivalled expertise, Salisbury personal electrical safety products offers working confidence from head to toe.

not All ARc flAsH pRotection is tHe sAme

Contact our product manager on (03) 9565 3585 or visit www.salisburybyhoneywell.com

industryupdate.com.au Page 45

One-stop shop for safety and materials handling needs

Warequip Caddy … on display at Materials Handling Show

More than 250 exhibitors will have their latest products and services on show at this year’s Safety in Action and Melbourne Materials Handling exhibitions.

Materials handling exhibitors include: Trolley power Powered trolleys are a growing segment of the materials handling market. At the Warehousing Equipment stand, visitors can check out the new Powered 2 Go Range that includes powered platform trolleys, a new range of elevated work platforms and powered handtrucks, with manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare and industrial applications.

Fallshaw Holdings

I N T E R N AT I O N A L Phone: 1300 717 769 Facsimile: 1300 400 434 Email: info@floorsafe.com.au Web: www.floorsafe.com.au

SAFETY PRODUCTS FOR FLOORS, STEPS & STAIRWAYS ANTI-SLIP FOR TILES

CABLE COVERS

PEEL & STICK TACTILES

FLOOR MARKING TAPES

TACTILE INDICATORS

TACTILE 300 x 600 PADS

REFLECTIVE TAPES

ANTI-SLIP TAPES

LADDER RUNGS

SAFETY TREAD NOSINGS

ALUMINUM STAIR NOSINGS

LINE MARKING PAINT

BE SAFE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! Page 46

industryupdate.com.au

Fallshaw will showcase lightweight and durable12v battery operated trolleys in flexible designs, competitively priced, and available with national service agreements.

The Mighty Lift stand will feature the Mighty Lift, a portable, lightweight, versatile lifting device to get heavy or bulky units like air conditioning and solar safely onto the roof. Might Lift was awarded 2009 Worksafe Victoria award and was a finalist in the 2010 Safework Australia award.

At the Warequip stand, visitors can check out two new products – the Caddy and SpinGo electric work platforms, both from Bravi Platforms in Italy.

Workplace safety and compliance will be a main focus for visitors to Safety in Action.

ACOHS will showcase a range of products and services to assist organisations large and small with workplace safety and compliance, including the Infosafe online chemical information management system and ACOHS SDS management services.

ACOHS is a specialist solutions provider offering a range of products and services to assist organisations assess and manage workplace risk and safety. ACOHS provides solutions to over 600 companies worldwide.

Safety eyewear specialists Specsavers is launching its 100 per cent AS/NZS certified Prescription Safety Eyewear range of frames and lenses at the show.

The latest range is designed to be comfortable, optimise vision and maximise workplace productivity for various industries where eye protection is paramount.

At the dorsaVi stand, visitors should check out ViSafe, breakthrough wireless sensor technology to measure movements and muscle activity of the low back, shoulder and upper and lower limbs for people performing work tasks.

The information is recorded so an objective picture of how people move at work can be created so organisations can develop strategies to eliminate, reduce or better manage physical effort and injury risks.

Arbon equipment will feature FasTrax high-speed impactible industrial doors, ideal for any logistics or warehouse application where safety is important. Versatile track designs allow the door curtain to store in multiple track configurations and will fit in almost any application with fewer costly building modifications.

Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Ph: 03 8672 1200 www.safetyinaction.net.au www.materialshandling.net.au

New ‘airport friendly’ boots Oliver Footwear has released a new fully non-metallic addition to its popular ST range of safety footwear.

The ST 44-500 is a quality lightweight lace up shoe guaranteed not to activate metal detectors or to generate sparks or rust.

A key feature is the choice of the NATUREform wide profile Type 1 composite non-metallic safety toe cap that is airport, metal detection and security screening systems friendly.

The wide profile shape is designed to suit the foot, which allows greater comfort and is padded with a latex cushion liner to ensure the toes are not in contact with the cap.

The composite toe cap is 40 per cent lighter than traditional steel caps and is licensed to the AS/NZS 2210.3 standard.

Featuring a black polishable water resistant full grain leather upper, Oliver Style number ST 44-500 Lace Up Shoe is “dressy” enough to be worn in a variety of workplace environments. The proven TPU soling technology affords a lightweight shock absorbing low density Polyurethane midsole which cushions

the foot on impact to provide unmatched comfort and helps to reduce foot, leg and lower back fatigue, while the high density hard wearing Thermo Plastic Urethane outsole provides superior grip and abrasion resistance.

This combination is also ideal for workplace conditions involving long shift times in highly demanding work site conditions.

Oliver Footwear Ph: 1300 26687 (BOOTS) www.oliver.com.au

Comfort and durability … the new ST 44-500 lace up shoe from Oliver

Safety • Productivity • Affordability Lencrow Materials Handling offers environmentally friendly tailor made solutions for all your material handling requirements.

Safety of staff is the biggest concern for every business!

At Lencrow we have the equipment and expertise to ensure your project is completed to the highest possible standard.

With our experienced team and highest quality equipment we are fully prepared to meet any challenge!

Make life easier for your staff without increasing costs.

Call us today!

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PROVIDING PERSONALISED SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR MATERIAL HANDLING NEEDS

Safety gets serious with Salisbury

Lightweight … Arc Flash Protection Suit

Honeywell Safety Products, a leader in personal protective equipment, has added two new Salisbury Electrical Safety Products to its extensive Arc Flash protection range.

Arc flash hazards are a critical safety issue for electrical workers and can cause serious injuries.

Workers can prevent harm to themselves and others by wearing the appropriate arc flash protection when working with electricity.

The Salisbury by Honeywell Arc Flash range now includes a high performance Arc Flash Faceshield suitable for use with AS/NZS approved hard hats and new lightweight Arc Flash clothing.

The revolutionary AS1200U Arc Flash Faceshield is a weight-balancing, arc flashprotection faceshield (with universal hard hat adaptor) that is designed to fit on most Australian Standards Approved front brim hard hats regardless of the manufacturer.

The shield easily stows in a balanced, compact position and is centered over the top of the front brim hard hat when not needed, allowing users to work comfortably, safely and efficiently at all times.

All parts of the faceshield are dielectric and specifically designed for arc flash protection with an ATPV rating of 12cal/ cm2. The AS1200U utilises nanotechnology and can be fitted with an anti-fog insert to provide a clearer, more transparent window for improved visibility in humid conditions.

The AS1200 also includes an upper bracket ventilation feature that allows natural air to flow through – reducing fogging and lowering CO2 levels to ensure maximum comfort for the wearer.

Additional options include attachable task lights which fit securely to each side of the facesheild, enabling a worker to use both hands while working, and a transparent chin guard which increases a

workers peripheral view, allowing them improved awareness and greater safety.

Salisbury by Honeywell’s new premium lightweight Arc Flash Protection Suit is rated to 40 cal/cm2 and has a total fabric weight of 11 oz/yd2, making it one of the lightest suits in the industry.

The lightweight material is strong enough to provide workers with the highest quality protection and light enough to offer superior levels of comfort, keeping workers cooler for longer while still meeting all the necessary arc flash protection standards.

The synthetic fiber blend boasts a heat attenuation factor of 93.20 per cent – meaning the garment is not only flame resistant but also resists 93.2 per cent of the heat experienced in an arc flash - and is available individually (in a coat, hood and overalls) or in kits.

All items in the Salisbury range comply with the highest NFPA 70E HRC standards, making them the safe to use in any situation.

Honeywell Safety Products Ph: 1300 139 166 www.salisburybyhoneywell.com

High performance … Salisbury Arc Flash Faceshield

Chill out with Vision Safe

Safety and style … new VisionSafe ChillX

Workplace safety specialist VisionSafe, in keeping with its philosophy of Eye Safety with Style has released the first in a new range of stunning safety eyewear.

ChillX is a sleek, lightweight, one piece, hard coated polycarbonate safety spectacle with smart wrap-around design and co-moulded rubberized temple arm inserts.

The unique single lens, close fit design makes ChillX ideal for dusty environments or where small particulates are a problem.

The distinctive rubberized temple arm inserts allow the arms to flex, shaping gently to the wearer’s head and sitting comfortably under hardhat or ear muffs.

As with the majority of VisionSafe safety eyewear, ChillX is an approved AS/NZS 1337.1 medium impact spectacle, offering 99.9 per cent UV protection.

ChillX is available in clear, smoke, silver mirror and blue mirror lens tints.

VisionSafe Ph: 08 9295 0624 www.visionsafe.com.au

industryupdate.com.au Page 47

Safety in Action & Materials Handling Shows Latest technology for a safe workplace

Workplace safety is a priority in the modern workplace, with a strong focus on new technology that improves OH&S while increasing productivity.

In a highly competitive environment, safety managers and supervisors ignore them at their peril.

That is why the Safety in Action and Melbourne Materials Handling Trade Shows to be held concurrently at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from April 17-19, are must-see events.

A main feature of the Safety in Action show will be the pending release of the National Work Health and Safety Strategy.

The strategy, which is due to be released soon for public comment, is set to provide the national framework to support change and improvement at the workplace level for the next 10 years.

Harmonisation laws have failed to live up to

their promise because of the delays by some states to enact the legislation.

However, technological advancements that improve workplace safety and materials handling productivity continue to attract strong interest from employers and suppliers.

The Safety in Action and Materials Handling Trade shows, with a major focus on technology, demonstrations and workshops are expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors this year.

And the two trade shows will feature more than 250 exhibitors.

Safety in Action will feature hundreds of products and services including: • Personal protective equipment • Machine guards • Flooring and flooring surfaces • First aid • Height safety and confined space equipment • Legislation advisory organisations

FLEXIBLE CABLES, CONNECTORS, ENERGY CHAINS

• Gas detection and spill control • Health and safety consultants • Electrical safety • Fire safety and evacuation and • Hazardous goods handling.

Melbourne Materials Handling will cover several management disciplines including warehouse and operations, site management, production and maintenance, and equipment operations.

Attendees can explore what’s new in automatic identification, bulk handling, conveying equipment and accessories, logistics and supply chain technology, packaging and equipment, storage and warehousing, waste management and lifting equipment.

It’s a golden opportunity to source new suppliers from both newcomers to the industry and established players.

Visitors can save time by checking out everything they need under one roof.

They can also attend a range of free knowledge workshops, centred around key industries.

Each session is presented by leaders and experts in their fields.

Topics include materials handling, height safety machine safety and managing risk.

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THINK TREOTHAM

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wieland

Treotham Automation

Treotham Automation

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NSW VIC QLD W.A NZ

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Ph: (02) 9907 1788 Ph: (03) 9555 4890 Ph: (07) 3633 0010 Ph: (08) 9248 5005 Ph: (64) 9278 6577

industryupdate.com.au

NSW VIC QLD W.A NZ

And live demonstrations on stage will give visitors an opportunity to ask questions and speak to the experts personally.

To register or for more information, go to www.safetyinaction.net.au or call: 03 8672 1200.

Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Ph: 03 8672 1200 www.safetyinaction.net.au www.materialshandling.net.au

Opening times Tuesday April 17 10am - 5pm Wednesday April 18 9am - 5pm Thursday April 19 9am - 4pm Venue: Melbourne Exhibition Centre www.safetyinaction.net.au www.materialshandling.net.au

These boots are made for working Merv Hughes, who played in Diadora gear during his spectacular cricketing career, will be at the Diadora Utility Safety Boots stand at Safety in Action to engage with visitors interested in safety footwear for the streets, mines and worksites.

New global STS Side Transpiration Technology in two models allows feet to breathe, increasing comfort, concentration and performance, while reducing the risk of blisters and fungal infections by keeping feet dry.

Terra Safety Footwear’s Safety Mate stand will showcase odour-free footwear with insoles designed to support and stabilise feet.

Sloggers, a US company producing the highest quality garden footwear in a variety of designs and colours that started a trend of fun and function, will present waterproof neoprene/rubber work boots.

Wolverine Workware’s main focus will be a range of Work Boots encompassing some unique technologies as well as new additions.

Ph: (02) 9907 1788 Ph: (03) 9555 4890 Ph: (07) 3633 0010 Ph: (08) 9248 5005 Ph: (64) 9278 6577

Meet Merv … Merv Hughes will be at the Diadora stand

Beware when working in low oxygen places WorkSafe Victoria has issued a safety alert to highlight the danger of mine workers being exposed to oxygen-deficient atmospheres, and provides solutions to reduce or eliminate associated risks.

WorkSafe recently cited a case where mine workers in a light vehicle entered a section of a mine where the ventilation flow through the area had been interrupted.

The vehicle was unable to reverse up a decline to exit the affected area, resulting in the workers exiting by foot.

As a consequence, workers experienced symptoms of oxygen deprivation, including light-headedness and an increased breathing rate.

The area of the mine had previously been backfilled with waste rock, and associated infrastructure (including pumps) was removed. The area was dependent on natural airflow ventilation.

The geometry of the mine in the backfilled area meant rising water levels could interrupt the ventilation flow through the working section.

The lack of ventilation was not detected and no workers wore self-rescuers when exiting the area on foot.

It was not realised the oxygen-deficient atmosphere could have a negative impact on the vehicle engine power and result in poor engine performance.

Worksafe recommends the following safety measures when working in underground environments.

You must ensure: • Work is planned so it can be done safely,

including the maintenance of recommended levels of ventilation during and after the abandonment of mine working areas.

• Consideration is given to the removal of dewatering or associated infrastructure, that may have the potential to impact primary ventilation flow • Workers are aware of mine ventilation standards and requirements • Gas monitoring information and training is made available to workers for early detection of harmful gases or low oxygen levels when re-entering unventilated areas • The potential for hazardous atmospheres are identified during the safety assessment process, and comprehensive control measures are implemented and functional.

When undertaking work in underground environments, ensure: • Active mine workings are routinely inspected • Gas monitoring information and training is made available to workers for early detection of harmful gases or low oxygen levels when re-entering unventilated areas.

• Workers are competent in the use of self-rescuers and trained in hazard identification • There is a system to ensure all unused and unventilated workings are barricaded to prevent unauthorised access and control hazards of re-entry into the area.

Are your frontline managers and supervisors safety trained?

Make sure they know their health and safety responsibilities.

Send them on a WorkSafe-approved managers and supervisors health and safety training course.

Visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/supervisors for a list of training providers near you or call 1800 136 089.

Worksafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

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industryupdate.com.au Page 49

WA 2 Y RR EAR AN TY

Selection of training courses VIOSH Australia is one of several training organizations with displays at this year’s Safety in Action show in Melbourne from April 17-19.

VIOSH will showcase new courses through the Asia-Pacific Centre for Teaching and Research in Occupational Health and Safety within the School of Health Sciences at the University of Ballarat.

Courses include an initial 5-day OH&S course for HSRs, managers and supervisors, and refresher courses to a Master of Applied Science (Occupational Health and Safety).

Edith Cowan University will also have a stand, featuring on-line streams of tertiary study of OHS by distance education.

Details of the latest training courses for conveyor testing will also be available at the show.

Periodic testing of conveyor belts during their service life is an important aspect of safety and economy by preventing failure and determining remaining service life.

Measuring the depth of textile and steel reinforcements in rubber conveyor belts and measuring the remaining rubber thickness of in-service belts is possible with ultrasonic testing but requires specific knowledge.

The ATTAR stand will showcase nondestructive testing (NDT) training courses including specialised courses such as ultrasonics for conveyor belts.

SPILL CONTROL A BIG PROBLEM?

Make SPILL CONTROL and SAFETY STORAGE a SMALL task

Visit www.spilldoktor.com for:

Sorbents & Spill Kits Poly Bunding Collapsible Bunds Drum Storage & Handling Staff Training

Ask about ‘RESORB’ Earth friendly sorbents

SPILL KITS I ABSORBENTS SAFETY STORAGE I BUNDING

1800 DOKTOR (365 867)

www.spilldoktor.com

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industryupdate.com.au

High-tech van ramps on show Aerotrans, an Australian manufacturer of moulded truck aerodynamic devices and van products, will showcase a range of imported OH&S transport products under the Aeroz brand at the Safety in Action show in Melbourne.

The products include a van fold out ramp system with internal and external ladder conveyor systems that provide user-handling efficiency while substantially reducing operational safety risks.

The easy to use, manually operated ramps are in various sizes to suit all popular vans and have rated capacities of 400kg (aluminium) and 1000kg (steel) and are more flexible than hydraulic tail-lifts.

The external ladder conveyor enables a full size ladder to be carried on higher vans, and removed and replaced while the user keeps both feet firmly on the ground.

Even on smaller vans such as Toyota Hi-Ace and Hyundai i-Load the G2000 ladder conveyor eliminates the safety risk when securing and releasing ladders from van roofs.

The internal ladder conveyor enables smaller ladders to be stored under the roof of vans, secure from theft, while keeping floor area clear.

Aerotrans Australia Ph: 03 9753 4555 www.aerotrans.com.au

Breathe safely with a Honeywell respirator Honeywell Safety Products, a leading provider of safety and protective products, ensures breathing is easy with their range of quality disposable respiratory masks.

Approved for 10 times the exposure standard of dusts produced by grinding and drilling, as well as certain applications of brazing and welding, Honeywell disposable respiratory masks offer premium protection, while providing maximum comfort.

With no restriction of vision or communication, the disposable masks enable you to work safely and efficiently and are designed to fit in combination with eyewear.

Low breathing resistance encourages longer wear time by improving the wearer’s comfort, while the humidity resistant and hypoallergenic filter ensure maximum respirator service life.

Honeywell respirators feature durable, latex-free suspension straps to eliminate pre-stretching and have a flame retardant outer shell that ensures greater safety.

Made from quality materials, Honeywell disposable masks demonstrate resistance to clogging and protect you and the environment.

All Honeywell disposable respirators are latex, silicone and PVC free making them suitable for use for all workers, without the worry of

possible allergies and are certified to AS/NZS 1716:2003 standards.

The extensive range includes the 5261 Nuisance Odour Respirator, the ideal protector against nuisance level acid gases and odours.

With a strong polyester outershell, the 5261 features an exhalation valve which allows the wearer to remain comfortable in hot or humid workplaces.

The 5261 also features a Willtech boomerang nose seal, which provides the wearer with increased comfort so they can work for longer periods of time.

Honeywell’s 5211 Premium Welding Respirator is recommended for use with particulate aerosols free of oil. The 5211 has a full feature premium cup shape for P2 protection.

Like the 5261, the 5211 has a Willtech boomerang nose seal and an exhalation valve which increases wearer comfort in hot or humid workplaces.

Both respirators have a shelf life of three years from the date of manufacture.

Individually packaged, the 4211 and 4210 Flatfold Respirators have a fold and hold mechanism to prevent contamination between uses and allows for easy storage.

With no staples, the respirators are ideal for use in the food industry and

have a shelf life of 5 years from the date of manufacture.

Fitted with a half-face seal to ensure excellent fit and leak tightness, Honeywell’s Superone Respirator is ideal to use with particulate aeresols free from oil.

The Superone Respirator also provides protection against dust and mists and dusts, mists and fumes and features an inner valve for increased comfort in hot working environments.

Honeywell Safety Products Ph: 1300 139 166 www.honeywellsafety.com

Top protection … the Honeywell Superone Respirator

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Ph: 03 9544 6300 Fax: 03 9544 6311 www.pilz.com.au safety@pilz.com.au

the spirit of safety

industryupdate.com.au Page 51

sET TINg ThE WITh sTANdARds AFE INNOVATIVE suTIONs sTORAgE sOL EFFECTIVE COMPLIANCE FOR ThE MANuFACTuRINg INdusTRy

• • • • • • •

Relocatable bulk stores Safety cabinets Gas cylinder stores Lube stations Bunding Safety showers Custom design to suit your situation

dEsIgNEd ANd MANuFACTuREd IN AusTRALIA

Put yourself in your workers’ shoes

WorkSafe Victoria has relaunched a campaign calling on supervisors “to put themselves in their workers’ shoes” when making decisions that could affect health and safety.

The aim is to remind supervisors of their health and safety responsibilities in the workplace.

Employers are also made more aware of the important role they play in setting and maintaining standards and ensuring workers don’t put themselves, or others, at risk.

Managers, supervisors, team leaders, foremen are at the frontline of health and

safety in many workplaces. As they often play a role in making sure health and safety obligations are met, it is vital they understand their role and responsibilities.

The statewide Victorian campaign runs until May 19 and involves a series of TV commercials as well as outdoor, radio and online advertising.

To find out more on the role of supervisors and how to make your workplace safer, visit: worksafe.vic.gov.au/supervisors.

Also, check out WorkSafe-approved OHS training for managers and supervisors at: worksafe.vic.gov.au/training

protecting the

1300 134 223 1300 307 895 sales@storemasta.com.au www.storemasta.com.au

Big ask … employers should be mindful of staff health and safety

Eye protection: when only the best will do With light travelling at around 299,792km a second, the reaction speed of the lens in a welder’s helmet is critical when a welding arc is struck.

Today, welders rely heavily on their autodarkening welding helmets to protect their eyes from the painful and often debilitating effect of welder’s flash burn or “arc eye.”

Professional welders understand that flash burns are like sunburn in the eye and if not treated, an infection may start which can lead to vision loss.

That is why Robert Clarke, senior metal fabricator with champion V8 Supercar constructor Triple Eight Race Engineering, insists on only the best auto darkening welding helmets on the market for himself and his fellow welders.

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industryupdate.com.au

“Our welders’ health is very important to the company, that’s why we only use Miller auto-darkening helmets here in the workshop,” Mr Clarke said.

“At Triple Eight all our welders are given the latest Digital Elite Miller welding helmets when they join the company.

“The Miller welding helmets operate very well and the welders love them. They are easy to wear, and are nice and light,” Mr Clarke says.

“Our guys know they won’t have any issues with getting flashes and that their eyes are fully protected when welding.

“Importantly, the lenses are quick to darken, plus they have a very large viewing area which means we can see clearly when we are welding, which is very important.”

However, Mr Clarke says one of the most important features of the Digital Elite Miller welding helmets is the X-Mode, which can dramatically impact the team’s productivity, weld quality and operator comfort.

“Often we have two or more welders working on the same vehicle, which with other welding helmets could cause false activations,” Mr Clarke says.

“By adjusting the sensitivity of the X-Mode, our welders are able to continue welding without incessant false activations.”

Research shows that the quality of finished welds can be seriously reduced as a result of false activations.

Constant flickering can put the operator’s focus on the performance of the helmet instead of the job at hand. The result is substantially more time taken to complete the job and lost productivity.

Reduced operator comfort is another side effect of false activations.

Fatigue and headaches can result from the increased need to blink frequently while welding when subjected to constantly changing or inadequate light conditions causing false activations.

However, with the introduction of the latest digital lens technology, featured in Miller’s Digital Elite Auto-Darkening helmets, false activations are all but eliminated.

Without compromising the fast switching speeds (lens darkening reaction time is 1/20,000 sec) and reliability, Miller has created an auto-darkening helmet that offers the market a set of serious benefits, appreciated by professional and regular welders.

When in X-Mode, the lens operates through

electromagnetic arc sensing technology. The detection of welding current, as opposed to reliance on light intensity, is used to trigger the operation of the lens.

The result is dramatically improved operational reliability of the lens. The major advantage of this feature is that external light conditions, physical barriers or adjacent operator activity does not negatively impact the operation of the lens, enabling it to switch on and off with absolute precision.

When in X-Mode, the sensors react to electromagnetic fields, enabling the sensors to engage regardless of sunlight interference or obstructed sensors due to position.

Mr Clarke says his welding team also appreciates the optional magnification lens available to be attached to the Miller welding helmets.

“This is really handy. When a welder’s eyes are a little bit off, or they are welding something really fine, they can actually put a magnification lens in which gives them a little bit more scope to see,” he says.

The Miller Digital Auto-Darkening helmets offer the latest digital lens technology allowing the flexibility to weld, cut and grind with one helmet, eliminating the need to change head and face protection throughout a job, making it one of the most versatile welding helmets on the market; and able to handle a range of jobs in metal fabrication workshops or general manufacturing environments.

For more information on the Miller Digital Auto-Darkening helmet range visit www. welding.com.au or call WIA’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 300 884.

Good gets better with Safetech’s new goods hoist range Safetech now offers new features and capacities across its entire Goods Hoist range.

These additions are designed to improve the user interface, the ease of installation, maintenance requirements as well as expand the platform sizes, hoist travel and load capacities.

Most of these new models incorporate the unique low profile design that eliminates the need to pit mount the hoist.

They also include the intuitive controls as well as offer the customer greater choice in product finish and customisable options. The user chooses the dimensions to exactly suit their needs and can select different booth linings, colours as required.

This new Goods Hoist is designed to achieve a low height of only 40mm.

It retains the same features and durability of construction as all Safetech Goods Hoists and is available in a range of weight capacities and booth dimensions.

Safetech’s standard Goods Hoist is designed with a floor height of typically less than 40 mm to allow easy loading of the booth with hand pallet trucks, trolleys and hand trucks.

It’s low profile means no pit is required. This greatly simplifies installation as the hoist can simply be bolted to the floor without any need for a costly pit excavation. Pit maintenance is eliminated.

This low profile requires a ramp that is only 25cm length and is supplied as part of the hoist.

With Safetech’s expanded capacity and platform range you get travel of more than 10m, capacities greater than 5 tonne and custom platform sizes.

Weather resistant finishes are just some of the advantages offered by Safetech Goods Hoists.

Safetech hoists use a stainless steel, intuitive user interface that is easy to use. These controls have been specifically designed to ensure simple operation from even untrained operators.

And Safetech’s CAD design means that most service and maintenance operations can be conducted from within the booth.

An on-board hydraulic power unit is standard for most models.

“Safetech’s Goods Hoist range is designed with the user in mind, says Bruce Cox, Safetechs’ chief designer.

“We have established our design template to let the customer decide what they need and for new users to easily understand our controls, Cox says.

“This is particularly useful in self storage centres and anywhere that untrained operators interact with the machine. We have also increased the aesthetics and efficiency of the intrinsic design. For too long industrial engineers have built products with a poor finish and little thought of the end user and their needs.”

Safetech Goods Hoists are durable and designed to meet or exceed Australian safety and industrial standards.

Applications include dock levelers, selfstorage units, mezzanine and between floor lifts, warehouses and office lifts.

Safetech manufactures both column and scissor profile freight hoists.

Capacities range from 1 tonne single pallet hoists to scissor table hoists capable of loads up to 10 tonne and 8 pallets.

Almost any combination of loads and capacities in-between these dimensions can be supplied to suit individual requirements.

Safetech Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 674 566 www.safetech.com.au

The evolution of the forklift has been realised, with the all new E-Volution range of Clark Electric forklifts.

Boasting the latest European design and technical innovations, the range features:

OSX Reach Truck

Innovative design … Safetech Goods Hoists

Optimum handling solutions: the name says it all Optimum Handling Solutions provide a huge range of materials handling equipment and solutions to make lifting, shifting and stacking easy.

The industrial product range includes Optimum Platform Trolleys, custom made trolleys and trucks, bulk delivery trolleys, lift trolleys, hand trolleys and dollies.

They specialize in: • Conveyors • Fork stackers • General cleaning equipment • Industrial plastic trolleys • Linen trolleys • Mesh trolleys • Platform trolleys • Scissor lift tables • Spring loaded trolleys • Stillages • Storage basket trolleys • Tall boy trolleys Optimum Handling Solutions not only help

Introducing The New Range...

GEX Electric Forklift

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to boost productivity, but also increase workplace safety.

Their equipment can reduce injury and fatigue and reduce exposure and litigation.

Contact Optimum Handling Solutions for more information or to discuss your custom materials handling needs and requirements.

Optimum Handling Solutions Ph: 1800 066 008 www.optimumgroup.com.au

T: 1800 005 747 E: clark@clarkequipment.com W: www.clarkequipment.com Broad range …

Materials handling solutions from Optimum

industryupdate.com.au Page 53

Ecco Pacific: one-stop shop for electrical hardware New Product Bulletin

NP 242

• Cutting • Drilling tools • Tools & accessories • Sealants and adhesives • Time switches The company stocks a broad range of trusted brands including: • 3M (vinyl electrical tape range, resin joint kits and fire safety products) • Wiha (premium tools) • Belden • Vortice (Hygiene hand dryers and fans) • Powers Fasteners With such an extensive range Ecco Pacific provides a “one-stop-shop” so you can easily find the product that best suits your application.

Ecco Pacific also provides professional sales support for the manufacturing and mining industries.

PROFIBUS New PROFIBUS cables now available in a stranded design for additional flexibility as well as a continuously corrugated aluminum armor product for additional protection in very harsh environments.

Quality products … Profibus cables from Belden Belden® DataBus® Cables For PROFIBUS Applications

About PROFIBUS

NP 241

PROFIBUS Features

Metal finishing solutions

ControlBus

SUHNER Abrasive Expert solutions with tools and abrasives for special shapes and difficult applications.

Coaxes. They meet the

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Using shielded twisted pair cable, the PROFIBUS topologies utilized in the industrial environment include the following configurations: line, tree and star (and combinations of these topologies).

The network can support up to 126 nodes by using repeaters, but the number of repeaters is limited to nine. Standard connections are made through use of a 9-pin D-Subminiature connector. Transmission speeds are selectable starting at 9.6kbs.

®

Belden IndustrialTuff ®

Ecco Pacific isApplication-specific a supplier of innovative, profiles include the following: — optimized for factory automation • PROFIBUS DPhardware recognized quality brands • PROFIBUS PA — optimized for process automation throughout Australia andfor safety-related NZ. systems • PROFIsafe — PROFIBUS • PROFIdrive — PROFIBUS for motion control The company boasts more than 3500 New Product Bulletin DataBus Cables for PROFIBUS product linesBelden so you can easily find the Belden has developed three DataBus cables for DP that are in accordance with the product thatPROFIBUS best suits your application.

PROFIBUS specifications. Product No. 3079A is a

PROFIBUS is one of the largest open industrial fieldbusses in the world. As with most fieldbus systems, PROFIBUS can reduce operating costs, increase productivity, decrease time to market for new products, and improve product quality. And unlike standard 4-20mA controls, PROFIBUS can support up to 32 devices per segment — up to a total of 126 devices, depending on total system current.

®

ControlBus cables are Low-Loss RG-6/U Type

PROFIBUS has been developed on the International Standards Organization OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) seven-layer model. Access to the bus is defined in the second layer of the OSI model, allowing PROFIBUS the option of multiple masters on a single twisted pair cable.

high-speed, time-critical requirements necessary for the operation of ControlNet™

PROFIBUS Applications

factory-floor systems.

The PROFIBUS protocol applies to all applications, but it may be combined with industry-specific application profiles and relevant transmission technology to meet differing factory floor requirements.

150-ohm twinax (twisted pair) cable that matches the impedance of the factory automation system, allowing for maximum signal transmission. The cable incorporates an overall Beldfoil® shield plus a 65% tinned copper braid for maximum shielding effectiveness. It also carries a UL NEC Type PLTC listing to achieve maximum installation versatility.

New 3079E is a stranded cable that provides additional flexibility during installation and in use. And 183079A is a continuously corrugated aluminum armored product designed to withstand very harsh environments.

Ecco Pacific New Product Bulletin Ph: 1300 771 424 www.eccopacific.com.au

Belden also offers Product No. 3076F, a cable made to the ISA/SP-50 Type A fieldbus specifications for PROFIBUS PA application. It is an 18 AWG stranded, foil shielded, twisted pair cable with an intrinsically safe, blue PVC jacket.

NP 231

As always with Belden industrial cables, there are special jacket compounds, coloring, and armoring Industrial Ethernet

options to cables fit your exact application requirements.

Belden ControlBus ® Whether you specify copper or

Products include: fiber optic cables, peak network efficiency and reliability are achieved • Fasteners & connectors with Belden DataTuff Industrial Because ControlNet is deterministic, it is robust About ControlNet Ethernet cables. Bonded-Pair • Tapes and capable enough for industrial time-critical UTP and FTP versions also ControlNet is a high-speed, serial communication applications. This core philosophy of the system • Cables offer Installable Performance . system that provides for a time-critical exchange of & Cable Jointing also requires that signal transmission be uncorrupted information between complex control such Gear • devices Safety and high speed. Therefore, choosing an approved, as programmable logic controllers, HMIs and tested and conformant Low-Loss RG-6 made • Airin Movement PC-based controllers. ControlNet operates especially for ControlNet systems from Belden is a totally deterministic and predictable manner, for maximum system performance.

• Fuses truly importantBelden Adds Two New allowing the various devices and controllers on ®

Belden Expands Its ControlBus Cable Line With a Continuously Corrugated Aluminum Armored Product

SUHNER Australia Pty. Ltd. • Phone +61 (02) 9638 6600 • info@suhner.com.au

®

®

the network to communicate at a precise and pre-determined point in time.

Belden Industrial Ethernet So, even if your cabling system is exposed

Over the past five years or so, Ethernet has moved increasingly from the office environment into the industrial world – mainly for control and automation applications. But the two environments couldn’t differ more: the office environment offers its cabling system a relatively safe harbor and should a signal transmission fault occur, retries are generally acceptable. The industrial world presents a different reality: the cabling system can be integral to a harsh and hazardous environment and yet there’s no margin for error since the cables typically carry signals between devices to make events happen on a very exacting schedule.

Bonded-Pair Constructions

Quad-Shielded to theControlBus DataTuff Line: A Cat 6 Coaxial Cables Solid Conductor/Foil Shielded Cable and a Cat 5e Stranded

A ControlNet network can support up to 48

Belden IndustrialTuff ControlBusShielded Low-Loss Cable coax Conductor/Foil cables for ControlNet applications incorporate a Duobond® IV Quad Shield for maximum signal

nodes at a bus speed of 5Mbit/sec on a total end-to-end distance of 250m. The bus topology can be star, tree, bus, or any combination of

integrity and run length. All products are sweep tested, ensuring that Return Loss, and other critical performance features, meet the requirements

the three. The time delay throughout the system and a maximum end-to-end distance of 30+ km, represent the only limiting factors on the number of repeaters that can be used.

of the ControlNet physical layer specification.

New to the line is 183092A—with continuously corrugated aluminum armoring for added protection in harsh environments. ControlBus cables can be supplied with a CPE jacket and/or aluminum or steel interlocked armoring. Belden also manufactures variations of the cable for different applications, environments, and identification purposes.

ControlNet Features

ction

to the following conditions you can turn to Belden for the right solution:

• Oil, sunlight and gasoline • Temperature variations • Abrasion, crushing and burial • Flexing • Presence of EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference or radio frequency interference) • MSHA mining approval • Red jackets designating safety network

* thinking about advertising in a If you are manufacturing magazine, think about this...

Industry Update the CAB Industry Update has the highest Although ControlNet uses a larger bandwidth than other automation and control networks, it does not function as a traditional “broadband” network.

In a ControlNet system, the network devices and controllers are expected to communicate/operate at a pre-determined point in time and for a specific length of time. Broadband communication networks differ in that their communication efforts take place when the network has room for the communication.

A u s t r a l i a ’s L a r g e s t C i r c u l a t i n g M a n u f a c t u r i n g

To ensure successful Ethernet signal transmissions in an industrial environment you need high performance cables designed specifically for the environment. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Cat 5e UTP Ethernet cable just can’t stand up. It is quite fragile when compared to an industrial-grade cable, meaning that any number of stresses and challenges encountered in the industrial environment could result in one of the classic failure models: catastrophic failure, intermittent operation, incremental failure and degradation of performance. The result could be a loss of data, process downtime or a drop in the safety level of your operation.

Only DataTuff Cables with Belden’s Patented Bonded-Pair Technology Offer the Benefit of Installable Performance

Most versions of DataTuff cables feature Belden’s patented Bonded-Pair technology.

This construction feature affixes the conductor insulation of the cable pairs along their longitudinal axes to ensure that no performance-robbing gaps can develop between the conductor pairs. Since no gaps can occur, and the conductor-to-conductor spacing, or centricity, is always uniform, the cable offers excellent and consistently reliable electrical performance — even after the Belden’s answer is to offer a complete range cable has been subjected to the bending, of high quality, high reliability DataTuff® pulling and twisting that is inherent in the Industrial Ethernet cables that have been installation process. Belden calls this unique designed for industrial use and tested using after-installation performance capability M a g a z i n e - C A B testing M e m b e requipment. Belden state-of-the-art In this edition Installable Performance.

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Standards ‘loophole’ means some gloves may not be safe

Ansell Vice President Mark Nicholls … safety risk

The absence of independent certification is exposing workers to gloves that may not be safe, according to industry leader Ansell.

Ansell Vice President Mark Nicholls says the Australian/NZ Standards (AS/NZS) for hand protection mirror the European Union’s EN glove standards with one key difference – independent testing is not mandatory.

“The Australian Standards organisation does not have the resources to police importers

for compliance with the EN-based Australian Standards, says Mr Nicholls. “And critically, there is no process that assures workers that gloves have been independently certified for the stated level of protection.”

Mr Nicholls says Australia is importing protective gloves with EN ratings that may not have been validated by an EU-approved Notified Body.

“EN standards are considered state-of-theart and are used by the Notified Bodies to ensure presumption of conformity to the PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) legislation,” says Mr Nicholls.

In Europe, it is mandatory to market protective gloves in compliance with the PPE 89/686 Directive. This means companies must market gloves that are safe.

They should not use azo dyes, pH acidity that is close to neutral and have no sharp edges on the inside of the liner that could cause skin issues.

“The PPE 89/686 Directive also requires that gloves are safe for their stated use, says Mr Nicholls.

“For example, if a glove is claimed to offer high cut resistance in the liner it must be proven, via an independent, accredited laboratory, that it does indeed provide the high level of cut protection claimed,” he says.

If the highest level of cut protection is claimed an independent test must confirm this.

“They cannot sell the glove in Europe with that claim if it doesn’t, says Mr Nicholls.

“Many industrial safety gloves being imported into Australia carry an EN pictogram; however without credible independent testing workers and their companies cannot be confident that these gloves will perform at their claimed levels in critical safety dimensions such as abrasion and cut resistance, not to mention chemical protection.” continued page 7

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The WEX Indexable Endmill Cutter is one the most innovative cutters ever produced by Sumitomo with the features to revolutionise milling throughout the world.

• High efficiency shoulder milling cutter with lower cutting force

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Industry Update Manufacturing Magazine

Page 1

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Dowrie Cranes has formed a unique partnership with Italian manufacturer Donati Sollevamenti Srl (Donati).

The new national partnership will see Dowrie Cranes add the Donati range of electric chain and wire rope hoists to its overhead cranes and lifting solutions for the Australian market.

The new Dowrie Donati partnership extends Dowries’ low cost overhead crane designs and material handling solutions and allows Dowrie to compete head on with the more expensive European suppliers.

“This combination of Dowrie Cranes and Donati equipment is the perfect marriage, says Mr Kelly Blount, National Sales Manager, Dowrie Cranes.

“It provides customers the best value for money and combines European technology, simplicity and reliability with local Dowrie Cranes designs.

“The Donati hoists are manufactured in Europe to precise and exacting standards and make a perfect fit to our existing continued page 6

TALK SAFETY WITH THE EXPERTS NHP’s Sydney Safety Standards Workshop will be held on the 16th November 2011.

The workshop includes: r Legislation, Risk Assessment and Safety Standards r Practical examples will guide you through the design process of Safety Categories B-4 (AS 4024), SIL 1-3 (AS 62061) and PLa-e (ISO 13849) r You will receive a booklet including course notes, information on the Standards, software design tool and SISTEMA r All courses are run by an industry expert and all presenters are TUV certified and sit on the Australian Standards Committee for Machine Safe Guarding.

To register for the workshop and for more information on other upcoming seminars visit nhp.com.au/safety Sales 1300 NHP NHP

|

nhp.com.au

To advertise in Industry Update call Scott or Danuta Phone: 02 9439 1288 Email: sales@industryupdate.com.au

www.industryupdate.com.au Page 54

industryupdate.com.au

STORAGE SOLVED • Superior Quality • Superior Range

Freephone 1300 852 397 www.actisafe.com.au

Three exciting new releases from Roland DG Industry first … VersaSTUDIO BN-20 metallic desktop eco-solvent printer/cutter

Roland DG Corporation, a leader in wide-format UV-LED inkjet technologies and integrated printer/cutters has launched three new products designed to make life easy for industry.

The VersaSTUDIO BN-20 metallic desktop eco-solvent printer/cutter, the new VersaUV LEF-12 UV-LED desktop inkjet printer and ECO-UV S, the next generation of ECO-UV ink are now available from Roland.

The VersaSTUDIO BN-20 20” (508 mm) metallic desktop eco-solvent printer/cutter is a complete solution, including VersaWorks RIP software, combining all the versatility and advanced features of Roland’s latest inkjet printing technologies into a compact, affordable device for everyone from professionals to those who are starting a print business.

Features include: • Industry’s first metallic desktop eco-solvent printer/cutter • Prints apparel heat transfers, labels, decals, POP, posters and signs up to 480mm wide • Integrated Print and Cut technology prints and digitally die cuts graphics on one device • Supports Roland ECO-SOL MAX CMYK and Metallic Silver inks for full-color graphics with

metallic colors and effects • Complete solution including VersaWorks professional print management software • Roland Metallic Color System Library of 512 metallic spot colors included • Roland Metallic Texture System Library included, allowing users to add dramatic lighting and shadow effects to metallic colors Easy-to use Roland R-Works design software included • Compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP and supports popular design software including Adobe and CorelDRAW Choose from three ink configurations upon purchase • ECO-SOL MAX eco-solvent ink in CMYK and Metallic Silver • ECO-SOL MAX in CMYK • FPG aqueous pigment ink in CMYK

Compact … VersaUV LEF-12 UV-LED desktop inkjet printer

The Possibilities are Endless with the new VersaUV LEF-12 UV-LED Desktop Inkjet Printer.

With a flatbed table of 335 mm x 310 mm (13.2” x 12.2”) and a clearance height of 100 mm (3.94”), the VersaUV LEF-12 allows users to decorate unlimited items from stationery,

electronic gadgets, personalised goods, promotional items and more.

Features include: • Desktop size UV-LED inkjet printer • A flat table work area of 335 mm x 310mm (13.2” x 12.2”) with a height of 100 mm (3.94”) that allows users to print directly onto a wide variety of solid items • Features ECO-UV inks in CMYK, and highdensity white and clear for exceptional print quality • Layers of clear gloss varnish create both gloss and matte finishes including 72 ready-toapply patterns from the Roland Texture Library in VersaWorks • High density white ink produces crisp, bright text and graphics on a range of colored and transparent media • Supports two print modes: Standard and Distance. Standard mode is ideal for printing fine detail. Distance mode is more suitable for printing on objects where the surface is not level (unevenness of the surface must be 2 mm (0.08”) or less).

• Included a safety hood to protect the operator from UV light during operation and a screen to prevent dust falling on the surface of materials whilst printing • Powerful, easy-to-use Roland VersaWorks RIP software offers precision color management long-lasting LED curing lamp • Operates immediately, without pre-heating or cooling down between use • Last about 10,000 hours • Easy setup and maintenance

• Automated white ink circulation system prevents pigment from settling, minimising waste and ensuring continuous uninterrupted printing • Roland OnSupport allows remote online production tracking New Flexible UV Ink stretches up to 220 per cent for outstanding results on PET bottles and other curved packaging materials.

ECO-UV S, the next generation of ECOUV ink, is formulated to deliver exceptional elasticity and flexibility for graphics produced using Roland’s VersaUV line of inkjet printers.

Outstanding results … ECO-UV S ink

Offered in Cyan, Magenta, Black, Yellow and White, ECO-UV S is developed specifically for use with four of Roland’s VersaUV UV-LED inkjet printers, including the 64-inch LEJ-640 printer, 54-inch LEC-540 printer/cutter, and both the 30-inch LEC-330 and LEC-300A printer/cutters.

Roland DG Ph: 1800 500 119 www.rolanddg.com.au

class leading lowest energy consumption, extraordinary dependability and driver productivity, the Hyster Achieve More, Consume Less With electric warehouse range is designed for the most demanding applications, with capacities from 1.5 - 5T. STRONG PARTNERS. TOUGH TRUCKS.

1300 880 335 | aalhysterforklifts.com.au

industryupdate.com.au Page 55

All systems go with new Bravi Spin-Go from Warequip

Radical design … the new Bravi Spin-Go

picking unit has a working height of 4.2m and comes standard with traction assist controls to make moving the Spin-Go easy.

A unique device which is only 1.155mm long, 730mm wide and a low compact height of only 1500mm.

This unique size is ideal for stock picking in retail, offices, schools or any narrow aisle space.

The Spin-Go’s operator capacity is 130kg with a further 90kg on the height adjustable material shelf and a 110kg on the chassis storage area below.

The Spin-Go is a radical design offering a smaller, simpler and economical option for powered order picking in smaller stores.

A low 360mm step in coupled with simple push button up/down controls make the Spin-Go a great powered access device that anyone can productively and safely use.

Contact Warequip for more information or to arrange an onsite demonstration.

Warequip has added the exciting Bravi Spin-Go to its rapidly expanding Powered 2 Go range.

This lightweight, push around stock

Warequip Ph: 1800 337 711 www.warequip.com.au

Help reduce maintenance costs on overhead cranes LOAD LIMITERS

ROPE AND CHAIN CRANES AND HOISTS: • Helps reduce the risk of accidents • Protects against overloading of Crane and supporting structures • Quick and easy installation and available for all capacity cranes • Available preset or easily calibrated on site • Helps reduce maintenance costs • Minimizes down time • Automatic reset by reducing the load CONDUCTOR BAR • Available in steel and copper • Quickly and easily installed • Supports required only every 1.5m • Also available in a compact cluster range

SIDE PULL PREVENTERS/ROPE GUIDE PROTECTOR Prevents side pulling and protects rope guides and drums on most multi-fall Cranes and Hoists.

• Prevent dragging of loads • Easily fitted to any Crane or Hoist • Helps reduce down time.

LIFTCO INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES PTY LTD

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Freecall: 1800 LIFTCO (543826)

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industryupdate.com.au

Top protection from StockCap Contamination of high precision components can cause major downtime in the automotive manufacturing environment.

However, StockCap’s innovations in dipmoulded plastisol products provide a flexible and inexpensive solution to the problem of dirt, dust, moisture and oil contamination into expensive components and subsystems.

With an ever-increasing electronic and electrical component count in the modern vehicle, the need to protect systems and cables from contamination throughout the manufacturing and delivery cycle is paramount.

Electrical connectors and cables need to be properly insulated to provide complete protection from moisture, dirt, grease or damage, and larger precision parts such as engines, manifolds and drive-trains require covers and plugs for their apertures during the delivery, storage and assembly process.

Whether the requirement is for standard vinyl or polyethylene end caps, plugs, stoppers, flange covers or custom designs, StockCap

has the capabilities and the range to satisfy the automotive customer’s requirements.

StockCap can assist you in choosing the right material for your application.

They are leaders in plastic moulding for product protection applications, providing hundreds of millions of products worldwide from their manufacturing plants in Australia, China, Europe and the US. StockCap (Sinclair & Rush Pty Limited) Ph: 1800 00 3211 www.sinclair-rush.com

Flexible solution … StockCap plastisol products

New Australian distributor for Objet 3D printers Objet Asia Pacific Ltd, a subsidiary of Objet Ltd, the innovation leader in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing has appointed a new distributor for the Australia-Pacific region.

Objective 3D Pty Ltd will represent Objet’s full product line for both Australia and New Zealand, offering a full range of both pre-and post-sales service to customers in the region.

Objective 3D has about 20 years’ experience in the rapid prototyping and 3D CAD/CAM industry.

“It is extremely important for Objet to identify a partner that shares the same goals as Objet and has the ability to provide our customers with first-class service and support,” said Ms Winnie Chu, regional sales director at Objet AP.

“With Objective 3D, we have selected a competent and knowledgeable partner as the team possesses strong market knowledge and an extensive network in the region.”

Objet Ltd is a leading provider of high quality, cost effective inkjet-based 3D printing systems and materials. A global company, Objet has offices in North America, Europe, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and India.

Objet’s 3D printing systems and 3D printing materials are ideal for any company involved in the manufacture or design of physical products using 3D software or other 3D content.

Objet Ltd Ph: 02 9291 3387 www.objet.com

Perfect wire for solar modules 0/U 600/1000V AC 1800V DC conductor/ conductor • -AC test voltage 4000 V, 50 Hz• minimum bending radius for fixed • -installation approx. 4x cable Ø • -Bare copper, tinned, finely stranded • -Double-insulated • -Insulation cross-linked special compound • -Outer sheath cross-linked special compound • -Sheath colours: black, red, blue • -Approval: VDE, TÜV (2 PfG 1169/08.2007) • -UV, ozone, weather and hydrolysisresistant • -Halogen-free acc. to DIN VDE 0482 part 267 • -Good resistance to oils and chemicals • -Flame-resistant

Clam - tough PU factory chair

l Lab Stool

Lab Spider

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Treotham Automation Pty Ltd Ph: 9907 1778 www.treotham.com.au

Specialist industrial, factory and lab seating a division of Uplifting Solutions ergonomic business furniture

High quality … Solarflex-X PV1-F cable

through an “anti-wicking” cable entry that provides a water tight connection even if the cable is damaged.

Australian Pump Industries, exclusive distributors of Tsurumi pumps in Australia, believe the new aerator will be of interest to sewage station and effluent system designers throughout the country.

Tsurumi is the world’s biggest manufacturer of electro submersible pumps with a manufacturing capacity in excess of 1 million units per year at their Kyoto factory.

They are leaders in the design of sewage system equipment that includes both big non-clog style pumps and aerator systems.

Australian Pump Industries 02 9894 4144 www.aussiepumps.com.au

M

M E RCI AL

18/3 Apollo St Warriewood NSW 2102 Phone: 1300 79 80 50 Fax: 1300 79 80 52 Email: info@uplifting.com.au

Heavy duty aerator makes light work of big jobs Australian Pump Industries now offer a 40kW Tsurumi submersible aerator with an airflow rate of 528 cubic metres per hour.

Designed for wastewater and sewage applications, the big aerator can operate from depths of 6m with a maximum of up to 8 outlets.

The Tsurumi 150TRN-440-52 is a selfaspirating submersible aerator with an integrated semi open impeller.

The impeller draws air through the intake, mixes it with the liquid being aerated and discharges at a high pressure.

This leads to highly efficient aeration with a number of other significant advantages over conventional aeration means.

The air sucked down into the aerator is subject to an air water collision within the guide vanes of the machine.

Its size and capacity makes it suitable for circular tanks of up to 17m diameter and square tanks of up to 15m diameter. Those figures relate to tanks of up to 6m depths.

For larger tanks two or more aerators can be installed to provide the right results.

The 150TRN-440-52 operates with a 6” air inlet (150mm) providing a main convection diameter of 7.3m.

The motor supplied is a heavy duty 415 volt 3 phase, 40kW submersible design, wound to Star Delta. The motor is four pole, operating at 1500rpm.

The major components activating the liquid are stainless steel including the impeller and the machine is protected by Tsurumi’s normal heavy duty double silicon carbide mechanical seal, located in an oil chamber keeping all surfaces lubricated.

The machine also comes with a patented oil lifter to ensure the mechanical seals are cooled, even if the oil level is low.

Heavy duty cables pass into the motor

Anti-Microbia

ol

Sit Stand Sto

CO

The Solarflex-X PV1-F cable from Treotham Automation has TÜV and VDE certifications and is manufactured to the highest quality standards.

This cable is used globally in stand-alone and networked systems as a module or branch wire.

Both insulation layers are set-off coloured from each other for improved handling: black sheathing on natural colour conductor insulation in the standard version, or optionally, red or blue sheathing to simplify local installation.

The compact AC/DC power supply units supply 100 per cent output at ambient temperatures of up to 60°C. They can be used in a wide temperature range between -25 and 70°C and therefore also in outside areas.

Features and benefits include: • -40°C to +90°C max. temp. at conductor +120°C • -Nominal voltage according to VDE U

Q U AL ITY

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Why compromise

L O R T PE HOT WATER PRESSURE CLEANER • • • • • • •

Powerful heating system Full ceramic piston pump Double lance holder Robust steel chassis Low pump oil cut-out Low motor oil cut-out Huge 57L boiler fuel tank

rol Pet ne eaner u t p Ne Cl rni ure Ge Press

Equipped with the innovative and efficient EcoPower boiler system, already well known from the electrical power range.

The boiler ensures efficiency rates >92% which mean reduced fuel consumption and lower fuel costs. At the same time, the high boiler power ensures quick heating of the water to highest temperatures

for more information phone us on Big results … Aussie Pump’s Craig Bridgement with the latest Tsurumi submersible aerator

1300 556 710 www.gerni.com.au

industryupdate.com.au Page 57

FREECALL 1800 99 22 11

The Right Advice, The Right Solution,The Right Choice THIS MONTH’S PRODUCT FEATURE IS THE VACUUM LIFTER JUMBO FLEX 35 The vacuum lifter that can lift and move a huge range of products weighing up to 35kg and can handle boxes, bags, sacks, rolls of film and many other items as well.

Lifting, lowering and releasing of the load are controlled with a single trigger action on the operator control handle, this handle is also suited for both left and right handed operation

Millsom’s also have a great range of vacuum lifters capable of lifting up to 2000kg and jib cranes, bridge cranes and low friction track systems to suit most applications.

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FOR THE WOOD INDUSTRY

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Protect spare parts with new dust control drawers repeatedly move and settle, ultimately leading to a built-up residue and compromised spare parts.

The unique features of the BAC Dust Control System have been embraced by mines around the world and have led to the use of these drawers and modules in a number of the World’s leading equipment companies.

The latest innovations see an upgrade to an improved dust shield material, along with a redesign to the mechanism of operation between the shield and drawer to reduce friction.

This improvement to resistance from the shield allows the BAC Dust Control Drawer to operate almost as smoothly as the standard BAC Drawer with no compromise to contamination control.

All innovations are designed by the in-house BAC Systems technical team and are patentprotected where applicable.

To view the range of BAC Systems Dust Control Drawers, contact BAC’s sales department.

BAC Systems has been a leading designer of Australian-made modular workplace and storage solutions, and is accredited by Standards Australia.

BAC drawer storage systems, modular workbenches and mobile tool trolleys are used in a broad variety of workplaces from workshops, stores and automotive setups to laboratories, classrooms and art storage facilities.

Innovative … new dust control draws from BAC Systems

One of the most critical aspects in ensuring spare parts remain pristine is the protection of sensitive items from dust and other contaminants.

BAC Systems has long provided the drawer of choice for spare parts storage, housed within Page 58

industryupdate.com.au

varied configurations of BAC Storage Modules.

BAC Systems, a holder of Standards Australia’s Golden Design Award, constantly drives toward product refinement.

The company has now introduced innovative new dust control drawers, which takes them to

a new level.

The need for dust control drawers arises from the small amount of dust residue that can remain in a drawer in even the cleanest of workplaces.

As the drawer is closed, these particles

BAC Systems Ph: 02 9832 2777 www.bacsystems.com.au

Spotlight on Combilift for top UK forklift award

Robustly built … the Combi-RT Poultry forklift

The Combi-RT Poultry forklift has recently been nominated as a finalist in the innovation category at the Forklift Truck Association Awards for Excellence 2012 – the UK’s most prestigious forklift truck awards.

The Combi-RT Poultry forklift, the latest addition to the Irish manufacturer Combilift’s range, which is best known for its space saving 4-way forklifts.

This latest product has been designed specifically for the needs of the poultry sector.

Combilift Australia together with their national distributor Adaptalift Hyster recently released

the CombiRT into the Australian market with very positive response.

Chris Walker, Combilift Australia’s National Sale Manger, says there is nothing more suited to the needs of poultry farmer than the Combi-RT. The design and specific features, offer wide ranging benefits for producers and operators as well as reducing the stress levels and bio security risk for enhanced welfare of broilers.

Combilift Ltd Ireland, MD Martin McVicar says until now the majority of forklifts used for handling live poultry have been modified

versions of mainstream models such as counterbalance or truck-mounted vehicles.

“After taking the exact requirements of catching, handling and transportation into account we have developed a purpose built, no-compromise machine which makes the whole process speedier, quieter and more streamline,” Mr McVicar says.

The Combi-RT comes as standard with a clear view 3-stage mast with full free lift and its low profile allows it to work both outside and under the low level eaves inside the poultry house.

Having picked the empty modules from the trailer the operator can then lower the mast without any loss of speed to take them directly to the waiting catchers, sidelining any danger of the module collecting litter on its base as it travels through the poultry house. A further benefit of the full free mast is that it minimises any chance of impact damage to door structure, drinker and feeder equipment. This affords a win for both the bio security and H&S concerns.

The large diameter tractor grip tyres, all wheel traction with differential lock feature and 300mm (12”) ground clearance enable the machine to operate smoothly in all manner of litter conditions.

These features, together with a small turning radius contribute to reduced disturbance of litter which is also advantageous when thinning.

The very smooth controls of both drive and mast functions results in gentler and quieter handling of the full modules, again contributing to lower stress levels of the poultry in the modules and the remaining population.

Keyo Agricultural Services, one of the largest providers to the UK’s poultry processing sector worked closely with Combilift to develop the vehicle.

Keyo director Mark van den Bos was particularly impressed with the high level of operator comfort, particularly in harsh environments.

A further plus for operations such as Keyo is the reliability and ease of maintenance.

“This is a tough application where feathers and dust can easily get into a vehicle’s cooling and fuel system, Mr van den Bos says.

“The Combi-RT has been extremely robustly built and engineered to minimise these risks – the radiator and oil coolers are fully sealed for example, and the rear wheel arch is enclosed which prevents litter building up in the chassis.

“This makes the RT a breeze to clean off and disinfect to a very high standard prior to transportation. The hydrostatic drive means that there are no mechanical brakes to adjust or repair, and access to components for servicing is very straightforward, keeping maintenance costs down, which is a further boost for our company and the customer’s line schedule.”

Adaptalift Hyster Ph: 1300 880 335 www.aalhysterforklifts.com.au www.combilift.com.au

DOORS THAT WILL AMAZE YOU . . . .

For over 40 years, DMF International Pty Ltd has been providing solutions to busy doorways, for protection of the operating environment.

The product range has grown from the humble PVC strip curtain, to the sophisticated high speed roll doors, that not only provide climate control, but also after hours security.

DMF manufacture most of their own products in Australia, and are proud to also be the exclusive and licensed agent for the Efaflex range of doors from Germany.

DMF can supply and install doors that can achieve an incredible 4m/sec operating speed, with highly sensitive safety sensors to ensure your personnel, and equipment, are protected.

With partners throughout Australia, installation and servicing is available in most areas.

Whatever your budget, DMF has a solution, and so call us today.

DMF INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD 3/88 Magowar Rd, Girraween, Sydney, NSW, 2145 Ph 02 96365466 Fax 02 96881531 Web www.dmf.com.au

BULK FLEXIBLE STRIP AND SHEET PVC VISIFLEX STRIP DOORS SWINGFLEX DOORS TRAFFIC DOORS AUTO BiFLEX DOORS RAPID AUTO ROLL DOORS HIGH SPEED EFAFLEX DOORS LARGE FOLD UP DOORS DOCK LEVELLERS SPECIALISED CUSTOM DOORS SERVICE

Ph 02 96365466 Victoria enquiries Premier Plastics Pty Ltd ph 03 9357 8477 fax 03 9357 8938 www.premierplastics.com.au

www.dmf.com.au Australian agents for

Sales and service throughout Australia, NZ and SE Asia industryupdate.com.au Page 59

Global Track gives Ford a huge boost

- Fill or - Empty -

Bulk Bags Dust Free BulkafilTM, for filling Bulk Bags

Bulkaflo,

for emptying bulk bags

Powder handling requires good experience and the right selection of equipment - trust the Professionals.

HOPPER WALL VIBRATION

MATERIAL AERATION

BLOWER OR COMPRESSED AIR

Flow and Transfer aids

Light and smooth to operate … Global Track bridge cranes at the Ford R&D Centre, Geelong

Hopper cutaway of fluidizer

SOLIMAR aerators are the ‘quick fix’ solution for powder flow problems.

The Microveyor

TM

shown mounted under a bulkbag discharge station.

- a small economical pneumatic conveyor for powders and granules. Versions to suit all needs, from 100 kg/hr to 10 te/hr.

Rates to 300 te/hr; vacuum systems too.

Application: Lifting boards VACUUM-ASSISTED LIFTING Many years experience in making special models to lift a very wide variety of items, eg. multiple drums, kegs, paint tins, boards, plates etc. to 300 kg.

Book a free real-life demonstration of Vaculift or VacuCobra on our trailer, per contacts..

TAWI Vaculift

Application: Pumps

A special foot clamps onto a pump, to manipulate and insert into a cardboard box. e latest bra - Th VacuCo single-hand , high-speed it for loads un n o operati . g k 0 5 to st r - very fa Very cleve

For Vacuum-assisted Lifting: VIC, Bryce on 0417 350 526 NSW, Vince on 0417 132 313 QLD, Hugh on 0435 433 974

Victorian ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE Awards 2009

Total Turn-key Systems, or Component Items.

The Professionals in Powder Handling and Packaging Systems H/O VIC -Tel:(03) 9457 8270 e: sales@kockumsbulk.com.au IndUp1011-6

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When the Ford Motor Company’s Research and Development Centre in Victoria was seeking a cost-effective, reliable lifting solution, it had no hesitation in choosing Global Track.

For the past five years, Global Track, manufacturers of the award wining Global Track overhead bridge crane system, has supplied custom design and built bridge cranes and electrical chain hoists to the Ford R&D Centre.

“We chose Global Track mainly because of their low friction runways and anticrabbing design in their bridge cranes, says Ford Facilities Engineer Tony Golaboski.

“Also, their close proximity to our plant makes it quick and easy to deal with,” he says.

Mr Golaboski says Global Track’s bridge cranes and hoists have greatly assisted in the Centre’s daily operations.

“The main gain has been no OHS issues regarding push-pull forces required to operate their bridge cranes, he says.

“They are light and smooth to operate … more so than the competition. “They have certainly reached our expectations.”

Mr Golaboski was also impressed with Global Track’s after sales service.

“They provide a good, friendly service, he says. “I would definitely recommend them.”

Based in Geelong, Global Track is a lifting company with a proud history.

Global Track has the distinction of designing and developing the world’s first pivotal crane up to 15m in length – the longest bridge available.

Global Track has improved the function of existing overhead manual cranes to a higher

standard by developing the revolutionary new system.

The system uses straight-forward engineering principles – the ergonomic design features a pivotal bearing and levered swinging U-hanger producing a crane with fluid motion.

The unique pivotal system has the load applied between the pivot points allowing a lever reaction, which reduces the operator effort.

Unlike static track cranes, which require significant operator effort and are prone to jamming, Global Track works with ease.

It will not jam, will increase efficiency, improve production and will help to reduce workplace injuries.

Because the system requires far less effort, the size of bridge can be greatly increased.

Global Track manufactures manual functional cranes from 150kg up to 2 tonne – with 15m bridges.

Global Track Ph: 03 5275 3252 www.globaltrack.com.au

Floorsafe makes a splash In the early ’80s Floorsafe International developed and manufactured a unique antislip product, Bath & Shower Safe.

Its ability to perform anti-slip effectiveness was tested and proven in 1983 by the Adelaide Hilton hotel.

Now, 28 years later the hotel wants to maintain its safety record and the treatment is now being reapplied to 397 enamel and porcelain bathtubs.

Extreme testing was undertaken in 1982 because at that time showers had to be taken by standing inside the enamel/porcelain bathtub.

The main concern was that the surface would remain slippery when soap flowed under a person’s feet.

But after rigorous testing it was found that the Floorsafe Bath & Shower Safe gave complete anti-slip effectiveness even under soapy and wet conditions.

Floorsafe Bath & Shower Safe has stood the test of time.

This quality Australian-made product is an ideal solution for hotels, motels, hospitality and healthcare sectors.

With this treatment, no special pre-cleaning is required.

And because the treatment takes less than five minutes to complete, there is no need to close off the room.

The surface appearance remains unchanged to the naked eye. On-going cleaning is carried out normally.

Floorsafe International manufacturers its DIY anti-slip treatments at its Adelaide head-office.

The company distributes a broad range of quality safety products including stair treads, anti-slip self-adhesive tapes and mats, reflective tapes, floor marking tapes, tactile indicators and cable covers throughout Australasia.

Floorsafe International Ph: 1300 71 77 69 www.floorsafe.com.au

Tested and proven … Floorsafe Bath & Shower Safe

Why make your own cables?

Are you making your own cable assemblies, wiring harnesses and looms? If so, have you considered the costs?

Making cable assemblies can be highly labour intensive if you don’t have access to the right tools, processes and facilities.

Many companies use hand-held tools to process cable ends and crimp on the electrical contacts.

Workers who are usually employed for another role generally carry out the work, which adds to the cost.

Why not outsource this time-consuming task to someone with the right tools and know how?

It could save you time and money and, most importantly, free up labour for those higher return jobs.

Founded in 1979, Wiring Solutions Plus has positioned itself as one of Australia’s

leading wiring harness manufacturers.

The company has clients in the electronics, agricultural, communications, marine and automotive sectors.

For a no obligation quote contact: Wiring Solutions Plus Ph: 08 8234 2670 www.wiringsolutions.com.au

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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Switched on … cable assemblies from Wiring Solutions Plus

Safe way to store gas cylinders The Storemasta range of gas cylinder storage cages and cabinets is versatile and complete.

The range offers a solution for every situation from small 9kg LPG cylinders cabinets through to large multi-cylinder stores.

Security and OH&S has been the main focus in the design and construction of these stores – fully compliant with multi cylinder restraints and dividers, easy access ramps and lockable doors are all standard features.

Separation of full and empty cylinders is also easily catered for in the double side access units, providing the convenience of consolidated storage in one unit.

Finished in a two-pack polyurethane finish, the Storemasta gas stores are suited to a

wide range of industry applications including construction, manufacturing, mining, stores and warehousing.

Priority Supplies Ph: 1800 245 578 www.storemasta.com.au

Versatile … Storemasta gas cylinder storage

industryupdate.com.au Page 61

Exclusive

The secret to Lencrow’s success Ross Grassick (pictured below) is the managing director, co-founder and driving force behind the Lencrow Group, an Australian leader in materials handling. Since its humble beginnings as Allforks Hire nearly 36 years ago in western Sydney, Lencrow now supplies a full range of forklifts, pallet trucks and stockpickers from 1 tonne to 50 tonne in petrol, diesel, LPG and electric versions. In this exclusive interview with Industry Update, Mr Grassick reveals the secrets to his company’s success and discusses the future of materials handling industry in Australia ...

forklifts are starting to take on automotive technology with some brands going to full electronic engine management making them both more fuel efficient as well as producing less pollution. As for the Electric forklift people are still filled with the perception that they are slow and unresponsive with low duty cycles.

This cannot be further from the truth with the adoption of AC technology. This has offered the electric lift truck operator a unity that is more responsive with full shift duty cycle. Battery technology has improved as well with more efficient charging. So to answer the question: yes, I see the trend towards electric as the way we are moving.

How did you first get involved in the material handling industry?

What are the main advantages of electric powered forklifts?

In 1976 my father and I started a hire company called Allforks Hire. My father had a long history in sale of second hand machinery and I was working with him as an apprentice mechanic.

He recognized that there was a shortage of forklifts available for hire. So we purchased at auction 14 secondhand Hyster forklifts. Those machines were our start in the forklift business.

Electric forklifts have a number of advantages for many sites. First is no pollution in the work site and this is in three forms: (1) exhaust no smell or toxic fumes (2) Noise, electric units produce less noise in workplace (3) Heat, electric units transfer less heat to workplace. People look to the short-term cost of ownership with IC units being cheaper to purchase but if they were to take an all of life approach the cost of IC is the same or more in most cases. Electric units require less maintenance saving one. The initial cost of unit includes most of your fuel costs as charging only cost a few dollars per charge. Imagine if you could purchase your fuel in one bulk amount for five years of a unit’s life that is the way you should look at a battery.

When did you launch Lencrow and what was the motivation?

Allforks grew and by the early 80s it was almost impossible to purchase used forklifts so we invested in new units and by 1988 we had around 250 units in casual and long-term hire. At that time Cargo handling one of the Nissan dealers in NSW was selling its hire fleet, which was about the same size as ours. It was then we restructured the business to be a company and through the 90s started a branch in Brisbane High-lift Materials Handling and one in Melbourne Pro-Fork and we purchased half share and then all of Nomad Materials Handling. By 2000 we had 1200 units and retail sales and service in three states. Lencrow was our holding company and we decided to unit the group under the Lencrow Materials Handling banner. This way we could offer one name one service on the east coast of Australia.

Lencrow is now regarded as a leader in the material handling field. What have been the main reasons for the company’s success?

Innovation we pioneered the rough terrain forklift in the early 80s bring forklifts to the building industry. We in the 80s started our

fork and driver service, which offer short or long term hire solutions for wet hiring. Our staff is one of our biggest assets with all our front line people offering a decade or more of experience in this industry. Solutions are made the combination of experience and innovation.

How do you differ from your competitors?

Lencrow is a solutions company we offer our customers not just material handling equipment rather we look at their requirements and offer better systems or equipment types to make their job safer and more efficient.

How would you describe your product range?

We have one of the most comprehensive ranges of equipment by one company in Australia offering both latest in innovation with value for money. We offer in industrial solutions

Nissan and EP for the all terrain market Ausa and Liftking for container handling and heavy lift trucks the Terex brand and Carer for specialized electric applications and Sure Sweep sweepers and scrubbers.

What are the biggest mistakes companies make when choosing materials handling equipment?

Companies need to take a long-term view in choosing materials handling solutions. They need to look to needs 2-4 years down the track with issues such as: Will this warehouse be to small? Or Will our product be supplied more efficiently in large containers? to name just two. People look to the quick fix the value option not to say these do not work but for how long and value is achieved over time.

Product damage is a by-product of poorly chosen solutions and this alone could offset any gain in the value options. They also need to check that the suppliers offer real time support for service and spare parts.

How much focus do you place on OHS when supplying your products?

No solution is complete without being safe. So we make sure that the solution offered is not just safe it is right for the customer as most unsafe solutions come from making do with equipment not suitable for the job or that has been poorly serviced and maintained.

As companies become more environmentally aware many are now choosing electric forklifts and forklift trucks over fuel-powered. Do you see this trend continuing?

The facts are that even internal combustion

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What has been your greatest business achievement?

We have been able to keep a private company running and offer the same quality service for over 35 years.

What has been your greatest career challenge?

The challenge for all companies today is to get the right staff to offer your customers the same values and level of service you would offer yourself.

How do you see the future of the materials handling industry in Australia?

Today we can see a forklift working in nearly every workplace in Australia. For efficiency of transport and storage units of supply are larger and require mechanical aids to move them and with the cost of labor these need to be available at most sites. I see the industry in Australia growing in both sales and more so hire. Hire will offer the more flexible approach I feel that companies will require through the next decade Now more than ever we have a just in time approach to supply and this causes spikes in requirement and this is filled more efficiently by hire. We are also noticing that supply of equipment is more from China and in turn China has lifted its quality making them into the major supplier to Australia for most of the high turn over equipment.

Specialized equipment will still be supplied by manufactures with long track records of supply.

Lencrow Group Ph: 1300 536 276 www.lencrow.com.au

Industrial Quality

King pallet dispensers Engineered Simplicity • No more pallet lifting • Floor level delivery • Keeps work places tidy • No more work cover claims • Safe and easy to use • 15-20-25 Pallet magazines • Air or hydraulic choices • Simple up/down control • Own compressor option • Shipped ready to use (picture shows optional compressor with sound deadening booth, next to the Dispenser)

King pallet inverters “There are none better” • Save time & money when re-stacking loads • Pays for itself swapping hire pallets to in house pallets • Invert loads to check base for nails, nasties leaks and tears • King electro-mechanical operation means no oil leaks or burst hoses • Industrial quality push button controls (not electronic) • All safety / lockout options available

King Materials Handling 8 / 15 Stud Rd. Bayswater 3153 Victoria Australia Tel: 03 9720 7181 Fax: 03 9720 7547

Making life easier & safer at www.kinggroup.com.au

industryupdate.com.au Page 63

Lifting Equipment Engineers Association Official LEEA sponsored publication

Reaping the benefits of the right lifting equipment

Overhead lifting plays a key role in a wide range of industries, and is often vital to the maintenance of efficient material handling and logistics.

Selecting the right equipment is clearly critical in terms of the speed and safety with which items can be handled.

However, many employers fail to invest sufficient time in this process, and consequently make do with equipment that is at best inefficient, at worst a genuine risk to the safety of staff, load, plant and buildings.

But by applying some basic guidelines, companies stand to make considerable productivity gains, whilst reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring that legal obligations are observed.

Identifying the most appropriate equipment for any overhead lift invariably starts with the creation of a comprehensive and detailed specification for the supplier, whether for a

routine repetitive operation on a production line or a complex ‘one off’ installation of a plant.

In very broad terms, the buyer’s specification should explain clearly the requirements of the lifting operation, the characteristics of the load and the proposed manner in which the equipment is to be used.

The buyer should also warn the supplier of any adverse environmental conditions that might affect the integrity of the equipment, such as extremes of temperature, humidity, dirty conditions or the danger of chemical attack and/or a corrosive atmosphere.

To establish a duty rating, the frequency of use and average loadings should also be determined.

Of course the buyer not only has to identify the right type of equipment, but also the appropriate level of quality.

Overhead lifting equipment, and in particular items such as slings and lifting attachments, often leads an arduous life, subject to damage and deterioration. Furthermore, although relatively simple, such items play a critical role, as they are responsible for securing the load throughout the lift. Indeed last minute attempts to cannibalise general purpose slings to suit an awkward load are an all-too-common factor in serious lifting accidents.

In addressing the quality issue, an understanding of the scope and status of relevant standards will put buyers in a strong position.

Harmonised European Standards (CEN) are particularly useful in this respect. They have a quasi-legal status, in that a product made to a relevant CEN is deemed to meet the essential

health and safety requirements demanded by the Machinery Directive.

They therefore represent a near watertight means of ensuring an appropriate level of quality.

Buyers, however, must still be on their guard for ‘weasel’ words in the documentation that might indicate less than complete compliance with the relevant CEN. It is also worth drawing particular attention to EN13155: 2003 Cranes – Safety - Non-fixed load lifting attachments.

With the exception of general purpose slings, this encompasses just about anything that can be hung from a crane hook.

In situations where a suitable CEN does not exist, buyers are best advised to insist on compliance with a relevant national standard.

Given that an ever-increasing range of overhead lifting equipment is available both for outright purchase or hire, a reputable and knowledgeable supplier will prove a valuable partner for the buyer.

Whilst any number of factors may influence the customer’s choice, it is worth drawing attention to the fact that, to earn full membership of the LEEA, a company must pass a rigorous technical audit, and will be subject to further periodic audits as long as it remains a member of the Association.

In the current economic climate, capital budgets inevitably come under pressure.

However, much of the equipment involved in overhead lifting is relatively low cost, so significant productivity gains can often be achieved for a modest outlay.

Employers also need to keep in mind their

Geoff Holden

considerable legal obligations, and the potential human and economic consequences of lifting accidents.

Even relatively minor incidents can prove extremely expensive and disruptive, and the costs involved in health and safety prosecutions continue to escalate.

Once all these factors are taken into account, the financial case for rigorous specification of overhead lifting equipment becomes extremely convincing.

Indeed, given the tough market conditions, the need to explore every opportunity to improve the efficiency of material handling has never been greater. * Geoff Holden is Chief Executive, Lifting Equipment Engineers Association

www.leeaintl.com www.leea.com.au

Chairman’s Message Asia Pacific Region gets a strong voice LEEA’s global expansion continues to gather pace, now with over 520 members worldwide we are a truly international organisation.

In order to ensure the global membership is represented in the governing board it was decided late last year that a new directorship position would be created to represent Asia Pacific Region.

At our last AGM it was declared that Ashley Thacker of Ranger Industrial Supplies would serve as Director for the Asia Pacific Region truly putting LEEA Australia on the map.

On behalf of the committee I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ashley on his appointment. This is an important step in the development of LEEA globally and one which clearly demonstrates LEEA’s commitment to overseas members. Ashley’s

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youth and enthusiasm will ensure our region is heard at LEEA board meetings.

This year LEEA Australia will be supporting the global cargo handling group ICHCA at their biennial International Conference and Exhibition to be held in Australia on 8th-10th May at the Langham Hotel, Melbourne, VIC. This conference covers a wide range of topics including Safety, Security and Environmental issues for the global cargo handling industry, and includes a half-day industry tour.

As well as participating in the ICHCA exhibition we shall be holding our national committee and all members meetings so this is an ideal time to come and meet with LEEA Australia members and discuss the benefits of LEEA membership. For more details contact

Richard Lawson rlawson@pacifichoists.com.au Our committee activities continue to focus on reviewing LEEA training courses ensuring that the requirements of Australian Standards and working practices are covered.

We have already completed the foundation course with the Lifting Equipment General Course to be completed by May. This significant body of work will provide high quality relevant training courses facilitating development towards the Diploma and Team Card qualification. Work is also progressing on the correspondence courses.

The training of staff is a critical step towards becoming fully accredited companies.

In addition to the ICHCA Conference our marketing activities continue with the launch of our new international website and our new

Richard Crake brochure in March. We shall be completing the Australian website section this May. A key part of our communication program will involve working closely with Industry Update to inform the industry about LEEA, our activities and the benefits of using LEEA accredited companies.

This begins with our advertisement and news reports in the current edition of Industry Update.

For further details of our local activities contact: Richard Lawson rlawson@pacifichoists.com.au

UK Chairman’s future vision Phil White was appointed international Chairman of the LEEA in November last year. He is currently based in the UK. Mr White’s main role is to support the executive in their delivery of services to members.

In this exclusive interview with Industry Update Mr White discusses lifting standards in Australia is his future vision for the LEEA.

Describe your current role with LEEA …

Our members are my priority. It is essential we provide a back up and an avenue for discussion and advice. We must address the needs and requirements of our membership and ensure we are supporting the lifting industry in general. I meet regularly with the Chief Executive and his team to discuss ongoing developments and issues affecting the association and that relationship is I feel vital for me as a figurehead to be part of the mechanics behind the successful running of what is a thriving and continually expanding international trade association.

Have you visited Australia and inspected any companies involved in the lifting industry?

I have now visited Australia several times and in fact my company Servtech have opened an office in Perth Servtech Western Australia Pty Ltd. I have visited with a few of the Australian membership during my trips but never in an official capacity. Even if I were to do so it would not be as part of an audit or inspection

since these are tasks managed and executed

by The Executive. I was purely catching up with and learning more about the members and the lifting industry in Western Australia and understanding better what their expectations are from LEEA. How do our lifting standards compare with other advanced nations?

This is a fairly difficult question to answer in a few words. Australian lifting standards are similar in many ways; however there are some subtle differences and some different approaches in particular to the testing of lifting equipment but in general I think it fair to say Australian standards are comprehensive and have contributed in many ways to ensuring the rigging and lifting industries around Australia operate safely.

How can Australian companies benefit by joining LEEA? LEEA can offer internationally recognised training and qualifications for personnel inspecting and certifying lifting equipment, which is not currently available within the Australian lifting equipment industry. Also being members of an International Trade Association brings with it many benefits such as contact with members in other countries along with the support that is available within the LEEA executive.

Why should Australian companies take part in LEEA practical and distance learning training courses?

Lifting industry gets two new leaders Phil White, joint managing director of Servtech, has been elected chair of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).

He replaces Chris Towne, who has completed his two-year tenure in the post.

The LEEA has also chosen a new president, Jim Coupe who replaces John Kilby, who has stood down after fulfilling the role with distinction for many years.

As new chairman Mr White said he was keen to transform LEEA into a global entity.

He would strive to develop and extend its portfolio of practical training courses.

“With Geoff Holden, as Chief Executive we have already made good progress towards these objectives and it is important that the board continues to support him,” said Mr White. “We also need to do more to educate end users about the importance of using genuinely competent staff for the test, examination and maintenance of lifting equipment, and promote the fact that LEEA membership and qualifications are the best possible evidence of the necessary standards of expertise and professionalism.”

Mr White was a co-founder of Servtech in the mid-1980s.

Given that there are no existing training courses within Australia for specific training in inspection and certification of rigging and lifting equipment, Australian companies engaged in these operations should be looking for ways to demonstrate the competency of their personnel in carrying out these tasks and what better way than training their personnel to be qualified to a standard which is recognised throughout the world What are the major challenges facing the global lifting industry in the future?

The lifting industry has always been to the forefront of any construction project. We as an association have seen an increase in members from all over the world seeking to be part of an internationally recognised association to gain support, seek advice and to have access to the highest levels of training and qualifications available within our industry today.

The safe use of lifting equipment is the primary goal of our industry. We can see that safety awareness has become a vital element of that goal and we as an industry must continue to work together, further develop, continue to engage and promote that safe work philosophy through all of our membership and our associated end users.

Phil White

This becomes a more difficult challenge as we expand around the world. We have cultural as well as regulatory differences to contend with but we must be ready and prepared for those challenges, as we continue to expand our membership. Finally we must, wherever and whenever we can, promote our membership and everything that LEEA stands for to the end user. Their understanding of what LEEA stands for is vital for them in their various industries, the membership and the lifting industry in general.

What are your future goals for LEEA? I see the continued expansion of our membership on a global basis being one of my main visions for the association. We must also as an association be able to continue to support our membership with assistance, advice, training and qualifications.

Lifting Standards Worldwide

Technical support, training, qualifications, accreditation and advice for companies involved in the manufacture, design, hire, repair, refurbishment, maintenance, testing, inspection or use of overhead lifting equipment

LEEA

Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA)

Initially focused on NDT, the company now provides clients in the oil and gas industries with a wide range of inspection and safety services.

He has already served on the LEEA’s technical committee and board, and was vice-chair to Mr Towne.

Mr Coupe, who retired recently spent several decades working in the lifting industry. His career encompassed a number of senior management and director-level positions, covering sales and marketing, product management and general commercial and technical roles, for companies such as Crosby Europe, Arbil, Felco and Parsons Chain.

He has been actively involved in the LEEA since the 1970s and served as its chair from 1999 to 2001.

Mr Coupe was also chair of three International Standards committees for chain and chain components.

Established in 1944, the LEEA has over 520 member companies worldwide and campaigns vigorously for higher standards of safety within the lifting industry.

The world’s leading authority on safe and legal overhead lifting • Serving the lifting industry for nearly 70 years • More than 800 locations worldwide • Setting an international benchmark in accredited industry training courses • Developing national and international safety standards • Promoting and supporting the commercial activities of its members • Providing expert technical advice and training programs for members To find out how you can benefit by joining the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) contact: Richard Lawson

LEEA Australia 02 8825 6900 www.leea.com.au www.leeaint.com

industryupdate.com.au Page 65

Lifting Equipment Engineers Association

Is your lifting equipment under control?

By Geoff Holden

One of the key requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) is that all lifting equipment must be subject to periodic thorough examination by a competent person.

On paper this seems very straightforward. In practice, a significant number of employers still struggle to meet their obligations.

There are a number of reasons for this, but for many companies simply keeping track of their lifting equipment is a real challenge.

Critically, LOLER defines lifting equipment as “work equipment for lifting and lowering loads and includes its attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it.”

This means not just high profile equipment such as overhead travelling cranes and electric hoists, but a wide range of small, simple items including slings and shackles. Meeting legal requirements and ensuring the integrity of overhead lifting equipment therefore demands a rigorous system for keeping it under control at all times.

The obvious starting point for effective management of overhead lifting gear is

to make sure that every item has a unique identification number.

This will need to be combined with other essential marking, including the safe working load, manufacturer’s ID and the traceability ID. The traditional method of doing this is hard stamping. However, hard stamping can cause problems on smaller items such as shackles. It will cause indents and displaces materials.

If the stamping is too sharp or too deep it can lead to cracking. The problems sometimes associated with hard stamping can multiply if the person conducting the thorough examination uses the same technique to mark equipment with the date when the next thorough examination is due.

One alternative is to use a system of colour coded tags. This obviously overcomes the problem of hard stamping numerous dates on a small item, but unfortunately there is no accepted industry standard for the tags. This might cause difficulties if a company decides to change its supplier of thorough examination services.

Perhaps inevitably, more sophisticated solutions are emerging to help employers keep

track of their lifting gear.

The use of RFID tagging is growing rapidly throughout commercial and industrial markets and it is clearly well suited to applications such as the management of capital equipment.

As far as overhead lifting gear is concerned, options available include new products supplied with RFID tags already embedded, or retro-fitting the tags to an existing portfolio of equipment.

In both cases, RFID enables a large amount of detailed information to be linked directly to the relevant item, without any danger of compromising the equipment’s integrity.

Further, the data can be updated as and when required, using handheld scanners to read the tags. As such, the system offers the potential to create a full cradle-to-grave history for each item of lifting equipment, without any need for handwritten reports or paper-based filing systems. In combination with the relevant software, it can bring together all the relevant electronic documentation in one place, making it far easier for the employer to manage and access.

Under LOLER, different types of equipment have different requirements in terms of the frequency with which thorough examinations must be undertaken.

RFID tags can therefore also be used to indicate to engineers when the next thorough examination is due, and provide them with a detailed checklist of the tasks that must be undertaken.

Whatever system of identification is used, it only represents part of the solution. In many workplaces, it is all too easy for lifting equipment to be dispersed far and wide in toolkits, service vans and the like. In all but the smallest operations, the ideal solution is therefore to create a dedicated, central storage area.

This should be managed by a nominated person (or persons). He or she should operate a control and issue system, which ensures that only equipment which has been inspected and found to be serviceable is released. If permanent staffing is not viable, the store should be locked and control handed to someone who will be available, as and when necessary. Whatever set-up is utilised, equipment should only be issued to employees who are authorised to use

Moving oil rigs made easy with Vertech Every year as the search for oil expands, exploration drilling companies move their Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU’s) to new locations all over the world.

Although a rig may stay in one country for several years, occasionally it will be moved further afield, or as in the case of the Ocean America to the other side of the world.

The Ocean America is a semi-submersible drilling rig, which has been based in the Gulf of Mexico for many years but was moved to Australian waters to complete a multiple year drilling campaign.

As well as the obvious logistical challenges of moving such a large facility there are many

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industryupdate.com.au

compliance issues that must be overcome, as the rig starts working in a new country. A major compliance issue was management of lifting equipment.

With over 3000 lifting equipment items to be inspected and tracked to Australian and Client Standards, which are different to the US, the facility had a big challenge.

By using a propriety lifting equipment management database and using rope access technicians to provide access throughout the facility Vertech was able to load test, NDT and visually inspect the entire inventory of lifting equipment throughout the facility.

This included approximately 1000 pad-eyes

and lifting beams as well as drilling equipment and loose lifting equipment located in all manner of locations throughout the facility including the drilling derrick, column legs, pontoons and pedestal cranes.

Through unique ID numbers the certification and inspection history of every item is now available instantly through the database thus optimising compliance audits and re-inspections.

Vertech Ph: +61 (0) 8 9243 1203 E: info@vertech.com.au

it. A clear indication of the length of time that the issue applies for should also be given, and a record kept so that action can be taken to recover overdue equipment.

Such an approach obviously makes it much easier to guarantee that a truly comprehensive programme of thorough examinations is undertaken, as and when required by LOLER. Also, it also allows in-service inspections to be conducted before any equipment is released from store. This is important because thorough examinations should never be relied on as the only means of ensuring the integrity of equipment. Items such as lifting attachments can deteriorate quickly. Relevant staff should therefore be trained to conduct regular inspections of lifting equipment between thorough examinations. Compared to a formal thorough examination, these need not be time consuming processes - generally requiring only a visual check, perhaps supplemented by simple operational tests. However, potentially dangerous equipment must be quarantined, prior to repair or disposal.

It is also important to bear in mind that equipment can sometimes deteriorate, as rapidly in storage as it can in use. Clearly the storage conditions should be designed to minimise such problems – clean, dry and free from contaminates that might damage the equipment.

However, some components (such as the brake of a hand chain block) will be affected simply by the length of time spent in storage.

The system must therefore be designed to highlight any equipment that will need to be checked again, before it is issued.

Much lifting equipment is relatively low cost and straightforward. However, it is always worth remembering that simple ‘below the hook’ items such as slings perform the critical role of securing the load throughout the lifting operation. Potential faults must be identified at the earliest opportunity and the necessary remedial action taken. Unfortunately, slings, shackles and the like are also the most difficult items to keep track of. To remain on the right side of the law, and keep the risk of lifting related accidents to an absolute minimum, it is therefore vital that employers put in place an effective method of identification, storage and control.

For more efficient overhead lifting, look below the hook

By Geoff Holden When it comes to overhead lifting, it is perhaps inevitable that attention tends to focus on the most complex and expensive equipment.

However, in terms of ensuring both the safety and efficiency of lifting operations, it is important not to overlook more mundane items.

A classic example is provided by “below the hook” equipment.

Encompassing a diverse range of slings and load lifting attachments, these products are commonplace and typically inexpensive. But this should not obscure the fact that they play a critical role.

Failure to pay sufficient attention to their specification and maintenance is a common weakness in many companies and organisations where overhead lifting takes place. Fortunately, with the investment of just a little more time and money, major improvements in both the speed and safety of material handling can often be achieved.

Below the hook equipment is particularly significant because it is responsible for securing the load during the lifting operation. And whilst, short of an overload or deliberate abuse, there is a relatively low risk of damage to equipment such as overhead travelling cranes, a sling is vulnerable each and every time it is used. Because the sling may connect to the load by wrapping around or passing through it, and may be used at an angle or in choke, there are opportunities for an error that might cause the sling to fail or leave it less safe or even dangerous the next time it is used.

Further, by their very nature, slings and other load lifting attachments often lead an arduous life, transported around sites or from one location to another, or left open to the elements

for extended periods.

Failures in planning often manifest themselves in the misuse of lifting attachments and slings.

Faced with an awkward load, there is a tendency in some quarters to try and make do with general purpose slings, rather than obtain more specialised solutions.

The irony is that equipment tailored to the characteristics of the load and lifting operation not only makes the job safer, but also much more efficient. This is particularly true when a series of identical items are to be lifted.

Often the purchase price of an alternative attachment is relatively low, and hire can sometimes prove an even more economic option.

The problems inherent in using inappropriate below the hook equipment can generally be avoided with a little advance preparation.

This should include taking the time to create a specification for the lifting equipment –

including the characteristics of the load and the proposed manner in which the equipment will be used. The buyer should also consider how the equipment will be released once the component is in place, and warn prospective suppliers of any adverse environmental factors.

Given the tough life experienced by many slings and lifting attachments, it pays to invest in quality products.

In this respect, an appreciation of Harmonised European Standards (CEN) is helpful. A product made to the relevant CEN is deemed to meet the essential health and safety requirements demanded by the Machinery Directive.

As far as below the hook items are concerned, EN13155: 2003 Cranes – Safety – Non-fixed load lifting attachments, is particularly significant.

With the exception of general purpose slings, this encompasses just about anything that can be hung from a crane hook. In the absence

of a relevant CEN, buyers should specify the relevant national standard.

Clearly such precautions can go some way to ensuring that below the hook equipment is sufficiently robust.

However, once the equipment is purchased, it should be subject to a proper programme of thorough examination, as outlined in the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and accompanying codes of practice.

Equally, such thorough examinations should be supplemented by regular in-service inspection.

Given their vulnerability, and critical role, slings and load lifting attachments should be subject to such an inspection every time they are used, and withdrawn from service for repair or disposal if there are any concerns over their safety.

In a tough commercial climate, the temptation to cut back in all areas of capital expenditure is obvious. However, when it comes to below the hook equipment, even modest investment can often reap dramatic rewards. Across a wide range of industries and applications, time and money is being wasted by companies using the wrong equipment.

Furthermore, last minute cannibalisation of general purpose slings is an all too common factor in lifting-related accidents.

Health and safety responsibilities notwithstanding, there is also a compelling business case for paying more attention to this typically neglected area of overhead lifting operations. The current economic downturn only serves to make it stronger. * Geoff Holden is Chief Executive, Lifting Equipment Engineers Association

New appointment gives LEEA a boost Ashley Thacker, the General Manager for Ranger Industrial Supplies, was recently appointed as a Director for LEEA Australasia. He has been involved in the lifting industry since leaving school more than 10 years ago.

He has worked in every unit within Ranger Industrial from the factory floor to sales, training and administration.

As General Manager Ashley is responsible for sales and the general day-to-day running of the business.

Ranger was the first independent lifting house in Australia to be granted full membership status to LEEA in November 2010.

Ranger sponsored Ashley to attend LEEA training courses at Huntingdon, UK, in 2010 and 2011.

Ashley gives Industry Update readers a special insight into his training experience …

to “dot its I’s” and cross its t’s” and assess that individuals doing the job understand what they are doing and have the correct skills/ knowledge required to complete the job.

Ranger was the first independent lifting house in Australia to obtain full LEEA membership status – you must be proud of this achievement?

What did the course involve?

Yes – not bad for a small lifting house if I say so myself! Ranger may be small but we take our commitment to our customers and the lifting industry seriously. Ranger has always prided itself on ‘Service through Knowledge’ which is our company statement. LEEA’s principles and methodology sit well with what Ranger stands for. A great partnership.

staff through LEEA basic training too, to ensure they understand what LEEA is and what LEEA stands for.

How does Ranger differ from its competitors?

Would you encourage other Australian lifting firms to join LEEA?

How did the LEEA training course benefit your current role?

Would you encourage other Australians involved in the lifting industry to follow your lead?

I guess we see our selves as industry leaders, we are not afraid to face new challenges, question current market place practices and embrace the new for the betterment of our industry here in Australia.

Absolutely, the wealth of knowledge they will gain will be evaluable even if they have been in the industry for years. Becoming a member of LEEA and doing the LEEA training has made us change our processes and practices for the better, raised the standards which is only good for our customers and our industry.

Ranger has gone from strength to strength since being a full member of LEEA. We have an industry specific trained workforce, our internal processes and systems are well run and have made contacts around the globe where we can share knowledge, experiences and gain possible future business from.

It was invaluable for me and for Ranger because in Australia there is no independent industry specific training where the ability and competency of an individual is tested and assessed. Australia tends to focus more on systems/process from a company point of view.

LEEA incorporates both the company’s ability

In-depth tutorials and training for all subject matter relating to courses. The trainers went through all relevant standards, points of law governing the lifting industry, make up and materials, reason for use of certain materials, inspection criteria, dis-guard criteria and safe use.

Each course I studied was held over five intensive days, cumulating with a theory and practical skills test.

What qualifications do you now have?

LEEA Part1, Diploma of Lifting Equipment General, Lifting Machines Manual and Lifting Machines Power.

Most certainly, I learnt so much. LEEA’s training programs are designed specifically for our industry and draw on practices and knowledge from across the globe. This can only raise the standards of our industry here in Australia and recognizing our skills globally.

How important is it for lifting companies to have highly trained staff?

This is of paramount importance, without correctly trained and knowledgeable staff how can you compete or conduct your everyday business? - You can’t. We are putting all of our lifting inspectors through the full LEEA training and propose to put our administration

Ashley Thacker

industryupdate.com.au Page 67

Australian Made

Six ways Government can assist manufacturers

By Ian Harrison

Business conditions continue to present a major challenge to Australian manufacturers.

Survey after survey paints a picture of uncertainty, tighter margins and diminishing order books.

For business it is the time to buckle down, focus on efficiencies and put a lot of effort into innovation right across the business, including marketing and selling strategies.

It is also the time for Government to provide real support for a sector, which is absolutely fundamental to the Australia economy and community – that’s if jobs, skills, training opportunities, exports and wealth creation matter.

Here are a few ideas (from a very large list) that Government should act on urgently: 1. Be very clear and public about its vision for the Australian economy, say 5 and 10 years out.

2. If that vision is for Australia to have a vibrant, healthy and innovative manufacturing sector, then do things that will enhance the sector here and don’t do things that will encumber the sector here, by adding to the cost of doing business in Australia.

Two obvious, current examples – Government procurement must be recognised as an investment

in the future of Australian industry and the contracts with Australian suppliers should recognise this (need to be demanding on quality, delivery, price, etc); and on the ‘dark’ side, now is a very bad time to be introducing a carbon tax unless driving more businesses (and jobs) off-shore is an acceptable outcome.

3. Now is a good time to invest heavily in infrastructure, the type that will enable greater business efficiencies going forward – such as transport, communication and skill training/ retraining. Business cases should be mandatory and transparent for all large infrastructure proposals, but the pressure must be on to get things happening – the timing is urgent, both for the construction and activity phase.

4. Do not allow the ridiculous situation with the GST exemption on imported goods below $1,000 to continue. How can we maintain a tax system that actually discriminates against local suppliers and local retailers? – Job losses, job losses and more job losses!

The defence that it may cost more to rectify the inequity than the revenue Government will raise is irrelevant. With the increase in Internet shopping, fairness in the application of the GST system must be a non negotiable for good

governance. Gerry Harvey had it right when he publically raised this massive inequity (and, for the media, it’s never good policy to shoot the messenger!).

5. Australia should revisit the merits of having a freely floating exchange rate – perhaps a ‘dirty float’, where we smooth out some of the extreme fluctuations and retain a more acceptable (& predictable) relationship with our major trading partners, may now be more appropriate.

The thing about being less than 2 per cent of the world economy and having a currency that is something like the 5th highest traded, is that it allows others (‘the market’) to control what is a major factor in the competitiveness of Australia’s tradeable sector – whether against imports here or our exports in foreign markets.

The US has forced the US dollar down with a flood of money, the Japanese likewise with the Yen, the Chinese control the Yuan and the major European economies (Germany, France and Italy) all benefit by the Euro being hammered down by the debt problems of the southern Eurozone countries. The Australian dollar on the other hand, is ramped up by the marketplace because of our resource wealth, even though that sector is not where the jobs

Ian Harrison

(in large numbers anyway) are.

Sure, the cost of imported inputs into the manufacturing process go down when the Australia dollar is high, but the big downside is a much greater incentive to take more and more manufacturing (and service) activities off-shore. In sectors such as food processing, the high Australian dollar is creating very real challenges.

6. Finally, take country of origin branding at the product and produce level seriously. Being Australian is an advantage in most marketplaces and our manufacturers should have access to a trademark, which the Government and its agencies are actively promoting in markets all around the world.

Because of its enormous market capital, strong connection to Government and very widespread use, that symbol should of course be the AMAG logo. *Ian Harrison is Chief Executive of Australian Made, Australian Grown

Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign Ph: 1800 350 520

Suck it and see: clean-up with Spitwater vacuums Spitwater is Australia’s largest manufacturer of cleaning and heating equipment.

The company’s imported vacuum cleaner range offers solutions to most cleaning challenges.

The humble vacuum cleaner is one of the most widely used tools in business today. Their applications vary from being used to clean offices and shops on one side, through to the wet and dry vacuum cleaners used by tradies

Highly specialised …

Spitwater Delfin range

Page 68

and workshops, to the very sophisticated, high capacity, industrial vacuum cleaners used to clear unwanted matter from industrial production machines on the other.

Spitwater offers three ranges of vacuum cleaners, suitable for a wide variety of applications: Goldline and Silverline commercial vacuum ranges as well as Delfin industrial vacuum range.

Goldline is Spitwater’s premium range of vacuum cleaners. The range has nine different

Tough and sturdy … Spitwater Goldline range

industryupdate.com.au

Economical … Spitwater Silverline range

models, including dry only as well as wet/dry machines. This Italian made range of machines is supplied standard with high quality Ametek motors as well as quality tools and accessories.

Lower end of the range models use single 1,100W (max) motors, while the top end of the range models offer both two as well as three motors, making them very high capacity machines.

Smaller models in the Goldline range are very popular for general cleaning such as offices and shops.

They are also favoured by tradies and smaller workshops because they are tough and sturdy, easy to use as well as carry around.

The medium size range uses the larger, 40 mm hose size and larger industrial type tools.

Although they are single motor machines, these cleaners offer larger capacity and are excellent for smaller warehouses as well as work sites for removal of larger quantities of waste.

The large end of the Goldline range offers four models, all with 60L waste bins.

Two are two-motor machines using the large 40mm hose and tool set.

The other two are genuine three-motor vacuums, which use the 50mm diameter hose and tools, a real advantage when you have to collect large volumes of waste and water.

These machines are ideal for large warehouses,

factories, removal of large amounts of waste from building sites, concrete slurry and similar type of cleaning – high capacity machines for really big jobs.

Both two and three motor machines offer a CBE model, a machine, which has a large 60cm outrigger at the front which is used for vacuuming very large areas quickly.

Silverline is Spitwater’s economy range of vacuum cleaners.

This range offers five models that mirror the Goldline range but at a more economic price bracket. All five models are wet/dry machines.

Four models feature stainless steel tanks and one, a specialist water collection machine, has a poly tank and a drain ball valve.

Two smaller models feature single, 1100W motor and have 15 L and 30 L waste bin capacity, respectively.

The Spitwater Delfin range also offers highly specialised machines such as compressed air driven and explosion proof models designed for use in mines and on oil rigs.

These machines have no electric motors and use venturi suction units and are fitted with a special anti-static filter.

Spitwater Ph: 1300 SPITWATER www.industrialvacuumcleanersaust.com.au

Now working with the

Industry Capability Network to maximise Australian content in major projects To find out more, or to register to use the Australian Made logo, visit www.australianmade.com.au or phone 1800 350 520

Safetech: an Aussie manufacturer rising to the economic challenge Many Australian manufacturers could be forgiven for thinking that climate change refers to the dark storm clouds gathering around their business rather than something to do with the environment.

Australian manufacturers have had to overcome many challenges in the past decade – the strong dollar, increased costs, tougher regulations and the relentless rise of cheap Asian manufacturing.

What’s a poor manufacturer to do?

One leading Australian manufacturer that is defying the trend is materials handling specialist Safetech.

Safetech embraces the idea that the only way forward for an Australian manufacturer is to innovate and add value.

This year has seen the launch of several new

Innovative design … Safetech Goods Hoists

and upgraded products from Safetech including a “green” Goods Hoist range that regenerates electrical power and substantially lowers customer running costs over the life of the machine.

The new power regeneration system will be standard on all Safetech Goods Hoists and available on some larger scissor lifts.

Also, the new Safetech Truck Lift range is guaranteed to create a big impression.

The truck lifts provide large retail and office developments with a viable and cost effective alternative to “real estate hungry” truck ramps.

They are among the biggest scissor lifts built in Australia – the first two Truck Lifts each lift 25 tonne, have a platform size of 14m x 6.6m, travel of 12.5m and weigh nearly 60 tonne.

Together, these two lifts will regenerate more than $40,000 of electricity each year

as they carry trucks between the ground and basement levels of an iconic Melbourne retail redevelopment.

And adding further to its extensive product range Safetech recently released a new cost effective Pallet Dispenser that addresses current OH&S changes and reduces installation cost.

The Pallet Dispensers incorporate new intuitive controls and a redesigned layout that uses less floor space and is more robust and easier to maintain than other models.

These and other ongoing product and process developments represent the future for Safetech – and they are all products of Australian ingenuity and design innovation.

Safetech Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 674 566 www.safetech.com.au

Vacuum cleaners for industrial use We have dry only, wet/dry, fine dust and heavy duty vacuum cleaners for the toughest jobs.

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Silverline 5 Models 1, 2 or 3 Motors 15 L to 90 L

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• Delfin • 10 Models • 2 or 3 Motors • industrial rated

Ph 1300 880 402 www.spitwater.com.au

CALL NOW FOR UNBEATABLE VACUUM CLEANER DEALS! industryupdate.com.au Page 69

Apprentices, Trainees and Education Industry Update

Manufacturing Magazine

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Industry Update Manufacturing Magazine an official media partner of the 2011 NSW Training Awards recognising Apprentices and Trainees in NSW

AiGTS at the forefront of solving skills crisis Australian manufacturers are facing tough times, hit hard by a strong Australian dollar and global economic slowdown.

However, industry can gain valuable insights from previous economic downturns.

Australian Industry Group Training Services (AiGTS) General Manager, Dean Arundell, believes we should use this knowledge to take advantage of the business opportunities that will arise when conditions improve.

He wants business owners to focus on the competitive advantage they will gain from maintaining solid investment in employee training – even during tough times.

“During economic downturns job numbers decrease, staff redundancies occur and expenditure on what are seen as non-essential outgoings is curtailed,” says Mr Arundell.

“Training is often put into the non-essential

expenditure category,” he says.

“This is a mistake that has had major impacts on businesses and industries in the recent past.”

Mr Arundell recalls a serious skills shortage that occurred in the years after the recession in the early 90s.

“The economy grew and demand increased, but what restricted growth and led to a lot of production being lost to overseas manufacturers was the shortage of skilled workers, says Mr Arundell.

At that time there was a severe lack of young people going through the training system and becoming qualified trades people.

“As we all know, these are tough uncertain times and a lot of businesses are struggling, he says. “But even with reduced demand and output there is not a glut of tradespeople.

“In addition, a large percentage of those

tradespeople now in the workforce are nearing retirement age which will compound the skill shortage in the not-too-distant future.

“Training of staff, especially apprentices, must become a priority.”

Mr Arundell says acquiring trade skills does not happen overnight.

“It takes time – several years in fact – to gain the knowledge and skills required of a competent tradesperson, he says. “So rather than wait until the recovery, we believe that industry should look to employ trainees and apprentices now so that businesses are better equipped to handle the increase in work loads that will occur.”

AiGTS can help businesses meet the training challenge.

AiGTS is a Quality Approved Group Training Company owned and operated by one of

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To find out more about these events or to purchase tickets, visit www.trainingawards.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 306 999 or find us on facebook: facebook.com/Training Awards Principal Partner

Page 70

industryupdate.com.au

Major Partners

Dean Arundell … training is key

Australia’s leading employer associations, the Australian Industry Group.

It provides training, advice and employment services that address the current and future needs of industry. All training is structured around industry-endorsed National Training Packages.

“We aim to provide industry with a quality employment and training service that can address the ever-changing workforce requirements and build upon key reforms of the national industry-led training system, Mr Arundell says.

“Our Employment and Training Consultants are now available to discuss training needs and opportunities.”

Australian Industry Group Training Services (AiGTS) Ph: 1300 761 944 www.aigts.com.au

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Jessica McBaron … career opportunities

Jessica McBaron chose a career in Agriculture (beef production) in a diverse and sustainable industry that would allow her to work on the land.

So she enrolled in a Rural SkillsAgriculture (Beef Production) Certificate III and has never looked back.

Jessica was nominated for the 2011 North Coast Trainee of the year while managing her family property in the north coast.

1 24/03/11 12:28 PM She went on to win the prestigious award and represented the North Coast at the state level.

Since winning her award Jessica has moved to the Northern Tablelands and now manages a 250-acre cattle farm.

Jessica not only manages the farm, but is also managing a major upgrade of the property.

Jessica is now completing a diploma in Agriculture at TAFE NSW – New England institute, Armidale College and is looking forward to increasing her knowledge in agriculture therefore increasing her career options in the agricultural trade.

Jessica says: “If you have passion for the industry and enjoy working outdoors an Agriculture career is the way to go.

The more you study the more career opportunities there are not only in farming but in a diverse range of career options within the agricultural trade”.

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industryupdate.com.au Page 71

Apprentices, Trainees and Education

It’s a man’s world ... but don’t tell Amy

Challenge … Amy Chetcuti in Darwin assisting with the Vulcan C400/5

It’s rare to find women working in a mechanical trade in the Australian workplace.

It takes a special type of woman to take on this male-dominated industry – and succeed.

Amy Chetcuti is one of the few women to make it in this highly competitive field.

Amy is the first and only female mechanic employed at MLA Holdings, one of Australia’s largest forklift rental companies, based in Sydney.

She started with MLA in January, 2010 and is now a third year Apprentice Diesel Fitter.

After deciding to pursue a career in a mechanical trade, Amy decided on Aircraft maintenance.

She subsequently studied a certificate IV in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering-Mechanical at Aviation Australia.

After completing the course she applied for numerous positions within the industry without success.

So she then decided to choose a career path with heavy machinery.

Amy applied for a position with MLA and

successfully gained an apprenticeship.

The obvious question is: “What does a young girl like Amy enjoy about working in a mechanical trade?”

Amy says: “The things I like most about working at MLA is the variety of work and challenges that are set before me. I enjoy taking pride and pleasure in fault finding and successfully restoring the forklift in working order. Overall, I love the challenge of the position and love continually learning new things”.

According to management at MLA Amy has a strong passion and drive for the mechanical trade and has been successful throughout her apprenticeship.

One of her biggest career highlights was being given the opportunity to travel to the Northern Territory to assist with the installation of the two Vulcan C400/5.

MLA Holdings Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9765 2051 www.mlaholdings.com.au

Beau loves life in the fast lane Beau Jordan has had a lifelong love of cars, which he attributes to growing up around cars as his dad is a well-known local mechanic in southwest NSW. Beau enjoyed “tinkering” with cars and always hoped he would find a career in the automotive industry.

To achieve his industry goals Beau enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship course when he completed school, before gaining a fulltime job as an apprentice.

In order to complete his certificate quickly, Beau went to TAFE an extra night a week, as well as his normal one day a week, while working.

And to extend his knowledge further he completed extra courses in hydraulic engineering and other company specific courses.

Beau is a strong believer in hard work and the benefits of study to achieve your goals.

His host employer, Thomas Bros Toyota at Wagga Wagga in the NSW Riverina, has appointed Beau as OHS safety officer in the service workshop.

Beau now has a role in mentoring and training new apprentices.

His outstanding communication skills allow him to succeed in his current role as mentor for the apprentices and other employees.

In the future Beau is keen to undertake a degree in Mechanical Engineering and ultimately have a career in R&D in the automotive field.

Beau would like to be at the forefront of what he sees is the continuing future trends of the industry, such as improving fuel consumption, better fuels and alternative sources of fuel.

Beau attributes his outstanding success to a strong work ethic, instilled by his father.

He also has a love of rebuilding classic cars in the little spare time he has.

Beau was a finalist in the 2011 NSW Training Awards – Riverina region and was nominated for the Top Apprentice in Vehicle Trades.

He also won the prestigious Jim Braid Memorial Award for 2011 for being the most

Beau Jordan … apprentice role model

outstanding student through all stages of his automotive course at Wagga Wagga Campus Riverina Institute of TAFE. Glen Munro of ATEL Employment Services says Beau’s success is due to his “excellent leadership qualities in the workplace” and his “ high level of professional workmanship.”

Since last year’s awards Beau has progressed through the positions in the workshop and is now a diagnostic technician.

Just recently Beau was acting workshop foreman while the current foreman was on leave. He has taken on the role of mentoring the apprentices in his workshop and has implemented new training techniques.

State Training Services Ph: 13 2811 www.training.nsw.gov.au

It’s never too late to learn a skill

Myles Bunn … career change

Myles Andrew Bunn was in his 30s and had already gained a Distinction in the Advanced Diploma in Farm Management course at Page 72

industryupdate.com.au

Sydney University’s Orange campus when he decided on a change of career.

This was a big decision as he had a young family to support.

He gained an electrical apprenticeship with George Duncan Electrical at Griffith in the NSW Riverina, a job that provides a wide range of electrical experience.

At Riverina Institute of TAFE’s Leeton Campus, Myles undertook the Certificate 3 in Electrotechnology and gained 18 distinctions from a possible 23.

He also completed an advanced course in Programmable Logical Controllers and a posttrade Advanced Diploma Course with TAFE NSW, Riverina Institute.

He has acted as the student representative at Leeton Campus, and he was selected by the

Institute to give the student response at the Next Masters apprentice graduation day.

Myles also contributed to his the Riverina team in the world skills competition as a mentor, as his age made him ineligible to participate.

Myles was awarded the 2011 Riverina Apprentice of the Year and then was then a finalist in the NSW Apprentice of the Year and attended a gala dinner at Sydney.

He is now a leading hand with the same employer and both his employer and Myles were surprised by the response to his achievements in the NSW Training Awards.

Myles said recently: “Winning the award is not just a reflection on me, it’s a reflection on the employer and the training organization. “It will open doors for me in the future, although at the moment I am happy where I am and I

plan to pay back the good faith my employer put in me by giving me the apprenticeship.”

Myles wants to work with his employer to take the business further and to grow the business around the Riverina. He also is considering undertaking Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to be able to one day teach electrotechnology apprentices.

Recently Myles attended the 2012 NSW Training Awards Riverina Regional Launch in Griffith where he gave a presentation about his experience with the awards to encourage other apprentices and employers to nominate for this year’s awards.

State Training Services Ph: 13 2811 www.training.nsw.gov.au

Doric gets a handle on staff training

Winners are grinners … successful graduates from Doric Products in Western Sydney

Doric Products, Australia’s largest privately owned manufacturer of hardware for windows and doors, is also leading the way when it comes to staff training.

In March this year Doric opened its doors at Wetherill Park to showcase an innovative new training program for staff designed to maintain and extend the benefits of lean manufacturing.

Guests included representatives from the NSW Department of Education and Training, MSA Skills Council Manufacturing Skills of Australia, UTS, registered training companies and employers.

All 16 of the company’s trainees, who had graduated in December 2009, made presentations detailing six projects undertaken in small teams over the previous six months.

This was a great achievement in itself, as the majority of participants did not count English as their first language.

In fact, testing of literacy and numeracy skills at the outset of the 18-month Certificate III and IV Competitive Manufacturing training program had suggested the group would respond very poorly to formal training.

But on referral by Ai Group to Applied Training Solutions Pty Ltd, all 16 employees successfully graduated.

“We were doggedly determined to get everyone over the line,” said Doric Operations Manager, Chubba Hunfalvay.

“Training was seen as a way to improve communication between management, production, warehousing and distribution employees to effect substantial change in business processes and culture. The management team became mentors, providing leadership and technical expertise, and this collaborative approach was a key element in our success.”

However, the program showcased by Doric in March recognised that the success

of training ultimately lies in how its benefits are maintained in the months and years following course completion.

“We wanted to ensure that we embedded the benefits of the training program after December 2009,” said Hunfalvay.

“Staff were required to apply what they’d learned about lean manufacturing and the ‘5S’ analytical process tools – sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain – in identifying opportunities for improvement within their own work environment.”

In ongoing cycles of three to six months, depending on project complexity, the operations management team vet and approve projects proposed by graduates to ensure compliance with operations objectives. The course material is then applied in assessing the resulting presentations in terms of benefits to the business.

One project, for example, involved a simple change to the management of a spare parts inventory that was estimated to have generated thousands of dollars in annual savings by ‘retiring’ parts no longer in demand and minimising waste.

“This is a unique program in my experience, in terms of its direct effectiveness inconsolidating training outcomes,” said Ai Group NSW Director, Mark Goodsell, who attended the presentations.

With 10 projects completed in the program’s first nine months, Doric is targeting a further 15 during 2011.

“Our people are now empowered to effect change and play an important role in Doric’s performance as a business,” said Hunfalvay.

For more information about Doric’s Competitive Manufacturing maintenance program, including future open days, contact Lee Gross, Ai Group/MAS National, on: (02) 9466 5458 or lee.gross@aigroup.asn.au.

High-flying ambassadors appointed A group of high profile Australians including Greater Western Sydney Giants coach Kevin Sheedy, chef and restaurateur Neil Perry, horticulturist and TV star Jody Rigby, former Geelong Captain Cameron Ling and former NRL great Andrew Ryan have been recruited to help promote Australian apprenticeships.

Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans, said the Apprenticeship Ambassadors would play a key role in promoting the benefits of getting a formal skills qualification.

“Many people may not know that AFL great Kevin Sheedy was once a plumber, that TV landscaping guru Jody Rigby spent four years in a horticultural apprenticeship or that former Canterbury Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan owns a landscape gardening business as the result of his studies,” Senator Evans said.

“For each of these high profile Australians, getting an apprenticeship was the first step to entering the workforce and forging a successful career.

“I am delighted they are joining the Government in promoting the benefits of getting a skills qualification. It is a great way to start your working life.”

Senator Evans said the Ambassadors would promote the life-changing benefits of completing an Australian Apprenticeship and the Government would implement a series of reforms to transform how training was delivered.

“We want to ensure the system works for apprentices and trainees, and also their

employers,” he said.

“The Apprenticeships for the 21st Century review recognised the strengths of the system but also identified areas for reform.

“Together with the states and territories we will build a harmonised, simpler and better targeted national system.”

Over the next two years, the Government will streamline and harmonise laws and regulations for apprenticeships across jurisdictions to ensure trainees who move between states can have their training recognised.

“This will result in a simpler, user-friendly Australian Apprenticeships system that reduces costs for industry and improves completion rates,” Senator Evans said.

The Government began the reform process earlier this year with the introduction of Budget measures designed to boost completion rates and provide flexibility for employers to meet critical skills shortages.

The $100 million Accelerated Australian Apprenticeships package will speed up the supply of skilled workers by advancing apprentices as they gain required competencies while the $101 million Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring package provides apprentices with guidance in choosing the right occupation and ongoing mentoring throughout their training.

There are now a record 458,900 Australians in apprenticeships and traineeships.

For more information, visit: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

APPRENTICESHIP RECRUITMENT MADE SIMPLE

AiGTS is a national group training company who recruit and place quality apprentices and trainees with your business in manufacturing and engineering trades, including: Refrigeration Mechanics Plant Electricians Electronics Trade Forklift Mechanics (Electric) Plant Mechanics

Engineering Mechanical Trade Engineering Fabrication Trade Toolmakers Vehicle Body Builders Warehousing & Storage

For further information go to www.aigts.com.au or call 1300 761 944

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industryupdate.com.au Page 73 28/03/11 2:10 PM

Hirschmann Industrial Wireless Solutions The ideal solution for high bandwidth, stable operation and tight network security.

Universal safety relay a compact solution

Compact design … Wieland Safety Relay SNO 4083KM-A

• Full range of topologies - Access Point, Wireless Bridge, Mesh, Master/Slave, Repeater and Client.

Treotham Automation Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9907 1778 www.treotham.com.au

The 3 Round Pin series … part of NHP’s extensive range

NHP specializes in motor control, power distribution and automation systems, with 25 branches and 24 regional locations throughout Australia

and New Zealand.

The company prides itself on its major point of difference – a strong customer focus and a promise to meet the most demanding challenges – on-time and within budget.

NHP is committed to embracing new technologies and pushing the boundaries of industry best practice to ensure they provide customers with the highest quality products and service.

NHP Electrical Engineering Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9429 2999 www.nhp.com.au

Liquid storage has never been easier

• IP routing, customizable firewall, RADIUS Server/Client.

• Dual band 2.4/5 GHz. • Allows up to 8 user groups.

• Suits mobile applications with fast roaming and seamless handover between Access Points.

• Full range of omni, directional and MIMO antennas, including directional diversity.

• IP20 and IP67.

• Emergency stop monitoring • Safety mats and safety edge monitoring • 2NC contacts or 1NO/1NC contact monitoring • Monitoring of protective doors and interlocks.

• Light curtain monitoring • Two-hand relay • Monitoring of valves and limit value switches • Safe contact expansions

NHP delivers service with a difference Calling upon over 40 years of industry experience, NHP source the best products from across the globe to provide the ultimate industrial electrical and automation range for the Australian market place.

When NHP was established in 1968 with just 17 employees, founder, Nigel Peck, was determined to create a 100 per cent Australian-owned company focused on providing the best service and highest level of quality products.

The company is now supported by a 900 plus team of quality personnel with the resources to service every project need.

• Supports 802.11 a/b/g/h/i/n standards.

Wieland Safety Relay SNO 4083KMA from Treotham Automation offers customized solutions for the safety of man and machine.

These devices combine excellent technical performance with efficient use in everyday industrial applications.

Compact design, flexible use and flexible connection methods are the decisive advantages of these devices.

Depending on the application and the selected device, the safety relays can be used up to Category 4 (AS 4024.1501-2006). Performance Level e of EN 13849-1.

The S400 application options include:

Ultimate solution … a Polymaster silo

Polymaster provides the ultimate solution for all dry bulk and liquid storage requirements.

The new range of Polymaster silo’s are breaking new ground in the storage of dry bulk and liquid with many superior features over conventional silo’s.

Polymaster silo’s are constructed out of UV Stabilised food grade polyethylene which gives them excellent characteristics such as, rust free, rodent and weather proof, dry bulk and liquid outlets, colour coding and much more.

Polymaster silo’s have undergone exhaustive testing and engineering on the frame and vessel to ensure maximum performance and compliance to a wide

range of materials with varying specific gravities (SG).

These units are available with different frame configurations from heavy-duty options with inbuilt fork channels, for a range of fertiliser and liquid materials, to lighter frame alternatives for dry feed and pellets.

You can contact Polymaster Industrial for further information or expert advice on these products.

Polymaster Industrial Ph: 1300 062 064 www.industrial.polymaster.com.au

More high quality products from Suhner

australia.sales@belden.com 1800 500 775 www.beldenapac.com www.beldensolutions.com Page 74

industryupdate.com.au

Suhner is a leader in flexible shaft technology, low cost automation components and abrasive solutions.

The company recently added several exciting new products to its extensive range.

This includes the new UPG 5R, a lightweight (2.4kg) offset polisher offering strong performance at low cost.

With an ideal speed range of 18004000rpm, the UPG 5R is a versatile machine.

Suhner is offering the machine complete with sanding drum and finishing brush – an ideal combination for stainless and aluminium finishing.

The new USG 9R straight polisher offers lightweight (2.3kg) high torque and a speed range of 3800 to 8300rpm.

It is ideal for 75mm to 100mm diameter metal finishing abrasives.

Suhner’s Direct Service is available in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

A company expert can visit your premises, demonstrate the product and provide the tools and consumables immediately from the mobile stock.

And Suhner’s partners and agents are available to help throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Suhner Australia Ph: 02 9638 6600

Versatile … the UPG 5R offset polisher

Lightweight … the new USG 9R straight

Unlike most of our competitors we actually design Unlike almost all of our competitors we Cont and manufacture our lifting and for a act us actually design and manufacture our lifting quot materials handling products - in Australia e

and materials handling products - in Australia Safetech goods hoist - low profile, no pit required Features are Many Safetech Goods HoistBenefi ts are Clear range raises the standard in features and quality Key benefits

PALIFT PALLETISING s ,OADING 5NLOADING PALLETS s YEAR WARRANTY s 'ALVANISED s 4URNTABLE TOP s &ORKLIFT &RIENDLY

MATERIALS HANDLING

• Low height less than 40 mm – no pit required for most applications.

Save on install time and money. Pit maintenance eliminated 3TRETCH &ILM WRAPPERS • Uniques customer friendly controls - Our hoists use a stainless steel, intuitives user interface that is easy to use. %NTRY ,EVEL s ,OW 0ROl LE WRAPPERS • Safetech’s design ensures that most service operations can be conducted from within the booth. s 3TRETCH TAPE WRAPPERS s ! !RM /VERHEAD WRAPPERS • Freight hoist dimensions can be supplied to your exact requirements • On Board hydraulic power unit standard for most models

STRETCH WRAPPERS

Applications include • Dock Levelers • Self Storage units • Mezzanine and between floor lifts • Warehouse and office lifts Durable and designed to meet or exceed Australian safety standards.

SCISSOR LIFTS TABLES

s &ROM KG TO MORE THAN TONNES s 3INGLE $OUBLE 4RIPLE AND 4ANDEM 3CISSOR ,IFTS s -ULTIPLE 0LATFORM AND #ONTROLS /PTIONS s 3AFETY BAR 3AFETY 3KIRTS !USTRALIAN 3AFETY 3TANDARDS s 'OODS AND &REIGHT (OISTS Safetech have designed and built more than 4,000 Australian scissor lift tables. s 0ERSONNEL ,IFTS

s 0ALLET (ANDLING 3YSTEMS s 0ALLET $ISPENSERS s 4URNTABLES 4ROLLEYS s 0ALLET )NVERTERS

Australia’s leading scissor lift tables

• Single scissors, double scissors, triple scissors, tandems,

• Traversing lift tables, low profile, custom platforms, high cycle, corrosive environments • Factory and warehouse applications, dock lifts, car lifts, personnel and freight lifts.

WORKSTATION Safetech knows scissor lifts. CRANES AND HOISTS s &ROM KGS TO KGS s TIMES EASIER TO MOVE THAN CONVENTIONAL CRANES s "RIDGE #RANES -ONORAILS AND *IBS s )NDUSTRY ,EADING WARRANTY s ' &ORCE WORLDS FASTEST MOST ACCURATE ELECTRONIC HOIST

Increased Productivity + Better Work Safety = Increased Return On Investment

FOR SAFER MORE PRODUCTIVE WORK

VISIT WWW.SAFETECH.COM.AU OR CALL 1800 674 566 Safetech - not just pretty pictures on a web page

www.safetech.com.au or call 1800 674 566

industryupdate.com.au Page 75

Mr Mezzanine – your gateway to safety These safety gates feature a failsafe lightweight operation without load height restrictions and many options

Ask about our NEW handrail system Prentice Industries Pty.Ltd sales@prentice.com.au 1300 551 383

the world of packaging and processing machinery at your fingertips PACKAGING + PROCESSING + MATERIALS

2013

Owned and Presented by APPMA

www.appma.com.au

New TURCK sensor ideal for harsh environments TURCK has launched a new long-range inductive proximity sensor using FDA rated materials for washdown applications.

The Q42 – available in a top-facing model and front-facing model – is an addition to the uprox+ family of factor one sensors that require no correction factor to detect any metal type.

The Q42 is designed to deliver optimal performance in applications that require frequent cleaning with chemicals found in food and beverage applications or where the sensor is exposed to wet environments, such as car washes or outdoor applications.

The Q42 features an improved design with a durable stainless steel connector and PA12 thermoplastic housing that delivers resistance to chemicals and caustic cleaning agents, as well as shock from impact.

Additionally, the upgraded housing materials are food-safe and meet FDA Regulation 21CFR 177, 1500(9) for the US and FDA/EGVO 1935/2004 for the EU. The Q42 features integrated pre-damping that gives the designer flexibility to partially recess the sensor into their design.

“Although many of our existing sensors in the uprox+ family are inherently rated IP68, they are not optimally suited for high-pressure or extended exposure washdown applications,” says John Murphy, Product Manager for TURCK. “The new Q42 allows our customers to achieve accurate sensing results, while providing peak performance and flexibility for applications that present even the

harshest of conditions.”

The existing uprox+ washdown family is comprised of 12, 18 and 30mm diameter barrels with sensing ranges between 4 and 30mm. The Q42 offers a sensing range of 50mm to all types of metals.

This not only eliminates the need to change the position of the sensors for different metal applications, but also reduces the number of sensor types needed for plant operations.

In addition to an extended sensing distance, the Q42 delivers reliable operation in temperatures ranging from -40 to 100ºC. TURCK’s extensive line of products includes advanced sensors, measurement, instrumentation, connectivity, interface and networks for factory & process automation markets that meet clients’ application demands.

TURCK Australia Ph: 1300 132566 www.turck.com.au

Optimal performance … TURCK’s Q42 sensor

Demag gives auto giant a boost Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec (SMR Automotive), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rearview mirrors for passenger cars, relies on Demag overhead cranes and chain hoists to keep its production line running.

The company develops, produces and distributes exterior mirrors, interior mirrors, blind spot detection systems and a wide range of other automotive components.

It has 22 per cent of the global market share in production of exterior mirrors for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and heavy trucks and is one of the leading experts for camera based sensing systems in the automotive industry.

To keep the production line operating around the clock, SMR Automotive needed to be able to change dies with minimal, if any, downtime. About 40 dies need to be changed every 24 hours.

They also needed a good local support solution. It turned to Demag to provide overhead cranes and chain hoists.

SMR Automotive in Adelaide produces close to 1 million individual mirrors per year.

According to SMR Plant Engineer Ashley

Groves, Demag cranes and chain hoists play a vital role in the production process, on the production line and in the maintenance workshop.

“The Demag overhead cranes are used for changing the dies in the injection moulding machines, so production doesn’t need to be halted every time the dies need to change, says Mr Groves. “The Demag chain hoists, some with radio control, are also used for the changing the die’s in the smaller injection moulding machines, he says.

“We also have three overhead cranes in the tool room that are as equally important as the production line as maintenance is essential to maintaining quality parts.”

Demag’s reliability and excellent local support was a key factor in SMR Automotive selecting Demag as its lifting solutions partner.

Local support is essential, and Demag have good local support.

“It is no good having a great product if no one can support it,” says Groves.

Demag Cranes Ph: 02 9609 9500 www.demag.com.au

Checkout thousands of products on our new website www.industryupdate.com.au Page 76

industryupdate.com.au

Compare these Blowoffs

Facts about Blowers

There are a variety of ways to blow the water from the bottles shown in the photo below, but which method is best? To decide, we ran a comparison test on the same application using four different blowoff methods: drilled pipe, flat air nozzles, Super Air Knife™ (each using compressed air as a power source), and a blower supplied air knife (using an electric motor as a power source). Each system consisted of two twelve inch long air knives. The following comparison proves that the EXAIR Super Air Knife is the best choice for your blowoff, cooling or drying application.

Energy conscious plants might think a blower to be a better choice due to its slightly lower electrical consumption compared to a compressor. In reality, a blower is an expensive capital expenditure that requires frequent downtime and costly maintenance of filters, belts and bearings.

The goal for each of the blowoff choices was to use the least amount of air possible to get the job done (lowest energy and noise level). The compressed air pressure required was 60 PSIG which provided adequate velocity to blow the water off. The blower used had a ten horsepower motor and was a centrifugal type blower at 18,000 RPM. The table at the bottom of the page summarizes the overall performance.

Since your actual part may have an odd configuration, holes or sharp edges, we took sound level measurements in free air (no impinging surface).

Drilled Pipe

Blower Air Knife

This common blowoff is very inexpensive and easy to make. For this test, we used (2) drilled pipes, each with (25) 1/16" diameter holes on 1/2" centers.

As shown in the test results below, the drilled pipe performed poorly. The initial cost of the drilled pipe is overshadowed by its high energy use. The holes are easily blocked and the noise level is excessive - both of which violate OSHA requirements. Velocity across the entire length was very inconsistent with spikes of air and numerous dead spots.

The blower proved to be an expensive, noisy option. As noted below, the purchase price is high. Operating cost was considerably lower than the drilled pipe and flat air nozzle, but was comparable to EXAIR’s Super Air Knife. The large blower with its two 3" (8cm) diameter hoses requires significant mounting space compared to the others. Noise level was high at 90 dBA. There was no option for cycling it on and off to conserve energy like the other blowoffs. Costly bearing and filter maintenance along with downtime were also negative factors.

Flat Air Nozzles

EXAIR Super Air Knife

As shown below, this inexpensive air nozzle was the worst performer. It is available in plastic, aluminum and stainless steel from several manufacturers.

The flat air nozzle provides some entrainment, but suffers from many of the same problems as the drilled pipe. Operating cost and noise level are both high. Some manufacturers offer flat air nozzles where the holes can be blocked - an OSHA violation. Velocity was inconsistent with spikes of air.

The Super Air Knife did an exceptional job of removing the moisture on one pass due to the uniformity of the laminar airflow. The sound level was extremely low. For this application, energy use was slightly higher than the blower but can be less than the blower if cycling on and off is possible. Safe operation is not an issue since the Super Air Knife can not be deadended. Maintenance costs are low since there are no moving parts to wear out.

Here are some important facts: Filters must be replaced every one to three months.

Belts must be replaced every three to six months.

Typical bearing replacement is at least once a year at a cost near $1000.

• Blower bearings wear out quickly due to the high speeds (17-20,000 RPM) required to generate effective airflows.

• Poorly designed seals that allow dirt and moisture infiltration and environments above 125°F decrease the one year bearing life.

• Many bearings can not be replaced in the field, resulting in downtime to send the assembly back to the manufacturer.

Blowers take up a lot of space and often produce sound levels that exceed OSHA noise level exposure requirements. Air volume and velocity are often difficult to control since mechanical adjustments are required.

To discuss an application, contact:

Compressed Air Australia Pty Ltd GPO Box 2792 Darwin NT 0801 1300 787 688 Fax: (08) 8983 3900 email: info@caasafety.com.au www.compressedairaust.com.au

The Super Air Knife is the low cost way to blowoff, dry, clean and cool.

Blowoff Comparison

$924

$2,641

*Based on national average electricity cost of 8.3 cents per kWh. Annual cost reflects 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

industryupdate.com.au Page 77

Coming Events April

August

Melbourne Materials Handling Melbourne Safety in Action

WA Safety Show

Location: Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank

Date: Aug 7-9, 2012

Date: April 17-19, 2012 Contact: Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Ph: 03 8672 1200 www.aec.net.au

May Industry Update skills forum National Manufacturing Week 2012 Austech 2012 Location: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park Date: May 8-11, 2012 Contact: Reed Exhibitions Australia www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au www.austechexpo.com.au

June ICOMS Asset Management Conference A leading event for asset management and maintenance Location: Wrest Point Hotel, Hobart Date: June 4-8, 2012 Contact: Asset Management Council Ph: 03 9819 2515 www.amcouncil.com.au

Location: Perth Convention Exhibition Centre Contact: Australian Exhibition and Conferences Ph: 1800 817 339 www.wasafetyshow.com

Oct Safety Show Sydney Sydney Materials Handling Location: Sydney Showground, Olympic Park Date: Oct 23-25, 2012 Contact: Australian Exhibition and Conferences Ph: 03 8672 1200 www.thesafetyshow.com.au www.materialshandling.net.au Clean Scene Location: Sydney Showground, Olympic Park Date: Oct 23-25, 2012 Contact: National Cleaning Suppliers Association (NCSA) Ph: 03 8672 1200 www.cleansceneshow.com.au

2013 Auspack Plus Packaging & processing machinery & materials exhibition

Kemppi: a wise choice in welding software Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has launched a family of revolutionary software based welding products for use with its FastMig and KempArc welding machines.

Called the Wise Solutions, the smart welding software allows the welding process to be tailored to the work at hand. The software customises the welding equipment to help the user achieve a level of quality that otherwise would be unattainable with the standard Mig/Mag welding process.

The tailored welding processes and functions are used for root pass work, sheet metal welding, penetration control and focused arcs, where energy density is concentrated into a narrow area.

Developed over several years, the Wise Solutions software enables comprehensive control of the properties of the welding arc as well as the features of the machine. The software adjusts the arc’s properties to turn the equipment into a customised machine for specific welding work.

David Green, Managing Director of Kemppi Australia, says Wise Solutions software provides many benefits for users.”

Apart from improving the quality of the welding, Wise Solutions software helps users reduce welding time, the need for rework and therefore, costs, says Mr Green. ”With Wise Solutions, welding performance and productivity are assured.”

Tried and tested, the proven software is easy to employ and perfect for use in the petrochemical, oil and gas industries, ship building as well as in the automotive and transport sector.

The software can be loaded onto new Kemppi welding equipment prior to delivery or added later.

The family of Wise Solutions software includes WiseRoot, WiseThin, WisePenetration and WiseFusion. Highly reliable, each technology has been specifically developed for a different welding task and maximum performance. ”The family of Wise Solutions software empowers the welder like never before. It allows the user to weld easier, quicker and with quality results,” said Mr Green.

Kemppi Australia Pty Ltd Ph: (02) 9605 9500 www.kemppi.com

Location: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park Date: May 7-10, 2013 Contact: Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) www.auspackplus.com.au

Editorial submission deadlines Editorial submissions for the June 2012 edition are now invited.

Smart move … Kemppi’s WiseThin solution software

Deadline Monday, April 23.

Any editorial received after this date will not be included.

Please send all editorial to editor@industryupdate.com.au

Mixing it with the best

User friendly … Sippel’s Hi-tech electronic packing machine

The Sippel Hi-Tech electronic Weigh-Packing Machine offers a highly efficient way to weighpack a broad range of powders, granules, emulsions, and abrasive or cementicious products such as concrete mix.

Page 78

industryupdate.com.au

The machine is ideal for the packaging of bread mixes into paper sacks.

Once filled the sacks can be sewn closed, ready for super market distribution.

After the operator places the sack, a safety clamping device securely holds it in place while filling, until desired weight is reached by the auto-weigh system ready for the operator to release it.

The next sack is then placed by the operator to begin the next fill cycle.

The machine’s range will weigh from 2, 5, 8, 10, to 40kg in increments of 10g, by calling up the different settings on the digitiser weigh panel.

The machine features standard long lasting stainless steel parts in product flow.

As well as weigh-filling open top packages the machine can also handle Valve Self Sealing Bags and other containers by means of simple quick-change parts.

Because of its compact size, the machine can be ganged for multiple weigh-filling by one operator.

Sippel Group Ph: 02 9567 4889

FLIR releases new ‘green machine’ thermal camera The newly released FLIR GF346 is a revolutionary thermal imaging camera capable of finding carbon monoxide (CO) leaks and a number of other escaping gases to improve safety, protect the environment and guard investments in infrastructure.

FLIR, a world leader in thermal imaging, says the versatile GF346 is unbeatable for detecting even the smallest leaks.

The FLIR GF346 offers a complete unique method of tracing leaks to their source by visualizing this in an image.

Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions can be a significant threat to primary steel manufacturing operations and other industries where CO emissions need to be closely watched.

Even the slightest leak in a vent stack or pipe can have a devastating effect.

FLIR GF346 can scan large areas rapidly and pinpoint leaks in real time. It is ideal for monitoring plants where it is difficult to reach components with contact measurement tools such as gas sniffers. Literally thousands of components can be scanned per shift without the need to interrupt the process.

FLIR GF346 reduces repair downtime and provides verification of the process. And above all it is exceptionally safe, allowing potentially

dangerous leaks to be monitored from a safe distance.

FLIR GF346 is designed to significantly improve work safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance. It can help you to save money by finding leaks that decrease profits.

The FLIR GF346 can be used for more than gas detection only. The camera can also be used to seamlessly inspect for general predictive maintenance, high and low voltage electrical installations, mechanical systems, pipework and insulation.

FLIR Systems Ph: 03 9550 2800 www.flir.com

Moneysaver … the FLIR GF346 thermal camera

Electric Induction is the Fastest, most Precise and Efficient form of Heating and Melting available today.

Talk to the Inductotherm’s Heating and Melting Systems Specialists for all your Forging, Heat Treatment, Brazing, Melting and Automatic Pouring (in Air, Vacuum or Inert Atmospheres).

Retain your competitive edge. Call Inductotherm now …

INDUCTOTHERM GROUP AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. Seaford, Victoria, AUSTRALIA 3198 Tel: 61 3 9786 6000 Fax: 61 3 9785 3043 E-mail: furnaces@inductotherm.com.au Internet: www.inductotherm.com.au

THE MASTERS OF HIGH QUALITY HEATING & MELTING SERVICE 24 HOURS/DAY - 7 DAYS/WEEK Tel: 61 3 9786 7000

industryupdate.com.au Page 79

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Innovation in plastics materials handling PRODUCTS

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THE ENVIRO RANGE

Made from 100% recycled material and are 100% recyclable, the Enviro Range of environmentally friendly materials handling products are durable, hardwearing and long lasting

AP15

Certified by:

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APP-2009 GECA 02-2007 Recycled Plastics Products

The full Okka Products™ range of materials handling products are available through Richmond Wheel & Castor For more information, visit a showroom near you SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

BRISBANE

ADELAIDE

PERTH

SHOWROOM / WAREHOUSE 485

590 CLAYTON ROAD

SHOWROOM / WAREHOUSE

SHOWROOM / WAREHOUSE 336

SHOWROOM / WAREHOUSE 120

VICTORIA STREET (CNR BENTLEY

CLAYTON SOUTH

FACTORY 1 121 EVANS ROAD

SOUTH ROAD CROYDON PARK

KEWDALE ROAD KEWDALE WA

STREET) WETHERILL PARK

VIC 3169

SALISBURY QLD 4107

SA 5008

6105

NSW 2164

PHONE: (61) 3 9551 2233

PHONE: (61) 7 3275 1355

PHONE: (61) 8 8241 5678

PHONE: (61) 8 9353 1399

PHONE: (61) 2 9757 4570

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