Industry Update - Issue 141 - Nov/Dec 24

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8 What a Trump presidency means for Australian manufacturing

Think local, act global: How Safetech are growing Australian made thanks to international connections

Shake up in emergency shower standards could see industrial safety regulations tightened

F

ew companies can wear the Australian Made badge with as much pride as Safetech. The dock products manufacturer recently celebrated 40 years of operation, an amazing achievement given that it is estimated that less than a third of Australian businesses make it to 10 years, far fewer do so in the manufacturing sector and even fewer continue for another three decades.

To reach that milestone was a tribute to the ingenuity of their product solutions and their commitment to their customers across the country, as well the vision of Lindsay Wakefield, who founded Safetech way back in 1984.

Back then, Wakefield was working as a medical doctor and treated a raft of back injuries caused by workplace stress and strain, sparking an idea to create a product that could assist.

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CONTENTS From the Minister.................................... 12 From the Shadow Minister....................... 14 Finance..................................................20 Special Feature.......................................25 University Connection..............................29 Australian Made..................................... 31 Workplace Health & Safety.....................36 Women in Manufacturing........................46 Energy, Waste & Recycling......................55 Events....................................................60

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Australian manufacturing gets big boost as key studies suggest economy has turned a corner Manufacturing might have turned a corner

T

he economic outlook for manufacturing might be looking up after two key indicator reports suggested that the Australian economy has turned a corner.

Westpac’s consumer confidence sentiments insights suggested that Aussies are increasingly looking to spend, with a 5.3% rise in confidence in November, news that was compounded by NAB’s business confidence equivalent, which also saw a rise.

Though the commercial outlook wasn’t quite as strong as the consumer version, both were marked improvements on previous months and backed up a wider feeling that Australia’s period in the economic doldrums might be coming to an end.

Manufacturing specifically continues to lag the wider economy, with forward orders a particular pain point, but even within that, the prospects were still improved on what they have been in recent months, suggesting a positive momentum.

Creditorwatch analysed the data for Industry Update, with Chief Economist Ivan Colhoun suggesting that, while not completely out of the woods, there were reasons to think that the long-term lag might be about to come to an end.

“It’s probably getting close for Australian manufacturing,” he said.

“Lower interest rates would help house construction further, though that doesn’t look likely until the first half of next year.

“Negative forward orders mean more firms are reporting a drop in orders than are reporting an increase.

“A smaller negative means that there are still more firms reporting deteriorating orders than improving orders, so it’s still not great. But it may be suggesting we are getting close to the low point for the manufacturing cycle.

“I suspect the beginnings of an improvement in building approvals is helpful as the house construction

sector is important for many Australian manufacturing processes.”

Notably, manufacturing was singled out as an area where the performance of the sector in Australia was likely to be most heavily impacted by global conditions rather than more localised issues. The jobs data, according to Colhoun, was even more difficult to parse.

“I think the problem is very similar across the globe, due to the common shocks being experienced,” he said.

“High interest rates and some pull forward of spending on manufactured goods during COVID. Improved supply chains are likely to also be allowing more import competition. This is well reported to be affecting the steel sector.

“I don’t have a good explanation for the plunge in unemployment expectations – it does look somewhat unusual and runs contrary to the trend in job advertisements which fell again in October after a number of broadly steady months.

“At face value, it says consumers are more optimistic about their job prospects. It’s not clear why they think that.

“Are they feeling generally more positive about the economy because of income tax cuts? Probably. This might mean they extrapolate this to a better job market.

“As before, there isn’t a confirming signal yet from job advertisements.

Regarding manufacturing’s staffing troubles, traditional blue collar occupations, along with healthcare and social assistance, continue to report staffing issues, while traditional white collar professions have less problems sourcing staff.

“As job ads slowly drop, this should loosen up the labour market with some benefit to manufacturing, however, the government’s tightening of immigration and student numbers will tend to work in the other direction, unfortunately.”

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Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 7

FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher

Editor

Scott Filby

A

s we enter the end of the year, it’s always a good idea to look back at what we have learned and then look forward to what we can do in the future.

For us here at Industry Update, we can be proud of the coverage that we have provided to the sector, with circulation that grows - yes, even during Covid we added subscribers!

- and traffic to the website through our e-News that suggests that more people than ever are seeing our work.

We have met new faces within manufacturing and deepened relationships with those that we already knew, furthering our commitment to our readers and the sector as a whole.

Media businesses must continue to reinvent themselves to stay relevant and interesting to readers and I assure you the best is yet to come.

2025 is set to be our biggest year ever as we celebrate 30 years in business - and as we discovered in

Mike Wood our cover interview with Safetech, very few businesses last 10 years, let alone 30!

And it doesn’t stop there. 2025 will also see the launch of the Industry Update Manufacturing Awards with a gala dinner event in November 2025 to celebrate everything great about our sector, our people and the amazing work that they do.

We guarantee this: the Industry Update awards evening will be unlike any other in manufacturing awards history!

As we close this year, I take this opportunity to again thank you - our readers and advertisers - who have made Industry Update number one and kept us there all these years, thank you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’” Luke 2:10.

I

t’s probably appropriate that our final edition of 2024 is, in many ways, our first of 2025.

This year has been a struggle at times for those in the manufacturing industry, as global factors and local issues combined for a sustained slump in the sector.

But as we approach the end of the year, there are green shoots everywhere.

New analysis from the Hourly Work Index and Creditorwatch has suggested that the ship is turning around, especially out in the wider economy, which we can expect to filter through to our part of it in the coming 12 months.

At Industry Update, we pride ourselves on a positive attitude, always believing in manufacturing and the people within it - and as ever, Australian innovation is providing solutions to problems.

For this edition, I have spoken to figures across the tech industry to understand how the major issues of 2024 - staffing, safety and investment,

to name just three - can be advanced by the greater capabilities of technology.

Moreover, I attended events at CSIRO and the University of Technology Sydney to listen to figures within the industry and to connect with thought leaders, both in government and academia, who are at the vanguard of tech in this country.

And, of course, we have celebrated those who are already ahead of the curve on this.

IU are proudly a media partner of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, which we attended this month, celebrating the best of manufacturing in that region.

We were also present at the Workplace Health & Safety Show, which gave vital insight into where that part of our industry is going next year.

All these events were enough to whet the appetite for 2025. Enjoy the festive period, rest up and get ready for a massive year. IU will be there for all of it.

‘Transformative, if not seismic’: What a Trump presidency means for Australian manufacturing

A

ustralian manufacturing is still reacting to Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential election as fears around the effect that economic protectionism may have on Australia’s export business with the United States.

The first Trump presidency saw the imposition of tariffs on many imported goods and, as a knock on effect, a trade war with China.

For Aussies, that had the double effect of making it more expensive to do business in America while also impacting exports to China, which saw our nation caught in the middle.

Industry Update spoke to Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group - and a former Australian Consul in Los Angeles - to learn what the manufacturing sector should expect from the next four years.

“He’s clearly now got a mandate to perform radical change within the United States, particularly around job creation and energy,” said Willox.

“That has the capacity to be quite

transformative, if not seismic - not just for the American economy, but the global economy.

“As Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said, Australia’s got more at stake here than most. In fact, probably more than anybody else, given our economic and security relationship with the United States, but our very, very strong economic relationship with China as well.

“The first question is: what he will do with the Inflation Reduction Act? “Will he wind it back, will he dismantle it or will he retain it? It’s not clear exactly what he’ll do, but I think we can expect some action there towards winding at least parts of it back.

“How he does that we’re just going to have to wait and see, but he’s made it very clear that he wants to rebalance the future between renewable energy and gas and oil, which will have consequences for us here.

“The other point is what he then does around regulation and tax.

Both of those have big implications

8 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group

for Australia, because if he significantly cuts the corporate tax rate and goes on a mission to deregulate the American economy, that leaves a lot of other countries, including Australia, exposed.

“He is going to work really hard to

attract investment into the United States, particularly around manufacturing job creation and innovation, which means Australia is going to have to work harder to to keep up.

“It really has the potential to be a game changer for industry, because industryupdate.com.au

INDUSTRY NEWS

President Donald Trump

he is going to look to turbocharge manufacturing in the United States as a balance against China’s well known economic strengths.”

The last Trump presidency saw

industryupdate.com.au

Australia strike a delicate balance between China and America, and Willox suggested that the current Government would have to find that sweet spot again.

“There was always the risk with the first Trump Administration that Australia is going to be collateral damage in the trade war between the US and China, given the fact that we are heavily reliant on both economies for our economic prosperity and our national security, particularly with the United States,” he said.

“The worst case scenario for Australia is that we’ll be forced to pick sides in that trade dispute. That would have enormously damaging consequences for Australia.

“We have a very broad trading relationship with the United States, given that the Free Trade Agreement has been in place for 20 years, but we also have a deep and connected relationship with China both as a supplier and as a market for our goods.

“It would be an impossible position for us to be forced to choose.

We’d have to completely recalibrate our economy, and that would be incredibly difficult.

“The first priority for the government has to be to make sure that we are exempted from tariffs that the Trump administration is going to impose.

“We have our free trade agreement to fall back on here, but during the last Administration, we came perilously close to having tariffs on our steel products imposed by Trump.

“We really just avoided that by a whisker. It took a lot of work from a lot of people to get an exemption in place for our steel products.

“We should expect to go through that scenario again on various goods, where the economic relationship, entwined with the security relationship, will be tested.

“We have a lot of history, a lot of strong mutual ties and relationships to fall back on, and there is an understanding of the history of the relationship within Washington.

“But the response from the Trump Administration last time it will be this time - was that if we exempt you, then we open the door to exemptions left, right and centre, which undermines policy intent we’re trying to impose here.

“But it has to be the priority of the Australian Government to get us exempted from those direct tariffs, or else the Free Trade Agreement with the United States is virtually not worth the paper it’s written on.”

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 9

INDUSTRY NEWS

‘It’s a mind shift’: How AI is already transforming manufacturing across major industries

The panel pose for photos after the event

A

I in manufacturing comes in many forms - and all of them were on display at a recent Sydney summit on the new technology.

AMTIL and CSIRO organised the event to bring together some of the leaders in the space across science and industry, with those experts sharing use cases of how AI was helping them to get ahead.

Tech communicator Jonathan Englert helmed the discussion, which featured Christian Ruberg on behalf of CSIRO and three corporate speakers: Stacey Lismore, sales specialist in Microsoft’s manufacturing section, Grant WIld of digital transformation experts Wild Tech and Simon Wood, Managing Director at refrigeration manufacturer Bitzer Australia.

Lismore led off the case studies, with an example from the recent Hanover Messe in Germany.

“One of the standout moments was a company called Andritz, who have pulp machines,” she said.

“They’re 30 years old. The machine doesn’t need to change, it does what it needs to do, but they

were having an issue with maintenance and cost and breakdowns.

“So what they did is take IoT sensors and attached them to this 30 year old machine and put a screen on the front of it and had a copilot.

“They’ve taken a mechanical machine and made it digital.

“They can now talk to this machine, they can ask it when it was last serviced, they can ask it if it’s having any issues, any temperature issues, any sort of over rotations - and it will feed back predictive maintenance schedules so they can be proactive.

“The first use case is taking something mechanical and making it digital.

“Then there’s AI and design.

When you think of AI, you’re thinking ‘how is that going to make my day-to-day better?

“But then as manufacturers, it’s how can you embrace AI into your product design?

“I never knew this about cars, but you have a little little box on the front that absorbs energy when you crash into something.

“Obviously, there’s only so much

10 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

money a car dealership’s going to spend on this box.

“They used AI to redesign how this box was going to be made within the budget and within the materials that they wanted to use, and now that box can absorb much more energy than it did in its previous form - so they’ve used AI to make something a product a lot safer for their customers.”

Wild told the story of a company that his firm had assisted to simplify sales and quoting, with an emphasis on how quickly the transformation could take place.

“A customer of ours is manufacturing doors and windows,” he said.

“For a configure price quote in a traditional model, you’d have a system sitting behind the scenes going ‘OK, well, somebody wants four doors and they want it this width or this length and this colour and everything else’, it would calculate out through the quoting system to come up with that answer.

“What we’ve been able to do with AI now is ingest unstructured data actually a sales brochure - which has

got all this information on it already.

“It’s using copilot and AI to come up with the quote as it’s being asked to the customer.

“It’s not going back into the core platforms, the source of truth is this sales brochure and what spits out of that then is a design. It creates builds of material, works, orders, the whole lot.

“It’s completely flipped what was a traditional, time-consuming process that consumed a lot of data to now a world where using unstructured data - still clean data, still very relevant - they’ve been able to automate a process and get something moving very, very quickly.

“That’s the world we’re moving to.

It’s striking because that’s literally happened in 10 days.

“People are also looking at it from a perspective of ‘what data did I have?’ I have a sales brochure. I don’t have anything else. I’ve got my sales brochure and they’ve been able to use that as the core to do everything else.

“It’s a mind shift and it’s really interesting watching people adapt to it and what they do with it.”

Simon Wood of Bitzer Australia concluded with an example where AI had slashed engineering time and helped to get products to market in drastically reduced timeframes.

“We looked across all our business and where all our potential opportunities were, and we ended up landing on engineering being our major time resource,” he explained.

“Speed to market was a major issue in terms of how long it took the engineers to design something, test it and do all the analytics: vibration, temperature monitoring and safety requirements - particularly in our industry, where we’re using propane quite a lot, which has got quite a lot of risks and that safety aspect is really important to us.

“We implemented AI across our engineering in terms of how we gather that information.

“It used to be that four or five different engineers would have the speciality of doing that, but with AI we can actually utilise all that experience into one space.

“One engineer can manage the project and we’ve seen a reduction time of around 50% where we gain in reducing speed to market and also accuracy of what we deliver.”

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FROM THE MINISTER Minister for Industry and Science

Ed Husic

Why South by Southwest Sydney shows what Australia tech can be

T

here are few better showcases of Australia’s thriving tech and innovation ecosystem than South by Southwest Sydney Launched in 2023 and held again last month, SXSW attracts tech entrepreneurs, SME founders and industry decision-makers for a week of activities promoting and celebrating innovation.

We have an amazing innovation story to tell here in Australia.

Almost 550 AI companies are headquartered in Australia, and our share of tech start-ups exceeds our global share of GDP. We have outstanding research and development capabilities and a highly skilled workforce enable and sustain these startups.

Indeed, Australia is in the top four in the OECD for our capacity to attract and retain highly educated workers.

SXSW Sydney’s ability to draw the most innovative companies and the brightest minds in tech made it an obvious place for me to launch Australia’s AI Month 2024.

AI’s spread through the workplace, where it is allowing routine tasks to be automated and freeing up workers to focus on more profitable task, is accelerating.

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) estimates that generative AI alone could contribute up to $115 billion annually to Australia’s economy by 2030.

The ability of our businesses, regardless of size, to adopt AI tools will determine how much of that potential we capture.

The welcome news is that a third of our SMEs are either using AI or planning to deploy it in the next 12 months.

But nearly one quarter of Australian SMEs lack knowledge of how to implement AI in their business.

12 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

Supporting these businesses to build their AI capabilities is critical to our plans to broaden and modernise our industrial capabilities.

Given our commitment to enabling AI diffusion and capability, it was logical that the Australian Government – through the National AI Centre (NAIC) – should have a strong presence at the SXSW Tech and Innovation Expo.

Visitors to NAIC’s #AIAustralia booth enjoyed an interactive visual demonstration from Leonardo.ai – Australia’s leading generative AI company globally.

There were also music experiences by Kopi Su Studio – the only creative AI finalists of Australia’s inaugural AI Sprint.

The booth also introduced all four of the Government’s AI Adopt Centres for the first time.

These will offer specialist training to eligible SMEs to enable them to develop the business practices needed to harness AI’s potential effectively and responsibly.

Each Centre will target business across the seven priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund, and the training they offer will be free of charge.

The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre will support businesses to learn more about AI and robotics, and what they need to leverage AI effectively, particularly in the field of manufacturing. They will also offer an AI-as-a-service model that is fully cloud-based and supported by the ARM Hub. ARAIN (Australian Regional AI Network) will provide practical AI advice, awareness and education for small business, with a focus on those operating in the forestry, industryupdate.com.au

INDUSTRY NEWS

The Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, at SXSW Sydney Tech & Innovation Expo

agriculture, fisheries and renewable technology areas.

SAAM (Safe AI Adoption Model) will have an online hub of simple

industryupdate.com.au

tools and practical resources to help SMEs capitalise on the benefits of AI while minimising their risks.

SMEC AI (Small to Medium

Enterprise Centre of Artificial Intelligence) will deliver courses and one-on-one mentoring in AI with a focus on medical science,

agriculture, renewables and low emissions tech.

Through the facilitation of AI adoption across the economy, the AI Adopt Program will also support the upskilling of Australian workers.

In the year to August 2024, we saw a 5 per cent increase in employment in tech-related jobs to the current total of 994,087.

This has us well on track to achieve our target of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030.

Through the Future Skills Organisation we set up last year, we’re analysing how skills requirements are changing, which occupations are most affected, and where we direct our training to reflect these changes.

Additionally, through the Next Generation Graduates Programs we are attracting and training tomorrow’s job-ready AI and emerging technology specialists to drive industry growth.

The Australian Government is committed to helping business and industry realise AI’s full potential – and to realise it quickly – so we can lift Australia’s economy to a new level of complexity and sophistication.

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 13

FROM THE SHADOW MINISTER

Australia’s time for choosing is coming

T

he other day I had the chance to deliver a speech at Old Parliament House and it got me thinking about something we are missing when we talk about our history.

Old Parliament House holds special significance in our collective story.

Not that long ago it was the centre of Australian political power and it was not long ago that the big names of Australian politics strode its halls.

Howard, Hawke, Menzies and Curtin - names we all know Australians who made an impact and wrote chapters of that national narrative.

But as I thought about those big moments and that big building I decided the focus of my speech would not be on the big names and the historic moments, but instead would focus on everyday Australians.

The countless Australians who have built this nation.

Australians who have laid the foundations of our country and those who continue to do so in the face of difficult times.

Australians like you, and your workers.

Millions of stories being written by the workers of Australia, many in your business today.

These are the workers who are building this country and we have a responsibility to those workers and their families to deliver better leadership than we are seeing today. Because without strong leadership the fact is life will keep getting harder.

This is personal for me because it is a life I have lived myself in the woolsheds of Western Queensland.

Now more than ever demands an urgent effort to stand up for these Australians because Australia is heading in the wrong direction and these working Australians will never get these years back.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training

Sussan Ley

The fact is they cannot afford another three years of rising prices and falling living standards.

It is too often lost in the cycle of political commentary that for these average Australians a lost year, is a lost year.

We are far too quick to kick decisions into another parliamentary term or put something in the too hard basket to be dealt with down the track.

Australians deserve an honest conversation about the state of the economy. The urgency of the situation confronting businesses is not being reflected by senior leaders

today. That must change.

The workers and businesses I have met over recent months are not on the news, not in the papers but they are relying on me to speak up for them, and I make no apologies for calling-out the failures of the Government.

In fact, I promised the business owners that I would do so. I will keep speaking up and calling it out.

Because I think all of us need to spend less time worrying about the people who get to have their name carved into the stone, and more time worrying about the person who laid it.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Major move for manufacturing trade fair as second show added and exhibitors revealed

C

eMAT, one of Australia’s big trade shows, is set to return in 2025 - and will be bigger and better than ever, thanks to the addition of a second show to the line-up for 2025.

The Industrial Transformation aspect of CeMAT is already wellknown to those in the manufacturing industry, having featured as part of the wider show, but will now be expanded into a sister show, taking place at the same time and at the same location, labelled for the first time as Industrial Transformation Australia.

It will see the show, held at Sydney Olympic Park from 22-24 July 2025, greatly expanded.

CeMAT have announced the first slew of exhibitors, with some of the most recognised names in manufacturing already on board.

International brands such as Knapp, Toyota Materials Handling, Dematic and ForkPro have all signed up for CeMAT, while Australis Engineerings, Pilz

Australia, Schmalz Australia and Robotic Automation are among those already in for Industrial Transformation.

“Industrial Transformation Australia alongside CeMAT Australia is a dynamic step forward in providing the region with a comprehensive industrial showcase,” said Mike Nissen, Commercial Director at Hannover Fairs Australia, who organise the two events.

“With the influence of Hannover Messe, this event is a catalyst for accelerating Industry 4.0, bringing together advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, digital transformation and processing and packaging, under one roof.

Our goal is to create an unparalleled environment where manufacturers, technology providers and supply chain business leaders can engage with the latest innovations and explore cutting-edge production strategies.

CEMAT 2024

We are bringing together the sectors of intralogistics and industrial transformation, offering attendees a full view of advancements in manufacturing, processing and packaging and supply chain management.

This combination of global insight and local opportunity marks an exciting milestone in Australia’s industrial landscape, inviting collaboration and sparking innovation.

Shift worker struggles laid bare, but new data shows manufacturing’s staff issues might be improving

A

new report has detailed how the manufacturing sector is struggling to find staff, but looking to rebound with an expansion of job opportunities.

The headline figures from the Hourly Work Index collected by global employment platford Deputy, is that shifts are down by 2.95% month on month in September 2024, with hours commensurately also down 2.42%.

But there are green shoots, with a 24.10% increase in new hires, suggesting that, after a prolonged period of struggle, the industry is finally starting to find staff.

August was a horror month for hires, with an almost 100% drop, but September saw a rebound - even though vacancies remain elevated as the manufacturing sector struggles to fill ample spots.

Deputy produce the Hourly Work Index using anonymised data from across global industry, and compiled this particular survey from the work patterns of close to 800 manufacturing workers and almost 200,000 workplaces in Australia.

“As businesses grapple with talent retention, competitive wages industryupdate.com.au

and evolving market demands, the Manufacturing sector faces a host of challenges that extend beyond the factory floor,” said Emma Seymour, Chief Financial Officer at Deputy.

“These hurdles can profoundly affect economic growth, workforce stability and the sector’s overall resilience.

“Monthly fluctuations in manufacturing operations and capacity can cause ripple effects throughout the economy, directly affecting supply chains and industries like retail and logistics.

“This interconnectedness highlights the importance of a strong Manufacturing sector in ensuring economic stability.

“While the federal government has budget allocated to accelerating Manufacturing through initiatives like the Future Made in Australia Act, employers need to be adaptable to market changes so they can better support the shift workers that form the backbone of this sector.

“Organisations that are prepared for these changes will be better positioned to retain skilled workers which is essential for long-term success in the tight labour market.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

‘You unlock all this potential that you didn’t realise you had’: Manufacturing guru reveals when businesses should invest into tech Shane Williams

S

hane Williams has seen it all in manufacturing. The self-styled Virtual Chief Technology Officer has providing a helping hand to businesses across the sector looking to up their game in the digital space, as well as offering thought leadership through podcasts and books.

His latest effort is ClustERPuck: 21 Critical ERP Implementation Mistakes, which dives deep into where businesses have gone wrong and seeks to offer guidance to manufacturers, especially SMEs, who are looking to bring tech in to make processes better.

“The premise behind the title ‘21 Mistakes’ is that we learn from our mistakes. That’s my experience and it’s the oldest adage in the book, right?” he told Industry Update.

“I think there’s a lot of ‘How To’ stuff out there, but most people a) don’t have time to read and b) just want to get to the crux of it.

“I thought: let’s take a different approach. Let’s tackle it from the war stories that people tell at the bar.

“If I could just tell those stories, people will learn through the mistakes of others about what not to do, and, by extension, what to do.

“The point of the book was to share that it is actually possible to do this properly and to get the benefit - and the best way to do that is to learn where it went wrong last time and just not do the same thing.”

For most, that journey is knowing when to bring tech in and what problems to solve.

“There’s a point in the life cycle of

your business, where it makes sense to invest in tech,” said Williams.

“Everybody knows that businesses need to adopt more technology, but there’s a time and a place.

“In a smaller, growing business, everybody can start with the finance system, Xero or something, then you put in an email system.

“But you get to the point where it’s ‘I can’t pull this report because I’ve got six different systems, people are complaining that they can’t see what those guys are doing’ “All the systems are starting to get in the road. That’s the time to start to think about bigger stuff.

“When I have conversations with people, the first thing they say to me is: ‘we’ve totally stuffed this up, we’ve got so many different systems’.

“My answer to them is that they haven’t stuffed anything up. That’s just the journey of building a business.

“You didn’t roll in on day one with an unlimited budget and put in all the right stuff. You put in what was right for the time, and now what’s right for the time is a change.

“It’s difficult, and it’s going to be a long slog, but when you get to the other side, then you unlock all this potential that you didn’t realise you had in your business.

“There’s all this extra time and extra capacity, there’s insight into what’s performing and what’s not - but there’s a whole bunch of hard work in between to get to that point.

“I think that’s what’s holding a whole bunch of businesses back in terms of growth is that they don’t have the confidence to make this change.

“That’s the point of the book: to open people’s eyes to the art of the possible. To say, ‘Hey, you can do this and it’s not terribly difficult. There’s a lot of hard work, but the lessons aren’t that hard to learn.”

A second key touchpoint is at the other end of a manufacturing business cycle, when the time comes to hang up the tools “I’m doing a lot of work at the moment with businesses in that transition phase,” said WIlliams.

“The first scenario is that someone’s ready to retire, they’re handing over to the next generation and the kids are saying: ‘I’m willing to take over, but I ain’t going to run the way

16 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

that he does.

“Dad does stupid hours. He’s the centre of everything and nothing gets done because everything’s going to go through him, and I’m not going to be that person. I don’t have his experience and I don’t want to be tied to this business 60 hours a week.

“They’re thinking there’s got to be a better way - and what technologies are available to help, because they’re more comfortable with tech to look at putting this stuff in.

“The second is where the kids don’t want to take it over, so they need to sell - and no one wants to buy a business that’s reliant on someone who is about to walk out the door.

“Every due diligence comes back and says: it’s just this one bloke. So they think: What have I got to do?

“They’re the sorts of conversations where we’re having, saying: we could digitise a lot of your processes.

“An ERP is the backbone of a growing manufacturing business. If we can get what’s in your head digitised into a system then it becomes less reliant on you and more reliant on the tools.

“In my experience, that generational shift is driving a change, and that change is either being manifested in the kids taking over, or the need to sell with the new buyers only wanting to buy a digital-first business.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Drug testing is vital to workplace health and safety

How drug and alcohol testing is advancing health and safety practices across multiple industries

D

rug and alcohol use is a huge issue in society – and one that goes far beyond the manufacturing industry.

Like any societal issue, it can affect the workplace, and the manner in which businesses deal with drug and alcohol use forms a crucial pillar of any workplace health and safety policy.

“Any industry that has potential safety risks from drug and alcohol use (which is basically every industry) should consider a drug and alcohol testing policy,” said Dr Kerry Roper, Commercial Testing and Clinical Trials Manager, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology.

“A policy is really important in the workplace to define not only a testing program, but also an action plan in the event of not-negative results,” she added.

It is an area that Sonic Healthcare, an Australian pathology company, has been supporting for decades.

Sonic Healthcare Australia Pathology operates a network of pathology practices across the

country, with recognised names such as Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology (DHM) in New South Wales and Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology (SNP) in Queensland.

Currently, Sonic offers laboratory chain-of-custody drug screening services across its extensive network of collection centres serving each state and territory, as well as onsite drug screening and confirmatory drug testing of oral fluid and urine samples.

Although it has been around since the 1980s, Sonic is always looking to move forward and increase its range of testing services offered to customers.

“Something really exciting that is going to be offered nationally very soon is hair drug and alcohol testing,” said Dr Roper.

“The service will be available in different states and will allow clients to look at drug and alcohol use across a 3–12 month period to gain an understanding of long-term use. The test results can even be broken down into use across monthly increments.

“It’s important for a business

18 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

to consider their needs and how drug and alcohol use might affect workplace safety, then to choose the appropriate type of sample to test.

“Oral fluid is used to identify recent usage that would likely affect an individual at the time of testing, whereas urine testing has a longer window of detection of a few days or even, with some drugs, a few weeks.

Hair testing gives a picture of longterm sustained usage.

“We’re finding that, globally, certain high-risk industries where long-term drug use has significant implications on safety, companies want to understand potential drug use by their employees over a longer time frame,” explained Dr Roper.

“Businesses sometimes want to know that they’re not just sending someone for a one-off drug test, where that person could potentially abstain for a few days to provide a ‘clean’ result. Instead, they need to understand and identify long-term and sustained drug and alcohol use that may affect safety within the

workplace.”

For manufacturers, pathology can provide a superb insight into the potential health and safety issues facing their workforce.

“It’s not just about reducing risk in the workplace,” Dr Roper added, “but also supporting the wellness of staff.

Long-term drug use can affect a number of aspects of an employee’s wellbeing, which feeds back into the health and safety of a sustainable business.”

The issue isn’t just illicit drugs, but also those that are legal but which need to be addressed specifically in a work context.

“Prescription drug use is always something to consider,” said Dr Roper.

“There’s a lot of prescription drugs that will be indicated in drug screening testing, for example, drugs that are used to help with ADHD may come up as indicated for methamphetamines.

“Medicinal cannabis is widely prescribed across Australia and will be detected as THC on screening devices. There may be a potential for industryupdate.com.au

INDUSTRY NEWS

a level of impairment from prescription drugs, but also a legitimate medical need for that person.

“It’s important for a workplace policy to define how they’re going to deal with the situation of prescription drugs which may affect impairment in the workplace.

“Pathology laboratories, such as DHM and SNP, can offer an interpretation in terms of what is in someone’s system at a specific time. The presence of drugs and their metabolites in human samples reflects what drugs the donor has ingested, whether in an illicit or

legal manner.

“What we can’t advise is what it means for impairment and what measures a business needs to put in place in the event that drug use – whether illicit or prescriptive – is detected.

“We report to an Australian

and New Zealand standard, which defines the level at which someone is determined to have drugs in their system,” said Dr Roper.

It’s a bit different to blood alcohol in driving, where a level of impairment has been set as 0.05. That’s not the case with illicit or prescription drug use.

“There is research currently being performed in Australia that is trying to equate a level of medicinal cannabis use with impairment to define a certain level of ‘acceptable’ use when driving, but we’re not there yet,” explained Dr Roper.

“The issue of impairment and what it means to a workplace is different to the issue of what is considered a negative or not-negative result on a pathology report.

“It’s important that a workplace health and safety policy addresses the company’s requirements for how short-term and sustained drug and alcohol use may affect workplace safety.”

Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology dhm.com.au

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industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 19

FINANCE

Succession planning for your business: is trade sale the best option?

WilliamBuck are SME finance experts

O

ver half of all 2024 mid-market transactions occurred in the manufacturing sector, according to William Buck’s recent Dealmaking Insights Report.

However, a trade sale is not the only option for exiting a business.

Many owners take a one-dimensional approach to considering their exit strategy and business succession plan.

They ask themselves ‘Do I want to sell my business?’ rather than taking a broader view of where the business is positioned in its lifecycle, as well as the financial and personal needs of a business partner or owners.

At some point in your business’s lifecycle, you must consider its succession. Deciding the best options for the future is both an important and sensitive issue.

In most cases, business owners have a strong emotional connection to their business after countless hours of hard work and dedication.

Approaching the consideration from this angle would lead to asking a better question, such as: ‘How can I prepare the business for an orderly succession at some point in time?’

Many owners consider the process only when they are ready to exit their business.

However, leaving succession planning to the last minute can heavily impact future financial and personal outcomes. Effective succession planning for a business requires a 3–5-year

outlook to achieve the best results.

Benefits of 3-5-year succession planning for business owners include: • Maximising short to medium-term capital value.

• Aligning the leadership structure with your preferred level of involvement.

• Developing in-house leadership for future succession.

• Defining long-term business benefits in terms of capital or legacy.

• Ensuring a profitable, tax-effective and commercially realistic business structure and transfer strategy.

Key considerations when exit planning Decisions on whether to pass the business on to the next generation of family, go public or sell all or part of the business require a well-considered plan. To achieve the right outcome for all key stakeholders, some important questions need to be considered: • Do you wish to continue owning the business? Are you ready to retire?

• Is the business dependent on one key person (‘key-person risk’), and how can this be managed?

• Is there sufficient management capable of continuing to grow the business?

• Is the business your main income-producing asset, and how can it be unlocked?

• What estate planning issues need

20 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

to be considered?

• Exiting a business is a two-step process. The first step involves determining your objectives and understanding the options available.

Issues to bear in mind include: • When would you like to exit?

• Do you understand the current value of the business and how it’s derived?

• What do you hope the business will look like in the future?

• How are you going to get there?

• What are your expectations on sale?

• Are there any impediments to achieving these expectations?

An advisor can work through these questions with you and develop a plan to improve the value of your business and align your personal and business objectives.

The second stage includes the practical steps involved in selling your business or handing it down to the next generation. Achieving a successful outcome in the second stage often depends on the level of planning in the first stage.

Developing a succession plan for your manufacturing business All businesses benefit from succession plans to ensure continuity and stability during leadership transitions.

Family businesses need robust plans to manage the complexities of passing ownership while maintaining operations.

Businesses with key-personnel

risks also require strategies to mitigate potential disruptions caused by losing an important leadership individual.

Succession planning as a manufacturing business owner presents unique opportunities. Our Dealmaking Insights 2024 analysis suggests that the Consumer, Technology and Materials sectors continue to dominate mid-market transactions, accounting for 51% of total mid-market deals.

These findings highlight the durability of consumer-centric businesses across all stages of the economic cycle and the ongoing role that mining and manufacturing play in the Australian economy.

Looking forward, we anticipate accelerated growth in specialised manufacturing as Australia increases its independence, fuelled by ‘Made in Australia’ tailwinds in an increasingly de-globalised world.

Strong growth in this sector could enable business owners to maximise their business’s potential and set the stage for a comfortable retirement when it’s time to exit.

Business strategy assessment Analysing the current strategic direction helps business owners identify strengths and weaknesses and set clear, measurable goals for the future.

By evaluating the company’s mission, goals and strategies, owners can align their succession plan with long-term objectives, positioning the business for maximum success and providing a clear roadmap for leadership transitions that support sustained growth.

How can William Buck assist?

Succession planning is complex, so our comprehensive Corporate Finance services are tailored to your needs.

Our Corporate Finance team is prepared to craft a succession plan template or plan for you to follow, helping you navigate the intricacies of succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition and preserving your business’s value.

For financial aspects, our Wealth Advisory team can likewise assist in managing finances, from tax implications to estate planning.

William Buck is here to ensure that your personal and business goals are completely aligned. Contact William Buck today and start your succession planning process.

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industryupdate.com.au

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Finance

Towering success: How a link-up with St.George Bank helped Marley Flow expand their cooling tower business

Marley Flow CEO Gareth Jones

Marley Flow’s workspace

S

ometimes in manufacturing, it’s about waiting for an opportunity to arise and knowing how to capitalise.

For Gareth Jones, that came when a large American supplier in the industry - where he worked at the time - decided to pull out of cooling tower manufacturing in 2004.

Confident that there was still a place for cooling tower manufacturing in Australia, Jones struck out on his own and became the founder of Marley Flow.

“In those corporate days, I was the general manager for Asia Pacific,” he remembered.

“I had always wanted to go outside of the core business, because we needed more revenue streams.

“Talk about cash flow: we’d have a bumper month in January and in February we couldn’t get an order.

That’s the way that the business was.

“I recognised that we needed to smooth those peaks and troughs out, and we could do that with a maintenance business.

“We wanted to install cooling towers to generate more income, and from that, we moved onto

maintaining them.

“Now we deliver cooling towers, maintain them and supply them.

“We’ve just finished Western Sydney Airport and the Fish Market development down in Sydney, a sugar mill in Queensland, Viva Energy in Victoria and we’re doing a couple of power station jobs, too, supplying and repairing cooling towers.

“That’s the continuity of the business that we want, because they pay on a monthly basis and you can maintain the cash flow without the peaks and troughs.

“Defence was our first large contract outside of cooling towers.

Because of my engineering background, when the client asked if I could look at this contract, I thought I could do it.

“Our business was just six people then - but we tendered the contract in 2005 and it didn’t end until 2020.”

That expansion would not have been possible without the support of St.George Bank, who have been Marley Flow’s partner since day one.

“When we first started off in 2004, it was me going to the bank and asking if I could borrow money,”

22 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

joked Jones.

“In 2007, I got a call from the new Business Bank manager in Penrith and I thought: ‘I’ve done it! The bank’s calling me, I’m not calling them!’

“The bank’s always supported us.

We built our headquarters in 2009, then we bought land over the road.

“Just two weeks ago, we bought a block of industrial land at Werrington, and we’re going to do the same again.

“During all that time when we’ve bought businesses, we’ve generally funded internally, but if we ever needed to, like we do with buying the new land, we go to St.George Bank.

For Marley Flow, having a bank that understands the manufacturing business is vital.

“It’s the continuity and the relationship,” he said.

“You need to have that relationship. You can’t have a bank/client relationship when you’re in business like we are, you have to have a personal relationship.

“You have to be able to phone your BBM, and say ‘Hey, this is what I want to do’, and they’ve got to understand. A personal relationship

is so important.

“We’ve always had strong cash flows, but that’s because we’re pretty well focused on our cash flow. I drive it into everybody in the business that when we finish a job, we invoice it the next day.

“As long as you drive that culture, the company will go OK. We haven’t needed to come to St.George to sustain that cash flow as yet, but knowing that that availability is there if we need it is so important.”

Central to the relationship between Marley Flow and St.George in recent years has been the ability to win government contracts, which now require far more bank involvement than was previously necessary.

“Five years ago, price would be about 80% of what you were trying to do,” said Jones of the bidding process.

“But now in defence and in these large infrastructure contracts, there are more criteria that clients look at beyond price.

“They’re looking at your policies and your innovation. They’re looking at your business far more thoroughly.

“Five years ago, nobody ever asked us for three years’ company statements, but now they’re asking all the time. The people that give out those projects want to know that you’re financially stable.

“People look at it and people question it. Two years ago, we had a really good year, and last year we dropped down a bit - but we knew that was coming. We can forecast that.

“And then we got questioned on it, we gave them all the right answers, and we got the job. St.George were there to help us with that, providing support.”

St.George Bank - stgeorge.com.au industryupdate.com.au

INDUSTRY NEWS

‘A significant step forward in sustainable manufacturing in Australia’ as new plant breaks ground

T

he design of a new Mars facility in Wodonga has been heralded as a breakthrough in sustainable manufacturing in Australia thanks to the groundbreaking new methods deployed in the facility.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen were on hand to launch the construction of Mars’ Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant, which will produce petcare products from big brands such as Pedigree and Whiskas.

Mars and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency joined forces to install Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) technology across the factory, which will allow it to replace gas with steam produced by solar panels which, alongside other renewables, should see the plant be net zero compliant within just two years.

It is the first of Mars’ 120 global manufacturing sites to have this tech installed, and also the first Australian large scale facility of any

Customers get ready at the new Mars Petcare factory

company to use CST. Speaking exclusively to Industry Update, Caroline Aspridis, Mars Petcare ANZ Supply Director, said that the steam generation technology was a huge moment for Australia’s net zero journey.

“This landmark Concentrated Solar Thermal project represents a significant step forward in sustainable

manufacturing in Australia,” Caroline Aspridis, Mars Petcare ANZ Supply Director, told Industry Update.

“By harnessing innovative renewable energy sources, we’re significantly reducing our carbon footprint and setting a new standard for the industry.

“Our Wodonga factory has been operational since 1967 and this major

investment in CST not only benefits the environment but represents our ongoing commitment to regional manufacturing and the community.

“Mars is also proud to be contributing to the local economy by creating jobs in the Wodonga region.

As industry leaders, we believe it’s essential to lead by example and help to drive positive change.”

Our Manufacturing specialist bankers are here to help fire up your business: • Working capital professionals • Free business reviews • Connecting you with experts in industry grants and tender submissions Matthew Kelly Head of Manufacturing & Wholesale 0412 265 197 manufacturingwholesale@stgeorge.com.au © St.George Bank - a division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 23

INDUSTRY NEWS

‘It’s very much 1985 sometimes’: How bridging the tech and skills gap can bring manufacturing forwards

Chief Product Officer Sam Byrnes

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he gap in manufacturing between the AI generation and the old school is noticeable not least because the staffing shortages are found in the middle, Wider still is the distance between the frontline worker and the office, with huge discrepancies in tech knowledge that are limiting the success that Aussie manufacturers can enjoy through a lack of joined-up processes.

It’s why SafetyCulture’s recent global industry report had manufacturing down as the most pessimistic about staffing issues, and Australian manufacturers in particular looking downbeat about the prospects for the future compared to their international peers.

Industry Update sat down with Sam Byrnes, Chief Product Officer at SafetyCulture, to diagnose the problems and to search for solutions that could help industry to modernise practices and improve training, with the goal of alleviating the sticky staff problems and helping to bridge that

tech gap.

“It’s really hard to get young people interested,” said Byrnes.

“The industry, I think more than more than a lot of others, just really hasn’t evolved to the level that it needs to.

“We’re caught in this place where a lot of the older workers that have all the knowledge and skills to actually perform the tasks don’t love sharing that. It’s a very strange dynamic.

“I don’t want to say that’s unique to manufacturing, but definitely highly prevalent there. It can make it really hard for new people to join.

“What compounds that is the lack of readily available technology to allow them to come up to speed quickly.

“It is very much ‘learn on the job’ rather than building that knowledge into a system that young people can access readily. I think that they definitely get frustrated by that.

“I used to run a factory, and people would come in and say ‘Well, why didn’t they just use Google for this?’

“That’s an extremely different

24 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

environment to old school, traditional manufacturing. In a lot of these industries, particularly in the front lines of these industries, it’s very much 1985 sometimes.”

“Manufacturing is a really tough industry for this, because if you look across the front lines, it’s very heavily paper-based still to this day.

Going into 2025, that’s just crazy.”

Previously, Australia might have imported staff from abroad, but with outside societal pressures limiting migration and skilled workers having the luxury of choice, manufacturers might now have to look to use what they have to get ahead rather than bringing it in externally.

“Traditionally, manufacturing frontline workers have always been kind of viewed as a cost rather than a resource,” said Byrnes.

“You contrast that to something like what you see in Germany, where they look for the most skilled workers and they pay them really well.

“Look at the manufacturing that’s happening in Germany and how well

that’s held in regard versus some of the Western world - it’s because of the way that frontline workers are viewed.

“They’re viewed as incredibly valuable resources. We just haven’t really gone through that evolution.

“What’s been incredible for me, being on the side of the fence now and talking to people about adapting technology, is the amount that say they don’t trust frontline workers with phones and they don’t trust them with technology.

“It’s crazy, because they’re trusting them with their brand standards and health and safety, but they don’t trust them with digital tools.

“I think that’s the big shift that we need to go through. Rather than just thinking about a low cost option, we need to think about it sustainably, about how we build technology into systems that can bring up young people from Australia and give them a real pathway of employment.”

That education part is central to everything.

“I think we need to really think about how we invest in our manufacturing sector in Australia,” said Byrnes.

“It’s investment in people, technology and definitely upskilling.”

“Software has never been built for people on the front lines. It’s always been verticalised for desk-bound workers, so there’s a disconnect to the frontline workers.

“The only way to get any connectedness to anyone on the front lines has been through pen and paper that someone may or may not enter into a system.

“Not only is it manual, you’re disconnected from leadership, you’re disconnected from information and you end up having to enter into too many different systems.

“SafetyCulture is trying to be a single portal that makes it easy.

“We’re purpose built for frontline workers. We’re mobile first. We need to be simple and intuitive, because we know that’s what unlocks discretionary effort.

“The best way to make an improvement to your bottom line is to really unlock the power of your frontline.

“By having a one-stop shop that we can connect to these existing software systems, we can really unlock the power of frontline work and turn it into a resource rather than just a cost.”

industryupdate.com.au

SPECIAL FEATURE

This NSW country town is setting itself up as the new home of manufacturing in regional Australia

W

hat do manufacturers want in a location? A location, for starters. A place with the ability to do things locally but also distribute far and wide.

A skilled workforce might be second, both in pre-existing talent and a drawcard to dangle w that can persuade blow-ins to move.

Price, obviously matters, as does government support for business and infrastructure designed to foster industry.

Step forward Goulburn.

It is situated in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales on the main freight route from Queensland to Victoria – an hour’s drive from Canberra and two hours from Sydney – with connectivity via road and rail, along with proximity to major ports.

They have a vibrant local economy that fosters innovation and job creation while preserving the unique character of the city, which already boosts a thousand-strong talent pool spread across over 100

manufacturing businesses.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council are focused on bringing the best in manufacturing to the area, providing a space where industry can find a

Why a base in Goulburn is perfect for this major manufacturing supplier

Power Rail’s warehouse in Goulburn

A

base in Goulburn has many benefits - just ask Power Rail Australia.

The locomotive parts supplier has its headquarters a stone’s throw from the Big Merino and, according to director Mick Cooper, the area itself is part of their USP. “We ship to everywhere across Australia and New Zealand, every day,” he told Industry Update.

“The advantage of being in Goulburn against Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or anywhere industryupdate.com.au

is that we can put shipments onto a truck up until 4.30 in the afternoon.

“In those big cities, it’s usually about 1pm or 2pm. We are that close to the major depots that we can drop something off up until 5pm and it will go overnight to anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.

“We can also go to the USA, and we ship into and out of there with shipping times that are quicker than Sydney or Melbourne.

“That’s all down to location.

Because we’re a smaller city, you

have a lot more flexibility and willingness to help - and you know the people that you’re dealing with, which makes life a lot easier in transit times and drop-off times.”

Power Rail started 8 years ago and are the only Australian branch for Power Rail USA. They supply locomotive and rail related parts to Australia and New Zealand, employing 7 people and have a warehouse that holds around $2M, sending around 20 shipments a day, every day.

footing and grow.

As part of a showcase on the city in Industry Update, we spoke to two such businesses to find out why they are proud to call Goulburn home.

That warehouse, and the costs of running it, make Goulburn the perfect place to be.

“It’s about a third of the price in Goulburn to what it is in Sydney,” said Cooper.

“We get customers that ring us at four in the afternoon who need a part overnight because the locomotive can’t go out without that part.

“For a lease or hire on a locomotive, it’s about $2,500 a day, plus the train it can’t pull, so our $50 part on regular shipping out of Goulburn makes us a prominent supplier and gets their locomotives moving faster and quicker.”

For Mick, originally from the UK, Goulburn isn’t just a great location to do business but also a fantastic place to live.

“It’s friendly, it’s safe and most people know most people in town,” he told IU. “I lived in Sydney and, when the tradie took their ute home, everything would be locked up and everything secure. I’m not trying to attract thieves to Goulburn, but utes sit there with thousands of dollars worth of tools on them and nobody touches it.

“Another story is that, about five years ago, I got a puncture on my way to work. By the time I’d pulled up and had a look at it, the guy in the house next to where I’d parked had come out with a trolley jack, and the guy across the road had come out with two cups of tea.

“We all fixed my flat tyre together - and I didn’t know those people up until that point. That’s Goulburn for you.”

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 25

Special Feature

How this Goulburn business solved staffing problems by growing their own

G

oulburn might feel like a big country town, but its manufacturing industry is richly diverse.

Take Vacvator – they’ve been providing a vital, niche service to the Australian market for 17 years in vacuum excavation equipment.

“It’s a fairly specialised area,” explained their co-founder, Andrew Rowlands, to Industry Update.

“Vacuum trucks are used to pothole underground areas, so if there’s a road being widened or there’s a building project going on and underground surfaces are going to be impacted, a truck can come in and cut the ground with high pressure water and suck the material out of the hole.

“You can imagine the gurney that you use to wash your car - put that on steroids and that’s what’s used to cut the ground.”

Though the business operates

nationwide, Vacvator choose to call Goulburn home.

“We manufacture everything here on our site in Goulburn,” said Rowlands.

“We’ve got 30-odd staff and we’re pretty proud to be a manufacturer in Australia.

“Primarily our competition is from overseas, and we hold our own as far as quality and ease of operation, which is what we focus on: making something that’s really robust and will last for the asset owner, and something that is really easy for operators to operate, because the last thing they want to do is have a truck that’s too complicated.”

While the Goulburn area is not immune from the staffing shortages that plague manufacturing everywhere in Australia, Vacvator has been able to turn that negative into positive by tapping into the local

Vacvator’s truck and staff

talent pool.

“We spend a lot of time with schools and have a good apprenticeship base,” said Rowlands.

“That’s where we get most of our workers from: they start off as an apprentice and then work their way to tradespeople.

“There’s a real shortage in Australia of tradespeople - and there’s lots of reasons behind that so it’s a difficult pool to draw from, but we create a good work environment, a flexible oneand we pay well, so we’re able to keep our staff. Some of them have been with us for ten years plus.

“We’ve also been able to draw people from cities who want to move to Goulburn for that country lifestyle.

It’s a little bit cheaper to live here as well.”

The ability to get premises for less is a key drawcard for the city.

“We’ve got everything we need here, with plenty of land to set up new businesses,” explains Rowlands.

“I had a business in Sydney too and the difference in land prices is incredible. It’s five to ten times more expensive compared to Goulburn.

It’s a lot cheaper for manufacturing or any industry that needs a bit of land.

“I could buy land and put a building on it in Goulburn for the same price as just buying the land in Sydney. That’s the difference.

“The other thing is transport.

We’re on the route between Sydney and Melbourne, not that far from Canberra and not far from the coast. Location-wise, Goulburn is a well-situated city.”

Vacvator co-founder Andrew Rowlands 26 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

industryupdate.com.au

INDUSTRY NEWS

Factory fresh: How one ‘last resort’ is helping get obsolete parts back up and running

A

ll businesses know the dangers of downtime. Finding a solution that gets things back up and running quickly is vital.

That is doubled when your business blurs the line between software and hardware, where a small piece of mechanics can bring a whole industrial process to a halt.

It’s where a company like Data Factory can come in. The Melbourne-based business specialise in servos, drives and control systems, helping to service parts and all kinds of electronics.

For companies, they can be a lifesaver.

Paul Moorcroft, Managing Director at Moorcroft Software, told Industry Update about a recent incident where Darius Kowalewski, principal and engineer at Data Factory, was able to save the day for one of his clients.

“I do servicing, mainly computer

programming on industrial machines but occasionally I’ll do some diagnostic work and I’ll find that a servo drive has failed,” he said.

“Over the years, I’ve taken probably two or three drives over to Darius to fix. The most recent was a few months back - I was able to pull it out, take it to him and he fixed it within a week, brought it back and it was up and running again.

“It was great service. He’s a very switched on guy and knows his stuff.”

Data Factory specialise in old and obsolete parts, saving customers from having to buy a whole new machine when only one aspect fails.

“The machine that I was working on has drives that you can’t buy anymore,” said Moorcroft.

“They’re very old drives and the company that sells the machines doesn’t support them anymore either.

“They had one spare drive that they sent from overseas, only for us

A Parvex servo

to find out that it didn’t work.

“My customer was really in a pickle because their machine was useless - so for Darius to get it back up and running within a week was great, because my customer was really happy.”

“That example is generally what happens. In similar situations in the past, what I’ve sent him has been

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drives where you can’t get the parts for them anymore, where the manufacturer of the drive no longer does them and doesn’t repair them.

“Darius is a last resort, but every time, he’s been able to sort out the problem, fix it and get them back up and running again.”

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Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 27

INDUSTRY NEWS

New air motor design saves energy and installation costs across key applications

A

ir motors can provide an excellent option in many circumstances, including wet or dirty areas, those with explosive potential or places without electricity.

They are small, run cool, can be stalled, have high start torques, are available in sealed versions and many have ATEX approvals for use in hazardous areas.

Sealed or ATEX approved electric motors can be expensive and are often much larger than standard motors.

Typical air motor driven pumps, mixers and conveyors, however, do have some design challenges.

They can be expensive to run on long duty cycles: a typical 1kW vane powered air motor would need a 10kW compressor to run continuously. The energy costs can be very significant over time.

Another issue of using an air motor to drive these applications is that air motors’ load specifications

are rated at half of their idle speed.

Therefore, if there is no load on the equipment, a vane motor will run at twice its rated speed, and the air consumption will increase to 130% of the rated consumption.

Vane motors double their speed and increase air consumption under no load conditions

This high speed can damage the pump, conveyor, mixer and even the motor.

When using a pneumatic vane

motor on this type of equipment, operators need to ensure that the motor is always under load or decide how to handle the low-load situation.

Another disadvantage of vane motors is that they require regular maintenance and work better with lubrication.

DEPRAG (Germany) has over 80 years of experience in air motor design and manufacture.

Over that time the industrial air motors have developed from piston motors to the current modern vane motors but now, a new technology is revolutionising the air motor industry.

DEPRAG’s Turbine powered solution DEPRAG’s new range of ATEX approved turbine powered air motors address all the above concerns.

They offer a significantly more efficient solution, and they include a speed governor which keeps the speed relatively constant with changing loads and automatically reduces the air consumption when there is low load.

DEPRAG’s Turbine powered motors are up to 40% more efficient than a standard vane motor.

Furthermore, the integrated

speed governor limits the idle speed to 118% of the loaded speed and further reduces the air consumption under no load conditions.

These two features offer enormous energy and design savings on long duty cycle applications like pumps, conveyors and mixers.

DEPRAG’s turbine motors do not require lubrication. There are no vanes or contact parts inside the motor, the only wear parts are the gearing and the bearings. As long as the air supply is very clean and dry they are a very low maintenance solution.

This range of motors is ATEX approved for potentially explosive areas and are fully sealed so external water and dust cannot enter the motor. The gearing uses USDA approved food grade lubricant.

Assembly Technologies are the Australian importers of DEPRAG’s products and are here to help with any application advice. Please contact us to discuss your requirements. – sales@assemblytech.com. au or 1300 76 92 90.

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• Integrated Speed Governor: Automatically reduces air consumption and limits idle speed.

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• Durable: Longer life, less maintenance and lower noise levels.

• Safety Approved: Fully sealed, contain food grade grease, and ATEX approved.

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1300 769 290 / sales@assemblytech.com.au 28 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

industryupdate.com.au

UNIVERSITY CONNECTION

How UTS are helping Australian manufacturing can unleash its potential by exploiting Industry 4.0

UTS’s Botany Lab

A

ustralian manufacturing sometimes fails to make the most of tech - and better engagement with the universities sector might be the secret weapon to unleash that potential.

That was a key takeaway from the University of Technology Sydney’s SME@UTS Futuremap event, where industry figures were invited to tour the Test Lab at their Botany campus and engage in discussions about how the higher education sector and the manufacturing sector can intersect.

Industry Update was along for the ride, and saw the best that UTS has to offer: acoustic studios so sensitive that they can hear the vibrations of a termite’s leg, additive manufacturing facilities for submarines and the cutting edge of AI being just the tip of the iceberg.

Moreover, UTS also have the invaluable resource of humans, notably through their partnership schemes which offer manufacturers the chance to engage their students on specific problems, providing business solutions for SMEs and vital first-hand experience to youngsters.

IU sat down with Daniel Gronowski, Director at Gron Management Consulting and one of the facilitators of the UTS event, to discuss how Industry 4.0 - the fourth stage of the industrial revolution, based around digital transformation - is rapidly changing industryupdate.com.au

manufacturing and the value-adding process.

“CSIRO has done a series of work on trends in manufacturing, and what we’ve put forward today is affectionately known as the Smiley Curve,” he explained.

“What that is is research into where the value in a manufactured product is allocated across that value chain.

“What they’ve seen is a trend - and a projected future trend - where that value is coming less from production and associated things like logistics and distribution, and more from design, research development in the pre production phase or from services and post production support once it’s in the customer’s hands.

“A manufacturer today should be looking at how they capture value on either side of what they do, because as production gets more efficient, that incremental value of actually doing the production is decreasing.”

That change should incentivise manufacturers to work closely with universities like UTS, who have access to advanced capabilities both human - academics and students and technical, with a huge array of machines and testing facilities at their laboratory facility.

“If you are a manufacturer today, you’re not going to have all the answers,” said Gronowski.

“The beauty of working with the

University is they’re very much in that R&D development phase, so they’re a fertile ground to seed and test initial ideas.

“If I was an Australian manufacturer and I wanted to get some insights into how new technologies could help what I do, the first port of call would be the university.

“Go and talk to a university, find an expert in that space, have a conversation with them and ask what those changes are and how it might impact their business.

“The infrastructure here is really to build on those conversations.

I’ve never met anyone in research - whether they’re a PhD student, an undergraduate student or a full blown professor - that doesn’t like talking about their topic area.

“What that means is that if you have a conversation, there’s someone that’s an expert.”

Industry 4.0 can be a bit of a buzzword, but the capabilities of it are not to be underestimated.

“I don’t like the term industry 4.0,” jokes Gronowski. “But what it is is a collective term for a bunch of technologies.

“Now, one of those is robotics and automation, and another one of those is sensors and data collection.

“The Internet of Things (IoT) is a similar term that says any device which is on the internet, and that either collects or manipulates something remotely.

“That means that you can have a

The lab features a huge range of manufacturing equipment

“We’re weird in Australia: in the US, companies are knocking on university doors all the time and asking” ‘What have you got for me in this space?’

“In Australia, that doesn’t happen very often. I used to work at the University of New South Wales, and I did deals with four Australian companies in eight years. I did many more international deals.

production environment with really old pieces of equipment. You can get some sensors that bolt on or just sit there and connect to WiFi and collect, for example, how many products go through that machine or how many presses a brake press does.

“All that is really valuable data, especially for a small business that doesn’t want to invest in the new, latest machinery, as it will still

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 29

University Connection allow them to make a decision about changes in manufacturing processes.

“When I talk about Industry 4.0, I say realistically that it’s about how you digitally enable your technologies, and how you might get insights, make decisions, improve products and improve efficiency. I think that’s the most important thing.

“A lot of companies don’t want to upgrade equipment because the old equipment gives them better quality.

“I know a company that had some hose weaving equipment from France in the 1950s that they won’t change because it’s the only ones able to do the quality that they do in Australia.

“That’s great and they shouldn’t change them - but that doesn’t mean that they can’t get insights from that

UTS have an acoustic lab

machine.

“Every time the power spikes, that tells you the machine is running.

Every time you know a piece of movement trips a laser, you know, that can tell you what the tick rate is.

“All this is information that they can use to inform whatever their the goal is. How many cycles do we need that machine to run? Is it running at capacity” Is there more capacity?

Can we sell more? Do we have this buffer for no reason that means we’re not selling additional product?

“All these are questions that become management decisions and you can get that insight from old equipment if you’re smart about how you apply IoT.”

South Australian research team help create fabric that could provide vital heat mitigation for manufacturers

H

eat is an ever-present issue in Australian workplaces, not least in manufacturing facilities with hot machinery and for those who work outside in the summer.

Any advancement that can mitigate heat is welcome, especially as the climate warms over time, and luckily, our best and brightest are constantly working on improvements in the wearable tech space.

The latest breakthrough has come from a joint team of the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Zhengzhou University in China, who have created a breathable fabric that reflects the heat of the sun while simultaneously lowering the temperature around it.

It can be used as clothing, headwear and even draped on surfaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect, where the sun’s rays rebound off concrete and other materials to increase ambient temperature.

The fabric has three layers. The first is made of polymethyl pentene fibres to radiate heat away, the middle is silver nanowires that provide reflection and the third is wool, which wicks away from the skin.

“The fabric’s ability to passively reduce temperatures offers a sustainable alternative to conventional air conditioning, providing energy savings and reducing the strain on power grids during heatwaves,” said Yangzhe Hou of UniSA.

Is this a solution to overheated factories?

“Unlike conventional fabrics that retain heat, these textiles are made of three layers that are engineered to optimise cooling.

“In our experiment, when placed

vertically, the fabric was found to be 2.3°C cooler than traditional textiles, and up to 6.2°C cooler than the surrounding environment when used as a horizontal surface covering.”

New scholars set for boost as tech body looks to build STEM diversity

T

he Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has announced an intake of more than 200 new scholars to a programme designed to boost diversity in the manufacturing sector.

The scheme, now known as Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM, begins in 2025 and will see both undergraduates and postgraduates in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields received funding from

ATSE. The name change reflects a willingness to promote greater involvement in STEM from women and non-binary people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from regional, rural and remote areas, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and others who have traditionally struggled to gain a foothold in tech fields.

The programme has been in action since 2022 and is backed by funds from the federal Department

30 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) as well as private sector partners such as Defence Science and Snowy Hydro.

“ATSE is incredibly proud to welcome the 2025 Elevate scholars,” said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker.

“We’re ready to invest in their personal and professional growth and support them to thrive in STEMpowered careers as they become Australian innovators and make vital contributions in critical sectors.”

This cohort join the over 160 who

AI skills are vital to STEM jobs

have already passed through the system, in which scholars receive financial assistance, 24-hour psychosocial support, networking, mentoring and skills-building workshop.

It has been extended through to 2032 and is set to top 500 scholarships in the coming years. industryupdate.com.au

AUSTRALIAN MADE

AUSTRALIAN MADE

ReadyTech intends to be Tasmania’s Storage solutions out of the top drawer with BAC Systems biggest tech employer

R

T

he BAC Systems range of award-winning Drawer Storage Cabinets are rightly considered among the pinnacle of drawer storage solutions.

BAC Drawers aren’t fitted with computers or AI Tech, and they don’t have any gizmos to catch the attention - in fact, what makes them so popular is something a lot less glamorous: reliability.

No one purchases storage for a gimmick. What they want is something that works as intended, because if you have to worry about your storage, it is not doing its job.

A storage solution that sits in the background fulfilling its role, drowned out by the drama of life around it, is a storage success.

Knowing that your parts are easy to locate - and are as close to where you need them as possible - is the most important thing, especially when these parts are what makes you your money.

Over the past 47 years, the designers at BAC Systems have been working to ensure that drawers are never the cause for drama but are always helping you turn a profit.

BAC Drawers roll on large bearings and are not fitted with unnecessary features that hinder or jam their free-flowing nature.

BAC Cabinets are cleverly designed using high yield-strength Australian steels with an interlocking structural system that is sound and rigid.

Within the drawers, the partitions

industryupdate.com.au

BAC’s drawer solutions

are able to be adjusted in 25mm increments, are made from double-folded steel and are hooked to the base to increase the rigidity of the drawer.

Quality ABS dividers are made in all increments of 25mm to ensure that you can fully customise your drawer loading diagrams.

These dividers have a moulded plastic lug that ensures that they don’t bounce when your drawer is slammed, making it impossible for small items to get caught underneath the divider.

All are designed so that you are never worrying - or even thinking - about your BAC Drawer Storage Cabinets.

BAC Systems - bacsystems.com.au

eadyTech has opened its Centre of Excellence in Tasmania, with the objective of fostering local technology talent and developing career pathways.

The ASX-listed company provides mission-critical technology solutions for the education, workforce management, government and justice sectors. It has had a Tasmanian presence for more than 20 years and is expanding its Launceston base, with the objective of becoming one of the state’s biggest tech employers.

ReadyTech has approximately 40 Tasmanian employees, around 8% of its global team, and its new space will enable it to double its workforce.

ReadyTech Head of Strategy and Innovation, Chris Smith, is excited about the company’s expansion.

“Over the past two decades, we’ve steadily grown our Tasmanianbased team, which plays a pivotal role in supporting our operations building world-class technology products for businesses in Australia and around the world,” he said.

“Launceston is an origin story built on a loyal, talented team. It felt like the right time to broaden our reach and create new, alternate pathways to address our changing workforce, supporting growth and offering more entry points into technical roles.”

According to a 2022 Deloitte Access Economics report, there are nearly 10,000 people in Tasmania’s tech workforce — 38% of which are employed by Tasmanian technology businesses.

The sector generated an estimated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2020-21.

Tasmanian technology businesses surveyed reported difficulty in attracting suitable staff and identified technical skills gaps across several areas including cyber security, cloud computing and programming/ software development.

ReadyTech plans to partner with the University of Tasmania, TasTAFE and collaborate with industry to develop education and training programs tailored to address specific tech skills.

Smith hopes ReadyTech’s Centre of Excellence will become a hub of technology capabilities in software engineering, AI and data science, product management and cybersecurity.

“We’ll be supporting more Tasmanians to build the skills they need to enter and advance in the tech industry with re-skilling initiatives and alternate pathways for people from diverse backgrounds,” he said.

“This will strengthen Tasmania’s tech workforce and increase the depth of technology skills and expertise in the state.”

ReadyTech Co-Founder and CEO, Marc Washbourne, believes Tasmania has a strong future as a creative, innovative tech hub and the company is committed to contributing to it.

“We want to make sure there are pathways for people looking to enter the industry, and provide meaningful opportunities for them to upskill and progress their career,” he said.

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 31

Australian Made

Christmas is coming - here’s why your festivities should be Australian Made

A

ustralian Made is more than just a brand for manufacturers - it is a lifestyle.

For those in our sector, it is a mark of quality and pride, showcasing not only our support for Aussies industry but also a commitment to making stuff here, keeping our custom as local as possible.

This Christmas, Industry Update are happy to join the Australian Made brand in urging readers to buy Australian where possible.

New research from Roy Morgan reveals Australian retailers are set to receive an expected $69.7 billion boost in sales in the six-week peak season leading up to Christmas - a 2.7% increase on last year’s figures. The average shopper is forecasted to spend $707 on gifts, up from $646 in 2023.

With over 4,500 businesses accredited as Australian Made and licenced to use the famous green and gold kangaroo logo on their

products, there are a plethora of options for buying presents, decorations and other goods that support Australian manufacturers.

“It’s important Australians are conscious of their purchasing power this festive season,” said Ben Lazzaro, CEO of Australian Made.

“Australian-made products are not only made to some of the world’s highest manufacturing and safety standards, but they also have significant social, environmental, and ethical benefits.

“Every dollar spent on Australian Made goods has a direct impact on the makers and growers behind them.”

“Products certified with the iconic Australian Made logo have gone through a rigorous compliance process.

“By looking for and purchasing products with the Australian Made logo, you can buy with confidence, knowing you are getting an authentic, locally made gift and supporting

Make your Christmas Australian Made

thousands of Australians throughout the supply chain.”

One such manufacturer is Sarah Munnings, a jeweller in Victoria.

“Every purchase from a local manufacturing business has a positive impact on at least six other Australian businesses,” she said.

“At Sarah Munnings Jewellery, we purchase all of our materials from Australian suppliers and use local businesses for things like branding, website design, photography and events.

“Christmas is our key trade season, and we and many other local makers rely on it to keep the doors open year-round. It’s been a tough

year, and unfortunately, many businesses are struggling.

“Every time an Australian business closes, we lose the skills and experience involved with manufacturing those items.

“When you shop for products with the Australian Made logo, you are making a conscious decision to help keep trades alive, and honestly, every single order is celebrated. To us, customers are more than numbers on a spreadsheet.”

Australian Made australianmade.com.au

Ora et Labora

BAC Systems Pty Limited Phone: (02) 9832 2777 32 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

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Think local, act global: How Safetech are growing Australian made thanks to international connections Continued from front page

With the help of engineer Bruce Cox, the Palift Pallet Leveller was born.

40 years and 100,000 products sold later, the pair - alongside the other founders, David and Toni Wakefield - were able to welcome in the next generation with the signing of a strategic partnership with global conglomerate Jebsen & Jessen Group, who are set to supercharge operations in Australia.

“We’re on a journey of growth,” said Chris White, CEO at Safetech.

“Jebsen & Jessen now have a major stake in Safetech and they’re investing in what we are and what we have been, and in our ability to provide access to the Australian market. It’s an investment in that local presence.

“It’s a similar model in a lot of Southeast Asian countries: they recognised our capacity and what we mean to the Australian market, and that now gives us an ability to

continue to grow.

“We’ve now got greater investment behind the business so we can expand our existing markets and support them, but also we intend to add to our portfolio.”

White explained that the secret sauce that Safetech had found was in an ability to remain local to Australia and committed to manufacturing Australian Made products - with an acknowledgment of what was possible on shore and what was better left to overseas imports.

“If I reflect on that, we have over the journey always had various supply chains and various paths to our products being available,” he said.

“Manufacturing (in Australia) gives us an ability to customise to customers needs, but doing everything locally and for a breadth of product line is not the solution.

“We complement what we do locally through other suppliers. We’ve got long standing

34 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

partnerships going back to the late 1980s that source from the US and through China to complement what we do locally.

“It’s vital that we have all of those elements to what we do so that we can support our customers. It’s not one approach that fits all.

“What we intend to do is to build going forward. Through Jebsen & Jessen we are able to add our existing product portfolio and add to what we do.”

For Safetech, that commitment goes beyond just Australian Made: it’s about their home area of Gippsland in Victoria, where they have been able to add a second site, with all the commensurate benefits to the local economy that comes with an increased manufacturing presence.

“Our facilities now are in regional Victorian, we’re a Gippsland manufacturing company,” said White.

“Our presence is actually across

two towns now because we’ve got two manufacturing sites, one in Moe and one in Morwell.

“That was expanded in the last two years, basically because our demand required that we do that.

“From COVID onwards, when we thought it was going to take a dip, there was a short hesitation but because of our customer base being essential services - and a big chunk being retail and distribution - the requirements only continued, and that certainly drove a portion of our growth the last few years.

“Moe is more a grown facility where buildings and facilities were added, where Morwell is a dedicated manufacturing facility with clear material flow where we can do bigger things.

“There is one bay right now that allows expansion to another bay if needed, which is fantastic as bigger cranes can be built there. We are

Continues next page

industryupdate.com.au

Australian Made

Safetech’s early years included a classic ad with Con the Fruiterer.

quite happy to have this specialised facility in Moe and the really hard core industrial facility in Morwell.

“A lot of equipment we use is quite large and also customised for a lot of applications.

“It might be built on a core design, but needs to be adjusted according to the needs of the customer.

“To do that remotely for a lot of our equipment is quite difficult just because of the sheer scale of it.

“Having that local connection to our customer - not just with our sales group, but with the engineering too - and the ability to manufacture locally is what is so critical to being able to serve the Australian market.

“The geography of everything means that we’re at a point of strength by having that presence here.

“We complement that with other sources of equipment. Sometimes it can be accessories, sometimes it can be whole product lines, but that enables us to be in a position of strength to support our customers, because we also recognise we can’t do everything at a local level.

“The scale of the Australian market doesn’t allow us to have all of the answers. We do need to be able to rely on larger markets and the technology that has been developed elsewhere, and so we pick our mark as to what is going to be the best answer for the customers.”

On the Jebsen & Jessen side, there was one clear factor that made Safetech stand out as a partner in the Australian market.

“People,” said Vince Di Constanzo, Director at Safetech and part of the acquisition delegate.

“When Jebsen & Jessen acquires a business, we have to like the products they’re making, and we have to like the people.

“If you don’t like the people, it doesn’t matter what the business is, it will not work.

“It was an immediate connection when the first contacts came, mainly with Lindsay, and then, of course, the team and Chris and everybody here. There was an immediate connection.”

With their investment and background in the sector, there is experience of major projects that can help Safetech work on bigger projects than ever.

“One good example of how we can superpower Safetech is in the car parking and car handling space,” explains Di Constanzo.

“There are overlapping modules Safetech linked up with Jebsen & Jesson

with our product lines, including car lifts and truck lifts.

“We at Jebsen & Jessen have a lot of experience with fully automatic car park systems. We are quite successful with that, and will therefore expand the range that Safetech has, and add more sophisticated, more complicated, bigger car parking solutions.

“You drive into a cabin, and then a robot will take your car away and store it. When you come back, you key in your number plate or your key card, and the robot will retrieve the car for you.

“We have done quite a number of systems like this already in New South Wales - including at the Crown Casino in Sydney, which was commissioned around two years ago.

“That’s just one of the examples of an upgrade that can superpowering the existing Safetech car parking experience.

“One big area that drew us to Safetech is their ever growing national service network. By utilising their experienced installation and service staff, it accelerates our ability to look after the customers who purchase our existing range of products.

White concluded by identifying that, as Safetech continues to supply products around the country, the need to service and maintain them will grow with it.

“It’s a growth area for us too,” he said.

“It’s one of many platforms alongside our internal engineering, technology development and manufacturing teams that we will use to take us into the next 40 years.”

Safetech - safetech.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 35

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY Workplace Health and Safety Show a huge success on Sydney return

T

he Workplace Health and Safety Show returned to Sydney in a massive way, with packed stands and huge footfall.

The standout trade fair for the health and safety industry in Australia was held at Olympic Park amid soaring spring temperatures, and saw thousands of attendees and over a hundred exhibitors from across the sector.

Industry Update was on hand to cover the whole event as the media partner and witnessed a range of exciting events, from a range of speakers in several stages to a stunning demonstration of Wash Drones’ groundbreaking aerial cleaning technology on the outside of the convention venue.

Over 160 suppliers had stalls at the show, providing the chance for brands to meet new customers and to network with our figures from the industrial sector in both Australia and the wider world.

Panel discussions began with ministers from the NSW Government and

SafeWork NSW - who had a well-attended stall - and continued through a large panel on Women in Health and Safety as well as the effect of AI on safety in the workplace.

The Black Dog Institute presented on mental health in the workplace and Paralympic gold medallist Scott Reardon gave a speech on machinery safety.

On the floor, Industry Update met up with A-Safe and Incident Zero, two pioneers in the forklift and machinery safety space, as well as taking a test drive on Flaim’s fire training virtual reality software.

There was also ample social time for drinks, with 4 Pines Brewing supplying the Wednesday night party and a range of coffee and food meetings.

All in all, it was a superb show for all attendees - and tickets are already on sale for 2025’s edition in Melbourne!

Workplace Health & Safety Show whsshow.com.au

Sherm Software celebrate a dozen years of HSEQ excellence with new website

Sherm founder Caroline Kingston

S

herm Software recently brought up a dozen years of operation in the health and safety space - and celebrated that milestone by launching a new portal as the next step of their brand evolution.

For over a decade, Caroline Kingston, a visionary Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) consultant,

has been championing workplace safety through Sherm Software.

Since their launch, they has redefined how businesses approach Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) management, earning a reputation as a trusted partner for organisations across Australia.

Sherm began life as a response to a critical gap in the market: businesses needed a streamlined, userfriendly tool to manage their HSEQ responsibilities effectively and, through years of innovation and refinement, Sherm has evolved into a robust, all-encompassing system trusted across

36 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

The Workplace Health & Safety Show

manufacturing and other industries.

From facilitating risk assessments to streamlining incident reporting, Sherm has consistently delivered high-quality solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges businesses face in achieving compliance and fostering safer workplaces.

Under Kingston’s leadership, Sherm has become a strategic ally that empowers organiza-

tions to manage their safety obligations proactively by staying ahead of regulatory changes and promoting best practices in workplace safety and compliance management.

Now, they are taking their offering to the next level with a newly

redesigned website at sherm.com.au.

The website is designed to connect users with the resources, support and information they need to maximise their interactions with Sherm while also offering detailed product overviews and client support features.

Sherm’s investment in a tech solution reflects the need to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape of workplace safety as well as the increasing complexity of HSEQ management requirements faced by businesses.

A cornerstone of Sherm’s success has been its dedication to ensuring the platform remains reliable, easy to use and responsive to client needs.

That commitment to clients has always extended beyond the software itself, and the Sherm team remain available to support businesses as they navigate their specific HSEQ challenges.

The first 12 years of Sherm saw Kingston turn the business from an idea to a market leader in HSEQ management, and the next chapter will seek to build on that reputation, ensuring that every client continues to feel supported in their journey toward safer and more compliant workplaces.

industryupdate.com.au

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

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

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PIONEERING WORKPLACE SAFETY

Workplace Health & Safety

Meet the company leading the future of safety in warehouses and manufacturing

Incident Zero’s scissor lift

I

n the fast-paced environments of warehousing and manufacturing, the intersection of efficiency and safety has never been more critical.

Both sectors rely heavily on the swift handling and precise movement of goods, often facilitated by heavy machinery such as forklifts, pallet jacks and conveyor systems.

While these machines are indispensable for meeting consumer demands, their constant operation presents significant safety challenges for workers.

Recent incidents, including a tragic workplace fatality at a landfill site in Sydney, have reignited discussions around safety protocols in manufacturing and logistics.

This particular incident occurred amidst alarming statistics revealing that machine operators and drivers represent one of the most dangerous professions in Australia, with 73 fatalities reported in 2023 alone, according to SafeWork Australia.

As such tragedies unfold, they compel the industry to examine the effectiveness of existing safety mechanisms and protocols.

The bustling nature of warehouses and distribution centres adds to the complexity of ensuring safety.

The rapid interaction between personnel and mobile plant machinery elevates the risk of collisions and

accidents.

Workers navigating through busy aisles face challenges like limited visibility and the pervasive noise typical of industrial settings.

These factors not only increase the likelihood of accidents but also contribute to a culture of anxiety among workers, who often feel uncertain about their safety.

Adding to these complications are the logistical demands of roundthe-clock operations. Continuous shifts mean that both workers and machinery are in a state of perpetual motion, heightening the risk of fatigue-induced errors.

Common hazards, such as trucks misaligning with loading docks, can create uneven surfaces and potential trip hazards, further disrupting workflow and compromising safety.

In response to these pressing concerns, companies like Incident Zero are pioneering innovative solutions designed to enhance workplace safety.

Their Safety Halo system employs highly visible laser lines to establish clear exclusion zones around moving machinery.

This technology not only alerts personnel to potential hazards but also cultivates a culture of heightened safety awareness among warehouse staff.

38 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

Ryan Hodder, CEO of Incident Zero, points out that traditional safety measures have not significantly reduced accident rates.

He cites the ‘risk compensation theory’, also known as the Peltzman Effect, which suggests that when people perceive an increase in safety, they may engage in riskier behaviour.

For example, the introduction of safety features like seatbelts and ABS brakes in cars led to an increase in accidents because drivers felt a false sense of security.

Understanding this psychological phenomenon has shaped Incident Zero’s approach to workplace safety.

By integrating insights from psychology, the Safety Halo system aims to trigger instinctive self-preservation responses among workers.

Hodder explains that by clearly marking danger zones with LED lights and colours that elicit a subconscious safety response, workers naturally tend to maintain a safe distance from heavy machinery.

In practice, companies that have implemented the Safety Halo have reported a staggering 99% reduction in high-potential incidents, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.

Furthermore, the system enhances operational efficiency. By

reducing the number of personnel in the danger zone, forklifts and other machinery can operate more quickly and effectively, thereby optimising workflow without sacrificing safety.

This dual benefit of improved safety and enhanced productivity underscores the potential for technological innovations to transform the landscape of warehousing and manufacturing.

However, as Hodder points out, the conversation around workplace safety must extend beyond technology.

Companies should prioritise a culture of safety that encompasses training, communication and ongoing assessment of safety protocols.

Employees need to feel empowered to voice concerns and report hazards without fear of repercussions. Creating an open dialogue around safety can significantly improve workplace morale and reduce anxiety among workers.

Moreover, regular audits and assessments of safety protocols are essential. Gathering feedback from workers about their experiences and suggestions for improvements can lead to more effective safety measures.

The emphasis should not only be on the machinery and its operators but also on creating an environment where all workers understand their roles in maintaining safety.

As the warehousing and manufacturing sectors continue to evolve, the need for robust safety measures is more critical than ever.

Innovations like Incident Zero’s Safety Halo system not only set new standards for safety management but also represent a broader shift toward integrating psychological principles into workplace safety.

In conclusion, bridging the gap between safety and efficiency in warehousing and manufacturing is essential for protecting workers and enhancing productivity.

By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering a culture of safety, we can ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day because every worker deserves that peace of mind.

As we navigate the complexities of these dynamic industries, our commitment to safety must remain steadfast, driven by the understanding that technology and human behaviour are intertwined in our quest for a safer workplace.

Incident Zero - incident-zero.com

industryupdate.com.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

‘A game changer’: The new drone product that could be set to change how manufacturers think about cleaning and safety

Wash Drones’ demonstration

I

t was one of the sights of the Workplace Health and Safety Show: out the back of The Dome at Olympic Park in Sydney, drones flying high to bust cobwebs and dust from the exterior walls.

This was the Wash Drones demonstration, a crowd favourite among the delegates and, according to Paul New, Managing Director at Wash Drones, a potential game changer for manufacturers with safety needs that involve cleaning at height.

He sat down with Industry Update to talk us through the demo and to explain just how much it could mean to industry in Australia and beyond.

“What we’re showcasing is our methodology, which is our biggest driver, and our safety, which is

100%,” he said.

“Today is about showcasing to people this new methodology, which is apparent for the air sectors, and with an audience of 8,500 delegates, the Workplace Health and Safety Show is a powerful place to start.

“Safety people are going to be part of this alternative management process as they look to new ways of cleaning exteriors at height - and it’s a lot more than windows.

“It’s not going to solve world peace and it’s not pencillin, but it’s a tool in the toolbox and a very powerful one.

It’s a game changer.

“Think of the dull, dirty dangerous tasks in every sector - heights cleaning is one of them. It will revolutionise people’s risk ranking and

A Wash Drone takes flight 40 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

how they structure their business, and potentially for some people in certain industry sectors, it could be a game changer and a point of difference in the marketplace.”

Wash Drones were first ccredited by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) as a new category of drone in December of last year, creating a new category in the process, but New has been working on the concept for many years prior.

“The whole concept, four years ago, was about looking at different drones and different drone applications,” he explained.

“I have other drone companies and i’ve been in the business coming up to a decade.

“What I wanted to look for was something that wasn’t complex - you lose people at barbecues when you talk about GIS configurations and lines of sight. Acronyms are not for the masses. I wanted something that went into everyday life.

“I started unpacking it, calling people and working out where each industry sector is. There are a cohort of people that should be given awards for taking the concept of horizontal cleaning at height, and I started to talking to them.

“They were talking from the hardware perspective, and from my past life, I knew that hardware was important, but for scale, you need an ecosystem. Accreditation, training, insurance - and that’s underestimated by the drone hardware community.

“We decided to build out that ecosystem and, unbeknownst to me at that time, we created a two-sided marketplace. There are 30,000 drone operators that don’t have regular work, and now we have a brand new drone that is going to be used every day, and they need people to operate them.

“That’s what this platform is about. We’re shop of wash drones, we run proof of concept, we do R&D. we incubate hardware, we build it out and we introduce it to people that become our champions. It becomes almost viral.

“They adopt the tech and before you know it, the legacy left behind is a safer working environment for exterior cleaning.

“Different sectors start to appear: people rush to windows, but there’s also facades, solar and suddenly winemakers turn up talking about wine tanks, and the superyachts start asking about cleaning. St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney ring up and you start talking about heritage wash.

“The tech itself has really smart people around it, but needs the input from every stakeholder to make it successful and be a regular tool in the toolbox.”

From a safety perspective, they are operated from the ground with the drone attached to the hose, allowing a huge reduction in risk compared to other height-related cleaning products.

“There’s a category called spray drones that has been around for five to ten years, and they have a role in land management and agriculture, mimics the crop dusters of the past,” said New. “They carry their own payload and disperse, and have a purpose and place and they’re very successful.

“That’s not what wash drones are.

Wash drones lift a hose to height, and under pressure, allow you to apply solutions - water or not water - to clean. That’s the concept behind it.

“That’s why we built out the brand called Wash Drones, we’re trademarked in quite a few countries now, we just opened up to Hong Kong, the UK and we’re talking about licensing this into the US. “There are people out there doing this, but they don’t have the ability to scale. That’s what we hope to do through Wash Drones, to scale and to put it on an enterprise level.

“Before you know it, people will have references to accreditation, standards and ultimately, I always visualise, you’ll see it on the back of a truck and pulled out every day to complement current workforce on external heights cleaning.” industryupdate.com.au

Workplace Health & Safety

Shake up in emergency shower standards could see industrial safety regulations tightened

A

change in safety standards for emergency safety showers and eyewash stations is in the works with an update in regulations under discussion.

The new DR AS 4775:2024 Australian standard is set to replace AS4775-2007, which has been in use for nearly 20 years and defines the requirements for safety showers and eyewash stations, the first response equipment that provides on-thespot decontamination by flushing away hazardous substances that can cause injury.

The change is in the public consultation stage and, if it passes, will become the new standard for the industry.

The major alterations are an inclusion of guidance on sizing regarding disabled users, on local materials for plumbing components and on design and manufacturing, particularly metallic and plastic components.

This new standard is based on the international standard ANSI/

ISEA Z358.1–2014, though it maintains characteristics unique to the Australian market and alignment with other Australian standards.

Some suppliers, such as Global Spill, have already begun to get ahead of prospective changers.

Their showers and eyewashes are designed, tested and certified to meet the requirements of AS47752007 as it exists.

In addition, their full range is manufactured using grade 316 stainless steel in advance of expected changes to the Australian standards.

Grade 316 stainless steel provides greater resistance to chemicals and chlorides (like salt) and dramatically improves the functional lifespan in applications where the flushing fluid has a high mineral content (such as hard water) or processing areas exposed to acids, alkalis and salt spray in marine environments.

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www.globalspill.com.au 24/10/2024 8:29:06 AM

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 41

INDUSTRY NEWS

South Australian defence manufacturer passes Lockheed Martin’s mentoring test

I

novor Technologies, a South Australian space and defence manufacturer, has become just the third Australian company to complete global giant Lockheed Martin’s mentoring programme.

The Adelaide-based business, which focuses on satellite technology and aerospace engineering, undertook the rigorous Lockheed Martin programme, which lasts a year and is oriented around HR, cybersecurity, supply chains and risk management.

Having passed the test set by one of the leading names in the defence space, they are primed to gain more business from Lockheed and others into the future.

“We’re grateful to Lockheed Martin for the opportunity to participate in the Mentor Protégé Program and develop the capabilities we need to take our business to the next level,” said Inovor founder and CEO Matt Tetlow.

“By accessing Lockheed Martin’s world-class subject matter experts, we have taken a major step forward in the capacity and competency

Inovor Tech

of our leadership team that will significantly accelerate our ability to innovate and grow.”

Lockheed initially launched their menrotship programme in the USA as part of building a stronger supplier base, and began offering companies in Australia the chance to participate five years ago.

Clearbox Systems were the first to

graduate, in 2020, and were followed

by Silentium Defence in 2023. Now, Inovor are the third Aussie company to pass.

“By accelerating the development of core SME capabilities, the Mentor Protégé Program delivers an immediate strategic impact for participants with their existing customers, while creating the potential for new

export opportunities to the United States and beyond,” said David Ball, Lockheed Martin Australia’s regional director for Space.

“Throughout the program, Inovor Technologies demonstrated their ability to learn, adapt and grow, reinforcing their potential to compete in space and defence industries globally.”

South Australian manufacturer releases new battery management system for remote areas

O

ne of the leading providers of mobile power solutions in Australia, Redarc, has announced a new battery product: the BCDC Alpha.

It will be available in 25A and 50A models and backs in over a decade of BCDC technology from the South Australian manufacturer.

Redarc has made a name over 45 years as a key manufacturer of electronics for use in exploration, specialising in power management, solar and off-grid batteries, with uses both for intrepid travellers and those employed in mining and other remote industrial trades.

The new product includes Start Battery Recovery, optimised solar charging and input current limiting.

It is designed for both adventurers and everyday users.

“The BCDC Alpha exemplifies REDARC’s commitment to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market,” said Peter Favilla, Redarc’s Global President. “ With features like Start Battery

Recovery and input current limiting, the BCDC Alpha delivers peace of mind through its unmatched durability and advanced technology, ensuring reliable power in the most critical moments.”

Designed and manufactured in Australia, the BCDC Alpha is built to withstand extreme conditions with its IP67/69K-rated rugged construction, offering superior protection against dust and moisture.

Combining robust durability, modern technology, and userfriendly design, the BCDC Alpha offers a reliable and advanced solution for power management.

Optimised solar charging diverts excess power to the start battery when needed, ensuring it always has sufficient power and remains fully charged.

The BCDC Alpha is compatible with all common automotive battery types and offers customisable input current limiting to protect vehicle alternators, making it ideal for hybrid and electric vehicles.

42 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

Redarc’s new app

This ‘EV ready’ functionality ensures the BCDC Alpha is prepared for the future of vehicle technology, adapting to the specific power needs of modern-day transportation.

Installation is simplified with Bluetooth-enabled setup through the RedVision app, allowing users to monitor battery charger status, temperature, and system performance. Over-the-air software updates ensure the system remains adaptable to new features and

functionality.

With intuitive pushbutton controls and screw connections, the BCDC Alpha eliminates the need for complex wiring or soldering, reducing setup time and minimising potential errors.

A range of wiring kits and mounting brackets will be available to suit different vehicle types, making it the most straightforward BCDC to install yet.

industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCTS

Industrial supplies experts Treotham ink major automation deal with Japanese manufacturing giant

IAI RoboCylinder

O

ne of Australia’s leading industrial suppliers has announced a major link-up with a Japanese manufacturing giant to bring their range of automation products to this country.

Treotham, who have been supplying components across Australia for over 30 years, recently inked a deal with IAI, one of Japan’s biggest manufacturers of electric actuators and industrial robots.

Industry Update sat down with Alec Stanley, Business Development Manager at Treotham, to celebrate the deal and understand what it might mean for the manufacturing sector.

“IAI is a range of products which can be used to entirely automate in light to medium duty factories, which fits in really nicely with our product line,” he said.

“They were founded in 1976 and are actually the world’s largest industryupdate.com.au

manufacturer of linear actuators.

“They produce around 900,000 actuators per year, and their whole philosophy is to make an affordable but simple to integrate linear actuator to suit most needs.

“That means rotary actuators, linear actuators, 2-6 axis Cartesian robots, SCARA robots, controllers which interface with most industrial communication protocols, from simple pulse trains up to fully programmable motion controls.

“They’re entirely vertical - IAI actually make their own nuts and bolts, motors and encoders in house just to maintain the reliability.

“These products service lots of industries, including medical applications, pharmaceutical, agricultural, pick and place, palletising robots - entire production lines can be made with the actuators.”

Treotham were appointed as the

distributors for IAI in the middle of 2024, further enabling them to offer a complete solutions package from within their range.

“The potential is huge,” said Stanley.

“I believe that IAI will be one of our largest suppliers. I’m looking for integrators where I can show them how IAI products would integrate into their existing knowledge base.

“There are a lot of smaller factories which could benefit from automation, and the simplicity of automating a production line with IAI actuators could be quite interesting to them.

“It runs from little bakeries or or small package handling systems right through to massive injection moulding companies.”

Stanley identified one product that could immediately provide cost and effectiveness improvements to

manufacturers - and would pay for itself in savings within a year.

“One of their product ranges, the EleCylinder, is designed to replace pneumatics,” he said.

“It allows much greater control over the speed, acceleration, deceleration and stroke than a pneumatic system would, and because of that, you can increase the cycle time.

“You can reach a higher maximum speed but eliminate the sharp and abrupt stop at either end of the cycle, so it actually increases efficiency by switching to electric from pneumatic.

“In addition, the actual cost of electricity is reduced - compressing air is quite expensive, and in most cases, by just switching from pneumatic to these electric cylinders, the payback period is less than a year.

“It’s very, very fast and the higher the duty cycle, the quicker that payback period is. Even though the products cost more, the return on investment is very, very fast.

“There’s reduced downtime, too.

A lot of things that can go wrong with pneumatic systems, whereas with these electric actuators, there really aren’t many things that could go wrong.

“The service life is very long.

Maintenance is very easy as there’s only a couple of serviceable items.

“They’re designed to be quick and easy to service with the more advanced actuators you can programme in maintenance alerts, which will, at a certain distance or operating hours, provide an alert to your PLC, so they have some predictive maintenance features built in.

“If the temperature was looking like it would exceed the maximum temperature, it can pre-alert that the temperature is rising too quickly, to prevent damage.

“The fully programmable robot controllers monitor their own internal components. For example, the electro alert capacitors are often the first things to fail in electronics, so they actually monitor their own capacitors and will warn the user when a capacitor is going to fail.

“There’s so many things like those which have helped to decrease downtime and improve the production times as well.”

Treotham Automation treotham.com.au

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 43

INDUSTRY NEWS

Hare & Forbes rocks Brisbane with Future Vision event

Future Vision in Brisbane

H

are & Forbes Machineryhouse hosted their second Future Vision event of 2024, this time at their Brisbane store in Coopers Plains.

The three-day event featured over a dozen operational machines, including tube and sheet metal laser cutters, plasma cutters, multi-axis CNC turning centres, machine-tending robots, and synchro press brakes.

This diverse setup allowed

attendees to experience a wide array of cutting-edge machinery firsthand, showcasing the latest in automated and precision-engineered solutions.

“Futurevision is our way of inviting current and potential customers to see the latest automated machinery in person and use,” explained general manager Rick Foster.

Foster added that insights gained from their Sydney show in April have been instrumental in enhancing the

Brisbane show, ensuring an even more valuable experience for attendees.

This approach highlights the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer engagement through hands-on access to the latest in automation technology.

There has always been strong customer demand and enthusiasm for a CNC-related event in Brisbane.

The latest 9.2m Bodor tube laser cutter drew significant interest, showcasing advanced laser cutting capabilities.

Equally popular was the CubeBOX CNC machine tending robot, which tirelessly loaded and unloaded a DN Solutions CNC machine over the course of the event.

These attractions highlighted the company’s cutting-edge automation solutions and their potential to streamline manufacturing processes, capturing the attention of attendees and demonstrating the practical impact of these technologies.

“Watching the Bodor tube laser in action is great; it’s such an impressive product,” said Craig Murray, national manager at Hare & Forbes.

“While these advanced products were once limited to high-end

engineering businesses, with price tags in the millions, now they are becoming more accessible, opening up endless possibilities for their application.

“This shift towards affordability marks a significant change in the market, making high-tech machinery like the Bodor tube cutter attainable for a broader range of businesses.”

Live machinery shows like this offer substantial value, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals.

The time spent discussing specific questions and needs with experts is incredibly beneficial, allowing for a deeper understanding and firsthand insights that are hard to achieve elsewhere.

Looking ahead, Hare & Forbes plans to bring their Future Vision event to Perth in mid-to-late 2025.

“The next large show for us is the AMW event in Melbourne in May,” said Foster.

“We’ve already booked our spot and will take a stack of new products along,” shared Rick Foster.

Hare & Forbes Machinery House machineryhouse.com.au

Automated door solutions for the hospitality and retail industries

F

rom supermarkets to hotels, restaurants, global online retail giants to local car dealerships, EBS provides customised solutions to enhance functionality and aesthetics.

Whether it is back-of-house amenities where efficient operations are the priority or design-focused industrial doors for buildings that project cutting-edge style, EBS Entrance Solutions offer design and manufacturing to meet individual customer needs.

EBS supplies robust and reliable door solutions essential for both the massive and complex distribution centre and the inwards goods dock of the supermarket store. These solutions ensure smooth operations and compliance with industry standards.

Insulated dock doors and highspeed freezer and chiller doors help to maintain the cold chain, from the cold storage warehouse to the local supermarket store.

Supermarket distribution centres and stores

Hotels and restaurants In the hospitality sector, EBS focuses on doors that withstand high traffic and frequent use, maintaining thermal efficiency, hygiene and safety. Our designs cater specifically to food distribution and back-end operations.

Online retailer fulfilment centres Online retailers, especially those operating large fulfilment centres, benefit from EBS’s specialised doors that support the rigorous demands of logistics and storage. These

44 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

EBS’s Thermashutter

solutions ensure security, efficiency and durability.

Retail warehouses Operating expansive warehouses require high-performance doors that facilitate smooth operations and secure storage. EBS provides tailored solutions that cater to these needs while ensuring the seamless movement of goods.

Car dealerships For car dealerships, EBS designs industrial doors that seamlessly blend security with sleek, modern

showroom aesthetics.

These doors elevate the customer experience and highlight the vehicles to their best advantage.

Additionally, EBS provides robust, fast-acting doors for workshop areas, ensuring efficiency and safety.

EBS Entrance Solutions stands out for its commitment to delivering high-quality, tailored door solutions across various industries, ensuring both functionality and style are met without compromise.

EBS Entrance Solutions ebssolutions.com.au industryupdate.com.au

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Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 45

WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING

Breaking ground in manufacturing: A woman’s journey in a growing industry

by Amy Saunders

Amy and Cassie from Chain Systems Australia

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ith almost two decades of experience in the manufacturing and distribution industry, I’ve seen firsthand how this sector has evolved, especially when it comes to opportunities for women.

This year, I took on an exciting new challenge at Chain Systems Australia, leading the establishment of our Sydney branch.

It’s been a whirlwind journey that I’m proud to share - not just because I’m part of the growing wave of women in manufacturing, but also because of the growth journey we’re on at Chain Systems Australia.

My journey with began in January 2024. It was the perfect opportunity to bring my experience, passion and energy to a company committed to growth and great customer service.

Prior to my new role, I spent a decade in B2B sales, and while that time taught me valuable lessons, I missed the hands-on aspect of my early days in manufacturing.

In late 2023, we secured the premises for Chain Systems Australia’s new Sydney branch and in January, I flew to Italy to meet the Brevetti Stendalto team - our trusted partner in manufacturing.

It was fantastic to see how our energy chain products were being manufactured and undergoing hands-on training that prepared me to manage our operations in Australia.

Back in Sydney, I rolled up my sleeves and set to work. Every detail, from organising racking and networking to managing inventory and establishing processes, is my responsibility.

My focus was on creating a branch that would meet the needs of our customers across the east coast, and I’m proud to say that we’re already making a difference.

The Sydney branch is a team of two dedicated women, which is a testament to how women are increasingly committing to careers in manufacturing.

My journey in this industry began right after I left school. I began as a trainee while studying, initially planning to move into a corporate role once I finished, but it didn’t take long for me to develop a genuine passion for the field.

I became captivated by how things were built, where our products were used and the impact they had on real-world applications.

As I grew, I took on more responsibilities - overseeing the site,

46 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

handling electrical system designs and quotes, managing product repairs, ordering stock and even running the warehouse.

But what I loved most were the site visits, where I could see our products in action and hear how our quality service and products made a difference to our customers.

Now, at Chain Systems Australia, I’m excited to be part of a company that’s not only expanding rapidly but is also committed to supporting women at every stage of their careers.

Our Sydney branch is all about growth and opportunity. We’re here to deliver excellent customer service, fast turnaround times and reliable solutions.

What I value most is getting out to customer sites, understanding our clients’ needs and providing the best energy chain solutions to keep their operations running seamlessly.

The most rewarding part of my job is building long-lasting partnerships with our clients and being there when they need us most.

Our hands-on approach is what truly differentiates us. Whether it’s supplying a new energy chain system or finding the right solution for a unique project, we have the inventory and knowledge to meet your needs.

With a local presence in Sydney, we’re able to provide rapid service, thanks to our extensive stock on-site, all backed by the solid support of our Perth headquarters.

We are also the exclusive distributor of Brevetti Stendalto energy chains in Australia and New Zealand, and the combination of Brevetti’s products and our local expertise is something I’m genuinely proud to be part of.

Cassie and I, at our Sydney branch, embody this commitment.

We’ve laid a strong foundation, and I’m confident that our Sydney branch will play a key role in supporting our customers with reliable, high-quality energy chain solutions.

For me, this journey is more than just a job. It’s about breaking barriers, leading with passion and building a successful career centred around win-win solutions with my amazing customers regardless of gender!

The future is bright for Chain Systems Australia, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s focused not just on business, but on making a genuine impact.

Whether you’re a manufacturer in need of support or simply curious about what we do, I’d love to connect and show you why Chain Systems Australia is a partner you can truly count on.

Chain Systems Australia chainsystems.com.au

Amy at work industryupdate.com.au

Women in Manufacturing

‘Minimum of bureaucracy, maximum of insight’: The secrets of service success in manufacturing include screened and unscreened multi-core train cables from the ÖLFLEX TRAIN range.

“First class customer service has been key to the success of LAPP Australia, and as we grow its even more important to maintain the standard that we have set over the last six years,” said Ansley.

LAPP’s halogen-free dedicated rail range includes cable, cable glands and industrial connectors.

The range includes LAPP’s globally proven single and multi-core, screened, and unscreened, data cables.

All cables meet stringent local and global standards, including international safety requirements, such as EN 45545-2 2, Hazard Level 3 (HL3), plus key design standards such as EN 50264 and EN 50306, ensuring the highest levels of safety and reliability.

LAPP Australia lappaustralia.com.au

LAPP Cables

Stephanie Ansley of LAPP Australia

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ervice, range, product knowledge and delivery times as cornerstones of success in delivering high quality solutions - at least according to one leading manager in the rail cable and connector industry.

Stephanie Ansley - Market Manager, Rolling Stock at LAPP Australia, says her hands-on experience over seven years during the current and ongoing boom in rail and cargo infrastructure expansion has reinforced her commitment to people and service skills, backed by a strong understanding of products industryupdate.com.au

and solutions needed swiftly by diverse markets.

“Service and industry knowledge go together,” said Ansley, who joined LAPP Australia in 2019, after earlier transport service roles, and was quickly recognised as a committed team player.

“You can’t have one without the other if you are going to bring people back time after time.

“Service is a people business, at the end of the day, and you have to know how to help people get to their goals with a minimum of bureaucracy and a maximum of insight.”

“These are keys to mutual success to a complex and rapidly evolving rail market.”

Her commitment to advancing customer satisfaction was evident from the outset, says LAPP Australia Managing Director Simon Pullinger, who has guided a doubling and redoubling of LAPP Australia since its German parent brought its global leadership and cables, connectors and industrial solutions to Australia in 2018.

“She was a natural for her Market Manager role as we expanded our range of locally-stocked quality products and in-house technical backup and solutions assistance,” he added.

Specific high-demand products available from LAPP Australia for rapid delivery and technical backup

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Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 47

INDUSTRY NEWS

Edge AI has transformed daily life now, it is doing the same to manufacturing

Shawn Luke, DigiKey

Edge AI devices include traffic sensors

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rom smart home assistants like Alexa and Siri to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that notify a driver when they’re departing from their lane of traffic, Australians rely on edge AI to provide real-time processing to these increasingly common and important devices.

Edge AI uses artificial intelligence directly within a device, computing near the data source, rather than an off-site data centre with cloud computing.

This tech offers reduced latency, faster processing, a reduced need for constant internet connectivity and can lower privacy concerns.

It represents a significant shift in how data is processed and as demand for real-time intelligence grows, edge AI is well-positioned to continue its strong impact in many industries.

The greatest value of edge AI is the speed it can provide for critical applications. Unlike cloud/data centre AI, edge AI is not sending data over network links and hoping for a reasonable response time.

Rather, edge AI is doing computation locally - often on a real-time operating system - which excels at providing timely responses.

For situations like conducting machine vision on an Australian factory line and knowing a product can be diverted within a second, edge AI is well equipped.

Likewise, you wouldn’t want signals from your car to be dependent on the response times of the network or servers in the cloud.

There are many real-time

activities driving the need for edge AI: applications such as smart home assistants, ADAS, patient monitoring and predictive maintenance are notable uses of the technology.

From quick responses to household questions, notifications of a lane departure in a vehicle or a glucose reading sent to a smartphone, edge AI offers swift responses while minimising privacy concerns.

We’ve seen edge AI do well in supply chains, particularly with warehousing and factories for quite some time.

There has also been substantial growth for the tech within the transportation industry over the last decade, such as delivery drones navigating through conditions like clouds.

Edge AI is also doing great things for engineers, especially in the med-tech sector, a critical area of advancement.

48 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

For example, engineers developing pacemakers and other cardiac devices can give physicians the tools to look for abnormal heart rhythms, while also proactively programming devices to offer guidance on when to seek further medical intervention.

DigiKey are well-positioned to assist in edge AI implementations, which generally run on microcontrollers, FPGAs and single board computers (SBCs).

They partner with top suppliers to provide several generations of hardware that run ML models at the edge.

They have seen some great new hardware released this year, including NXP’s MCX-N series, and will soon be stocking ST Microelectronics’ STM32MP25 series.

In past years, dev boards from the maker community have been popular for running edge AI, including Arduino’s Nano 33 BLE Sense Rev 2

and Raspberry Pi’s 4 or 5.

Neural processing units (NPUs) are gaining ground in edge AI. NPUs are specialised ICs designed to accelerate the processing of ML and AI applications based on neural networks, structures based on the human brain with many interconnected layers and nodes called neurons that process and pass along information.

There’s a new generation of NPUs being created with dedicated maths processing including NXP’s MCX N series and ADI’s MAX78000.

We’re also seeing AI accelerators for edge devices, a space that is yet to be defined, with early companies of note including Google Coral and Hailo.

As many industries in Australia evolve and become more reliant on technology for data processing, edge AI will continue to see more widespread adoption.

By enabling faster, more secure data processing at the device level, innovation in edge AI will be profound.

A few areas we see expanding in the near future include: • Dedicated processor logic for computing neural network arithmetic.

• Advancement in lower power alternatives compared to cloud computing’s significant energy consumption.

• More integrated/module options like AI Vision parts that will include built-in sensors along with embedded hardware.

As ML training methods, hardware and software evolve, edge AI is well-positioned to grow exponentially and support many industries.

DigiKey are committed to staying ahead of edge AI trends, and we look forward to supporting innovative engineers, designers, builders and procurement professionals around the world with a wealth of solutions, frictionless interactions, tools and educational resources to make their jobs more efficient.

DigiKey Australia - digikey.com.au industryupdate.com.au

INDUSTRY NEWS

How Markforged revolutionised two businesses in one

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remar addressed a critical issue for a local engineering firm: designing a cost-effective press brake tool for processing sheet materials.

Traditionally, creating such a tool through CNC machining was cost-prohibitive, especially with a need for only 100 units. Bremar’s solution involved digital design, simulation and rapid 3D prototyping.

The tool, printed using Markforged’s Onyx composite, proved not only functional as a prototype but also suitable as an end-use product. This material choice ensured high durability and reliability in operation.

Bremar, based in Melbourne, Australia, has transformed its engineering design services by integrating 3D printing, specifically using Markforged’s advanced technology.

This strategic move was initiated when Bremar established its in-house 3D printing capabilities in 2023, allowing them to deliver lighter, stronger and more efficient products.

The advantages of 3D printing, in this case, were manifold.

Production time was slashed by a factor of eight compared to traditional toolmaking, achieving what previously required multiple processes in just one.

Quick modifications were possible - a minor design change was implemented overnight, demonstrating the adaptability of 3D printing - and cost-effectiveness was improves, as the method significantly reduced labour and material costs while maintaining high-quality output.

Bremar’s capability to leverage 3D printing for high- volume production enhanced their service offerings, positioning them as more than just a printing bureau.

The integration of additive manufacturing into their workflow has allowed for fast, functional and tailored components that meet specific client demands efficiently.

Bremar’s use of 3D printing technology transforms client challenges into superior products with notable advantages in production speed, flexibility and cost.

“The introduction of a printed tool reduced the production time per unit by a factor of eight,” said Bremar’s Engineering Manager, Tim Woods.

A beneficiary of Bremar’s adoption of Markforged’s tech has been Revival Electric Vehicles, an automotive engineering firm in Melbourne.

They were developing modular components that facilitate replacing a vehicle’s petrol engine with an all-electric drivetrain and battery modules, and are currently converting a 1972 BMW 2002, which will be their proof of concept and will enable them to commence marketing conversion kits before the end of 2024.

Manufacturing problems arose when dealing with the complexity and tight tolerances required in the spline shaft adapter to link the new motor and gearbox, so Revival called on Bremar for advice and help.

Revival’s managing director, Scott Anderson, said he had previously worked with Bremar during the initial design process, using them to scan the vehicle to help with 3D CAD work,

Markforged products at work with Bremar and Revival

so he was aware of their investment in a suite of industrial 3D printers – a Mark TwoTM, X7TM, FX20TM and Metal XTM supplied by industry leader, Markforged.

“We’re no strangers to 3D printing ourselves,” said Anderson.

“We’ve been using the technology in a small way for nearly 15 years, and more recently used our own Markforged Mark TwoTM to print parts of our drive/ neutral/reverse selector, so we had full confidence in Bremar’s ability to produce what we were looking for.”

“I completed the initial design for the adapter and we printed it a few times in PLA to get a feel for the finished item.

“After discussions with Bremar they printed test parts to ensure the tolerancing was going to be right before producing the finished component. Thin tolerance tests for both

3D printing can come to the rescue - even in the toughest of conditions

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D printing continues to provide precision engineering solutions, especially in instances where turnaround time is of the highest importance.

For Western Australian manufacturers, the ability to get new parts quickly has been enhanced by the launch of a new additive manufacturing setup at SQP Engineering, a Bibra Lake-based solutions provider.

Earlier this year, they were approached by Dredge Robotics, a world leader in online robotic dredging, to assist a mining company with a high value, time sensitive contract to create parts that could operate in

highly acidic conditions in a dam.

Thanks to Markforged technology plus design ingenuity, they were able to source the correct material filament, design it, print it and get it to the customer in time.

“Dredge turned around the new design quickly, and we were able to print a trial part on the same day,” said David Miller, Managing Director at SQP. “We used Markforged ULTEM Filament, which we knew would meet the corrosion-resistance criteria, but we were concerned the finished part would not be rigid enough.

“Fortunately, we had just

50 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

The part needed by Dredge Robotics

ends of the adapter ensured that the final unit worked first time.

“Working with Bremar we were able to go from initial design to final unit in just a few weeks, much of which was taken up with finding the time to drop the motor and gearbox off for tolerance fit testing, so the time actually spent on the process was probably as little as a week, and the cost was less than a half of what we’d have paid going the conventional route.

“We’re confident the finished adapter, printed in 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, will outlast both the motor and the gearbox, and we’re happy to use other 3D printed parts in our builds as we feel they are a great solution for rapid prototyping and testing and are particularly well suited for small scale production.”

Markforged - markforged.com taken delivery of our first order of Markforged’s new Vega material to use on our FX20 printer.

“Vega is a high-performance carbon fibre filled PEKK originally designed for aerospace applications, and has the strength of aluminium at as little as 40% of the weight.

“The end result was a cover that was fit for purpose in every respect.

It was printed overnight, bolted on, and Dredge were able to meet the submission deadline.”

“We are now discussing with Dredge the option of using AM in the manufacture of other components, primarily to reduce the weight of their equipment without sacrificing strength.”

Markforged - markforged.com industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCTS Be a VIP with a Vortab Insertion Panel

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he VIP (Vortab Insertion Panel) flow conditioner completely neutralises flow profile irregularities caused by elbows, valves, blowers, compressors and other flow disturbances that commonly occur in piping and duct runs and cause flow meter inaccuracies.

The VIP provides a swirl-free, symmetric and repeatable flow profile that flow meters require for accurate measurement.

Model VIP flow conditioners marry the scientifically proven superior performance of Vortab tabtype flow conditioning technology with the installation ease and cost savings of an insertion panel design.

VIP is particularly effective with wide-turndown and/or low flow sensitive flow meter technologies (e.g. thermal dispersion) to provide a highly repeatable flow profile during laminar, transitional and turbulent flow conditions.

The VIP has many applications in industry for process conditioning for control valves, blowers, compressors, burners and other critical

Go with the flow: Meet the UNIFLOW-200 MFC

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process equipment with piping that have inadequate straight-runs.

There are many examples such as: Processes that require repeatable, symmetric and swirl-free velocity flow profiles, flow conditioning for calibration and/or test benches and flow meters.

For pipe sizes less than 50 mm and FCI endorsed for use with thermal dispersion gas mass flow meters.

AMS - ams-ic.com.au

he UNIFLOW-200 MFC (Multifunctional Flow Computer) is one of the most flexible flow computers in the world.

An ideal platform for even the most demanding applications that allows cost effective flow measurement without compromise. Whatever the fluid and the flow meter - UNIFLOW-200 calculates it all.

The UNIFLOW-200 works with any flowmeter, such as pressure differential devices, ultrasonic, turbine, vortex, mass flow and many more and measure 8 fluid flows in closed circuits simultaneously according to current international standards.

It further calculates the physical properties of more than 30 fluids (gases, liquids and steam).

The UNIFLOW-200 supports HART transmitter protocols and has serial interfaces for gas chromatographs and ultrasonic flow meters (Modbus, Instromet US meter protocols).

Besides custody transfers,

UNIFLOW-200 is easily applicable as a cost effective flow computer for process applications. Units are also often used for process optimisation purposes by our partners.

The UNIFLOW-200 can also: • Calculate properties for energy flow calculations • Calculate CO2 emission • Use data from a wide range of flow meters • Save money on process applications • Build redundant metering systems at a moderate cost • Use 4 additional station totalisations • Recall hourly metering data archives for 400 days • Quickly implement new measuring methods and fluids on request.

AMS - ams-ic.com.au

REDUCE MAINTENANCE COSTS

ON OVERHEAD CRANES Oxygen Analysers, Relative Humidity Sensors and Meters, Dewpoint Measurement

LOAD LIMITERS

U.V Absorption Conductivity pH / ORP Colour

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

AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Pty Ltd Analytical Process Division

Oxygen Analysers, Thermal Conductivity Analysers, NDIR Analysers, Multigas Analysers, OEM Analysers

Industrial Water Analysers and Liquid Analytical Products (pH, Conductivity, ORP, Dissolved Oxygen, etc)

Head Office: NSW Ph: 02 9911 6615 Unit 20, 51 Kalman Drv WA Ph: 08 9201 0984 Boronia VIC 3155 QLD Ph: 07 3387 7706 SA Ph: 08 7221 2205 Ph: 03 9017 8225 Fax: 03 9729 9604

www.ams-ic.com.au sales@ams-ic.com.au industryupdate.com.au

CONDUCTOR BAR • • • •

Available in steel & 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 & hoist • Prevent dragging of loads • Easily fitted to any crane/hoist • Helps reduce down time

Liftco Industrial Supplies Pty Ltd

(02) 9829 4411 sales@liftco.com.au

www.liftco.com.au

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 51

PRODUCTS Effects of overheating Excessive heat can significantly impact air compressor systems, making the incoming air hotter, thinner and more moisture laden.

Hot running makes air compressors work much harder to maintain output demands. Hot, humid air also carries more moisture, affecting the performance of refrigerated air dryers and the compressor itself.

Everything you need to know about installing an air compressor

W

hether it’s a new system or an upgrade, air compressor system positioning, configuration, installation, setup and maintenance are as important to overall system efficiency and performance as the compressor itself.

In fact, a well designed and installed compressed air system will ultimately determine both the capital cost and continued cost of running it over the life of the system.

Placing the compressor Your air compressor should be installed in a clean, dust-free, dry and well-ventilated environment with consideration for ongoing maintenance of the equipment.

The ambient temperature surrounding the compressor and other equipment should not be artificially inflated by recirculating hot air from the compressor, boilers or other machinery in the compressor room.

Ample lighting and clear space around the compressor must be allowed for easy maintenance access.

The compressor room should be conveniently placed as close as

possible to end use applications.

By minimising the length of piping required, the instances of leaks and pressure drop are greatly reduced.

The compressor should not be placed in the same room as any other equipment such as a boiler can raise the ambient temperature which should never exceed 50°C. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause UV damage to the machine’s control panel and may increase operating temperatures.

Should you place more than one compressor in the area, be sure each is positioned such that exhaust from one is not directed into the intake of the other.

Foundation The floor should be flat and level concrete to handle the static weight of the unit. Most rotary screw compressors do not require special foundations or to be anchored down.

A concrete pad or very sturdy floor is required for this purpose.

Neglecting proper foundation preparation can result in adverse consequences including increased vibrations and noise, misalignment issues, reduced air compressor lifespan, safety hazards for personnel, higher maintenance costs and overall degradation in compressor performance.

For outside installations Whilst indoor locations are preferable, outdoor installation of the compressor is possible providing it is well protected from the elements including rain and direct sunlight.

It must also be protected from exposure to dust and other airborne contamination. Outdoor installations are not recommended in climates with ambient temperatures above 50°C or below 0°C.

Clearances It is recommended that the compressor has at least one metre clearance from all walls and any other equipment in the area to allow for adequate ventilation and access by maintenance technicians.

Roof clearance should be adequate so as not to trap hot exhaust air. Ventilation ducting can be installed to stop the recirculation of exhaust airflow.

52 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

Ventilation A compressor continuously operating at elevated temperatures will result in higher oil carryover, reduced lubricant viscosity, higher wear and tear and reduced component life.

Air compressors generate a lot of heat (the compressor will exhaust almost as much heat as the installed motor power) and therefore need adequate ventilation to perform at maximum efficiency and ensure the longevity of all compressed air equipment.

Correct ventilation will remove the heat generated during compression keeping it from recirculating back into the compressor intake.

Added heat generated by dryers should also be calculated into ventilation requirements.

Louvered vents Depending on the ambient conditions and compressor size, louvered inlet and outlet vents in the compressor room can help to allow enough airflow through the area to remove exhausted heat from the compressor.

Prior to any installation, It is recommended that a qualified compressed air professional be consulted to ensure the adequacy of existing ventilation.

Ducting Larger industrial compressors may require exhaust ducting depending on compressor plant configuration and site conditions. Exhaust ducting allows the hot air discharge from the compressor to be directed out of the room.

Ducting should at least have the same cross-sectional area as the discharge on the compressor with minimal bends and as short as possible. This will minimise back pressure which should never exceed 50Pa wg.

The shorter and straighter the ducting, the more effective the heat removal. Back pressure can overload your cooling fans making the compressor work at high temperature leading to excessive wear and tear.

The ducting should be independently supported and easily removed for compressor maintenance. industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCTS Air Intake Filters Proper air filtration is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of air compressors. Installation of an air intake filter prevents debris and contaminants from entering the compressor.

The filter should be easily accessible for regular cleaning or replacement.

Without proper filtration, airborne contaminants such as leaves and debris may block the compressors cooling air flow causing increased wear on internal components, reduced efficiency, potential damage to the compressor elements and compromised air quality in downstream applications.

Maintenance All Compressors require regular maintenance to continue running at optimum performance levels.

Checking and replacing filters, draining condensate from the receiver and keeping all moving parts clean and lubricated will ensure minimum operational down time.

It is recommended that regular maintenance programs be scheduled with trained compressed air technicians.

Kaishan air compressors

Air audits Professional Inspections of compressed air systems using highly sensitive leak detection technology can find and remedy problems before they cause damage to equipment or significant pressure loss.

Kaishan Australia have trained professionals, experienced in all aspects of compressed air system configuration and installation, available for free consultation and advice to ensure the right compressor, system components and

installation design to meet your demands.

Our national fleet of mobile, professional, technicians offer advise and service on all aspects of compressed air systems and supply.

Kaishan - kaishan.com.au

GERMAN ENGINEERING

+

AUSTRALIAN EXPERTISE

=

HIGHEST QUALITY COMPONENTS AND SERVICE FOR HIGH QUALITY CONVEYOR COMPONENTS, MRT AUSTRALIA IS JUST A CALL AWAY 02 9771 1748 sales@mrtaustralia.com.au www.mrtaustralia.com.au industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 53

PRODUCTS

Premier Door Systems doubles manufacturing manpower

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year after Premier Door Systems acquired DMF International Pty Ltd, both companies have grown to become Australia’s leading specialist door solutions providers.

The merger has doubled manufacturing, install and service manpower, resulting in greater flexibility and more investment in new product developments.

Premier Door Systems specialises in commercial doors, while DMF is an Australian manufacturer and distributor of high-speed and PVC doors, providing doors for a variety of applications, including car washes, car parks, warehouses and hospitals.

The strategic partnership has allowed both companies to grow and innovate.

DMF International and Premier Door Systems now boast twice the manpower to serve the Australian market.

The merger has also strengthened their partnerships with suppliers, by boosting buying power to become more cost effective for clients and providing shorter lead times.

Production has been streamlined, their service systems improved and the products refined through enhanced R&D. By combining the best elements of each company, the now-shared product range has been reinvented to deliver the best specialist door solutions.

It has never been a better time to look at how its extensive product range, including high speed rapid roller doors, flexible PVC swing doors and high impact thermal traffic doors can benefit any business.

Premier Door Systems - premierdoors.com.au

Premier Door Systems is a door solutions specialist

Adjustable spot cooler provides precise industrial temperature control

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XAIR’s Adjustable Spot Cooler System offers a low-cost, reliable and maintenance-free solution for industrial spot cooling needs.

Designed to address a wide range of cooling challenges, it offers precision control, versatility and ease of use for a variety of applications including milling, machining, soldering, gas sampling, welding and more.

The Adjustable Spot Cooler System comes equipped with everything needed for an efficient cooling station. Using cool and clean compressed air, the Adjustable Spot Cooler allows users to precisely adjust temperatures from as low as -34°C (-30°F) to room temperature with the simple turn of a knob.

This precise control, along with two different sized generators,

ensures optimal cooling for sensitive equipment or processes.

Accessories like the swivel magnetic base enable easy mounting and portability, allowing it to be positioned effortlessly in any workspace.

The hose kits come complete with cone and fan nozzles to help ensure the cold air is directed exactly where it’s needed for maximum cooling efficiency. Included automatic drain filter separators aid with the consistent delivery of clean, moisture-free air for consistent performance.

Available from Compressed Air Australia, the Adjustable Spot Cooler System has no moving parts, offering maintenance-free operation and providing a dependable and quiet cooling solution.

Compressed Air Australia caasafety.com.au

54 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

The Adjustable Spot Cooler System comes equipped with everything needed for an efficient cooling station industryupdate.com.au

ENERGY, WASTE & RECYCLING

Gorman-Rupp pumps ‘don’t miss a beat’ for local council

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ingston District Council, situated on South Australia’s picturesque Limestone Coast, has been diligently serving its community since its establishment in 1873.

Over the years, it has embraced advancements in technology and infrastructure to ensure efficient and reliable service delivery - most recently in the critical domain of wastewater management.

Heath McAvaney, Regional Manager for Hydro Innovations, paid a visit to the council and met with KDC Operations Manager, Colin Burnett, to discuss their wastewater pumping operations.

They have 11 smaller pump stations pumping to their main station in which two GormanRupp T3A60S-B sewage pumps are located, operating above-ground, allowing easy access.

“The Gorman-Rupp pumps do the heavy lifting at the end of the process, pumping 800 metres to settling ponds,” said Burnett.

“These pumps don’t miss a beat and require little maintenance”.

The Gorman-Rupp T3A60S-B sewage pump

The pumps were installed well before Colin arrived at the council seven years ago and, in that time, othe busiest of them has clocked up

over 21,000 hours of operation.

Gorman-Rupp self-priming centrifugal sewage pumps can operate on suction lifts up to 7.6 metres, can

deliver flows to 180 litres per second with a single pump and can deliver pressures to 95 metres.

They can also be upgraded with “Eradicator” or “Eradicator Plus” technology to handle flows with heavy concentrations of stringy materials such as rags, wet wipes and matted hair.

These pumps have been employed in sewage pumping stations and sewage treatment plants around the world for decades, and are the first choice for many asset owners and engineers because of their reliability, long service life and safety.

Moreover, being located above the ground makes them easy and safe to access for monitoring or maintenance.

It’s great news for local government, who have long-lasting infrastructure pieces that can be serviced easily - although, as Burnett joked, not ideal for Hydro Innovations’ sales team!

Hydro Innovations hydroinnovations.com.au

PIPE TO PELLETS. PELLETS TO PIPE. THAT’S APPLIED THINKING.

With its multi-rotor design the Genox J-series pipe shredder easily shreds HDPE pipes of all sizes.

When combined with a Genox washing plant and Genox pelletising system, you can truly close the loop on HDPE pipes.

Pipe to pellets. Pellets to pipe. This is the circular economy in action.

Genox make world-class recycling solutions, for real-world recycling applications.

Call: 03 9706 8066 Email: sales@appliedmachinery.com.au Visit: appliedmachinery.com.au genoxmachinery.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 55

PRODUCTS

All wrapped up thanks to Pack King

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ack King is proud to present the Roto-Wrap Combo. It is a spring assisted table and a docking stretch wrap machine.

The first half of this combo is a self-levelling table with a turntable top.

Place a pallet on it, then load your goods from the conveyor onto the pallet, whilst the top of the load stays at your perfect transfer height.

When the pallet is full, dock the stretch wrapper to the table then fully wrap the load. When completed, undock the stretch wrapper and remove the pallet.

You can have as many self-levelling tables as you need with just one docking stretch wrapper.

The Roto-Wrap turntable incorporates a motor and gearbox, which when the stretch wrapper is docked, rotates the load, allowing the operator to lay on the stretch film using a

counter-weighted film carriage with a manual brake to stretch the film.

The idea is to set the operator up at the correct transfer height. This is often achieved by placing three pallets in front of the conveyor, but the load height increases until the operator is reaching up.

The self-levelling table starts at a comfortable height, then lowers incrementally each time a carton is added, ensuring the transfer height remains constant.

When loaded, the pallet stays on the table and is stretch wrapped in situ, so there is no need for an extra step in the process by having to transport the load to a distant stretch wrap machine, thereby saving time and money.

In an ideal setting, the operators would be in a yellow line delineated safe area. Pallet stacks would be placed just

Pack King Roto-Wrap Combo

inside the line using a forklift.

The operators would take a pallet from the stack using a walkie stacker, then place the finished load just inside the safe area line ready

for the forklift to pick it up - because people and forklifts don’t mix.

Roto-Wrap - what a clever idea!

Pack King - packking.com.au

Scaling the heights - thanks to the LEV8

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The LEV8 in action 56 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

ack King have made their name as a provider of materials handling solutions - and their latest offering, the LEV8, does exactly that.

A single person lifter, the LEV8 is extremely useful for cleaning gutters, changing light bulbs, affecting maintenance, fitting fascias and signs, removing graffiti, hanging lighting and audio systems, repairing leaking roofs and much more.

The function is simple. Raise the work platform using a hand brake, winch to the desired platform working height (up to 4600 mm – actual working height 6 metres) and the telescoping ladder follows suit.

Lock the mast, then walk up the stairs, closing the safety bar behind you. The square platform is 550mm in size and fitted with 100mm high baseboards to prevent tools from falling out.

The LEV8 gives the operator the freedom to safely and effectively work hands free.

Dimensions are 1400mm x 850mm x 2070mm high (with platform folded down). The 850mm width enables it to fit through standard door.

To set up, firstly look up to ensure there are no obstructions power lines or cables close by. Then lock the wheels, set up the outriggers,

level the lifter, raise the platform and, of course, climb the ladder.

The large 150mm diameter wheels are fitted with secure-locking brakes. The pull up/fold down and pin outriggers all have wind down handles fitted, to ensure the LEV8 is able to be levelled using the on board bubble level.

When ready to close up, simply raise the platform slightly, remove the pin and wind down, un-pin the platform and fold down. Wind up the outriggers, then lift and pin.

It is ready to go. LEV8 is also wind rated to Level 5 (stiff breezes), unlike many single person lifters that are not wind rated.

There are no batteries or electrics - and no hydraulics to worry about.

It is all mechanical.

Unit weight is 190 kgs and load capacity is 125 kgs.

LEV8 is not recommended for use as a lifting device for materials, as the load capacity may be exceeded, and the lifter may become unbalanced.

The Pack King LEV8 must not be used on loose gravel, slippery or boggy ground, slopes and other unsafe areas.

Be extra careful when using in wet conditions. Wearing a safety harness is recommended over 2m high.

Pack King - packking.com.au industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCTS

Pilot Air’s 40 years of innovation, design and manufacturing expertise

P

ilot Air has always been an innovator in industrial air compressor solutions: from its beginnings back in 1980, the business was the first and only air compressor manufacturer to import the very best pumps from Italy and combine European technology with Australian quality materials.

They have built a reputation for reliability and quality on the back of custom designing solutions for a broad range of customers.

It is the wide range of industries that Pilot Air works with that has continually pushed the boundaries of design and manufacturing expertise.

Today, Pilot Air is the air compressor solutions business of choice for the industrial sector.

The company’s reach extends across Australia and its commitment to providing customised solutions is why its portfolio of customers is so diverse.

On one hand, Pilot Air has designed, manufactured and commissioned compressed air solutions

Pilot Air in action

for large agricultural farming operations delivering compressed air for enormous and complex cattle yards to ensure the safe handling of livestock for sorting and drenching.

On the other, Pilot Air has delivered these same services to digitally integrated systems for 24 hour a day, 7 day a week distribution centres, theme parks, hospitals, shopping centres, universities, water

treatment plants and industrial manufacturing businesses.

Pilot Air knows there is no one size fits all solution.

The diversity of their customers has made them experts in tailoring compressed air solutions that meet a range of demands. The team is 100% focused on air and air distribution.

They use the very latest in diagnostic software to analyse each facility’s

requirements and other specifications, including carbon footprints, noise restrictions, coverage, energy usage and digital integration.

Innovation is in their DNA and they continue to lead the industrial market, implementing new technologies into their infrastructure that have a huge impact on downtime.

As a full cycle manufacturer, Pilot have in-house design teams, highly qualified technical expertise, on and off-site service and maintenance and fully stocked warehouses for genuine spare parts.

They look at each business as a long- term customer and their sales teams are experienced and professional relationship builders.

By incorporating design, manufacturing and quality control under the same roof, they have streamlined operations and each project has complete design and manufacturing oversight at every touchpoint.

Pilot’s teams collaborate and troubleshoot in real time with precision and technical skills that ensure a delivered, installed and commissioned solution that is ready to work now and well into the future.

Pilot Air - pilotair.com.au

Transforming pressure into precision, one vacuum system at a time

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acuum technology continues to emerge as a preferred and popular solution not only for robotic pick-and-place systems, but also for robot-assisted applications with SMC leading the charge.

“Vacuum grippers deliver a significant advantage over mechanical grippers in robotic applications, which typically require precision and efficiency,” said Darshan Desai, Product Specialist for SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand (ANZ).

“Collaborative robots (cobots) have become more accessible over time and as a result, more component manufacturers are catering to their requirements.

“Compared to mechanical grippers, vacuum grippers are easy to deploy across a variety of workpieces and are far lighter,” said Desai.

“Vacuum grippers have also been shown to increase payload capacity in robotic applications.

One of the most crucial components of any vacuum system on a robot is the vacuum pad.

“The correct vacuum pad selection enables secure gripping of industryupdate.com.au

various workpieces - regardless of their shape, size or surface texture,” said Desai.

SMC’s ZP3C series of new generation vacuum pads are specifically designed to handle corrugated cardboard and similar products where high abrasion resistance is required.

“While in the past, customers struggled to accurately handle picking and placing of these types of surfaces, the ZP3C series has risen to the challenge, delivering added peace-of-mind and enhanced effectiveness,” explained Desai.

The ZP3M series of bowl-shaped vacuum pads offer a non-slip feature, providing excellent flexibility.

“These can be used on curved workpieces as well,” said Desai, pointing to the specialised non-slip diagonal ribs that prevent workpiece slippage.

“The 100mm diameter pads provide a horizontal holding force 387N, the series is also suitable for workpieces covered with oil film and with a surface temperature of anywhere from 0 to 200°C with ambient temperatures of 0 to 150°C.” Both the ZP3C and ZP3M are made

of FS61 material (fluoro-based rubber) for improved abrasion resistance.

Beyond those two, the ZP3P series of vacuum pads are designed and developed for uneven, soft, variable or very thin (film-wrapped even) workpieces.

In addition, the sealing skirt design and stopper support in the centre help to prevent wrinkle damage.

“These cups can be safely used in food and medical environments, and are silicone rubber compliant,” said Desai.

“The blue coloured pads in this series that can be easily spotted during contamination inspections.

“The ZP3P also comes with an optional stainless steel mesh filter and expanded hole sizes to ensure an adequate suction flow rate.”

“With these comprehensive solutions in mind, I urge customers to implement these new generation technologies to transform vacuum challenges into successful systems.

“A full range backed by our team of engineers and always-on support will make for the perfect addition to any robotic system.”

SMC - smcworld.com

SMC’s vacuum systems Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 57

PRODUCTS

How to forklift-proof your factory with Barrier Group’s Guardrails Guardrails in action

S

afety solutions expert Barrier Group have shared some essential tips to enhance workplace safety in factory and warehouse environments - and it all starts with having the right hand and guardrail systems to provide clear barriers between pedestrians and moving vehicles.

Aaron McLean, an Account Manager at Barrier Group, speaks

daily with leading warehouse and factory operators who face significant safety challenges, particularly as regulations tighten and safety becomes an even greater priority.

“In dealing with clients for the past 15 years, it’s noticeable that warehouse and factories facilities face unique safety challenges that differ significantly from other workplaces.

Finding effective solutions is crucial to ensure worker safety,” he said.

“In my experience, some of the most successful safety measures involve implementing heavy-duty Guardrail Systems, especially in settings where both asset protection and pedestrian safety are top priorities.”

Modular and practical

solutions like W-Beam or BallFence Guardrail systems offer rated impact protection that complies with Australian Safety Standards, providing operators a peace of mind.

The combination of heavy-duty steel and lightweight aluminium, enhanced by hot-dipped galvanization and safety yellow powder coating finishing can make a world of difference for both durability and visibility.

“These features ensure that your safety solution can withstand the toughest of workplace conditions while clearly marking safe zones,” said McLean.

Technical Support Manager, Huiming Wong, added that without a proper traffic management plan in place, it can be ‘disastrous’.

“Using with Guardrail in factory and warehouse environments can help to create separate lines for vehicles and pedestrian traffic.

“This is particularly vital in workplaces where forklifts operate, given their lack of all-round visibility.”

Barrier Group - barsec.com.au

Meet CAP-XX’s ultra-thin supercapacitors - powering electronics forward

I

n recent years, supercapacitors have found many new applications – not only in electric vehicles but also in compact electronic devices.

These tiny parts are vital to the operations of batteries, and our transition towards net zero simply could not happen without them.

CAP-XX brand solutions meet the needs of modern and innovative applications where supercapacitors are used.

A range of exceptional components from this supplier has just arrived in TME warehouses and catalogues.

These components enable high current performance in power supply and energy aggregation circuits, such as remote IoT modules using wind turbines and other renewable energy sources.

CAP-XX, an Australian company specialising in supercapacitors, offers solutions specifically designed for such circuits.

Their product range is a recent addition to the TME catalogue and warehouses, so we are highlighting a selection of these offerings below.

This lineup is sure to appeal

58 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

to manufacturers and designers seeking compact components with versatile specifications.

CAP-XX supercapacitors feature a prismatic design, where the layers of the insulator and conductor are formed into a rectangular block (instead of the typical cylindrical shape).

This construction allows for the production of capacitors with high capacitance (from 75mF to 900mF) while maintaining a very low profile (e.g. 2.1mm).

This makes them suitable for mobile and miniature devices, such as power stabilisation and backup, energy aggregation and fastcharging systems.

These components operate at voltages up to 5.8V DC (depending on the model), supporting pulse currents up to 30A. They are noteworthy for their wide thermal tolerance (from -40°C to 85°C) and long lifespan.

The leakage current does not exceed 1µA, while the minimum charging current can be as low as 20µA. TME - tme.com industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCTS

Why finding the correct forklift and attachments are the key to safety

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orklifts are indispensable for moving heavy loads quickly and efficiently around the workplace.

However, the effectiveness and safety of forklifts rely not only on the machines themselves but also on the operator and the attachments used to handle specific materials or tasks.

Improper use or mishandling can result in damage to goods, inefficiency in operations and, most critically, workplace accidents that lead to injury or even fatalities.

According to Safe Work Australia’s ‘Work-Related Traumatic Injury Fatalities’ 2023 report, the leading cause of fatalities in the workplace involves machinery operators and drivers - accounting for 36.5% of total fatalities.

Forklifts rely on the correct distribution of weight and balance to operate safely. When an attachment does not match the load being moved, the center of gravity can shift, causing the forklift to become unstable, which increases the risk of a rollover or collision.

“To ensure both productivity and safety, it’s essential to ensure the attachment and its capacity is suitable for the task and the intended fork truck is compatible.” said Craig Gilmour, General Manager at East West Engineering.

“At East West Engineering, we work closely with all our customers to find the right solution for their material handling needs, which also includes custom engineered solutions.

“Our extensive experience in the industry allows us to understand the unique challenges faced by our clients, and we are proud to offer a wide range of attachments to suit

specific requirements.

“Our experience has resulted in us working closely with Safe Work Australia to support the creation of their forklift load handling video demonstrations.

“These resources help educate operators and businesses on best practices, minimising risks and improving safety outcomes.”

A few of East West Engineering’s most popular forklift attachments include: Fork Positioners Ideal for handling loads of varying sizes, fork positioners allow operators to adjust the width of the forks without leaving the driver’s seat.

This not only increases efficiency but ensures that the load is properly secured and balanced.

Fork positioners are essential in environments where operators need to move materials of different shapes and sizes, reducing the chances of the load becoming unstable.

Rotators Used to tip or rotate a load, rotators are essential in applications where a load needs to be positioned in a specific orientation or requires turning during the handling process.

This is commonly seen in industries like food production, where containers may need to be emptied or rotated.

Clamps Used to handle items like bales of cotton, bundles of pipes or steel coils, clamps can grip materials securely, preventing slipping or shifting during transport.

Getting to grips with bulk bags

They help increase the safety of handling fragile or irregularly-shaped loads, reducing the chance of workplace accidents.

Forklift Jibs Jibs are a type of lifting attachment that allow forklifts to extend their reach, enabling operators to reach into higher storage areas or when lifting large items that need a longer reach.

The range of East West Engineering jibs also cater to specialised handling and loads such as bulk bags, long products, cable drums, wire mesh, railway bogies, lattice girder and coils.

safely tip waste or material bins, often weighing hundreds of kilograms.

They ensure that bins can be tipped by forklift without spilling or damaging contents, minimising the risk of strain injuries for workers handling waste manually.

The key takeaway is the importance of protecting workers and preventing avoidable accidents by having the right equipment for the job - and by extension, this includes the right attachment.

For help choosing the right attachment for your material handling needs contact East West Engineering on 1800 061 998

Wheelie Bin Tippers Wheelie bin tippers are designed to

East West Engineering eastwesteng.com.au

Tente introduces E-Drive motorised fifth wheel systems motorised drive power.

Move up to 1600kg with Tente’s new E-Drive systems

T

ente has launched two new E-Drive models to the existing E-Drive Flex.

E-Drive Flex Drive Unit (Basic Model) E-Drive Flex is an entry-level model industryupdate.com.au

for those wanting to update logistics processes to increase productivity and ergonomics. This starter kit can move up to 600kg in a single set-up and up to 1200kg with a twin set-up.

The Flex model features all basic accessories for the transition to

E-Drive Optima Unit (Advanced Model) E-Drive Optima is suitable for demanding applications that require additional safety, thanks to a deceleration function when the handle is released.

Its compact space-saving concept is another advantage. Control and drive unit of Optima are not two different units but one combined module, which makes installation much easier. The compact E-Drive Optima model can move up to 800kg in a single set-up and up to 1600kg with a twin set-up.

E-Drive Ultimate (Superior Model) E-Drive Ultimate is all about customisation thanks to its flexibility.

Due to its programmable logic controller, the drive unit can be equipped with additional components such as lights or sound signals all around. The drive unit, with its robust and hardened gear drive, can move up to 800kg in a single set-up and up to 1600kg with a twin set-up.

Please feel free to contact us for further customisations of E-Drive Ultimate.

Tente Australia - tente.com.au

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 59

EVENTS

Local manufacturing legend honoured as Hunter Manufacturing Awards celebrates 20 years

T

he Hunter Manufacturing Awards celebrated their 20th year in style with a gala dinner in October, culminating in the addition of Joss de Iuliis to their first ever Hall of Fame.

Over 10 awards were handed out at the NEX in Newcastle in front of over a thousand people from the manufacturing industry in the region, plus keynote speeches from leading politicians and business figures.

The award for De Iuliis celebrated his role in the foundation of the HMAs, alongside fellow manufacturing leader Bob Cowan, in 2004, as well as his long-standing commitment to industry in the Hunter Valley.

Jacqui Daley, HMA Chair and host on the night, explained why it was so important to reward a lifetime of service by De Iuliis, whose manufacturing companies have included Waratah Engineering, Hunter Screens, Field Maintenance Services and Custom Fluidpower, as well as a flourishing wine business.

“We created this category to recognise those who have not only contributed to the growth and success of the industry but who have also lifted the people, organisations, suppliers, and customers around them,” she said.

“The Hall of Fame celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship

and a vision for a stronger manufacturing future for the region.”

The other winners were as follows: Excellence in Product Design Award: SafeGauge, for the SafeTest Tachometer and MultiTool Pro. These cutting-edge tools enhance safety in heavy machinery maintenance.

Collaboration Partnership Award: The Melt, Allegro Energy and Muswellbrook Shire Council, for their groundbreaking work on a first-ofits-kind Microemulsion Redox Flow Battery. This partnership combined Allegro’s innovative energy storage technology with The Melt’s expertise in engineering and design.

Outstanding Start-Up Award: Allegro Energy, which is revolutionising energy storage. Excellence in Building Workforce Capability for the Future Award: Morgan Engineering, for its innovative, in-house Apprenticeship Training Program.

Excellence in Manufacturing Capability Award: Omnia Wheel, for its strategic investment in automation and new machinery.

Upgrading to advanced tools and automated systems reduced production costs by 54%, increased output from 500,000 to 2 million wheels annually and cut labour requirements by 95%.

Excellence in Export and Global Supply Chain Award: Whiteley, a leader in infection

60 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

prevention, medical device reprocessing, and cleaning solutions that exports to more than 35 countries.

Its Tomago-based facility produces world-class disinfectants and healthcare products under stringent quality standards.

Excellence in Innovation Award: SAPHI, for Shellshock AI, its advanced monitoring and control system designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and real-time decision-making across a range of industries including mining and transport.

Rising Star Award: Jamie Woods of TW Woods fabrication and engineering services, for his dedication and innovative leadership. He started as an apprentice and rose to general manager where he has introduced critical improvements.

Apprentice of the Year Award: Christie Hayward of Westrac, for showcasing her commitment and passion for boilermaking. Relocating to pursue her apprenticeship, she has embraced hands-on learning and developed a strong skill set.

Excellence in Marketing Award: Out Of The Square Media and Guts Creative – joining forces to rebrand Ampcontrol and transform it into a leader of the global energy revolution.

Excellence in Sustainable Operations Award: Signarama Tuggerah for demonstrating to the world that sustainability can be a

profitable part of business. It achieved remarkable sustainability milestones that culminated in a groundbreaking project for the Paris Olympic games.

Signarama partnered with key industry leaders Spandex, Avery Denison, and HP to develop and implement eco-friendly signage for the Australian Olympic team.

Manufacturer of the Year (Less than 50 Employees) Award: Omnia, which has experienced remarkable export growth. Up to 94.2% of its sales in FY25 will come from international markets. Known for its innovative omni wheel technology, Omnia has invested heavily in research and development, automation and sustainability.

Manufacturer of the Year (50 or More Employees) Award: Apollo Engineering, which has established itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing in regional NSW. It drives innovation with cutting-edge solutions such as its patented centrifugal filter and robotic welding systems. Its expansion into international markets includes $850,000 worth of exports to Indonesia.

Manufacturing Leader Award: Peter McKinnon of Omnia. He has operated Omnia Wheel for more than 18 years, from humble beginnings with three people to industry leader with 73 employees.

industryupdate.com.au

Events

Meet the master: Celebrating Joss De Iuliis’ contribution to Hunter manufacturing current owner, ensuring the continued success of the winery and its contribution to the region.

In recognition of his remarkable achievements and his lasting impact on the Hunter region, the HMA board is proud to induct Joss De Iuliis as the first-ever member of the HMA Hall of Fame. His leadership, foresight and unwavering commitment to the region embody the essence of this prestigious honour.

“Joss has been a driving force behind the region’s growth and has played an instrumental role in creating opportunities for both people and organisations,” said Daley.

“His dedication to collaboration and innovation has truly set him apart, and we are honoured to celebrate his legacy with this induction.

The 2024 Hunter Manufacturing Awards continue to celebrate the excellence, innovation and resilience of the region’s manufacturers, and with the introduction of the Hall of Fame category, the legacy of leaders like Joss De Iuliis will continue to inspire future generations.

HMA’s Hall of Famer Joss De Iuliis (center) with his award

T

he Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMAs) culminated with the announcement of Joss De Iuliis as the inaugural inductee into the HMA Hall of Fame, an honour that recognised his profound and lasting contributions to the Hunter region’s manufacturing sector.

Joss De Iuliis is a name synonymous with innovation, leadership and the spirit of collaboration that drives local industry forward.

Over the course of his distinguished career, he has played a pivotal role in not only shaping the manufacturing landscape of the region but also in championing local businesses on a national stage.

The Hunter Manufacturing Hall of Fame, newly established in 2024, honours individuals and companies that have made a significant and lasting impact on the region’s manufacturing industry.

“This category was created to recognise those who have not only contributed to the growth and success of the industry but who have also lifted the people, organisations, suppliers and customers around industryupdate.com.au

them,” said Jacqui Daley, Chair of the HMA. The Hall of Fame celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship and a vision for a stronger manufacturing future for the region.

The Hunter Manufacturing Awards themselves owe part of their existence to De Iuliis’s initiative. In September 2004, De Iuliis reached out to fellow manufacturing leader Bob Cowan after learning of an association on the Central Coast that was profiling and promoting manufacturers in their region.

De Iuliis suggested that something similar could be done for the Hunter’s manufacturers.

This initial conversation sparked the creation of the HMAs, and soon after, a group of like-minded manufacturers agreed on the need to recognise and promote the achievements of the region’s industries.

De Iuliis’s entrepreneurial acumen is also evidenced by his success across multiple businesses, including Waratah Engineering, Hunter Screens, Field Maintenance Services and Custom Fluidpower.

His foresight and business strategies have nurtured the growth of these companies into strong local and national entities.

Not one to shy away from challenging the status quo, De Iuliis encouraged BHP to outsource locally, catalysing a shift in mindset that prioritised regional businesses.

He also took bold steps to break down the long-standing belief that only OEMs could handle mining equipment refurbishment, enabling local companies to take on these projects.

Beyond his contributions to the manufacturing industry, Joss De Iuliis has also established a name in another iconic Hunter Valley sector—wine.

In 1987, Joss and his wife Anna De Iuliis purchased a property on Lovedale Road, where they planted their first vines in the early 1990s, including chardonnay, semillon, verdelho, merlot and shiraz.

This vision grew into De Iuliis Wines, a respected winery known for its high-quality wines.

Now, their son Mike De Iuliis carries on the family legacy as the

Upcoming Events Avalon Australian International Airshow 28-30 March 2025 Avalon Airport, Geelong, Victoria Electronex 7-8 May 2025 MCEC Melbourne Australian Manufacturing Week 6-9 May 2025 MCEC Melbourne FoodTech 19-25 June 2025 Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre Industrial Transformation Australia 2025: Accelerating Industry 4.0 22-24 July 2025 The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 61

PRODUCTS

Aussie mining equipment firm given passage to India thanks to Bonfiglioli

M

ining equipment experts Ontrak Engineering have been active in the Australian mining sector for over 25 years, supplying customers across the country with equipment for underground and open cut coal and hard rock mining industries.

That means feeder breakers, crawler tracked equipment, reclaim feeders and chain conveyors among other items, which they design and manufacture, as well as offering support services to existing customers.

Now, thanks to help from Bonfiglioli Australia, they have also established a foothold in India, one of the fastest growing industrial markets in the world.

Bonfiglioli are assisting with drives, which suit global standards and are therefore able to be transposed to India without any hitches, greatly increasing the ease of doing business for Ontrak, especially given

the onerous tariffs and export regulations in that market.

“Over the last few years, we have received a growing number of inquiries from mining operations in India, and saw that there is a need for our robust solutions and expert services in the Indian market,” said Steve Lowry, Managing Director at Ontrak.

“Our first six orders went to India during 2017. These solutions have stood the test of time, demonstrating the reliability of our service, quality and implementation.

“This gave rise to additional orders from other customers in India. Another 13 units have been supplied since then, with another nine in the pipeline for next year.

“All the feeder breakers from Ontrak make use of Bonfiglioli drives,” adds Steve. “In addition, our Indian customers benefit from the global Bonfiglioli network – they can access services from Bonfiglioli

62 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

Ontrak Engineering have expanded into India

India, if needed.

However, to date, these services have not been required, and this is testament to the longevity and reliability of Bonfiglioli solutions”.

The backup from Bonfiglioli has helped Ontrak to focus on their core business.

“We always aim to deliver to our customers as quickly as possible, and will carry out commissioning, condition monitoring and servicing on-site if required, to ensure our

solutions not only arrive promptly but are always operating optimally.

“Our strong partnership with Bonfiglioli has been instrumental to our international expansion.

“With the support and collaboration of strategic partners like Bonfiglioli, who share our commitment to quality, excellent service and innovation, we are well prepared to continue serving new markets.”

Bonfiglioli - bonfiglioli.com

industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCTS

Turck’s safety platform offers solutions across plants

T

urck’s safety network platform offers cost-efficient and flexible safety solutions for small to medium-sized plants – right through to ATEX Zone 2/22.

Turck presents a networked machine safety solution that is specially tailored to the requirements of small to medium-sized machines.

The combination of the Turck Safe Link safety protocol with the TBEN-LL-4FDI-4FDX safety block I/O modules allows the creation of flexible and cost-efficient safety control with a decentralised installation.

The multiprotocol modules support Ethernet/IP, Profinet and Modbus TCP and use the Turck Safe-Link protocol for safety cross communication. The safety logic is implemented directly in the modules with safety inputs and outputs.

The networked modules produce a modular and scalable safety architecture that considerably reduces cabling effort and installation time.

Up to 31 modules can be networked in an application, and each module provides 127 diagnostic bytes for monitoring and fast troubleshooting.

Each module provides two bytes for safety input and output data as well as an additional two bytes for non-safety input and output bits for fieldbus communication with a non-safety PLC. The decentralised installation of the IP69K modules reduces the need for central control cabinets and simplifies both the maintenance as well as the expansion of the system.

Approval for ATEX Zone 2/22 makes the modules suitable for use in hazardous areas. This means that safety signals can even be reliably transferred in harsh environments. The safe block I/O modules TBEN- LL-4FDI-4FDX will be available in the first quarter of 2025.

Turck- turck.com.au

UNLOCK EVERY INCH OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE!

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ENHANCE THE SAFETY, STORAGE AND EFFICIENCY OF YOUR LOGISTICS WITH COMBILIFT Our pioneering product range of multidirectional, articulated and pedestrian forklifts, straddle carriers and container loaders allows you to manoeuvre long loads safely, reduce aisle widths and increase the amount of space available for storage.

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25/09/2024 13:26:35

Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024 | 63

Your Global Automation Partner

The Best Move – Safety First

LEARN MORE

Decentralized safety systems place personal protection close to the danger points and create levels of freedom for modular production www.turck.com/da-safety 64 | Industry Update Issue 141 Nov/Dec 2024

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