Industry Update Manufacturing Magazine February Edition Issue 70

Biggest February Edition ever! – 70th Edition

Industry Update Issue 70 February 2013 $12.00

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Manufacturing Magazine

ADAPT OR SINK

Ace stands out from the pack Ace Gutters is a classic Australian manufacturing success story.

Established in 1953 the company has built and maintained a reputation as being a manufacturer of the highest quality rainwater products – guttering and downpipes.

From its humble beginnings in a small suburban factory this Australian family-owned company now occupies a 2ha site at Mortdale in southern Sydney, employing more than 190 staff. All manufacturing is carried out on site.

“It’s very important to have our manufacturing process in Australia, says CEO Don Anderson. “That way we can have full quality control.

Don’t wait for dollar to fall, Combet warns manufacturers Innovation Greg Combet says manufacturers should not sit back and wait for the Australian dollar to fall – they must change with the times to become more competitive.

Mr Combet’s warning comes on the eve of Labor’s much-anticipated industry and innovation statement, to be released soon.

Under sweeping new Government changes aimed at boosting the manufacturing sector, a new body will be created to monitor major project developers’ use of Australian manufacturing products.

The statement will also unveil a program to link university research more

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closely with boosting technological advancement in the nation’s industrial sector.

Mr Combet warned manufacturers the high dollar was “here to stay” and that “the economy has to adjust to the reality of a higher dollar.”

“Some Australian businesses, particularly in manufacturing, are under pressure as a result of the high value of the Australian dollar, said Mr Combet.

“But the high dollar will be with us for a considerable time to come, and Australian businesses have to adjust to become more competitive, he said.

Industry Minister Greg Combet … ‘high dollar here to stay’

Continued page 10

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• NEWS

$50m in funding for ‘innovative’ manufacturers The federal government has set aside $50 million for “innovative manufacturing� to develop high-tech ways of supporting growth and competitiveness in the sector.

The funding is available under the CooperativeResearch Centres (CRC) program that opens in February next year.

Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, has announced funding for the 16th round of the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program, which will give preference to collaborative projects in priority areas.

Under the program $240 million will be allocated for Australian researchers to work with industry on collaborative

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projects in priority research areas including innovative manufacturing, sustainable regional communities and social innovation. “The CRC program delivers significant economic, environmental and social benefits for all Australians,�

Senator Evans said. “It drives collaboration and innovation by bringing researchers and industry together to create new products, processes and services. “The sustainable regional communities priority is about addressing economic, environmental and social challenges facing our regions.

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“The social innovation priority could lead to products, processes and services in areas like health, education and community wellbeing that will benefit all Australians.�

Senator Evans said the Government aimed to double the level of collaboration between business, universities and publicly-funded research agencies over the next decade.

More than $1 billion in grants would be delivered this financial year, he said.

The government is providing $625 million for the CRC program over the next four financial years.

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The Australian Industry Group has welcomed the emphasis on collaboration between manufacturing businesses and publicly-funded research agencies.

Innes Willox, Ai Group Chief Executive, said the $50m for the manufacturing sector is a welcome opportunity for Australian manufacturers to forge deeper links with public-sector research organisations as a key part of the broader strategy to lift competitiveness and develop new areas of comparative advantage.

For more information about the CRC program, selection rounds and current CRCs, visit: www.crc.gov.au

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CONTENTS •

CONTENTS FROM THE MINISTER Asia holds key to our industrial future

ADAPT OR SINK “We need new approaches to building a dynamic and diverse economy that will create the jobs of the future.

“We need to improve competitiveness and to boost productivity, which is the key determinant of higher living standards.”

Mr Combet said to improve productivity and competitiveness, Australia needs to invest in skills, infrastructure like the national broadband network, and actively support innovation in business.

“The government has already been investing heavily in skills and infrastructure, and the upcoming industry and innovation statement will identify new ways to tackle the economic challenge in the Asian century, he said.

Uplifting productivity without loss of quality.

Continued from cover

“In the years ahead, the economies that will be most successful are those that develop new technologies and processes, and drive investments in cleaner energy. To achieve this we need to bring together our best research minds and our most innovative businesses.”

Mr Combet said though Australia has a world-class research sector it does not perform as well as other countries in ensuring our research effort is translated into positive business and economic outcomes.

“The Government’s upcoming Industry and Innovation Statement will include specific measures to encourage businesses, universities and our best researchers to work together – the nation’s innovation effort needs to be increasingly led by industry, Mr Combet said.

The Statement will also encompass additional measures to maximise job opportunities for Australians in the resources sector and other major projects.

It will also complement antidumping measures announced by the Government in December to ensure Australian businesses and workers are not disadvantaged by cheap imports.

Many manufacturers developed business plans when the Australian dollar was averaging between US60c and US80c.

The high dollar, which has been trading above $US1.04 in recent weeks, makes it more difficult for manufacturers to compete in international markets and with imported products.

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LATEST NEWS Tough new Government measures to combat cheap imports

10

SPECIAL REPORT Auto industry at the crossroads

12

EDUCATION, TRAINING & APPRENTICES Solving the skills crisis

20

PRODUCT NEWS

24

SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE Focus on eye protection

30

BUSINESS & FINANCE Victorian manufacturer soars into aerospace

42

SPECIAL FEATURE What’s new in industrial doors

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FEATURE More supply chain innovation from Dematic

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AUSTRALIAN MADE Why manufacture in Australia

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MACHINERY, TOOLS AND METAL WORKING A label: the ‘must have’ product component 54 COMING EVENTS

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• EDITORIAL

Publisher Scott Filby

Editor Tim Michael

Fresh new face of Industry Update in 2013

Forget the gloom and doom: think positive

Welcome to the new-look Industry Update.

We are kicking off the New Year with an updated image and more industry news and features than ever before.

You may have also noticed that our online search engine has been given a sparkling makeover, making it even easier to find relevant industry products and suppliers.

Industry Update’s search engine has become a valuable information resource for people and companies throughout the manufacturing supply chain.

As well as providing the latest news, features and vital industry information, it offers national and international exposure 24/7.

And this is the 70th edition of Industry Update since we launched almost 18 years ago. What a remarkable journey it has been!

Last year was the biggest year on record for the publication, with two record-breaking editions.

We also re-introduced the popular promotional product post cards, which were distributed nationally to more than 18,000 end users. To ensure our advertisers achieve maximum exposure,

Sorry to disappoint the naysayers out there, but according to the latest industry data, the Australian manufacturing sector is in surprisingly good health.

Employment data released late last year by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the sector added 14,000 jobs during the year.

And manufacturing actually increased its share of the overall workforce, after decades of decline.

It now represents about 8.4 per cent of the Australian workforce – a slight increase over the previous year.

Yet we are still being told (particularly by the union movement) that the manufacturing sector is battling to survive.

Companies hard hit by the strong Aussie dollar, rising energy prices and cheap local imports desperately need assistance, they say.

Though it may be too early to declare a full recovery, there are certainly some positive signs.

It is fair to say manufacturing is changing, rather than declining.

While traditional heavy manufacturing and primary metal manufacturing

the product cards will again be featured in 2013.

Industry Update magazine has now firmly cemented its position as Australia’s No 1 manufacturing publication.

We continue to lead the way despite adverse global economic conditions.

And we have defied the current economic trend despite the many challenges now facing the manufacturing sector in Australia.

We have maintained a CAB audited circulation of 18,000 and a national readership of more than 72,000, providing unmatched exposure for advertisers.

Industry Update will continue to support manufacturers and promote the industry throughout the coming year.

I thank all of our readers and our loyal advertisers – you are the reason for our success.

On behalf of the Industry Update team I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year.

We look forward to 2013 with much optimism.

continue to decline, other industry sectors are on the rise.

Heavy manufacturing shed 18,000 jobs last year and food manufacturing added 17,000 new ones.

The latest job growth was in NSW, which has overtaken Victoria as the largest manufacturing state in employment terms. NSW now employs 317,000 manufacturing workers compared to 283,000 south of the border.

On the flip side, manufacturing activity continues to contract.

The Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI ) – a reliable barometer for industry health – paints a more gloomy picture.

On a more positive note, China’s economy is showing signs of renewed strength. This powerful manufacturing sector is now performing at its best levels in almost two years – a positive sign that the Chinese economy is on the rise.

So have we turned the corner?

Only time will tell.

We look forward to the new year with much optimism.

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• FROM THE MINISTER

Greg Combet – Minister for Industry and Innovation

Asia holds key to our industrial future Australia’s economic future is strongly linked to Asia. That is why the Australian Government commissioned the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper – to map out a strategy to ensure Australia seizes the economic benefits that will flow from the growth of Asia.

It’s hard to overstate the importance and magnitude of Asian economic growth over the next decade. By 2025 over 60 per cent of the world’s output growth will come from Asia.

The combined economic output of China and India will likely exceed that of Europe and the US by 2020 and all of the G7 advanced industrial economies by 2025.

Four of the largest world economies will be in Asia in 2025 – China, India, Japan and Indonesia. By 2030 Asia’s middle classes will exceed 2.5 billion people. They will demand quality consumer goods and services, as well as education, health and tourism.

“We need to work together to act in five key areas to secure our future. ” As the Asian economies grow and play a larger role in international trade, the centre of global economic activity is moving inexorably to our region.

That means we are closer to the global economic action – previously dominated by the US and Europe – than at any time in our history.

Our challenge is to ensure all Australians benefit from this ringside seat. We need to work together to act in five key areas to secure our future.

First, we need to build on our strengths, through improving our performance across the five pillars of

productivity – skills and education, innovation, infrastructure, tax reform and regulatory reform.

Second, we must develop the capabilities that will help Australia succeed through building job specific skills, scientific and technical excellence, adaptability and resilience.

Third, highly innovative, competitive firms and institutions need to develop collaborative relationships with others in the region, connecting with Asian markets.

Fourth, we have to sustain our central role in supporting stability and sustainable security in the region through our relationships with Asian countries and the US. Finally, we need to strengthen Australia’s deep and broad relationship across the region at every level.

Manufacturing has to be part of our Asian engagement if the potential economic benefits are to be spread across the economy.

Australian manufacturers must become fully part of the region, adjusting strategies, linking with regional value chains and developing long term relationships.

Promoting greater openness within the region, more sophisticated communications and affordable transport will bring closer connections and increased demand for goods.

We must continue to develop products and expertise that are valued in Asia, by understanding and adapting to the diversity of demand, conditions and customs across the many Asian markets.

The Australian Government will work with businesses to build capabilities, identify opportunities and open markets.

Business integration with Asia is no longer optional if Australia is to continue as a regional economic force.

The economic future of our country is in our hands, and I urge you to be part of it.

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• NEWS

Ace stands out from the pack If it was all done overseas we couldn’t keep an eye on it.”

Ace Gutters prides itself on quality and attention to detail. The company boasts its own laboratory carrying out extensive R&D to ensure its products comply with the strictest Australian safety standards.

Ace Gutters is a company renowned for “pushing the boundaries.” It constantly seeks new products and new designs.

“We are always looking for the latest technology and ways to get product to market faster and with improved quality,” says Col Hoskins, general manager Coil Coating division. “We make sure our products are always at the forefront.”

But the company’s expert staff, combined with outstanding customer service, has been the real key to success.

There are 12 employees with over 30 years service and numerous employees with 10 years or more service.

“We pride ourselves in picking the right people for the job, says Hoskins. “We work as a team and we are all proud of the product that gets to the marketplace.”

In 2004 Ace Gutters took its manufacturing operation to a new level, investing in a state-of-the-art Bronx International Continuous Coil Coating Line.

Since then Ace Gutters has supplied residential, commercial and industrial markets with a new and improved high quality pre-painted steel product called Durakote, specifically designed and introduced for the harsh Australian environment.

Durakote is manufactured from the world’s most recognised steel substrate

Quality control … Ace Gutters’ state-of-the-art laboratory

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industryupdate.com.au

Continued from cover

Aluzinc (Al-Zn 55 percent) a substrate that complies with the International Steel Standard ASTM A792M. Durakote also offers a superior paint finish designed to meet Australian Standard AS2728 using a high quality polyester paint with an oven baked finish which resists peeling and flaking.

Ace Gutters is so confident of the Durakote product it was the first company in Australia to offer a 20year warranty covering gutter, fascia and downpipe.

Durakote is available in a variety of colours and will match any steel roofing colour available in marketplace. And because of Durakote’s advanced coating system and superior grade substrate, Ace Products are also compatible with any make or model of a pre painted steel roof.

For more severe coastal and industrial environments Ace Gutters offer a premium range Durakote Coastal, which comes with a 15-year warranty and is available in three popular gutter profiles in six Australian landscape colours.

Ace Gutters also has an extensive plumbing division to complement it guttering operation. The plumbing warehouse offers a complete range of plumbing wares and is open to trade and public.

The company celebrates its 60th anniversary in business later this year.

“I’m very proud of what we have achieved, says Mr Anderson.

“Customers can be assured we will continue to provide the same level of service and the highest quality products when they deal with Ace Gutters.”

Win-win for BIG W and Dematic

BIG W’s state-of-the-art distribution centre at Hoxton Park, Sydney

BIG W’s new 89,000sqm distribution centre at Hoxton Park in Sydney was the big winner at the recent Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Awards.The retail giant received both the Supply Chain Management and the Storage and Handling of Materials Awards.

The world’s best practice distribution centre is the first of its kind in Australia and incorporates the most sophisticated array of materials handling and order fulfilment technologies and software to date in Australia.

Key among the many innovations is the first Dematic Multishuttle automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), which buffers, sequences and delivers stock to the first RapidPick order fulfilment stations in the country, enabling a single operator to process up to 24 orders at a time.

BIG W’s Logistics Manager, Philip Town, explained why the retailer decided to be first to utilise the new technology in Australia: “When the design was on the drawing board, we looked at best practice logistics and the thing that kept on coming up was Goods-to-Person (GTP), and the benefits that GTP provides by having the stock come to the picker, rather than the picker having to walk around picking every individual item.”

“We are now achieving significant benefits out of our GTP system, with pick rates of around 500 OMs (order multiples) per hour per station, which compares very favourably with our conventional pick-to-belt throughput of about 120 OMs per hour,” Mr Town said.

Despite being the first in the southern hemisphere to implement the new technologies, BIG W was so confident its state-of-the-art order fulfilment systems would be up to the task, the DC went live with the “big bang” approach on March 26, this year, servicing all of its stores at the same time, and achieving expected throughput volumes from day one.

Unlike conventional ASRS, which typically use cranes to access stock, Dematic’s new Multishuttle uses a fleetof self-propelled carts to retrieve and put goods away in an ultra space-efficient storage system, at very high speeds.

Lifts at the end of each aisle transfer goods in and out of the system via integrated conveyors.

At BIG W, the Multishuttle is equipped with 70 Multishuttle carts, capable of performing over 30,000 storage and retrieval cycles per hour.

At 89,000sqm, Hoxton Park is the largest footprint distribution centre in the Woolworths network.

The flow-through design centre is nearly half a kilometre long and about 200m wide – the same area as about 11 football fields.

The distribution centre has the capacity to house more than 50,000 pallets within a combination of conventional ColbyRACK pallet racking, drive-in racking, and pallet live storage within several walk-pick-tobelt case picking modules.

The Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Awards are organised by the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia. This year’s ceremony was held at the Brisbane Convention Centre on November 8.

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• FEATURE

Australia’s choice:

pay for a car industry, or live with the consequences Future of local auto industry at the crossroads

Holden GTO

By Remy Davison

Ford’s announcement to cut 440 jobs is the culmination of almost 40 years of automotive industry policy failure.

Ford will slash 15 per cent of its workforce and cut production by 29 per cent, as the industry struggles to cope with the dual pressures of a strong Australian dollar and declining large-car sales.

In some respects, it is surprising that Ford is still operating in Australia. The “Ford 2000” strategy, formulated in 1996 at Ford’s worldwide headquarters in Dearborn, envisaged a number of regional production centres. Originally, Australia was not one of them.

That changed when the boy from Broadmeadows, Jac Nasser, moved to Dearborn as CEO of Ford Motor Corp in 1999. Nasser had previously headed Ford Australia and Ford Europe. An aggressive cost-cutter, Nasser nevertheless saw a future for Ford automotive manufacturing in Australia, although this would require substantial government subsidies and the maintenance of protective tariffs.

Tariffs. Protection. Subsidies. The three watch words of the Australian car industry. But how did we get here?

And what pot holes lie on the road ahead?

De-industrialising Australia The shift away from labour-intensive forms of production in Australian industry has essentially resulted in a phase of “de-industrialisation.”

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Australian auto industry expanded dramatically, with wholly-owned foreign

12

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subsidiaries Holden, Ford and Chrysler making large, national investments aimed at almost exclusively at supplying the Australian market. Exports to New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries were negligible. Smaller, local assemblers included Renault and VW (Heidelberg, Melbourne) and manufacturers such as British Leyland (Zetland, Sydney).

Political support for protection of the Australian automotive industry has been largely bipartisan, with two noteworthy exceptions. In 1973, the Whitlam Government announced a 25 per cent across-theboard slashing of tariffs. In an attempt at flagrant political blackmail, Holden immediately announced 5,000 sackings. Ironically, it was Bob Hawke, thenACTU leader, who led the combined industry-union campaign against the federal government’s cuts. A compromise was produced which resulted in an 85 per cent local industry production plan, and an agreement that Holden would re-hire the retrenched workers.

The Button Plan The oil crisis, import penetration (despite protection) and poor productivity produced Australian auto industry crises in the 1980s. Holden closed Pagewood (NSW) and Acacia Ridge (Queensland), while Chrysler sold its remaining equity to Mitsubishi, including its Tonsley Park (South Australia) plant, in 1980.

Although the Fraser government increased tariff protection, Industry Minister Philip Lynch developed

a gradualist approach to reductions in protection in 1981. These proposals were amended and fast-tracked

by John Button, Hawke’s new industry minister, in 1983. Button’s approach was reformist, but corporatist.

He envisaged bureaucratic regulation (establishing the Automotive Industry Authority); phased tariff reductions (2.5 per cent per annum); export credits schemes; minimum annual model production (40,000 vehicles per model); joint ventures, model-sharing and R&D cost sharing; fewer separate manufacturing facilities; and fewer domestic manufacturers.

Subsidies persisted under the Button car plan.

The Commonwealth helped fund both Falcon and Commodore in the late 1980s, as Ford and Holden developed new models. But industry rationalisation meant further plant closures were inevitable.

In 1992, Nissan withdrew from Australian manufacturing, while Ford ceased local Laser production in 1994 with Homebush (NSW) closing its doors.

Despite these closures, Toyota Australia made a substantial $AUD500 million investment commitment in 1992. Behind closed doors, Bob Johnston and Paul Keating negotiated Australia’s first single union agreement – without which, Toyota would build the plant in Malaysia.

It was at this point that the second political disjuncture on car industry policy came in the form of John Hewson’s election to the Liberal Party leadership in 1990. Coalition policy throughout 1990-93 under

FEATURE •

Hewson envisaged a zero-tariff regime by 2000, a position that was vigorously opposed by industry leaders, who publicly derided such proposals.

Hewson’s position was further undermined by his confrontationist approach towards the Federated Chamber of Automobile Industries (FCAI). Bob Johnston (Toyota) recalled him striding into an FCAI meeting and saying: “Make no mistake.

When I become prime minister, you’ll get zero tariffs.”

The shocked response of Ford’s Jac Nasser was: “You’ve got to be joking. Don’t you want a car industry?”

Ghost towns Make no mistake: the Australian car industry persists only because of industry protection and government subsidies. Both sides of politics recognise this.

What is often overlooked is the downstream automotive components industry, which hosts both local and international firms. As the Federation of Automotive Product Manufacturers notes, this sector provides 45,000 jobs, some 5 per cent of national manufacturing employment, with almost $49 billion in turnover. Indirectly, the job head count this industry supports is even higher. The multiplier effect of this sector’s investment and turnover upon Australia’s economy is significant.

Even at its peak years in the last decade, 400,000 vehicles does not make Australia a “mass market manufacturer” in global terms. Typically, one manufacturer building over 500,000 vehicles per annum defines a “mass market” carmaker.

Fact: No country has ever become a developed industrial economy without an auto industry. Not even Switzerland. From Belgium, to the Netherlands, to China, the employment, skills and export potentialities associated with car production are enormous. That’s why South Korea under Park Chunghee in the 1970s invested heavily in auto production.

It’s also why China places so much emphasis upon its own auto industry as an avenue for employment growth, foreign joint ventures, direct investment and technology transfer.

Aussie auto industry has rich history • Australia’s automotive industry is the largest manufacturing sector in Australia.

• It is also a major contributor to the nation’s lifestyle, economy and community.

• The automotive industry comprises importers, manufacturers, component manufacture and distribution, retailers, servicing, logistics and transport.

• Since World War II Australia has had a rich history of vehicle production.

• The first major Australian carmaker was the Ford Motor Company of Australia, while the first Australian designed mass produced car was by Holden in 1948.

Australia is one of only 13 countries that can manufacture a car from the ground up. This industry generates a skills base, comprising mechanical, process and materials engineering, fluid mechanics, CAD/CAM designers, welders and fitters & turners, alongside specialisations in chassis systems and lubrication products. There are also significant spillover effects of this skills base into critical elements of the mining, aerospace and defence sectors.

The road ahead The prevailing wisdom held by global automotive firms is this: the Australian market is “too small for manufacturing; too prosperous to ignore.” In the face of declining foreign investment, falling exports and slowing sales of locally-produced products, it is scarcely surprising that state and federal governments have been compelled to engage in industry intervention.

But for the squawking geese in Canberra, with the noteworthy exception of John Button, simply throwing money at the problem has always been the solution.

Want governments to intervene seriously in the local industry and spur local sales? Fine.

Ford Focus on display

• It is one of only a few countries that has the facilities to design and manufacture a car from clean sheet to dealer domestic sale.

• Australia is best known for designing and producing “large” sized passenger vehicles, which has seen a recent downturn in Australian markets resulting in many cutbacks (including the February 2008 closure of the Mitsubishi Motors Australia Plant, previously Chrysler, in Adelaide).

• Non extra-large production of vehicles achieved a maximum near half a million in 1970s (10th place in the World) and 400,000 in 2000s, but reduced to some more than 200,000 (28th place) now due to large import from Asian countries.

Here are just a few ideas: Remove or cut GST on locally-made vehicles; reduce registration costs for locally-made vehicles exclusively; increase R&D tax credits for local car manufacturers and automotive components firms; and introduce significant tax credits for exports and technology licensing.

If Australians want an auto industry, they must be prepared to pay for it – as ever – through the tax system. If they don’t, then they must also shoulder the consequences: a depleted skills base; a hollowedout manufacturing sector; major job losses in every Australian state; and the decimation of a large number of regional and urban towns.

Welcome to Ghost Town. Manufacturing population: 0. * Dr Remy Davison is Jean Monnet Chair in Politics and Economics at Monash University.

He is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Monash University.

This article was first published in The Conversation.

Key facts

• 1,008,437: More than one million motor vehicles were sold in Australia in 2011.

• 109,067: Almost 110,000 motorcycles, ATVs and scooters were sold in the same period • 64: There are 64 automotive brands in the Australian market • 110,000: There are more than 110,000 businesses in the Australian automotive sector • $160bn: Annual turnover in the Australian automotive industry exceeds $160 billion • 52,000: At May 2012, almost 52,000 people were directly employed in Australia’s three vehicle manufacturers, dozens of importers and thousands of related component manufacturers • 280,000: At Feb 2012 nearly 280,000 people were directly employed in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing and automotive repair and maintenance.

• $668m: The automotive industry is Australia’s largest contributor to manufacturing R&D, investing about $668 million in 2009-10.

industryupdate.com.au

13

• NEWS

Seven times lucky for ANCA

Richard Dalla-Riva (VIC Minister for Industrial Relations & Manufacturing and Exports & Trade) and VIC Governor Marilyn Warren present the award to ANCA Co-founder and Director Pat Boland (centre)

ANCA has won the Large Advanced Manufacturer category in the Governor of Victoria Export Awards for the seventh time. The company will now move through to the national finals in Canberra later this year.

ANCA, an Australian owned and based leader in precision manufacturing, experienced strong growth last year.

The company makes a significant investment to the Australian economy, with 98 per cent of its products exported globally with major markets in Germany, Japan, China and the US. ANCA has defied the odds to achieve success on a global scale in a sector traditionally dominated

by German and Swiss companies.

The business continues to invest heavily in research and development, create industry firsts and has built a

specialist team of around 350 at its head office in Bayswater, Melbourne.

Founded in 1974 the business is a leading manufacturer of CNC tool and cutter grinders.

The award is one of the most prestigious business awards in Victoria rewarding the most successful and innovative exporters with the stamp of international success. It is the seventh time the business has won this award for continued efforts to drive growth in the Australian economy.

ANCA reported almost 20 percent export sales increase in the 2011/2012 financial year, with significant success developing the Chinese, South American and Indian markets.

ANCA Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9751 7300 www.anca.com.au

OEM wins top export award OEM Technology Solutions, a high technology Australian engineering and manufacturing company supplying electronic products to the international railway industry has been honoured with the Premier’s NSW Innovation in Export award.

OEM Technology Solutions was selected from four other nominees at this year’s 50th Anniversary Premiers NSW Export Awards in Sydney.

OEM CEO James McLeod accepted the award on behalf of the company. OEM has made innovation an integral part of its exporting process to help build and sustain its export business. The award is judged across all industry sectors.

OEM first exhibited its PC3 Series Programmable Controller to the

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world at the Innotrans 2008 trade show in Berlin.

The company has since grown exports an average 48 percent year, despite a downtown in the global economy.

James McLeod … export award

NEWS •

ABB Australia wins top award ABB, a leading power and automation technology group, has won a prestigious 2012 Banksia Environmental Award in the Clean Technology – Harnessing Opportunities category.

The award is in recognition of ABB’s new cost effective sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas recycling technology that improves asset performance while reducing environmental impact.

The technology was developed by an Australian team and has been implemented at ABB’s gas recycling center at Moorebank, NSW Australia, with international applications to begin shortly.

The Banksia Environmental national Awards are regarded as the most prestigious environmental awards in Australia. The Banksia Environmental Foundation, established in 1989, is a national not-for-profit organisation that promotes environmental excellence and sustainability through its Awards program and other associated events.

Axel Kuhr country manager for ABB in Australia said: “For ABB, sustainability is about balancing economic success, environmental stewardship and social progress for the benefit of its stakeholders.”

In presenting ABB with this award, the judges commended ABB on a highly skilled technical solution to a problem material that provides environmental and economic benefits.

The purity of recycled SF6 gas using the newly developed technology is about 99.99 percent and is in accordance with technical grade IEC 60376 (the standard for new gas), which enables SF6 to be reused again and again in electrical equipment. Using recycled SF6 gas will help reduce carbon emissions and could result in a cost savings potential of up to 30 percent.

The technology closes the lifecycle of SF6 ensuring a minimal environmental footprint for this gas – a gas that is vital for the efficient, safe and reliable transmission of electricity. www.abb.com

United fight against electricity costs Key business, community and consumer groups have formed a powerful alliance in a bid to curb spiraling energy costs. The group will aim to reduce current electricity prices to help ease the burden on households and businesses.

The group, comprising Australian Industry Group, Brotherhood of St Laurence, CHOICE and the Energy Efficiency Council has jointly commissioned a wide-ranging review of options to reduce electricity prices.

The group recently unveiled the findings of the independent review, prepared by respected energy consultancy Oakley Greenwood.

Entitled, Policy Options for Maximising Downward Pressure on Electricity Prices, the report notes that electricity prices have risen by more than 50 per cent in the past five years.

It predicts further rises, due largely to increasing network costs and coal and gas prices.

The report recommends: • A stronger system for regulating electricity networks, including giving

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The united group says it is essential for governments to take immediate action to reform the electricity market.

The full report can be viewed at: www.aigroup.com.au/link/dU

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industryupdate.com.au

15

• NEWS

Is your business an insurance risk?

With a few clicks of a mouse insurers can now determine whether your business has a high risk of being exposed to a natural disaster.

The new technology, developed by NIIT Technologies, a global IT solutions organization, can quickly and accurately assess whether a business’ location is susceptible to catastrophic events such as cyclones, floods or bushfires.

Called EXACT Advantage, the technology uses a unique, sophisticated mapping system to provide rapid analysis of disaster locations anywhere in the world.

This risk management tool enables an underwriter to make a rapid assessment of whether a particular submission should be evaluated in detail, easily accepted, or rejected.

EXACT Advantage, which is now used by leading global insurance and reinsurance companies across the UK and Europe, is now available in Australia.

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a powerful tool to proactively assess risk across all lines of business, with a key focus on commercial and specialty insurance markets.

“If individuals or companies have high value assets at risk from flood, fire or wind, insurers and underwriters need to know in more detail than ever before exactly what their exposure is,” said Mr Ian Forwood, Sales Director, NIIT Technologies (UK).

The new system, which uses a combination of Google maps and other sophisticated “Geo-coding” technology can pinpoint the exact latitude and longitude of the premises to be insured and immediately assess the peril.

“This not only helps an insurer to assess the vulnerability of a property or facility, but also what the consequences are if more risk is added to a particular location,” Mr Forwood said.

Recent natural disasters such as the Queensland floods, earthquake in Christchurch, floods in Thailand and more recently Cyclone Sandy in New

York, have strengthened the need for technology of this kind.

Mr Arvind Mehrotra, President, Asia Pacific, NIIT Technologies said the insurance industry experienced a 63 per cent increase of loss load last year.

Worldwide economic losses amounted to $US370 billion and insured losses totaled about $US116 billion.

“The earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, for example, and

hurricanes Irene and Katia in the Atlantic caused tragic loss of life as well as serious damage to property and essential infrastructure, Mr Mehrotra said.

“EXACT Advantage provides a central resource with powerful capabilities for managing exposure across a broad range of business lines.” www.niit-tech.com

NEWS •

SA plan to revitalise manufacturing sector South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has unveiled a 10-year plan to breathe new life into the state’s declining manufacturing sector. Mr Weatherill said the $11 million plan contained a series of new programs designed to meet current challenges now threatening the future of manufacturing industries.

“South Australia’s manufacturers employ more than 73,000 people and are operating under conditions which have dramatically changed, particularly because of the high Australian dollar,” Mr Weatherill said.

“We need to compete with other countries by making products that are niche, highvalue products, rather than cheap products, made by workers on low wages. Under our advanced manufacturing strategy, we will grow high-tech precincts with clusters of small businesses coming together to share knowledge and ideas, as well as work closely with universities and other institutions.”

The strategy will also develop a network of manufacturing

executives who will use their experience to mentor others in the sector, provide government funding for a pilot program to help small businesses become more innovative and include a voucher system to help firms connect with researchers.

SA Manufacturing Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the strategy would enhance innovation, upgrade the leadership, knowledge and skills of the workforce and address infrastructure and policy gaps.

Victoria’s $2.9m boost for technology

The Victorian Coalition Government will invest $2.9 million through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund towards the University of Ballarat’s $6.4 million Ballarat Technology Park expansion.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu said the expansion was anticipated to generate 520 jobs during construction, 1,820 jobs during the operational phase and could leverage capital investment of

more than $155 million during the construction works.

“The University of Ballarat estimates the total economic benefit of this expansion to be more than $420 million,” Mr Baillieu said.

The expansion incorporates two projects including the redevelopment and refurbishment of the University’s Brewery Building within the CBD to enable

continued growth of technologybased enterprises.

The second project involves development and site construction works for another seven hectares of land at the Mount Helen Technology Park, which was recently rezoned by the Coalition Government for business use.

The University will invest $3.4 million toward the $6.4 million expansion.

Strong support for antidumping review Unions and business groups have supported recommendations contained in the recent antidumping review conducted by former Victorian premier John Brumby.The review calls on the federal government to devote more resources to combating trade dumping.

Dumping occurs when goods are exported to Australia at a price below the cost in the country of export, impacting on local industry.

The Brumby report recommends the establishment of a new dedicated anti-dumping agency to deal with the growing number of alleged cases. It also calls for an immediate increase in resources to establish the new agency. The new anti-dumping agency would be

based in Melbourne and report to the federal Attorney-General.

“It needs to have a higher profile and more independence than current arrangements,” Mr Brumby said.

The Australian Workers’ Union National Secretary Paul Howes said the new anti-dumping agency would be a major step forward, potentially saving thousands of local jobs.

“Tougher measures against illegal trade dumping is what real border protection is about.

This is about ensuring Australian businesses and Australian jobs are not undermined by unfair trade practices,” Mr Howes said.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, while

supporting the report, has urged the government to set up an anti-dumping agency as a matter of urgency. Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said the Brumby report was a step in the right direction.

“There have been loud and long standing industry complaints about the speed, complexity, transparency and resourcing of our anti-dumping regime,” he said.

“This report’s recommendations will potentially make it easier to resolve claims more quickly and at lower cost and would hopefully restore confidence in the system to the benefit of all involved.”

Opposition industry spokeswoman Sophie Mirabella said the review endorsed coalition policy.

industryupdate.com.au

17

• NEWS

United fight against rising electricity costs Key business, community and consumer groups have formed a powerful alliance in a bid to curb spiraling energy costs.

The group will aim to reduce current electricity prices to help ease the burden on households and businesses.

The group, comprising Australian Industry Group, Brotherhood of St Laurence, CHOICE and the Energy Efficiency Council has jointly commissioned a wide-ranging review of options to reduce electricity prices.

The group recently unveiled the findings of the independent review, prepared by respected energy consultancy Oakley Greenwood.

Entitled, Policy Options for Maximising Downward Pressure on Electricity Prices, the report notes that electricity prices have risen by more than 50 per cent in the past five years.

It predicts further rises, due largely to increasing network costs and coal and gas prices.

The report recommends: • A stronger system for regulating electricity networks, including giving

the Australian Energy Regulator more powers and the resources to use them, and better incentives for efficient investment; • A proposal to set minimum targets for distribution network companies to use demand-side activity to reduce spending on new peak-driven infrastructure; • Ensuring that electricity users who reduce their demand for electricity during peak and “super peak” periods can benefit through the wholesale market and energy efficiency schemes; • A robust system for protecting consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers; and • A stronger role for all consumers in the regulatory system, including a consumer advocacy body.

The united group says it is essential for governments to take immediate action to reform the electricity market.

The full report can be viewed at: www.aigroup.com.au/link/dU

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NEWS •

Focus on sustainable manufacturing at NMW 2013

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National Manufacturing Week returns to Melbourne next May with a focus on sustainable manufacturing and working “smarter.”

Co-located with Austech, NMW 2013 will feature – for the first time in Victoria – two new Product Zones: Sustainable Manufacturing and Metals and Composites.

The Sustainable Manufacturing Zone will focus on opportunities for reducing industry’s environmental footprint, while Metals and Composites presents new developments in industry’s quest to develop reliable, lightweight, easily moulded manufacturing materials.

With the two new Zones, NMW 2013 will present a total of 12 Product Zones with solutions aimed at helping manufacturers target new, higher value sectors as well as boosting productivity in their day-to-day operations.

Event organisers Reed Exhibitions are working on presenting products, services and solutions that help manufacturers gear up to service fastgrowing sectors including aerospace, mining, biotech, sustainability and food packaging.

“There has never been a more important time for industry to come together,” said NMW 2013 Exhibition Director, Paul Baker.

“Despite all the competitive pressures facing it, manufacturing remains a vital part of Australia’s economy, contributing some 8 per cent of GDP, employing nearly one million Australians and helping underpin commercial R&D, transport and logistics and the broader Australian economy,” he said.

“As the Prime Minister’s Manufacturing Taskforce recently concluded, to ensure a vibrant future, Australian industry needs to focus on being smarter – especially by becoming known the world over for high quality solutions, for innovation and design.”

Mr Baker said about 60 per cent of exhibition space at NMW 2013 is already booked, with landmark exhibitors – including ABB, BOC and Sullair – already committing to the show.

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• EDUCATION, TRAINING AND APPRENTICES

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Where does a trade take you?

By Dave Ele*

Whilst completing High School in the mid 90s on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, I found myself asking a bunch of questions that I’m sure most teenagers do around the same time.

What’s next? What are my friends doing? Do I go off to uni? What do I really like doing? Ultimately my choice was to follow my enjoyment in constructing things and how they work or function mechanically.

A few more years after school I completed my apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner. At that point in time my career path seemed fairly narrow and simplistic, not that I gave it too much thought at the time.

However, every now and then when I did look into the future I expected a lengthy period on the tools, which would naturally transition into a leading hand role and then way off in the distance maybe a workshop manager. I drew these conclusions after spending plenty of time watching the “old” guys in different engineering workshops.

Many of these wonderfully skilled people had spent decades in the industry, working hard but ultimately loving what they were doing. It’s always great to see the passion and the pride that goes into a skilled tradie’s work.

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About MIGAS MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees is a leading National Group Training Organisation that hosts apprentices, trainees and school-based employees in hundreds of businesses across Australia.

MIGAS specialises in the Manufacturing, Engineering, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, Electrical, Automotive, and Construction industries, as well as commercial fields including Business Administration, Warehousing, and Retail.

• Rockhampton office: which supports central Queensland and the Gladstone region where there are a number of major infrastructure projects under way.

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As time has gone by, part of my vision transpired however the rest I could not see. After 8 years on the tools, loving my trade, working all over the country, completing all different types of work including; fabrication, hydraulics, machining, and working on different pieces of equipment from water purifiers to generators, I took up an opportunity to train apprentices and trainees in the engineering industry.

Another five years later I now have a wonderful opportunity with MIGAS managing the operations of Queensland and Western Australia.

Both of these opportunities, within the education sector, I never considered at all whilst undertaking my apprenticeship.

For any school leavers out there: I know how challenging it can be to decide what you would like to do and, just as importantly, where this may take you.

My advice would be get into an apprenticeship – it’s only the start.

Currently within Queensland there are plenty of opportunities to complete an apprenticeship and align you with an interesting and financially rewarding career.

Over the next 10 years the requirement for skilled labour in the engineering, mechanical and energy sectors will continue to grow.

MIGAS, being a Group Training Organisation, is well placed to assist people looking to gain an opportunity within these industries and provide businesses with assistance around employment of apprentices and trainees.

MIGAS has a number of offices in regions that are right next door to the action currently taking place.

This includes: • Brisbane: which supplies a large amount of logistical support to the mining and energy industry

Supply chain leader supports WA students Supply chain specialists apicsAU WA recently sponsored two awards for students at Curtin University.

Last year the University offered specific prizes for supply chain focused programs for the first time.

And apicsAU WA Chapter cemented its alliance with Curtin University by supporting students who are investing in supply chain careers.

Rachel Nelmes won an award for best student in Operations Management and Andrew Buchanan was awarded the best student for Supply Chain Management Major in the Masters of Logistics. “apicsAU is committed to strengthening the supply chain profession in Australia, said Karen Livey, President apicsAU WA Chapter.

“Recognising these top performing students is just a small way for the society to acknowledge their efforts and to encourage them to continue down the operations career pathway,” Ms Livey said.

“Through our alliance with Curtin University and the sponsorship of these awards, apicsAU is able to lend support to its beliefs that an investment in education is key to the development of the profession and the productivity gains that can be achieved through efficient supply chain practices.” “apicsAU congratulates Rachel and Andrew and wishes them every success in their supply chain careers.”

Established in 1963, apicsAU is a non-profit membership society for Supply Chain Professionals.

It is a premier provider of education and training in operations and supply chain management and is an Authorised Education Provider of APICS’ internationally recognised CPIM and CSCP certifications. apicsAU Ph: 1300 557 175 www.apicsau.org.au

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND APPRENTICES •

Brought to you by

Deborah Rose Scholarship Award winner 2013 Muhammad Shane Elahi, an employee with a leading Australian pharmaceutical company, has been awarded the Deborah Rose Scholarship for 2013 to further his career in supply chain.

This is the second year that apicsAU NSW have awarded the Deborah Rose Scholarship, aimed at honouring the significant contribution made by the late Deborah Rose, a former president of the NSW chapter.

Shane began his supply chain career as a management trainee in the Global Manufacturing and Supply division of a multi-national company in Pakistan. Over a period of six years he became he became Production Manager before moving to Sydney in 2010.

Shane continued his career in supply chain and is currently employed as a Pharmacy Operations Project Coordinator. His role has recently been amended to include overseeing the supply chain process from end to end.

The Deborah Rose Scholarship will allow Shane to strengthen his knowledge in production and inventory management by attending the Basics of Supply Chain Management module of the internationally recognised APICS CPIM certification.

The certification will allow Shane to gain both knowledge and recognition within the industry. “apicsAU NSW are pleased to offer this learning opportunity to such an enthusiastic, knowledge-driven young professional, said John Ballantyne, President of apicsAU NSW. “We believe that Shane will inspire others as a future supply chain leader.”

Mr Ballantyne said Shane’s scholarship application demonstrated a clear commitment to and enthusiasm for the supply chain.

“He has readily participated in every training opportunity available to him and is passionate about improving his capabilities and progressing along the supply chain management ladder.

“His work record and career progression showcase a strong work ethic and genuine passion for the industry.”

Shane begins his study with apicsAU NSW this month. He is looking forward to sharing his learning and experience with others.

“I believe that the more you learn the more you discover opportunities to grow and to share that knowledge with others,” he said.

The Scholarship will be awarded again next year.

Applicants for the 2014 Deborah Rose Scholarship can apply from September this year.

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The Bulka-Frame system is fully engineered and certified for use in Australian workplaces, having undergone stringent testing to ensure complete safety and compliance with the relevant Australian Standards.

Now, thanks to the Bulka-Frame system, users of bulk bags can: • Overcome OH&S risks commonly experienced when handling bulk bags • Stack bulk bags up to 4 high • Empty bulk bags without need to suspend bag by its lifting straps • Increase vertical lift height by lifting bags from underneath Each Bulka-Frame is hot dip galvanised, and is suitable for containment of bags up to 1250kg weight.

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industryupdate.com.au

21

• EDUCATION, TRAINING AND APPRENTICES

Brought to you by

Workers wanted Despite a huge Government push, many manufacturers in key industry sectors are still battling to find and maintain apprentices.

Though unemployment remains relatively high it seems many young Australians have little desire to learn a “blue collar” skill.

A Skills Australia report released last year found that NSW alone will need an additional 320,000 trade or diploma qualified workers by 2015 to avoid the economy grinding to a halt.

Ross Grassick, Managing director of the Lencrow Group, a market leader in material handling, engages major agencies to help recruit apprentices.

“We have been asking for an apprentice every year for the past three years, says Mr Grassick.

“They have not been able to provide us with anyone.”

And Grassick says the problem is widespread.

“Most people I speak to in the materials handling sector are facing the same problem. It’s across the board, he says.

“This is very sad given the current high rate of unemployment.”

Mr Grassick says the reason he can’t find a suitable apprentice is simple – there are no applicants.

“The reason Australia is no longer a manufacturing country is because we have no people to do the manufacturing.”

Last year the federal government unveiled a multibillion-dollar package aimed at lifting the skills of the workforce.

The Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans, pledged almost $55 million over a four-year period to train more Australians and help meet future skills needs.

This injection of funds, announced in last year’s Federal Budget, would build on the $3 billion invested over six years in the previous budget through the Building Australia’s Future Workforce package.

But funding is not the only answer, Mr Grassick maintains. The apprenticeship system needs a complete overhaul, he says.

“Young people are not interested in applying for apprenticeships for a variety of reasons. The basic problem is young people don’t want to be the ‘serf’ to the ‘knight,’ he says.

And of course, low wages and poor job image have long been major deterrents.

“There is still a stigma attached to being an apprentice, says Mr Grassick. “But nothing could be further from the truth – these are the guys now making the money.”

When an apprenticeship is completed, many tradespeople can earn more than professionals.

“That is the message that should be promoted,” says Mr Grassick.

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Ross Grassick … ‘outdated system’

“Young qualified electricians are now earning $75,000-$100,000 a year while their counterparts doing office work never get past $60,000-$70,000.”

Mr Grassick says the problem with Australia’s apprentice system is it has not kept pace with the rest of the world.

“It’s a rapidly changing world and the apprenticeship system has not moved with the times. Although the courses have changed, the basic system has remained the same for the past 100 years.

“We have to promote it as a highly sought after and highly acceptable profession.”

Last year Senator Evans unveiled a new Engineering Excellence in Apprenticeships project “set to reshape Australia’s apprenticeship system.”

With the new apprenticeship system, a four-year apprenticeship such as engineering or electrical could be completed in three years depending on the trainee and his/her competency level to meet the professional requisites.

But Mr Grassick believes apprenticeships should be slashed from four years to three “across the board.”

Also, TAFE colleges should be replaced by Technical Universities to increase the community “status” of apprenticeships.

“A four-year apprenticeship is clearly too long, says Mr Grassick. “Kids these days don’t want to be tied down for four years. “Let’s forget the fourth year.”

And apprentices should be given the option of beginning an apprenticeship in either January or June.

“That way if they begin a course and discover it is not for them or it is totally different to what they thought, it gives them a chance to switch to another course. Now if they find a course boring they leave and we have lost them forever.”

Under Mr Grassick’s revamped apprenticeship system apprentices would spend their first year fulltime at a Technical University and would be paid a minimum wage under a Government program similar to the Austudy scheme.

In Years 2 & 3 they would work for an employer on a higher rate of pay. They would receive the same amount for a three-year course as they are now paid over four years.

At the end of the third year they would “graduate” with the equivalent of a university degree.

Grassick says Australia’s skill shortage will reach crisis point if we continue along the same path.

“We will get to stage where we begin to lose skills completely and we will have to bring in more people from overseas to fill the void.”

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND APPRENTICES •

Brought to you by

Great prizes up for grabs with Blackwoods’ Trade Team Blackwoods has released the latest edition of its popular Trade Team 2013 publication and it is again packed with bonuses and great deals on some of the best brands in the country.

This year Trade Team is again offering the unique Apprentice Only Draw, giving apprentices the opportunity to win $15,000 worth of JBS Tools products. That is $5,000 for themselves, $5,000 for their TAFE or College and $5,000 for their employer.

If you’re an apprentice or trainee who could use this fantastic prize then visit: blackwoodstradeteam.com.au to request a copy of Trade Team.

Winning the Apprentice Only Draw requires entrants to purchase anything from the Trade Team brochure and then in 40 words or less, tell organisers what you, your TAFE and your boss would do with the prize. It’s that easy.

Many apprentices are now eligible for the Tools for Your Trade (TFYT) government funding, which is designed

to assist those starting out with cumulative grants up to $5,500.

Trade Team offers deals on tools on which to invest this funding. Check out: www.australianapprenticeships. gov.au to see if you qualify.

Now in its third year, the free Buddy system is back and is open to everyone. Anyone who purchases a product that attracts a bonus Free Buddy Product is eligible for a bonus product at no extra charge. Simply register your details online and you will receive the Buddy product for free.

And Blackwoods Trade Team has also launched a new competition – Track Time with JBS Tools.

This year, Blackwoods Trade Team is offering the chance to drive a raceprepared V8 Super Drive Race Car atSydney’s world class circuit, Eastern Creek Raceway.

To find out more visit: blackwoodstradeteam.com.au

Meet the Trade Team Apprentice Only Draw winner The winner of the Apprentice Only Draw in 2012, Dylan Schorer, is a first year apprentice with S&M Doyle Electrical Contractors in Albany, WA, and student at Great Southern Institute of Technology.

His entry was selected by drag racing triple champion and JBS Tools ambassador, Wayne Newby.

“This is the first time I have entered a competition. I’m incredibly surprised and excited,” said Dylan.

Dylan attributes staff at the Blackwoods Albany branch for him entering the competition in the first place. “It was Rebecca (Noordink) who encouraged me, that was how I got started. She said I should take the time to enter for a chance of winning,” he said. Dylan only started his apprenticeship in January 2012.

“But I love the job, it’s brilliant, he said. “I enjoy being in the workshop, where all the tools and equipment you need are at hand; when you need

them. You don’t have to go searching for them, I know where everything is.

“I spend a lot of my time on manufacturing the electrical boards.

So I’m part boilermaker, part electrician. It’s broad based training, which I like. I really enjoy the electrical work, it’s really good.”

John Doyle, owner of the electrical contracting business, says Dylan is a worthy recipient of the Blackwoods Trade Team prize. “He will go on to make a first class tradesman,” he said.

Blackwoods congratulated Dylan, S&M Doyle Electrical Contractors, and Great Southern Institute of Technology on their $15,000 JBS tools win.

For your chance to win the 2013 Apprentice Only Draw, grab a copy of the new 2013 Trade Team publication, out now!

Visit blackwoods.com.au to request your copy today.

ARMSTRONG’S DRIVER EDUCATION HIGH RISK WORK LICENCES Stay up to date with HRW licences and OH&S compliance R

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• PRODUCT NEWS

Conquest unveils new robust, reliable vacuum sweeper

Keep your cool with Port-A-Cool

The Conquest PB 55ET self-propelled vacuum sweeper has gained a reputation in the market as one of the most reliable and robust sweepers.

The PB 55ET is constructed on a full powder coated steel frame, complete with a steel dust hopper and simple design. This ensures long periods of unrivalled dust free sweeping.

The Conquest PB 55ET sweeper uses the industry proven forward throw sweep principal, guaranteeing:

Portable Cooling Systems now offers the Port-A-Cool Cyclone 2000 and 3000 models to the workplace cool and increase productivity. These units are ideal as a "spot cooler" as they cool small areas of up to 215sqm. They can be used to cool an individual worker or machine, where traditional cooling is not possible or cost effective.

Both models have Centrifugal Air Delivery, and are evaporative cooling units. They have adjustable louvers, 2-speed motors, and have a small carbon footprint. The Port-A-Cool CycloneR 2000 is the smallest model in the Port-A-CoolR portable evaporative cooling unit lineup. This unit cools up to 150 sqm, using just tap water and a standard outlet.

Features include: • Adjustable louvers for concentrated cooling • Moves easily on casters for spot cooling • Tough and durable rust and leakproof housing

• Superior sweeping performance, even when brush is worn • Reduced effort • Extended machine life Conquest’s direct throw sweeping system has been extensively tested and delivers outstanding results compared to its competitors.

The main brush transfers the debris via the shortest possible route to the hopper.

The horizontally installed filter allows easy cleaning, with a built-in filter cleaning system.

The Conquest machine comes as a complete package with deep cycle battery and battery charger, providing you with years of troublefree sweeping.

Conquest Equipment Technologies Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 826 789 www.conquestequipment. com.au

The Port-A-Cool Cyclone 3000 is the next size up in the Port-A-Cool portable evaporative cooling range. This unit cools up to 215sqm using tap water and a standard outlet.

Features include: • Centrifugal air supply, 1 • /3 hp two-speed motor • Adjustable louvers for concentrated cooling • Moves easily on casters for spot cooling • Tough and durable rust and leakproof housing Portable Cooling Systems Ph: 03 9357 5212 www.portablecoolingsystems.com.au

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

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

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• PRODUCT NEWS

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National Weighing & Instruments specializes in the sale, repair and calibration of measuring equipment for the manufacturing industry.

A family-owned business with offices and agents throughout Australia its product range covers small fine precision measuring equipment to large packaging and weighing machines.

Since its inception in 1994, National Weighing & Instruments has gained a reputation for its quality service and equipment.

The product range includes the SPT-28 Portable Modular Weighbridge.

The modular surface mounted weighbridge 2 : 1 2 Pcomes M in a variety of

lengths from 9m to 36m and is ideal for weighing road vehicles of up to 80 tonnes.

The deck system incorporates hinges that allow half-panel rotation so that the weighbridge can be easily transported fully assembled – complete with all its component parts, including the load cells.

This unique solution facilitates fast installation and allows the weighbridge to be easily moved to another site as required.

National Weighing & Instruments Ph: 1300 669 162 www.nationalweighing.com.au

Rotacaster delivers for Australia Post

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To sort its bulky international mailbags, which weighed up to 35kg, Australia Post used ball transfer tables.

This required substantial and repetitive manual effort by operators to push, pull and rotate the bags, exposing the operators to the risk of back injuries.

To address the issue Australia Post looked for alternative solutions that would substantially reduce operator input and exposure to risk of injury.

With a targeted push/pull force of 50N (5kg) for a 35kg bag, it was acknowledged that this target would in all likelihood require a powered solution, adding to operating and maintenance costs.

Materials handling experts Rotacasterproposed a manual transfer solution using its 48mm Rotacasters combined with polyacetal (POM) spacer rollers.

The roller’s smaller diameter was designed to provide support for the soft packaging, while minimizing friction and reducing the number of Rotacaster wheels required.

Australia Post and Rotacaster collaborated on the design and construction of the transfer table. Trials were successfully undertaken at an

Australia Post gateway. The end result was a significant reduction of push/ pull forces to between 40 and 70Nm (4-7kg) in all directions on the table – a remarkable achievement in the absence of any powered assist.

In addition to reducing the push/pull forces required, without the cost noise and maintenance associated with a powered solution, the polymer surfaces of the Rotacasters and spacer rollers have demonstrated a lower affinity to adhesion of labels and stickers from packages, further reducing down time and maintenance costs.

Rotacaster CEO Peter McKinnon said: “Feedback from operators using the table has been exceptionally positive. And importantly, the risk of injury has been reduced. Rotacasters are proving their versatility.”

Following the successful trial, the remaining transfer tables at the facility will be replaced with the Rotacaster solution, with further upgrades to follow at other major Australia Post outlets.

Rotacaster Wheel Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 768 222 www.rotacaster.com.au

PRODUCT NEWS •

Objet sets new benchmark in large format 3D printers Objet Ltd, a leader in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, has launched the Objet1000 – its largest 3D printer to date.

Featuring a 1000 x 800 x 500 mm (39.3 x 31.4 x 19.6 inch) wide-format build envelope, the Objet1000 is ideal for automotive, defence and aerospace, industrial machinery, consumer goods and household appliance sectors as well as high-end service bureaus that need to create industrial size, 1:1 scale prototypes.

Ideal for all-round fit, form and functional prototyping, the Objet 1000 combines a large and extremely convenient build platform with the advanced precision of inkjet 3D printing and Objet’s renowned Connex multi-material capability – all in a single machine.

“As our largest ever 3D printing system, the Objet1000 takes advanced inkjet 3D printing technology to the next scale, says Objet CEO David Reis.

“The system enables our customers in a range of industries to now quickly and effectively prototype anything

at full size, 1:1 scale, from whole airplane and automobile assemblies to complete household appliances. The Objet1000 is the next step in the 3D printing revolution.”

Igal Zeitun, VP for Product Marketing and Consumables at Objet said the Objet1000 saves manufacturers and designers from having to assemble prototypes from smaller-sized jigsaw pieces or from having to use various less effective or efficient solutions.

The Objet1000 system offers a choice of over 100 materials, enabling designers and engineers to simulate both standard and ABS-grade plastics.

As with all Objet Connex 3D printers, the Objet1000 is also able to print up to 14 different material properties within a single model.

First shipments of the Objet1000 will start later this year.

Objet AP Ltd marketing.apj@objet.com www.objet.com

HOT DEALS ON WHEELS FROM RICHMOND Feed up with phenolic wheel issues and don’t like the cast iron alternative?

Richmond offers high/low temperature aluminium wheels that are far superior in demanding environments.

Richmond’s Aluminium Wheel has been specifically designed for use in food industries and any oven baking application requiring continuous exposure to temperature up to 280°C with peaks of 300°C as well as chillers and freezer application down to -30°C. Aluminium Wheels are proven to resist thermal shock due to rapid rising or falling temperatures.

Features include: • Anti-corrosive properties and resistant to most solvents, oils, acids and chemicals • Chip and crack resistant surface compared to other phenolic wheels • Greater tensile strength, able to withstand sudden impacts compared to a phenolic wheel • Reduced wear characteristics increase longevity and decrease maintenance costs

Smokin’ hot … Richmond’s Aluminium Wheel

• Aluminium wheel provides structural integrity to the castor for a smoother ride • Material will not dry out and become brittle under normal baking times There are a number of wheel and castor configurations available, from light to heavy industrial frames with different boss and axle sizes.

Richmond Wheels and Castors Ph: 1300 474 246 www.richmondau.com

industryupdate.com.au

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• PRODUCT NEWS

makeover for Demag Group Customers will be the big winners following the integration of Demag Cranes Group into Terex, says Aloysius Rauen, president of Terex Material Handling & Port Solutions.

Terex, one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial cranes, has held a majority share in the Demag company since August 2011. A domination and profit & loss transfer agreement came into effect in April 2012.

Since then, Demag Cranes has been integrated into Terex as a fifth business segment – Material Handling & Port Solutions.

It operates alongside the other Terex segments of Aerial Work Platforms, Construction, Cranes (mobile and tower cranes) and Materials Processing (crushing and screening equipment).

Demag Cranes Group will operate under the Terex Material Handling & Port Solutions name in its dealings with customers and the market, replacing the Demag Cranes identity.

The new Terex Material Handling & Port Solutions business segment consists of two business groups.

The Material Handling business group comprises the industrial cranes business along with its associated services in most countries. The globally renowned Demag brand will be extended to include the tagline “A Terex Brand” and continues to stand

for the industrial cranes, components and related services.

The Port Solutions business unit combines the Gottwald Port Technology business of Demag Cranes Group with the port equipment business of Terex. The Gottwald brand has been changed to Terex Gottwald to reflect the integration of the two brands which are both renowned in the port industry.

“The integration of Demag Cranes Group into Terex Corporation is a strategic gain for everybody, says Mr Rauen. “Our customers benefit from a broader range of products that offer real added value. To serve them even better, we work closely together with the other Terex segments to gain access to markets in various regions, for example, or to utilise existing sales channels. “The economies of scale alone have enabled us to achieve considerable savings in our purchasing activities, which ultimately benefits our customers.”

Terex Material Handling & Port Solutions manufactures in 16 countries on five continents and operates a sales and service network in more than 60 countries.

Demag Ph: 1300 336 241 www.demag.com.au www.terex.com

Damage control: top protection for walls, doorways You can avoid unsightly marks and damage to walls, doors and access areas simply by equipping trolleys, carts and other mobile equipment with a range of accessories especially designed for the purpose.

Wheel and castor specialists, QHDC Australia offer a selection of corner bumpers and leg buffers especially designed to absorb the impact when in contact with various surfaces. Manufactured in nonmarking, energy absorbing materials such as thermoplastic rubber and moulded polyurethane these accessories are shaped to fit neatly on to parts of trolleys and equipment that are most likely to come into contact with surfaces that are prone to marking and damage.

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Leg buffers normally fitted to tubular legs in combination with castors are designed to keep the castor spaced away from things that may also cause damage to the castor providing additional benefits.

Corner bumpers will also protect the platform and other parts of the trolley from impact damage when they come into contact with very hard things like concrete walls and bollards.

These simple but effective accessories are available together with a huge range of wheels and castors from QHDC or one of their many distributors across Australia.

QHDC Australia P/L Ph 07 5593 4718 www.qhdc.com.au

Conquest: the smart way to clean Conquest’s (ISP) Intelligent Solution Program launched early this year ensures your business finds the most efficient cleaning equipment for a particular site.

Conquest believes many machines now sold to industry do not suit the purpose, resulting in inefficient, unsatisfactory cleaning performance.

Through its ISP, Conquest is developing more efficient cleaning procedures to help save money and time, while enhancing company facilities.

Many Conquest clients are now using ISP with outstanding results.

One Conquest customer said: “Their professional and helpful advice on our cleaning requirements along with the commitment to demonstrate the machine and train the users was excellent.”

Conquest boasts more than 30 years’ combined experience in the cleaning industry. Its unique Intelligent Solutions Program has assisted its growing customer base to find cleaning solutions most suitable to the modern manufacturing environment.

Conquest Equipment Technologies Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 826 789 www.conquestequipment.com.au

CASI TICKS ALL BOXES WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING Cornerstone Automation Systems CASI specializes in end-to-end order fulfilment systems. From basic order picking to fully integrated shipping systems, CASI helps customers realize rapid ROI through labour savings and efficient solutions.

Software is the heart of any automated systems. CASI has developed SolidSuite – a suite of pre-engineered software modules that provide unsurpassed performance and serve as the foundation of our industry leading solutions.

Based on the Microsoft Windows 7 platform, it is designed, written and supported by CASI in-house engineers. With hundreds of successful installations worldwide, SolidSuite offers superior features.

These include automation systems, checkweigh systems, sortation systems, barcode/RFID verification, labelling/ print and apply systems, wireless control systems (WCS), software cubing systems, manifesting systems, picking systems, robotics, conveyor systems (24V & lineshaft), controls and engineering and Automatic Box Opener.

CASI follows a unique development cycle that ensures the success of each project. Their worldclass service and technical expertise

have laid the foundation for success and triple digit growth over the years.

This growth can be largely attributed to the company’s customer retention and a commitment to continuous improvement in all areas.

CASI offers order picking systems from the most basic pick and pack systems to state-of-the-art automated systems. It also offers a full line of technologies to automate order fulfilment requirements.

CASI applications engineers are experienced in order picking system design and are available to assist in the design of your system.

CASI understands that order picking methods vary as greatly as the distribution centres that methods are used in. The selection of the picking methodology should reflect the productivity in picks per hour, the cycle time for the order to get to the shipping dock and the accuracy of the method.

CASI offers multiple picking methodologies in its SolidPick module, allowing CASI application engineers to match the picking methodology to the operation and ROI requirement.

Cornerstone Automation Systems Ph: 1300 79 22 17 www.cornerstone.autosys.com

Need more bites?

Drop us a line.

Australia’s Largest Industrial Marketing Specialists Contact Karl Boothroyd today on 02 4627 8011 or email karl@imab2b.com

• SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE - EYE PROTECTION SPECIAL FEATURE

Optrel: the safe way to weld Honeywell Safety Products, a leader in personal protective equipment, has released the latest Optrel welding helmet featuring safety, comfort and style.

The p550 from Optrel is an autodarkening helmet designed to suit the serious DIY or professional welder. It is styled with a choice of optional side covers to suit the standard Black & White Bulldog helmet.

By simply changing the optional side covers the welder now has the choice of three designs – Tribal, Tiger and Skull. The p550 range offers even more styling choices with additional Carbon and Black models without side covers.

Optrel’s new p550 offers premium quality at an attractive price point. The

combination of the ADF with the high impact helmet shell guarantees a long life and top safety standard for welders.

The popular Optrel headband and high impact certification also ensures wearer comfort and protection.

Other features include solar cell driven batteries that reduces the need to constantly switch on and off, a Potentiometer knob to provide variable shade adjustment from shades 4/9-13 or 4/11, and a two-year warranty from date of purchase. The P550 from Optrel is also certified to AS/NZS 1337.

Honeywell Safety Products Ph: 1300 139 166 www.honeywell.com.au

Specsavers keeps an eye on workplace safety Inadequate or inappropriate eye protection and failure to observe occupational health and safety practices are the major causes of workplace eye injuries. Taking steps to look after your employee’s eye health is just another way to ensure you are an employer of choice.

By using AS/NZS 1337.6:2007 Certified Prescription Safety Eyewear in the workplace you can ensure that your legal requirements are met simply, affordably and easily.

Specsavers is the fastest growing group of optometrists in Australia.

The company provides professional

eye care and affordable eyewear across the country, making professional eye care accessible for all.

The welfare of an employees’ eyesight is the responsibility of employers. Caring for the health of your employees’ eyesight is crucial for their optimal performance and comfort at work.

By visiting any of Specsavers 270+ stores you can find the perfect cost effective solution for a safer workplace.

Specsavers Ph: 02 9410 0622 www.specsavers.com.au Top protection … Specsavers safety eyewear

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Comfort and style … Optrel’s new p550 welding helmet

Umatta: the smart choice for summer Comfort and safety …

Umatta polarized safety glasses

With another bright Australian summer now here, BOC Gas & Gear has launched a new range of safety eyewear, which is both functional and fashionable.

The extensive Umatta eyewear range is designed to protect outdoor workers from eye injuries and the damaging effects of the sun.

The Umatta Octane medium impact, gray polarised safety spec, has proved an instant hit with workers.

Senior Product Manager, Safety at BOC, Joe Martinez says the glasses, approved to Australian and New Zealand standards 1337.1:2010, offer great eye protection for work or the weekend.

The glasses feature a smoke polarised, polycarbonate lens, with lens category 3, providing a high level of sun glare protection.

Mr Martinez says the Umatta Octane safety spec is perfect for bright summer days as it reduces unwanted sun glare while providing better visibility with minimal colour distortion.

Constructed of durable and lightweight materials for comfort and fit, the Umatta Octane features UV 400 protection on all anti-scratch, anti-fog lenses.

Offering a sporty look and feel, the tinted glasses are perfect for purpose outdoor work or leisure pursuits such as boating and fishing.

The Umatta Octane medium impact safety spec is available throughout the BOC Gas & Gear store network.

BOC Ph: 131 262 www.boc.com.au

SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE •

More reasons to choose SP1000 eyewear range Honeywell Safety Products, a leader in personal protective equipment, has added more features to its popular SP1000 eyewear range.

The SP1000 range, which combines superb design with comfort, protection and durability, is now also available in clear and grey hard coat, anti fog and polarised hard coat.

The new clear and grey models provide greater value over the existing Durastreme models when lens coatings for extreme environments are not required. The recommended retail price for these models is $17 + GST. Anti Fog models combine the best of hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings to prevent lens fogging for all wearers.

The Polarised model eliminates glare and visual distortion magnified by flat surfaces and provides protection from flat surfaces such as steel, roads

and water. All SP1000 eyewear provide a complete seal around the wearer’s eye making them perfect for high particulate, dusty or windy environments.

The SP1000 has removable arms so it can be worn as either a spectacle or the arms can be replaced with an accessory headband strap to be worn as a goggle.

Honeywell Safety Products Ph: 1300 139 166 www.honeywell.com.au

Protection and durability … the SP1000 range

Flexible fall arrest system from Honeywell The SÖLL MultiRail horizontal rail system is a horizontal fall protection system available from the Miller

by Honeywell range of engineered solutions.

Easily installed along an entire unprotected work area, the SÖLL MultiRail horizontal rail system offers the advantage of fixing distances of up to 6m. It can be used by six people simultaneously, offering greater safety and flexibility to all workers when compared with regular anchorage points.

The SÖLL MultiRail horizontal rail system offers the option of being installed at different levels: foot, wall or overhead. It is available with three different types of gliders to suit each of these applications: closed, open-able or overhead.

Also, pre-constructed corner sections allow the system to be easily

customised to suit any structure.

This revolutionary system’s minimal components make it easy to install.

The floating rail design allows for thermal expansion and reduces the impact transmission to the structure in the event of a fall.

The SÖLL MultiRail horizontal rail system is designed for maximum safety and is made to withstand the toughest environmental conditions.

Honeywell Safety Products Ph: 1300 139 166 www.honeywellsafety.com

High protection … the SÖLL MultiRail horizontal rail system

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• SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE - OPINION

Unscrambling Gillard's OHS hash

Prime Minister Julia Gillard … OHS harmonisation ‘a failure’

By Ken Phillips The Gillard government’s attempts to harmonise Australia’s work safety laws continues to crash around them. Even in South Australia, where the ALP holds government the failure is complete.

In late October, the South Australian parliament passed new OHS laws allegedly based around Gillard’s harmonised model. But amendments made to the SA Labor government bill has resulted in a vastly different piece of legislation.

It needs to be different. I last discussed the collapse of the harmonised OHS process late last year (The business of OHS disharmony), a process that has continued in gridlock since then.

Key problems with the Gillard model include the fact that people who do not control work situations can arguably be prosecuted and convicted over OHS incidents. I’ve explained in detail before, why tying OHS responsibility and liability to ‘control’ is so important.

The new SA Act, incorporates ‘control’ stating, “A person must comply … (with safety responsibilities) … to the extent to which the person has the capacity to influence and control the matter …” This is an important correction to the Gillard harmonised model.

Also significant is that the SA act secures the right to silence. OHS law is a form of criminal law. Surprisingly the Gillard model denies this normal right to criminal justice.

Further, union entry rights have also been restricted in SA in comparison to the model OHS law.

SA has also removed the risk of volunteers being prosecuted.

Volunteers’ exposure blew up as an issue early this year following a Scout Association memo in NSW. Analysis I wrote for Business Spectator earlier this year (OHS law tied in knots) clearly showed the Gillard OHS law exposes volunteers to prosecution in a way not seen before.

This package of SA amendments makes common sense. However it means that SA has not implemented Gillard's harmonised OHS push. In fact, the SA laws now look more like the Victorian OHS laws rather than the harmonised laws. (Victoria is not implementing the harmonised laws).

An interesting question is whether Gillard will deny SA the cash (some call it a bribe!) it’s promised state governments who implement her model laws?

But SA has gone even further.

The development of the codes of conduct that are to accompany the harmonised laws have been bogged down in controversy. This has happened because of the impracticality and excessive prescriptive detail contained in the codes.

Much of this comes from the fact that in lacking a structure around ‘control’ the model harmonised law sends confusing signals to code framers. This results in drafters believing they must be highly prescriptive. SA has in part fixed this because with ‘control’ inserted, codes can be drafted knowing

that people at work are required by statute to exercise higher judgment, therefore requiring less prescription.

SA is reinforcing this by inserting into its act that the SA small business commissioner has an oversight role on the approval of codes.

Given that some 96 percent of businesses are small (one to seven people working in them) this legislative structure is a welcome initiative.

It will force code developers to consider the practical, small business realities of work as the starting point for code design. If they don’t the small business commissioner will seek changes. I’d suggest that several of the codes already drafted will need major review as a consequence.

It’s impressive that SA, a Labor, state has shown a lead. But it happened because the Upper House in SA is not controlled by the government. A combination of Liberals, Family First and independents (headed on this issue by John Darley MP) negotiated the changes described above. There’s more that’s needed, namely clarifying what a ‘person conducting a business or

undertaking’ means under the act. This continues as a major flaw in the model harmonised laws. Hopefully it’s an issue that will be considered in the SA review of the act required in 2014.

The SA departure from Gillard's OHS agenda further cements that the type of harmonisation pushed by Gillard is dead. The Commonwealth, Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales have implemented Gillard's laws.

Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and now South Australia have rejected the laws.

But expect step back to occur. Both Queensland and the Northern Territory are not happy with Gillard's OHS model and are reviewing and considering their positions. There’s a strong possibility of major amendments perhaps even repeal in both those jurisdictions. Who says eggs can’t be unscrambled! *Ken Phillips is executive director of Independent Contractors Australia and author of Independence and the Death of Employment. This article was first published on Business Spectator on November 13, 2012".

New sync earmuffs tune into the digital age The new Howard Leight Sync l AM/ FM Radio incorporates passive hearing protection, digital tuning technologies, improved sound quality and a new earmuff design that will raise the bar in the industry.

Sync delivers the proper levels of hearing protection in hazardous noise environments with high-visibility safety and the latest in digital tuning.

Its eye-catching bright green ear cups provide a highly noticeable contrast against dark settings, especially in low lighting situations and inclement weather.

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industryupdate.com.au

Plus, Sync Radio Hi-Visibility incorporates an exclusive reflective headband that glows when exposed to light, providing increased visibility and safety on the job.

Other product features include AM/FM radio and the ability to listen to music through a personal listening device (e.g. MP3 player, smartphone), LCD display and locked-in station ability. Ten preset channels and volume memory are also included.

Like all Howard Leight product by Honeywell, the Sync earmuffs also

feature robust construction to withstand the roughest of treatment and toughest of environments.

The earmuffs are also approved to AS/NZS 1270:2002.

Letting workers experience the best in sound and the brightest in safety protection, the new Howard Leight Sync earmuffs allow perfect synchronization with the latest in safety standards and new age sound.

Honeywell Safety Products Ph: 1300 139 166 www.honeywellsafety.com

Improved sound quality … Sync earmuffs from Howard Leight

SAFETY IN ACTION •

STRONG LINE-UP FOR SAFETY IN ACTION SEMINARS If you’re serious about safety, here are 12 more reasons to attend the Melbourne Safety In Action trade show from March 19-21.

The Safety In Action show will feature a series of 12 seminars aimed at improving workplace safety.

On Tuesday, March 19, the seminars will focus on internal systems.

Adrian Manessis, the business development manager from myosh, will speak about The Benefits and Risks Associated with Safety Software.

Then legal expert Levasque Peterson (Lander & Rogers) will present Internal Review – Essential Steps to Protect Your Business and Barry Sherriff (Norton Rose) will explore effective techniques within HR strategy in Dealing Effectively with Others in OHS. Those looking for a more technical guidance to effective and functional Safety Management Systems may find environmental engineer Ian Ackland’s (NCS International) talk The ABCs of Safety Management Systems – A Simple Approach very useful.

The following day the focus will be on problem solving and conflict management. Steven Craig, the business development manager from Pegasus Management will explore hiring strategies in his presentation How to Select and Manage Contractors to Mitigate Risk and Maximise a Safe Work Environment. From risk assessment to induction processes, this talk will provide advice for businesses looking to manage risk from the very beginning of contractor engagement.

And lawyer and strategist Melissa Kirby (Sharpe & Abel) uses her legal experience to discuss the stressful situation of disaster management.

In her talk What to do When Disaster Hits: When Safety Products Fail, Melissa will go through real-life case studies and practical steps to manage difficult (and dangerous) situations in the best way.

Workplace disaster survivor James Wood will give a first-hand account of his experience with workplace accidents in his talk Choices, detailing how the wrong choices in workplace safety nearly took his life.

James was left in a wheelchair after failing to wear a seatbelt. He will speak about how we can make better choices than he did.

And to round out the day, human error prevention specialist Cristian Sylvestre (SafeStart) will explore strategies to keep workers focused on the task at hand and minimise dangerous distraction risks with his talk Keeping Peoples’ Mind on the Job. On Thursday, March 21, leading organisational consultant Michael Adeny continues on from the theme of concentration as a powerful safety tool by talking about managing fatigue from a psychological background. In Fatigue Management – Getting it Right for Your Organisation, Michael offers some simple, smart tips for keeping staff awake and safe.

Cristian Sylvestre will speak for a second

time, this time about Building Safety Culture from the ‘Bottom Up’. Motivating your workplace community to participate in safety culture and procedures positively is perhaps one of the most important parts of OHS, and this talk focuses on understanding basic personal behaviours to build meaningful safety strategies.

Machine safety expert Frank Schrever’s (Machine Safety By Design) talk on Machine Safety – Australian Standards Development and Directions will focus on the latest updates to the AS 4024.1-2006 and how they’ll change safety management in Australia in the coming years.

And finally Mousa Sharifi from the International Standards Certifications group will explain how to Create A Safer Workplace Using a Management System and help your organisation meet the requirements of Health and Safety Legislation, to help you predict, assess and control hazards.

James Wood … workplace disaster survivor

To register or for more information visit: www.safetyinaction.net.au/ or call 1300 656 184.

THE KEY TO WORKPLACE SAFETY Each year thousands of people are injured in the workplace during maintenance of machinery.

Many of these injuries could have been avoided with an effective lockout/tagout system.

As the exclusive distributor of Master Lock, Mayo Hardware is Australia’s leading supplier of lockout/tagout solutions.

Call Mayo Hardware to arrange a review of your lockout/tagout requirements today.

1300 360 211 sitesurvey@mayohardware.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

33

• Safety in Action 2013

Online programs to ease workplace stress Not for profit Australian health and well-being agency beyondblue, has launched three new online programs to help Australians understand and tackle depression and anxiety in the workplace. beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell said while millions of Australians were looking forward to a Christmas/New Year break, no workplace should be so stressful that people can’t wait to get out of there.

“I would encourage managers and workers to check out these three new online programs, which will help them understand when colleagues “out-of-character or stressed behaviour could be a sign of depression or anxiety,” she said.

Ms Carnell said the free programs, which are accessed online via the beyondblue website, offer interactive activities and real-life video stories to help workers recognise symptoms of depression and anxiety, look after their own mental health and that of their colleagues who may be experiencing problems.

Ms Carnell said while people’s mental health problems may be the result of influences outside work, it has an impact on their productivity and relationships with colleagues because they cannot leave their illness at home.

“Research shows that around one million Australians MATERIALS HANDLING are experiencing depression right now while two million

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have an anxiety disorder,” she said. “When workers experiencing depression or anxiety get the help they need there are huge knock-on benefits for workplaces as motivation improves, sick days are reduced and productivity grows.”

The three online programs beyondblue has launched are titled What it’s like? – Personal stories of depression, Perspectives – Returning “to work following a mental

health problem and How to have a conversation: discussing mental health in the workplace.

Ms Carnell encouraged managers and employees to visit a new website www.returntowork.net.au for further information about how to help a person returning to work after experiencing a mental health problem. www.beyondblue.org.au

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Safety in Action 2013 •

Spill Station celebrates 30 years of service

This year Spill Station Australia is celebrating 30 years of providing environment, health and safety solutions to government and industry in Australia and around the world.

When current CEO Bruce Cartwright founded the business in 1983, Spill Station Australia was known as Corrosion Concepts and supplied chemical treatments such as rust prevention and fabric protection to Australian Defence Force (ADF).

This experience highlighted a need for a uniform spill response system to deal with the inevitable spills that occur when dealing with liquids in the workplace.

After extensive field testing with the ADF, Bruce Cartwright launched the world’s first mobile bin spill kit containing PPE, absorbents, containment booms and waste disposal bags.

This spill kit format is the template still used by spill control companies around the world.

Nathan Cartwright is the current managing director and the second generation of this Australian company.

When asked how Spill Station has maintained its leading position in a crowded marketplace Nathan Cartwright said: “There have been constant changes in environment, health and safety legislation and regulation over the last 30 years. This dynamic regulatory environment has seen the range of solutions supplied

by Spill Station Australia expand to meet the demands of industry both in Australia and internationally.

“Our desire to innovate and provide the most cost effective and complete solutions to our

database of over 7000 major customers around the globe ensures they keep on coming back to Spill Station for our tried and proven compliance solutions.”

This comprehensive range of products includes safety showers and eyewash equipment designed to work in all climates and even where mains water supply is unavailable or overheated.

Their range of secondary containment equipment is constructed to ensure safe and compliant storage of bottles, drums and tanks from 1 litre to 20,000 litres.

In addition to their wide array of spill response kits for all workplace environments, Spill Station also provide complete spill kit training programs and equipment maintenance solutions for ready response to any spill emergency.

As well as branches in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville and Sydney, Spill Station Australia has set up Spill Station Asia and Spill Station Middle East to export this Australian know-how around the world.

“We are proud of the contribution we have made to protecting Australians and our environment over the last 30 years,” says Mr Cartwright.

“Spill Station’s ability to constantly innovate and grow our range of solutions has maintained our position as market leader in this dynamic marketplace and we are looking forward to continuing our contribution in the years to come.”

Spill Station Australia Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 66 42 66 www.spillstation.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

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• Safety in Action 2013

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The countdown is on to Australia’s biggest workplace health and safety trade show – Safety in Action.

The Melbourne Exhibition Centre will play host to hundreds of businesses exhibiting the latest workplace safety products and technology.

Experts from all over the country will converge to talk about the latest technologyand know-how at Safety in Action Melbourne 2013 from March 19-21.

Visitors will have an outstanding opportunity to keep up-to-date with new developments in OHS from the broad range of industry specialists, all conveniently located under one roof.

This year’s show will feature seminars with live demonstrations as well as free industry knowledge centres. Attendees will have a chance to win safety prizes from Workplace Access & Safety.

“There is no other show with this level of commitment to safety, says event director Tony Francis. “We’ll have a huge series of free seminars from top industry experts across all the important topics.”

Mr Francis says Safety in Action 2013 provides an outstanding opportunity to network with people and businesses that are leading the field in safety.

“If you’re looking for answers or to develop a network you can rely on for safety, you should definitely register and book into some of the seminars that suit you,” he says.

Visitors can check out and source industry suppliers, from both newcomers with great new products and services to established companies.

Safety in Action 2013 will also play host to safety world leaders for the SIA National Safety Convention (March 19-20). They will discuss health and safety legislation and major global workplace safety issues and practices.

There will be a strong line-up of thoughtprovoking speakers representing the legal profession, academia, risk management, border control, construction, mining and more.

Safety in Action will again be held in conjunction with The Advanced Logistics and Materials Handling show.

This show is a must for those wanting supply chain specialist information on the packing, moving, storing, tracking and delivering industries.

To register or for more information, go to www.safetyinaction.net.au or call the visitor hotline on: 1300 656 184.

When: Tues March 19, 2013 10am - 4pm Wed March 20, 2013 9am - 4pm Thurs March 21, 2013 9am - 4pm Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf

Safety in ACTION •

Male blue-collar workers a ‘health risk’

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a real threat to the future productivity and performance of the industry. It’s important that business leaders look at what more they could be doing to support health and encourage healthy choices during the workday.”

Paul Johnson, National Safety Manager at manufacturing company, Knauf Plasterboard, said getting workers – in particular male workers – to care about their health could be challenging but was critical to ensuring the company’s long-term sustainability.

“Our people are our greatest resource and keeping them fit for work is key to achieving optimum performance, particularly in light of an ageing workforce,” Mr Johnson said.

“But when you’re dealing with blokes, a lot of guys initially dismiss health and wellbeing initiatives as being nonsense or none of an employer’s business. Couple this with a ‘it won’t happen to me’ philosophy and it can be tough getting people to adopt healthier lifestyles.”

Mr Kayler-Thomson said all businesses should sign up for free WorkHealth checks to help workers understand the state of their health and encouraged at-risk workers to take up the free support available through the WorkHealth program.

The WorkHealth checks were conducted on 51,367 manufacturing workers between April 2009 and April 2012.

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Male manufacturing workers are the most likely of all Victorian workers to have a high risk of type 2 diabetes, a Monash University study of half a million WorkHealth checks has found.

According to the health snapshot, more than one third (35 per cent) of male manufacturing workers were found to have a high risk of type 2 diabetes – a life threatening but preventable chronic disease.

Damaging health habits, in particular smoking and drinking, are the key drivers for this elevated risk – about half of male manufacturing workers (49%) drink alcohol at risky levels and more than one in four smoke (27%).

The study of 500,000 WorkHealth checks, delivered as part of WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkHealth program, has revealed manufacturing is one of the most at-risk industries in the state, alongside other male-dominated, bluecollar industries such as construction and mining. Three quarters of workers in the manufacturing industry are male.

WorkHealth Ambassador, Wayne Kayler-Thomson, said resistance among males to head to the doctor and be proactive about their health was a factor in these results.

“WorkSafe research shows that time, cost and a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude are the major stumbling blocks when it comes to getting a health check, with males far less likely to have a preventative health check than women,” Mr Kayler-Thomson said.

“The concerning health risks among manufacturing workers pose

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37

• SAFETY IN ACTION

Oliver turns up the heat with new firefighting range Oliver Footwear is the leading manufacturer and supplier of firefighting and emergency services protective footwear to virtually all the State based incident response agencies.

The three Oliver Footwear choices have full compliance with the AS and NZS Standard 4821:2006 for Type 1Wildland Firefighting and Type 2 Structural Firefighting Footwear including the electrical insulating properties.

The first of the three fire boot choices, the Oliver 66-360 Wildland Firefighter Boot meets the requirements of a Type 1 safety boot suitable for general purpose rescue, fire suppression, property conservation in buildings, enclosed structures, vehicles, vessels or any like situation where a fire or emergency situation may prevail.

The Oliver 66-360 is a 180 mm or 7 inch lace up fully lined boot with an optional zipper attachment for fast donning and doffing.

Construction includes high quality black water resistant leather with a heavy duty nitrile rubber soling system that cushions the foot on impact.

The upper is also flame retardant with red Nomex heavy duty stitching and flame proof laces. There is also the lightweight, hi-impact, wide profile, non-metallic toe cap that is padded with a latex cushion liner for comfort and protection.

The Oliver 66-395 and 66-396 Structural Firefighter Boots are respectively a 230mm or 9 inch lace-up Structural Firefighter Boot and a 250mm or 10 inch Pull-On Structural Firefighter Boot.

The Oliver Lace Up Style 66-395 also has the option of the quick-release zipper attachment for fast donning and doffing.

The three firefighter’s boots include standard Oliver comfort features designed to protect the heel and ball of the foot and help reduce foot, leg and lower back fatigue.

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All three Oliver choices of Firefighter boots are available in sizes 3-15 including half size increments.

Oliver Footwear Ph: 03 53 200 200 www.oliver.com.au

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Combining rugged comfort and support, Chore boots let you get dirty with safety and style.

They are made to withstand physical punishment with a new XpressCool lining material engineered to keep your feet cool in warm weather â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just perfect for the harsh Australian climate.

Featuring a flexible, lightweight rubber outsole for maximum comfort and support, the stretch-fit nylon materials is 100 per cent waterproof.

The Chore boot offers complete protection in all work conditions and is available in high and mid-boot heights.

Added features include: â&#x20AC;˘ ETC Sockliner to reduce friction and heat build up â&#x20AC;˘ Spandura â&#x20AC;&#x201C; added protection against wear and abrasion â&#x20AC;˘ Quick-clean rubber overlay

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The suggested retail price is $139.95 (ex GST) for the Mid version, and $144.95 (ex GST) for the High version.

Famous since 1999, The Original Muck Boot Company is one of the toughest new additions to the Honeywell safety range.

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Comfort and support â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chore boots from Honeywell

Pilz offers expert training solutions for machinery and equipment safety.

Machinery Safety Training

Our training is based on AS4024.1-2006 Safety of Machinery and the new harmonised Work Health and Safety legislation.

Our updated course offerings include: MachineSAFE Introduction (1 Day) This popular course has been designed to provide a basic knowledge on how to make machinery safe. It has been updated to include the key points of machinery safety with reference to the new WHS legislation, and Australian Standard AS4024.1-2006 Safety of machinery.

MachineSAFE Advanced (2 Day) This newly developed course is a follow on from the Introduction Course and has been specially put together for technical staff who are given the very important task of building safety features into new machinery or upgrading the safety features on existing machinery. It delves into much more detail on the key aspects of mechanical and electrical safety design for machinery.

Customised Machinery Safety Courses.

We can create customised courses that cater for the specific needs of your organisation such as conveyor safety, Lock out Tag out/energy isolation, risk assessment, machine guarding, safety control system design, etc.

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the spirit of safety industryupdate.com.au

39

• SAFETY IN ACTION

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1/02/13 1:52 PM

Get a handle on safety with OKKA

Mayo holds key to workplace safety

The Enviro-Skate range from OKKA Products now features a stainless steel handle that effortlessly attaches to the skate to make moving heavily loaded crates even easier.

The Skate Handle, available Australia wide from OKKA Products, the specialist material handling division of leading plastics manufacturer A Plus Plastics, comes with rubber grips for added comfort and stability.

The Skate Handle is ergonomically designed to ensure comfort for users, regardless of the user’s height or the weight being moved on the Skate trolley. With the Skate Handle a user does not need to bend down to manually attach or detach the handle to or from the Enviro-Skate.

This makes it ideal for manual handling or to prevent back or knees workplace injuries. The Skate Handle can easily be attached from a standing position with its adjustable clip-on grip.

The Skate Handle and Enviro-Skate is ideal for: • Fast and affordable movement of heavy items or for materials handling • Where a forklift can't be used or is unavailable

Each year thousands of people are injured in the workplace during maintenance of machinery.

Many of these injuries could have been avoided with an effective lockout/ tagout system. As the exclusive distributor of Master Lock, Mayo Hardware is a leading Australian supplier of lockout/tagout solutions.

Mayo Hardware delivers the mining, power generation, manufacturing, utilities, transport and oil & gas industries customized isolation solutions that are designed to meet the specific needs of the site. This includes Master Lock safety padlocks and lockout accessories as well as custom key systems that ensure one employees key cannot open another employee’s personal padlock.

There is also an extensive range of padlock identification solutions including laser engraving, traffolyte labels and photo identification.

Mayo Hardware conducts obligation free site surveys, which identify your exact isolation requirements and identify solutions to difficult plant isolation. The company also conducts procedural reviews via established

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industryupdate.com.au

• General use such as tradeshow companies who need to control their own setup timelines at the show • New and used equipment manufacturers loading pallets or crates in an assembly line • Use of a skate with just one or two crates making manually pushing it uncomfortable The Enviro-Skate range, released last year, is designed to move crate loads of up to 600kg with minimal effort. The addition of the Skate Handle makes this task even easier.

A Plus Plastics Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9603 2088 www.aplusplastics.com.au www.okkaproducts.com.au

partnerships and also provide up to date information on the legal requirements for Safe Systems of Work.

To prevent workplace accidents Mayo Hardware can review and identify your lockout/tagout requirements.

Mayo Hardware Ph: 1300 360 211 www.mayohardware.com.au

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Safety in ACTION •

Looking to boost productivity in 2013?

NHP launches new safety blog

Working smarter … Optimum Handling Solutions now offers a free site assessment

Material handling specialists Optimum Handling Solutions is offering clients in the manufacturing, processing and warehousing industries a free site assessment.

The assessment by Optimum’s expert term is designed to assist you: • Increase productivity • Increase workplace safety • Reduce injury and fatigue • Reduce exposure to litigation • Create a positive work environment Optimum employs a “hands on” approach tailored to individual needs.It not only advises what needs to

be done, but actually implements the recommendations.

Following the assessment an expert consultant will provide detailed and accurate advice in a user friendly format. It will show how your business can achieve a smart system designed to maximise efficiency and improve workplace safety.

Call Optimum Handling Solutions to book a free site assessment.

Leading electrical engineering firm NHP has launched a new Safety Blog with a focus on machine safety.

The new communication forum will host discussions on various machine safety topics such as safety design, legislation, safety standards, risk assessment and more.

The blog creates an opportunity for many people involved in the machine safety industry to share their opinions and perspectives on safety topics as

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

well as receive expert commentary from NHP’s safety specialists.

The NHP Safety Blog can be accessed at: nhp.com.au/blog.

By subscribing to the feed you can join in the conversation and be kept up to date with all the latest NHP and industry safety news.

NHP Electrical Engineering Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9429 2999 www.nhp.com.au

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41

• BUSINESS & FINANCE

Victorian manufacturer soars into aerospace

With advice and support from Enterprise Connect, Australian manufacturer A.W. Bell transformed their business to achieve their goal of becoming a leading high-end supplier of complex parts for the aerospace and defence sector.

A.W. Bell is an Australian family owned and operated business supplying complex metal parts with high mechanical properties to the aerospace and defence industries. They also specialise in the production of rapid prototypes using stereolithography apparatus (SLA) technology.

Based in Victoria, A.W. Bell employs 70 staff and has serviced the Australian manufacturing industry for nearly 60 years.

Established in 1952, A.W. Bell originally supplied wooden patterns to the automotive industry. In 1977, A.W. Bell completely transformed its services and moved into investment castings and serviced general engineering.

A.W. Bell is now well on the way to completing its next major transformation, to become a leading highend supplier of complex parts for the aerospace and defence sector.

A.W. Bell’s Engineering Manager, Rod Egan, was introduced to Enterprise Connect’s Defence Industry Innovation Centre, through a business network meeting in mid 2009. The Defence Centre is funded by Department of Defence’s Defence Materiel Organisation.

Rod was keen to implement lean manufacturing in A.W. Bell and wanted Enterprise Connect’s support.

A.W Bell’s CEO, Andrew Meek explained the challenges the business was facing.

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industryupdate.com.au

“At the time, the business was coming out of the financial crisis, domestic and international sales were in decline, in part due to the work being lost to China. The business was under severe pressure from customers to reduce price,” said Andrew.

A.W. Bell met with Enterprise Connect’s Defence Industry Business Adviser, Steven Lakotij, who conducted a top-to-bottom analysis of the business and identified strategic issues, areas for business improvement and potential areas for growth.

“The recommendations presented to the A.W. Bell team at the end of the Business Review were much broader than just implementing lean manufacturing.

It was a complete review of the business. While we underestimated the time commitment required to thoroughly conduct the Business Review, in the end, it was definitely worth it,” Andrew said.

Steven recommended A.W. Bell develop a strategic plan for the business as a priority.

“Previously, strategic planning was not a high priority. However, the high level of competition in this

“A.W. Bell aims to increase exports to 85 per cent of sales”

industry meant it was vital for A.W. Bell to review its current position and develop a strategy for the future,” Steven explained.

The development of a strategic plan was the first step A.W. Bell needed to form a new direction for their business.

“We started to transform the business into a supplier of complex metal parts with high mechanical properties to the aerospace and defence industry. We identified our niche and where we wanted to take our business,” Andrew said.

Steven also suggested A.W. Bell introduce performance management processes, key performance indicators reporting, lean manufacturing and staff development initiatives.

In pursuit of their strategic vision, A.W. Bell focused on breaking ground in the aerospace and defence industries. With help from Enterprise Connect, A.W. Bell met with some of the major players including Boeing and General Electric.

“Enterprise Connect was instrumental in putting us in front of aerospace and defence organisations. They were able to set up meetings and make introductions for us that we would have never been able to do by ourselves,” Andrew said.

Shortly after, A.W. Bell was presented with the opportunity to enter a new export market in the aerospace sector. However, in order for

BUSINESS & FINANCE •

A.W. Bell to meet the stringent mechanical requirements, they needed to develop a new improved investment casting process.

“We realised if we were going to supply to aerospace and defence, and increase exports, we had to work out what was going to separate us from every other investment casting business in the world,” Andrew reflected.

Although A.W. Bell possessed great knowledge and experience in aluminium investment casting, they recognised they needed specialist technical expertise and equipment to perform detailed analysis and evaluation.

Through Enterprise Connect’s Researchers in Business program, CSIRO researcher, Dr Roger Lumley was placed into A.W. Bell’s business to develop the investment casting process.

“The objective was to identify and develop a method or process to make products with the mechanical properties required for aerospace and defence,” Andrew said.

Roger brought a mix of theory, experience and practical hands on capability to the project which, when combined with A.W. Bell’s manufacturing experience, fostered the development of a new technique for metal processing.

This new technique developed an end product, which displayed superior physical properties to that of its competitors, reaching close, or equal to, the theoretical maximum mechanical properties possible from the aluminium alloy.

“The research helped us become the preferred supplier to two major international companies within the aerospace industry,” Andrew said.

In early 2012, A.W. Bell was awarded a $1.5 million Early Commercialisation grant from Commercialisation Australia to follow on from their Researchers in Business project and transform their research and development into a fully fledged production system.

The new process developed by A.W. Bell and the CSIRO virtually eliminates material wastage and will be able to provide North American aerospace and defence sectors with the lightweight, high strength and complex precision parts.

“With this new process, our designers can design a much lighter product, which is extremely important in aerospace and defence industries where weight is a big issue on most projects. We recently produced a part that weighed 69 per cent less than using the standard process,” Andrew explained, “by achieving superior mechanical properties with the low weight alloy.”

A.W. Bell has now submitted parts for first article inspection to one of the large defence primes and has been selected as the preferred supplier for another as a result of using this process.

“There are very few people in the world that can produce complex aluminium castings to the mechanical standards they require,” Andrew concluded.

A.W. Bell applied for Tailored Advisory Service funding of $20,000 from Enterprise Connect’s Defence Innovation Industry Centre to assist with the initial rollout of lean manufacturing. A.W. Bell hired a consultant to map current processes and systems in order to identify process waste, inefficiencies, bottlenecks and other issues affecting quality, cost and service delivery.

The consultant also helped develop a value stream design to identify improvement opportunities.

“We ended up with a very clear understanding of how we were going to implement lean manufacturing.

It is not just a process improvement change but about driving a cultural change in the organisation. The philosophy of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement will become a way of life for our business,” Andrew said.

The future looks bright for A.W. Bell. In three to five years, A.W. Bell aims to increase exports to 85 per cent of sales.

“We will almost solely produce complex parts with high mechanical properties and less focus on general engineering work. In the past the customer came to us and said ‘can you produce this?’ In the future we will go to them and say ‘we believe you have this problem and we believe we might be able to help solve it,’” Andrew concluded.

Proud record of achievement An Australian Government initiative backed by industry, Enterprise Connect offers comprehensive advice and support to eligible Australian small and medium businesses to help them transform and reach their full potential.

With a national network of over 100 highly skilled business advisers and facilitators, Enterprise Connect provides an extensive range of tailored business advisory and improvement services.

Enterprise Connect provides businesses with direction on making the connections and opening their eyes to the benefits of collaborating with suppliers, competitors and research organisations.

Since 2008, over 17,000 businesses have accessed Enterprise Connect services with 83 per cent of clients saying Enterprise Connect helped them increase productivity or efficiency.

Enterprise Connect Ph: 131 791 www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au

“ EFIC dId morE than

supply guarantEEs and bonds. thEy gavE us thE support to grow.” ben adamson, director, refrigeration Engineering

read our story at efic.gov.au/ia

overcoming financial barriers for exporters

industryupdate.com.au

43

• BUSINESS & FINANCE

Another record year for EFIC Australia’s export credit agency, Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) has posted strong results for the previous financial year despite volatile global financial markets.

EFIC achieved a record number of facilities in 2011-12, according to its Annual Report released recently.

As the Australian Government’s export credit agency, EFIC was established to help Australian-based businesses to win and finance export, offshore investment and onshore export-related opportunities.

The agency works directly with businesses and their banks to provide loans, guarantees, bonds and insurance products for Australian exporters.

For the first time, EFIC surpassed the $1 billion mark in terms of its export finance facilities.

The total value of the exports and overseas investments was $4.5 billion.

Profit on EFIC’s commercial account in 2011-12 was $26.8 million – 19.6 per cent ahead of budget. This figure reflected the continued strength of the agency’s risk underwriting and portfolio performance.

“These strong results were delivered in a year of significant volatility, marked by an uneven recovery in the global economy and in commercial credit markets and a high Australian dollar,” said EFIC chief executive officer and managing director Angus Armour.

“We continued to help Australian

exporters of all sizes overcome financial barriers by supporting exports to more than 40 countries. SMEs accounted for over 90 per cent of total facilities and we were also particularly active in supporting the mining sector, which accounted for just over 60 per cent of EFIC’s new signings by dollar value, as well as the construction sector.”

During the year, EFIC expanded its support for contractors and subcontractors providing services for export-related projects. It also partnered with foreign currency services providers OZForex and HiFX to help exporters overcome the barriers presented by ongoing foreign exchange risk and the high Australian dollar.

NAB and EFIC join forces to help SME exporters National Australia Bank (NAB) and Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) have signed a Master Working Capital Guarantee Facility to help Australian exporters gain additional working capital to finance export contracts.

Under the arrangement, EFIC can provide a guarantee to NAB, enabling the bank to lend to its SME customers the additional working capital they need to finance their international business growth.

The move will assist SME exporters overcome the challenge of working capital shortages and will also enable NAB to assist its business customers

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to finance growth for export or exportrelated sales.

NAB's Executive General Manager, Working Capital Services, David Gall said NAB had been working with EFIC for over 20 years in order to facilitate and support businesses expanding into offshore markets.

"International expansion is an important part of many SME's growth aspirations, which is why we're focussed on developing solutions to support our customer’s working capital and funding needs”.

Access to working capital is an all-too-common barrier faced by many SMEs. As the Australian Government’s

export credit agency, EFIC helps Australian exporters to overcome financial barriers.

“Some of the exporters EFIC has supported have really innovative products and incredible business acumen, but their business growth has put pressure on their finances and the value of their assets is insufficient to enable the lender to provide additional finance,” said EFIC’s Executive Director, SME and Mid-Market, Stuart Neilson.

“EFIC guarantees issued under this agreement with NAB can help Australian businesses to finance their export contracts and grow their businesses internationally.”

Angus Armour … ‘strong results’

Looking ahead, Mr Armour said the challenge for EFIC in the coming year was to adapt to the structural change in the Australian economy.

“In response, we will continue to adapt our products and approaches to help Australian firms win new export and export-related contracts,” he said.

Copies of the Annual Report can be downloaded at: www.efic.gov.au/ annual-report

Export working capital is just one product in a suite of solutions NAB provides to SME exporters. The bank also offers foreign exchange services and hedging strategies, trade finance facilities, insured export finance, foreign currency accounts and export risk management solutions.

EFIC’s export working capital guarantee is a flexible guarantee which can support a single export contract or many export contracts with different buyers. Generally, the guarantee is for a minimum of $500,000.

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) Ph: 1800 887 588 www.efic.gov.au

BUSINESS & FINANCE •

Enterprise Connect drives change for furniture business Culture of innovation … Sudhindra Rao and his daughter Priyanka

Since 1997, Sydney based furniture manufacturer Luxmy Furniture has steadily grown to become a leading manufacturer of office furniture for commercial fitouts.

By introducing sustainable practices and developing a culture of innovation within the business, Luxmy Furniture was in a strong position and was attracting attention from global furniture suppliers.

To maintain market leadership, Luxmy Furniture’s Managing Director, Sudhindra Rao, started looking at Aways

to improve production and tap into new markets. Mr Rao contacted Enterprise Connect for a Business Review to gain an outside perspective.

Enterprise Connect Business Adviser, Aleksandar Kovacevic, conduct a thorough review and provided detailed recommendations on how to take Luxmy Furniture to the next level.

“Alexsander did a very good analysis and identified key areas for improvement,” Mr Rao said. “This was very insightful and useful for us.”

Aleksandar recommended Luxmy Furniture apply for assistance through Enterprise Connect’s Tailored Advisory Service to help implement lean manufacturing principles and to ensure all staff undertake Competitive Manufacturing Certificate IV training.

“Change happens from the ground up, so the opportunity to train our staff has been a catalyst to transforming our manufacturing processes,” Mr Rao said.

Aleksander also identified that while Luxmy Furniture were developing great ideas for their clients, there were opportunities to develop their own range of products.

Following the review, Luxmy Furniture developed and launched evolvex.com.au, an environmentally certified flat pack furniture system.

Evolvex enables the consumer to completely customise the furniture to suit their tastes and needs via an online application. Aleksandar encouraged Luxmy Furniture to protect their

intellectual property and Luxmy now have a patent pending for their exclusive modular furniture solution.

“The Business Review recommendations were clearly defined achievable goals,” Mr Rao said.

“Aleksander gave us specific action points. The Business Review report has gone on to form our business plan for the next two years.”

In a cut throat industry constantly threatened by imports, Luxmy Furniture has grown steadily year on year and now services clients all over Australia and Asia. Luxmy Furniture was the first furniture manufacturer to achieve all major environmental certifications, including an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, and an Australian Forestry Standard Chain of Custody Certificate.

Enterprise Connect is an Australian Government initiative backed by industry that offers comprehensive advice and support to eligible Australian small and medium businesses to help them transform and reach their full potential.

For more information phone 131 791 or visit www.enterpiseconnect.gov.au

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45

• Q&A

Q&A with Baghous Ghabacher Manufacturing doesn’t get any sweeter Baghous Ghabacher has a role that any ice-cream lover would envy. Baghous is Unilever’s Senior R&D Manager for Ice-cream and is responsible for inventing and re-inventing ice-cream products for Australia and the Asian region. In this exclusive interview with Industry Update he provides some interesting insights into the food manufacturing industry …

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

It actually started with my father falling ill. I wanted to pursue a career in science so that I could make people better. After starting my degree at the University of NSW in November 1999, I decided I didn’t like medical subjects all that much and it wasn’t for me, so I chose to make the move into food science.

What does an average day involve?

My current role at Unilever is Senior R&D Manager for ice-cream, where I ultimately turn ideas into ice-cream products. My role involves managing a team of talented food technologists and engineers that invent and reinvent Australia’s favourite ice creams, such as great Streets products including Magnum, Paddle Pop and Cornetto.

There is no typical day … that’s what I love about it. Every day is different because every project is different.

Many would say you have the world’s best job – do you agree?

Well yes, it’s a pretty amazing job – making and tasting ice cream for a living is probably about as good as it gets.

I love having a job where I can lead a team and manage a process, and at the same time, use my creativity.

When did you taste your first ice cream?

I couldn’t tell you how old I was when I had my first ice-cream, as I have been

surrounded by it my whole life! We were very much an ice-cream family, and some of my fondest memories are of sitting around the table as a family, sharing stories of our day whilst enjoying our favorite ice-cream for dessert. Since then I’ve tasted tens of thousands.

How many new flavours have you developed?

Streets release new products every year, so over the last 10 years at Unilever, we would have invented over 100 new ice-creams. Even though we invent that many, not every single one makes it to market, as we check with consumers along the development process to ensure only our strongest ideas and most loved prototypes are launched.

industryupdate.com.au

challenge and one of my proudest achievements. This investment demonstrates the importance of the Australian market and is a testament to the quality of the work we do.

Who has been your greatest influence and why?

My family – the hard work ethic and the inspiration to be the best I can be comes from them. I have also been blessed to work for some of the most talented managers Unilever has, to guide me along my career journey.

On the world scale, how does Australia rate as ice cream consumers?

Australia is a nation of ice-cream lovers, consuming approximately 14 liters per capita per annum, which is the third highest in the world behind the US and New Zealand.

What has been the most exciting project you have worked on at Unilever?

One project I really enjoyed working on was the upgrade of our Ice-cream R&D facilities at our Minto site to provide world-class R&D capabilities for the team. We built new labs and a new pilot plant to allow us to prototype our innovations more efficiently, without disrupting the operating of the factory.

To see this operation through from start to finish was a very exciting undertaking.

What has been your greatest career challenge?

We have recently upgraded our facilities with a big investment, increasing the team at the same time. Managing this project from start to finish and training all the new staff, while keeping all product development work going, without dropping one ball, was a huge

What’s the best thing about your job?

I’ve always loved ice-cream cones growing up and I really am the kid running the candy store. Aside from being in a job that is aligned with my passion for ice-cream, I have loved building the team over the last few years and watching people grow. It also gives me great fulfillment to be in charge of

Vacuum Lifting Solutions designed for you 46

Baghous Ghabacher … ‘like a kid in a candy store’

creating and caring for some of the most nostalgic and iconic brands in Australia.

What’s the worst thing?

I do this job because I love it so it’s hard to pick a worst thing … My hours can be quite sporadic as I work with people from all around the globe to ensure that the Australian consumer needs are covered in everything we do, and to be part of the best practice in science and technology that a big company like Unilever can offer.

Do you have any special hobbies or interests?

Trying to be a good husband and a good Dad. I have a two and a half year old daughter and one on the way, so it’s really important for me to spend time with my family. I am also heavily involved in my local church – I co-ordinate a lot of events and sit on the financial committee. When I’m not doing one of these two things, I love sitting on the couch watching sport on TV. What does the future hold for ice cream manufacturers in Australia?

I see over time the category utilising more and more technology to provide healthier and higher quality products that exist on the market today.

Continuing to innovate and meeting up with the trends in technology and the retail landscape will be vital to any manufacturer’s success.

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PROFILE: DOORS â&#x20AC;˘

High-speed roll doors with a difference Sydney based DMF International, can supply and install Australia wide, high speed doors that utilise an insulated door panel, designed to offer temperature or sound insulation.

The door blade is constructed from aluminium, core filled with a PU foam, and can come in thicknesses from 40mm to 80mm depending on the model selected. This provides a temp insulation of 0.6 W/m2K or sound insulation of R=25.

Operating at up to 2m/sec depending on size, the Efaflex High Speed Spiral doors are hard to beat.

The door operates by rolling over a spiral design, enabling a very quiet rolling action, at turbo speed, with minimal wear.

With the ability to accommodate openings up to 8m high and 8m wide, and exposed to high wind, this door can suit a large variety of applications, such as warehouses, processing areas, distributions centres, and mining applications.

And with additional componentry, these doors can be configured to suit freezer applications.

Efaflex are a German manufacturer, leading the way globally with their design and technology of high speed roll doors.

As the exclusive Australian agent DMF provides first class service nationally.

Covering all the bases â&#x20AC;Ś Efaflex High Speed Spiral doors

DMF International Ph: 02 96365466 www.dmf.com.au

LOOK NO FURTHER www.dmf.com.au doors with intelligence BULK FLEXIBLE STRIP AND SHEET PVC VISIFLEX STRIP DOORS SWINGFLEX DOORS TRAFFIC DOORS AUTO BiFLEX DOORS RAPID AUTO ROLL DOORS HIGH SPEED EFAFLEX DOORS GRP SWING DOORS SPECIALISED CUSTOM DOORS

For over 40 years, DMF International Pty Ltd has been providing solutions to busy doorways, for protection of the operating environment.

The product range has grown from the humble PVC strip curtain, to the sophisticated high speed roll doors, that not only provide climate control, but also after hours security.

DMF manufacture most of their own products in Australia, and are proud to also be the exclusive and licensed agent for the Efaflex range of premium doors from Germany.

DMF can supply and install doors that can achieve an incredible 4 m/ sec operating speed, with highly sensitive safety sensors to ensure your personnel, and equipment, are protected.

With partners throughout Australia, installation and servicing is available in most areas. Whatever your budget, DMF has a solution, and so call us today.

DMF INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD 3/88 Magowar Rd, Girraween, Sydney, NSW, 2145 Ph 02 9636 5466 Fax 02 9688 1531

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Victoria enquiries Premier Plastics Pty Ltd ph 03 9357 8477 fax 03 9357 8938 www.premierplastics.com.au

Australian agents for

Sales and service throughout Australia, NZ and SE Asia industryupdate.com.au

47

• PROFILE: DOORS

Complete Range of High Performance Doors www.assaabloy.com

Albany invented the world’s first high speed fabric roll up door in 1968. We now have the largest range of High Performance Doors on the Global market with sales and service offices nationally in both Australia and New Zealand.

Assa Abloy Entrance Systems, No. 9 Mc Ilwraith Street, Wetherill Park 2164, Sydney, NSW Ph: 1300 666 232, Fx: (02) 9756 4340, sales.ads.au@albint.com, www.albanydoors.com

The global leader in door opening solutions

Keep it clean with Albany doors Albany Doors Systems, a division ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems, has released a new concept in a high-speed doors for the Clean Room environment.

Production in a controlled environment, such as a clean room environment, is a common practice in many industries.

This includes medical applications, pharmaceutical production, research, electronics production, semiconductor production and space flight.

All components used in clean rooms are subject to stringent requirements.

It is vital to keep productions stations clean in these areas.

Doors as components of clean room areas must prevent undesired air exchange and the uncontrolled entry of airborne particles. For these areas, Albany has expanded its product range with a new cleanroom door – RapidRoll Clean.

This is the first door that has been tested by the Fraunhofer Institute for cleanroom suitability.

Advantages include: • Fast opening and closing ensures very low air loss and minimize air

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exchange, resulting in a low filter burden and increased clean room cost-effectiveness • Well-suited to clean room isolation in accordance with DIN EN ISO 146441 Class 5.

• Provides high air-tightness and keeps the pressure drop through the closed door small • Smooth surface allows easy cleaning.

Integrated Control panel and Main Switch located in side frame • Design in accordance with GMP Class C • Integrated cable guide for a smooth overall surface • Contactless actuator (optional) enables fast, hygienic opening with a simple hand motion • Suitable for Clean Rooms with pressure differences up to 50Pa. Contact Albany ASSA ABLOY for further information.

Albany ASSA ABLOY 1300 666 232 www.albanydoors.com

High performance … new RapidRoll Clean doors from Albany

PROFILE: DOORS •

MTI DOORS: CLEARLY A WISE CHOICE MTI Qualos Pty Ltd, an Australianowned company now in its 67th year of operation, offers a range of transparent flexible swing doors for a variety of industrial and commercial applications including factories, food processing industries, hospitals, supermarkets and cool stores.

MTI Qualos is a pioneer in the industrial door market. It introduced and has been developing its “See-Thru” Door range over the past 36 years. The company are accredited by Australian Industries Group in Risk Management for Occupational Health and Safety.

MTI Flexible “See-Thru” swing doors are manufactured under licence to Sigerist of Switzerland and offer the most advanced design and features.

They are the market leaders in their field and have been awarded the Australian Design Council Selection Award.

The range of MTI Flexible “SeeThru” Strip Doors are an economical answer to various barrier problems including shops, factories, warehouses, food processing plants, meat works, cool rooms and freezer rooms.

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They are manufactured with a over-lap style to give more positive protection from dust and drafts and to provide solutions to temperature control problems. Being made from clear PVC, they offer an economic, hygienic and safe solution to any door opening.

MTI Qualos are also the Australian Agent for Seuster High Speed Doors, which are manufactured in Australia. In addition, MTI Qualos are also Australian Agents for Labex, Hörmann and DoorHan Industrial High Speed and Sectional Doors.

The average opening speed on the full range of MTI Doors is between 600mm – 2000mm per second.

Even under the most demanding round the clock use, the MTI Doors operates repeatedly without fail.

Outstanding customer service combined with innovation and high quality products has ensured MTI remains a leader in its field.

MTI Qualos Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 135 539 www.mtiqualos.com.au

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49

• FEATURE

Dematic dishes up supply chain insight for brekkie Leading material handling and logistics automation company Dematic conducted Insight breakfast seminars in Melbourne and Sydney late last year giving hundreds of logistics professionals a fascinating briefing on the productivity and online imperatives impacting the supply chain.

One of Australia’s leading strategic thinkers, Phil Ruthven, founder and Chairman of IBISWorld, delivered a riveting keynote address on critical factors affecting the global and Australian economy, with special emphasis on the supply chain …

The message from Phil Ruthven was loud and clear.

Australia is well-placed in an exciting and rapidly growing region, which will be bigger than the EU and USA economies by 2025.

We are at the beginning of an eight-and-a-half year growth cycle that will be driven by capital investment, and there is virtually no chance of a recession in Australia before 2018, said Mr Ruthven.

He illustrated how consumer power has transformed the supply chain from cost-plus in the mid-1960s through a production-oriented era to today’s revenueminus model. The rapid growth of Internet shopping is having a huge impact on traditional bricks and mortar

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retail. He forecast that online shopping would double from 4.5 per cent to 8.9 per cent of retailing in Australia by 2016, creating the need for significant supply chain transformation to cope with such a fundamental shift in consumer buying habits.

Pressures extend all the way up the supply chain to the primary sector and importers and, with virtually full employment, the availability of labour will hinder one of the supply chain’s perceived sources of flexibility.

Although the supply chain is already one of the better performing sectors, improving labour productivity by itself is simply not enough these days, said Mr Ruthven, and investment in Information Communications Technologies (ICT) and innovative automated solutions will be essential to increase productivity and maintain a competitive advantage.

The goods supply chain now accounts for 31 per cent of the Australian economy and one-third (32.6 per cent) of the nation’s jobs. Competition is fierce, but top supply chain operators are achieving world’s best practice profitability, he said.

Mr Ruthven concluded his presentation with some practical advice:

• Stick to one business at a time and do not diversify • Aim to dominate some segment(s) of your market • Be forever innovative, valuing the business’ IP • Outsource non-core activities to enable growth • Don’t own hard assets • Have good and professional financial management • Plan from the outside-in not the inside-out • Anticipate and be prepared to respond to any new industry lifecycle changes • Follow world best practice for your business • Develop strategic alliances • Encourage unique organisational cultures • Value leadership first and management second.

The key to supply chain success Glen Borg, Chief Executive Officer, Dematic presented an overview of the latest logistics technology and software developments to enable businesses to respond efficiently to rapidly changing consumer, market and industry demands.

Mr Borg said: “At Dematic, our mission is to help you optimise your staff, facilities and equipment as you move products and information through the supply chain, reducing your costs, improving service levels and providing a competitive advantage.”

FEATURE •

“The key,” he said, “is to deliver quality solutions that improve productivity, but are flexible, scalable and modular: the last three being vitally important for those involved in multi-channel and online retailing.”

“By flexibility I mean the ability to deal with on-going changes in SKU and order profile, by scalability I mean the ability to deal with peaks during the day and yearly seasonality, and, by modularity, I mean the ability to grow to meet future business demands,” said Mr Borg.

Meeting these challenges with conventional solutions is becoming harder, but you should never underestimate the opportunity to fine tune what you have, and improve productivity through better material-flow.

“Our solutions attack the waste within your operations, and we know from experience that the most significant waste in most DCs is the amount of time pickers spend travelling rather than picking. So it’s no surprise the most basic improvement ideas deal with reducing or eliminating travel altogether,” he said, citing examples such as carton and pallet live storage.

Techniques such as batch-picking reduces travel even further, while incorporating zone-skipping conveyors can deliver even higher productivity gains, he said.

Eliminating paper also improves flexibility, visibility and control of your DC. Voice and RF picking not only increase productivity, they improve management decision-making by making the necessary information available when and where it’s needed, enabling you to react quickly, he said.

Automation and innovation are two of the key imperatives that Australian businesses must address to deal with rising labour costs, labour shortages and workplace safety, added Mr Borg, detailing three new, innovative logistics solutions from Dematic.

“Dematic’s innovatve new solutions include our new Multishuttle buffer storage and sequencing system – the first of which is now operational at BIG W’s new Sydney DC, a new family of RapidPick ergonomic Goods-to-Person (GTP) picking stations which, by delivering the goods required for orders to the picker, eliminate travel altogether, and automated mixed-case palletising solutions for full-case order assembly.

Working smarter, not harder Unlike conventional ASRS, which typically use cranes to access stock, Dematic’s Multishuttle uses a fleet of self-propelled carts to retrieve and put goods away in an ultra space-efficient storage system, at very high

“The goods supply chain now accounts for 31 per cent of the Australian economy and one-third (32.6 per cent) of the nation’s jobs.” speeds. Lifts at the end of each aisle transfer goods in and out of the system via integrated conveyors.

Given that each Multishuttle is capable of performing at rates significantly faster than cranes –the productivity and throughput rates that can be achieved when tens or hundreds of Multishuttles are integrated within a single system are phenomenal.

Another significant advantage Multishuttle has over conventional ASRS is its ability to sequence workflow and do parallel processing, by handling multiple loads across multiple levels at the same time. To take full advantage of Multishuttle’s very high throughput rates, Dematic developed a new concept of high speed picking station, enabling operators to achieve previously unheard productivity rates of up to a thousand picks per hour.

Dematic RapidPick System configurations include one-to-one workstations where a single order tote and stock tote are presented to the operator. Oneto-multiple stations can also be used depending on requirements. In these applications a single stock tote is used to fulfil multiple orders at the same time.

Configurations may include any arrangement from 1:1 up to 1:24 or more, depending on order volumes, order profile and the type of products being handled.

With a design objective of working smarter, not harder, the RapidPick workstations include heightadjustable platforms and screens to optimise comfort, minimise fatigue and ensure sustained productivity.

Operators pick only in the “golden zone”, and do not need to move their hands above shoulder height or extend their arms beyond a comfortable reach.

Until recently, the only way to assemble a pallet containing many different SKUs was to do it manually.

And, unless mixed case pallets are carefully assembled by experienced personnel, the resulting stacks of goods may be unstable, risking product damage during transport and adding to transport costs by taking up more cubic space than necessary.

To provide high volume distributors with smarter, safer, more cost-efficient alternatives, Dematic has developed two innovative solutions – ErgoPall Ergonomic High Rate Palletising Stations and AMCAP (Automated Mixed Case Palletising).

Both systems employ a combination of automated storage, buffering and sequencing systems, advanced software and automated materials handling equipment, the main difference being that ErgoPall still uses people to build the pallets – but in an ergonomic way – while AMCAP uses sophisticated robotic palletisers.

ErgoPall Ergonomic High Rate Palletising Stations enable operators (one or two per station depending on the application) to ergonomically build mixed SKU pallets. The ErgoPall stations are built on a mezzanine with integrated conveyors delivering a constant flow of mixed cases to the operator, enabling the operator(s) to simply slide the sequenced cases into position on the pallet.

Until recently, automated palletisers have only been capable of handling a limited range of SKUs and packaging types, making them unsuitable for palletising mixed cases. However, new advances in software, product storage, buffering, sequencing and recognition systems, and high speed articulated robots with more versatile product gripping tools, have enabled the development of automated palletising systems capable of handling a diverse range of SKUs and packaging types including boxes of various sizes, cardboard trays, open or closed cartons, bagged goods and sacks.

Capable of building a higher, more dense and more stable pallet, with improvements in system speed, order accuracy and store-friendly flexibility, these extremely accurate, fast and reliable automated systems can handle thousands of SKUs. Dematic Pty Limited www.dematic.com.au Ph: 02 9486 5555

ENCLOSURE CABINET PRECISION COOLING Seifert mtm Systems Australia Pty Ltd A

105 Lewis Rd, Wantirna South, VIC 3152

E

info@seifertsystems.com.au

T F

+61 3 9801 1906 +61 3 9887 0845

...KEEP COOL!

Seifert mtm Systems - precision air conditioning for process control cabinet applications.

Designed to keep your electronics cool and operating at optimum performance.

Seifert air conditioning incorporates filter less technology. No need to change filter mats means less maintenance, and less down time. Cooling capacities range from 200watt to 2600watt. Seifert also offer heat exchangers, heaters and fan systems – complete thermal solutions.

www.seifertsystems.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

51

• AUSSIE MADE

Why manufacture in Australia – and how to survive

By David White, Director Advanced Robotic Technology (ART), Brisbane

The question of whether manufacturing has a future in Australia has been hotly debated for some time and media keeps publishing more bad news.

Ford Australia recently slashed production to about 33,000 cars a year and laid off 440 employees, which are tell-tale signs that it could soon be padlocking the doors of its plants permanently in Australia.

Ford Australia’s demise has long been forecast by some of the industry’s own companies and experts.

However, in spite of negative stories like this, there appears to be a trend developing in recent times to bring some manufacturing back to Australia.

As the cost of doing business rises in traditionally low-cost countries, particularly China, companies are rethinking their offshoring plans.

Admittedly, high labour costs and corporate taxes like the carbon tax are major deterrents to putting in new manufacturing plants or keeping manufacturing here.

Yet for some companies, the decision is made easier by the increasing costs of doing business halfway around the world. The realities behind those higher costs include rising wages in Asia as well as the extremely long supply chain and inventory pipeline. Some other issues prompting the swing back to manufacturing locally include the persistent issue of quality control and the lack of qualified personnel to oversee production in remote locations. The

“Australian manufacturers must focus on quality and service.That is where the real value is.”

problem of intellectual property theft, an ongoing problem in China also drives some companies back to Australia.

This country’s innovative capacity in the advanced manufacturing sector is also in strong demand in global supply chains within the high growth AsiaPacific region.

Australia’s capabilities tend to be focused on high technology, high

value-add, and high-skill manufacturing that uses advanced design, processes, materials and technologies.

Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) has always been – and will be – proud to be a 100 per cent Australian manufacturer with all our ART-brand products, including plasma cutters and routers, all manufactured to the highest standard with advanced design features

and latest CNC and automation technologies to make our customers more competitive.

ART, like many of Australia’s specialised automation and robotics system suppliers, is able to deliver innovative and efficient automation solutions for many processing, manufacturing, material handling, assembly and packaging requirements; which is what our industry needs to survive in the long run.

ART invests a lot of resources into developing new features and functionality into our products. Our machines have a lot of high-end features that are focused on productivity and versatility. Many of the functions that we have on our machines are simply unavailable on other machines. For example, we develop our software from front to back. Because our software developers work closely with our mechanical and electronics engineers, as well as our own in-house CNC operators, we have an extremely short development cycle time.

This also allows ART to respond to the needs of customers by developing processes to suit their needs. Australian manufactures need to keep ahead of the competition in order to prosper.

There is another important reason why Australian manufacturing will survive: Local support. As the market is being infused with cheaper imports, it is ever more vital that Australian manufacturers pull together to provide,

Now working with the

Industry Capability Network to maximise Australian content in major projects To find out more, or to register to use the Australian Made logo, visit www.australianmade.com.au or phone 1800 350 520

52

industryupdate.com.au

AUSSIE MADE •

not only world-class products, but also the necessary support structure that is lacking with many overseas products.

Australia is a long way from the rest of the world. While it is becoming increasingly popular to purchase technology over the Internet, many companies are left high and dry when something goes wrong.

ART encourages Australian manufacturers to focus on quality and service. That is where the real value is.

When customers invest in a machine or any manufactured product, they are not just buying a piece of hardware.

They are investing in the future of their business.

The critical component that sometimes is sadly overlooked is the backup and support that can be provided through a local manufacturer.

Even though Australian companies are starting to rethink their outsourcing strategies and ask if offshoring really makes sense in light of extremely complex

supply chains, quality, intellectual property issues, and higher costs of not only labour but of shipping goods, we still expect to see an increase in imported products due to the strong Australian dollar. This puts increasing pressure on Australian manufacturers to be more efficient.

The challenge is to increase productivity without compromising on the safety and quality of the product or the level of after sales support.

One of the major advantages we have over imported products is the ability to customise to the specific needs of the customer. Almost all of our products are custom-ordered, with sizes and accessories configured to the specific requirements of the customer. Our entire sales process is focused around the needs of the client. That is the only way we can be sure that they get the machine that they need.

In conclusion: Local manufacturing matters. Australian manufacturing

is important because of the strong connection between manufacturing and developing a knowledge-based economy. True we may no longer be as competitive as we used to be in textiles, garments and footwear or mass production given the competition from low-wage economies. But by embracing modern methods of manufacturing, particularly through the use of automation, local manufacturers will be able to boost productivity and help to balance out some of the inherent costs of manufacturing in our country.

We can bring manufacturing back into our country if we provide the right service and technology. *D avid White is Director of Advanced Robotic Technology (ART), Brisbane Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) Pty Ltd Ph: 07 3393 6555 www.advancedrobotic.com

About ART Based in Brisbane, Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) is a leading Australian manufacturer of CNC routers and plasma cutters.

Since 1997 all ART machines have been manufactured to the highest standards in a purposebuilt factory.

ART's range of CNC routers and plasma cutters are custombuilt to meet industry specific requirements.

Kockums helps Calix to reduce carbon footprint Calix Limited is an Australian minerals processing and carbon capture technology company.

This major Melbourne-based company is developing the nextgeneration minerals processing and carbon capture systems.

Leaders in Flash Calcination Technologies, Calix offers a new approach that provides significant benefits to customers and partners in industries as diverse as building & construction, agriculture and water and power.

As part of this process Calix is currently building a new state-of-theart calciner plant at Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, using its unique, proven and proprietary technology.

The CFC15000 Powder Handling Project, is expected to begin operations early this year.

To ensure a seamless production, Calix arranged for Kockums Bulk Systems to assist with the preliminary design of the powder handling needs on the new CFC15000 plant. This also included check calculations for the pneumatic conveying systems and a

review of the process design. This was a major challenge due to the elevated gas temperatures encountered.

Calix chose Kockums after previously buying their equipment for pneumatic conveying on their test plant.

Following the design review stage, Kockums were awarded the manufacture of the high temperature IBC handling systems and support structures.

With Kockums’ broad experience in powder handling systems, Calix was able to achieve an efficient, costeffective solution.

Kockums has supplied four IBC docking stations with hoppers on load cells, telescopic filling spouts, ten only 11/2 m3 IBC’s fitted with cone valves, and three pneumatic conveying systems components, including various diverter and rotary valves. Level detection, discharge aids and sampler systems were also included.

The IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) concept provides a re-usable container system for storage of bulk product in a sealed environment.

The IBC is transportable, and there are examples of going as far as carrying

Twin IBC discharge stations, No’s 3 & 4.

a group of IBC’s on a flat top truck from a manufacturing location to a packaging facility. This avoids the expense of silos and bulk tankers.

But generally IBC’s are utilised around plant, and are useful for isolating product runs, to enable individual sampling, and may be discharged fully, using a discharge station.

The IBC has a large cone valve internally which is raised by the probe driven by a bespoke design actuator on the discharge station. This process may be used for a fast dump of the contents, or as a metered feed system, in this case to pneumatic conveying lines.

The Calix IBC discharge stations are mounted on load cells to assist in the flow monitoring, and to warn when a discharge is complete.

IBC’s are able to handle a wide range of bulk materials, including raised moisture content and sticky products.

Automatic internal washing stations may be supplied and the vessels may be manufactured in plastic (more economical) or stainless steel, as in this instance.

Kockums Bulk Systems Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9457 8200 www.kockumsbulk.com.au

industryupdate.com.au

53

• MACHINERY, TOOLS AND METAL WORKING

Speed and quality … Electrox Scorpion Rapid IV with flexi open frame work station

A ‘must have’ product component is the label Make your mark with Electrox laser systems Everybody has a favourite joke about a can without a label and one of the commonplace causes of heartburn among manufacturers is the frequent loss of product labels or badges.

In many cases, the label has not become detached, but has been worn away by the product’s frequent use.

This causes a multitude of problems, not least for the end-user. How many workshop managers in industry have said: “Where can I get spares for a machine, device, or tool that does not have a manufacturer’s brand clearly visible throughout its working life?”

Similarly, many a housewife has wondered how to operate all the phases of a washing machine when the instructions have been rubbed away or faded to the point of being illegible.

Such failures damage the reputation of the manufacturer, and do not reflect well on its QA regime.

The answer is twofold, and a question of simple economics.

On one hand, some manufacturers throw money at the problem, and get outside suppliers to manufacture metal or plastic labels/badges, which then have to be applied with the help of a “no fail” adhesive.

On the other hand, manufacturers throughout Australia are increasingly recognising the effectiveness and long-term value of laser marking – up to 1,000 characters per second with phenomenal accuracy.

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industryupdate.com.au

A British company, Electrox, is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of laser marking systems, including fibre, CO2 and ultra-violet lasers for the marking of metals, plastics, glass, wood, and many other materials.

Based in Letchworth Garden City, the company has been supplying lasers for materials processing since the early 1970s, and was first to develop a commercial fast axial flow CO2 laser.

In 1986, Electrox was acquired by the 600 Group plc, the world-famous manufacturer of Colchester and Harrison lathes, further extending the sales and services available in Australia’s major cities.

In 1990, Electrox purchased the laser business of US based Cincinnati Milacron, and thus extended its technology base into Nd:YAG lasers.

There are now many companies in Australian industry that have switched to permanently marking their components and finished products by installing an Electrox laser system.

This year has seen a visit by the company’s top service engineer, Richard Walker, and he worked intensively with the technicians at 600 Machine Tools – the exclusive distributors in Australia – and some of the customers who have already switched from old-fashioned methods to an Electrox fibre system.

Among the companies visited was High Caliber Line of Dandenong, VIC, the Australian operation of a US

company, that manufactures a wide range of promotional and novelty products.

The company is the latest to purchase an Electrox Scorpion Rapide, a high-performance lasermarking system based on the latest optic-fibre technology.

“The Scorpion Rapide has extremely low operational costs” ‘Low cost, affordable turn-key marking system’ It is configured for high-speed, highresolution operations on a wide range of materials including metals and plastics.

Complete control of the laser beam parameters allows a wide range of marking finishes, and an in-built 4-axis control integrates into a stand-alone workstations or a complete automated production system.

The Laser specialist for 600 Machine Tools who was responsible for installation and commissioning, Peter Griffiths, said: “The Scorpion Rapide has extremely low operational costs and is virtually maintenance free. Frankly, it is easy to use with minimum training and set-up requirements.”

In September, Electrox was one of nearly 2000 exhibitors at the 2012 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

The company demonstrated its Raptor laser marking system integrated into a new DBox workstation.

This combination attracted legions of the 100,000+ visitors to the show because, according to the sales director of Electrox, Peter Ramsden: “it provides a low cost, affordable turn-key marking system for companies investing in laser marking equipment for the first time.”

Following this latest success in North America, automotive manufacturers and suppliers keen to explore the benefits of low-cost laser marking are being invited to visit the Electrox stand at the 2013 Autosport International exhibition, in the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in January.

The company will be showcasing the Raptor and D-Box system at a price of less than £14,000, making it the lowest cost galvo-based scanning system available in the UK market.

The Raptor features a YAG wavelength laser, which offers a fast and efficient marking method for metals and hard plastics. It can permanently mark 1,000 characters per second with an accuracy of five microns, and works by changing the colour of the substrate meaning marks won’t come off in even the most demanding of conditions.

This is complemented by the heavyduty steel D-Box Workstation, which can be programmed and controlled directly from a standard PC or laptop using the Windows operating system.

This ensures a flexible and accurate configuration that is easy and safe to use.

Sales director of Electrox, Peter Ramsden, said: “Autosport manufacturers need to guarantee traceability, meaning that they need to permanently mark metals and plastics quickly and accurately. The Raptor and D-Box have been specifically designed to offer the speed and quality they need – and all for a price they can afford.”

Managing director of 600 Machine Tools, Sydney-based Cliff Purser, said: “Given the programming flexibility, accuracy, and high throughput of these laser marking systems, it is easy to see why they are so attractive to Australian manufacturing companies.

“Despite harnessing high technology, these machines are easy to program and operate, and are noted for their reliability.

“The team at 600 Machine Tools can arrange demonstrations, and are available to help in selecting the right machine for the type of tasks envisaged, anywhere in Australia.”

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

MACHINERY, TOOLS AND METAL WORKING •

Fixed cable and hose holder from Swift

GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Industrial transmittion products Expert advice, fast delivery Gear cutting, Gear grinding, CNC turning, CNC milling, Design, Slotting, Assembly, Fabrication

Australian owned and operated, Swift Metal Services has expanded its range of cable and hose brackets to include a fixed Cable and Hose Holder.

Swift Metal Services identified a need to suspend larger diameter (and heavier) hoses, cable and pneumatic lines after working with site managers and project cocoordinators at large infrastructure and construction companies, building sites, energy infrastructure, mines and machinery workshops.

The end result is the Swift Retainer Bracket, which has an innovative design allowing for multiple mounting positions including hooked or bolted configurations.

Designed primarily for the power and energy industries, Swift Cable Brackets can be used across a broad spectrum of applications and industries.

They are ideal for any application requiring hooks or brackets to lift cables, power leads or hoses in walkways or traffic areas.

Swift, a second generation specialist component and bracket manufacturer, produces a large variety of brackets, hooks and retainer brackets for hoses, cables and pneumatic lines. They can manufacture custom retainer brackets to suit any size hose or cable. Typical sizes hold up to 50mm cables with custom designs available.

Swift Cable Hooks and Hose Holders are available in powdercoated, 304 Stainless Steel, or hot dip galvanized finishes.

Contact Swift to arrange a free appointment with a consultant.

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

12 Camira Street, Regency Park, South Australia, 5010 sales@hercus.com.au

www.hercus.com.au

p: 08 8346 5522

f: 08 8346 5811

Mega Bench for tough jobs If you’re seeking a robust, safe workbench that suits your workplace requirements – then look no further.

The WERKS Mega Bench from Backsafe Australia has been designed and engineered in Australia to cope with heavy industrial and commercial applications.

The Mega Bench has an extraordinary high capacity of 6000kg, to suit the most demanding applications.

The Mega Bench is ideal for mining, defence, engineering, workshops, hospitality, hospitalsand

Health Departments, Food Manufacturing, Retail, Warehousing and Distribution Centres, Universities and Colleges.

Backsafe Australia has a large range of configuration options enabling you to design, mix and match or add to your own system for the ultimate storage solution.

Backsafe Australia Ph: 1300 305 314 www.backsafeaustralia.com.au/ werkscabinets

RESHAPING EFFICIENCY

Wet or 100% Dry Cutting Table

The PCS BHB is the ultimate machine No other machine on the market offers a solution with as much emphasis on brute force, rigidity and capability.

High Speed Drilling / Tapping / Boring / Countersinking Gas cutting / Plasma cutting Plasma & Gas Beveling Pipe Cutting / Ink Jet Printing / Pin Marking Rated Power 60HP Max Beam Width 10 Meters Spindle Max Torque Up to 1890Nm Max Speed 5000rpm

Partners

Through Tool Coolant or MQL (Oil Mist) Tool Holder BT50/DIN50/CAT50 24 Pot Automatic Tool Changer Extensive range of plasma and gas cutting options

+61 3 9305 2555

www.profilecuttingsystems.com

industryupdate.com.au

55

• MACHINERY, TOOLS AND METAL WORKING

SAWING PRODUCTS

EXCISION STANDS FOR DEPENDABILITY WHAT’S NEW FROM DoALL AND PERFORMANCE 400A

Working with precision industrial SAW FULLY AUTOMATIC machines, and tools significantly Capacityblades at 90� H x 16" W enhances aRectangle businesses’ ability to9" 10-3/4" Round produce top quality results.

Smallest Diameter 3/8” Excision a wholesaler of premium Automaticis Index Single 24” industrial equipment and consumables, Minimum 3/16” supplying a large network of distributors Minimum Butt End 6-1/2” across Australia and beyond. 1” x 158” Band Saw Blade Since its establishment some50-400 20 years Band Speed fpm ago Excision for Band Tensionhas gained a reputation 30,000 psi high Band quality, Drive high performance products 3-hp and outstanding customer service.

Index System 1/2-hp ItsCoolant product Pump line includes magnetic 1/15-hp based drills, bandsaw blades, coldsaw blades, bandsaw machines, coldsaw machines, geared head drills, belt driven drills, laser level systems, core drills, holesaws and more.

Unfortunately some operators expect first rate results from second rate equipment.

Blades, cutters and other consumables are often a case in point.

To the average eye, one looks as good

Intr as another yet can be worlds apart when odu Top quality performance products … it comes to performance.

Pric ctorExcision’s y Melbourne headquarters e (230 x 406 mm) * $1 It takes dependable precision tools (273 mm) 5,9 95 and machinery to create quality precision N (10 mm) scr ew to u e c e products. It’s about accuracy, durability, h n c ont rol!

(610 mm) return on investment from and maximum (5 mm) equipment that produces precision (165 mm) products to the standards Excision’s (27 x 4,015 mm) distributors and end-users expect. Better (15-120 mpm) quality (207 machinery and consumables mpa) translate into more cost-effective (2.25kW) operations.

And when Excision’s customers (.375kW) deal with them, they receive the (.05kW) finest technical support and industrial experience to maximise their output.

It stands to reason – better tools increase productivity, improve profit 400S margins and drive your dollar further.

They source their raw material from operated. Its team strives to respond SWIVEL SAW Excision is a supplier of high quality, leading international manufacturers quickly to every request with fast and Capacity at 90� Rectangle 10" H x 16"additional W (255 x 406 mm) high performance bandsaw blades, and value-add through efficient solutions, every time.

Round 10-3/4" (273 mm) whose distributors supply a large manufacturing at their purpose-built Capacity at 45� network of metal working fabricators, factory.

Excision Rectangle 10" H x 10-3/4" W (255 x 273 mm) Round Excision is a third 10-3/4" (273 mm) Ph: 1800 633 448 engineers and other industry markets generation Recommendedbusiness, Band Type fully Australian-owned 1" x .035" throughout Australasia. and(25 x .90 mm)www.excision.com.au Band Length

158" max.

(4,013 mm max.)

Band Drive

2-hp

(1.5kW)

Band Speed

Variable, 105 to 275 fpm

(32 to 84 mpm)

New Product 500DS Mitre Cutting Saw Coolant System

y tor duc o r e* Int Pric 95 9 , $7

Wheels

Band Tension Feed Control

6 gal

(22 l)

14.5" dia., cast iron

(368 mm)

30,000 psi

(207 mpa)

Infinitely variable, Hydraulic control, Spring balanced head

•500DS Ideal for structural materials!

DOUBLE SWIVEL MITER CUTTING SAW Capacity at 90� Rectangle Round

14" high x 20" wide 15" rounds

(355 x 508 mm) (381 mm)

Capacity at 45� Rectangle Round

14" high x 14" wide 15" rounds

(355 x 355 mm) (381 mm)

Capacity at 60� Rectangle Round

14" high x 10" wide 10" rounds

(355 x 254 mm) (254 mm)

1-1/4" x .042"

(34 x 1.1 mm)

Recommended Band Type Band Length

197" max.

(5,003 mm)

Band Speed

50-400 fpm

(15-122 mpm)

Band Tension

Spring Loaded by Handwheel

Band Drive Motor

5-hp

Hydraulic System Capacity

3 Gal.

(11.4 l)

1 1/2-hp

(1.11 kW)

20" diameter cast iron

(508 mm)

Hydraulic Motor Wheels Feed Control

(3.75 kW)

Adjustable feed rate and feed force

Head

Counter Balanced

Vise

Hydraulic Full Height & Stroke

Distributors: Newcastle: Adelaide: Mackay: Brisbane: Perth: Melbourne: Wollongong:

H E Dingle Pty Ltd Ph. 02 4969 1988 Q-Saw Services Pty Ltd Ph. 08 8341 1788 Wallers Precision Tooling Ph. 07 4952 3336 Alkem Industrial supplies Ph. 07 3356 1919 Carbide Tool Industries Ph. 08 9345 3499 Carb-i-tool Ph. 03 9555 2966 SEPOL Products Ph. 02 4272 3347

Intr

odu Pric ctory e $1 6,9 * 95

*Limited time only. Prices Subject to change.

Mitre Saw

• Max Capacity at 90 Degrees • 355 x 508 mmViseRectangles • 381 mmManual Rounds

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

56

industryupdate.com.au

AWARD WINNING

GRIP PRECISION VICES SAFEWAY Precision Vices are manufactured with precision ground surfaces, and flame hardened beds to ensure delivery of accuracy. Manufactured from ductile cast iron. The “V" on the end of the model number denotes that the vices have tolerance all over and can be used as matched pairs. The patented semi sphere design produces 1kg of down force for every 2kg of clamping force, eliminating jaw lift.

MODEL

SIZE

JAW OPENING

PRICE

DV-100

100mm

100mm

$

DV-130

130mm

110mm

$

115mm

$

DV PRECISION DRILL PRESS VICES: • Heavy duty high precision drill press vice with lock down jaw mechanism • High tensile ductile iron • Step jaw plates are hardened & precision ground

DV-160

160mm

160

(V141)

190

(V142)

220

(V143)

(DV-160)

PHV MECHANICAL / HYDRAULIC MACHINE VICES: • Large clamping range • Can be used in hydraulic or mechanical mode • Suitable for milling machines

PHV-130 PHV-160 PHV-200

130mm 160mm 200mm

800

(V330)

900

(V332)

1,650

(V334)

2,900

(V336)

1,190

(V320)

1,090

(V321)

1,590

(V321D)

1,350

(V322)

1,950

(V3225)

1,850

(V323)

2,150

(V3235)

225mm

$

310mm

$

310mm

$

PHV-250

250mm

345mm

$

CHV-100V

100mm

125mm

$

180mm

$

180mm

$

(PHV-130)

CHV COMPACT HYDRALIC VICES: • Compact design makes this vice suitable for vertical machining centres & milling machines • Chip covers preserves the lead screw • The ‘D’ series has a right angle drive where space is at a premium

CHV-130V CHV-130V-D

130mm 130mm

CHV-160V

160mm

240mm

$

CHV-160V-D

160mm

240mm

$

280mm

$

280mm

$

CHV-200V CHV-200V-D

200mm 200mm

(CHV-160V-D)

(CHV-160V)

DAV DOUBLE LOCK VICES: • Suitable for production work where multiple components can be machined into one operation • Adjustments allow for two same sized parts or can be adjusted to accommodate a larger & smaller component at the same time

DAV-130V DAV-160V DAV-200V

130mm 160mm 200mm

1,380

(V352)

1,690

(V353)

2,050

(V354)

85mm

$

100mm

$

150mm

$

(DAV-160V)

PQV PNEUMATIC PRODUCTION VICES: • Suitable for repetitious production work where speed is essential • After setting the moveable jaw, travels only 4mm between opening & closing

PQV-130V PQV-160V PQV-200V

1,490

(V341)

1,600

(V342)

2,050

(V343)

1,990

(V356)

2,450

(V3565)

140mm

$

150mm

$

200mm

200mm

$

160 x 300mm

130mm

$

350mm

$

130mm 160mm

(PQV-130V)

VHV COMPACT HYDRAULIC MACHINE VICES: • Compact hydraulic vice with removable jaws • Soft jaws available for pre-machining to suit specific component shapes

VHV-160V VHV-200V

200 x 350mm

(VHV-160V)

COMPACT POWER MACHINE VICES: • Compact power vice with pre-set clamping force indicated by graduations to show instantly the figure of clamping force • Soft jaws available for pre-machining to suit specific component shapes • Available in ‘L’ series for larger openings from 400mm - 1176mm

VQV-160V

160 x 300mm

1,990

(V357)

2,550

(V358)

1,450

(V3221)

2,550

(V360)

300mm

$

VQV-200V

200 x 350mm

350mm

$

CQV-160V

160 x 300mm

240mm

$

VCV-160V-L

160 x 400mm

400mm

$

(VQV-160V)

“Australian Agent”

SYDNEY (02) 9890 9111

BRISBANE (07) 3274 4222

MELBOURNE (03) 9212 4422

PERTH (08) 9373 9999

Unit 1/2 Windsor Rd, Northmead NSW

626 Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains QLD

1 Fowler Rd, Dandenong VIC

41-43 Abernethy Rd, Belmont WA

www.machineryhouse.com.au

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Price and specifications are subject to change without notice. Price excludes GST. Valid until 31-03-13

industryupdate.com.au

57

• MACHINERY, TOOLS AND METAL WORKING

Austech 2013 : Latest machine tools on show Australia’s production technology providers will present the latest machine tools, precision tools, sheetmetal technology and automation equipment at Austech 2013.

To be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 7-10, Austech 2013 will once again be held in conjunction with National Manufacturing Week.

Organisers AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited) say Austech 2013 offers an ideal platform to support the growth and performance of Australia’s advanced manufacturing industry.

“While we may no longer be competitive in mass production given the competition from low-wage economies, we can be competitive in development and design, smart ideas and high-tech products,” says Exhibition Director and AMTIL CEO Shane Infanti.

“The last Austech exhibition in Sydney has shown that show attendees weren’t just window shopping but were looking for exactly those products and smart manufacturing techniques – and they were ready to buy.”

More than 50 per cent of visitors to the 2012 Austech exhibition reported to have found a particular product or solution to a manufacturing problem, and 36

per cent say that they have made a purchase as a result of visiting the show.

Together with NMW, Austech attracts more than 450 exhibitors and over 10,000 visitors every year, 90 per cent of which are decision makers with purchasing authority.

“The statistics show that local manufacturers still invest in new processes and technologies to maintain competitiveness,” says Mr Infanti. “They need to think long term or face an uphill struggle to succeed.”

While nearly everyone came to see new products and get up to date with new technology, every third visitor regularly attends the show to network and make new business contacts. Last year, nearly 64 per cent of tradeshow visitors report to have been successful in making new business contacts, which is vital in order to remain competitive today; Often, the difference between a successful and struggling business is by how diverse of a network they have.

“Tradeshows like Austech and NMW offer prime opportunities for networking, and generating new contacts while spreading the word about your business,” says Exhibition Manager Kim Warren. “Tradeshows can create connections that can potentially further your endeavours down the road by leaps and bounds.”

Thousands of industrial decision-makers have once again attended the last Austech exhibition in Sydney to get ideas and find ways to cut costs and get more work. More than 40 per cent of visitors reported that they attend Australia’s premier machine tool and manufacturing exhibition regularly, while networking to connect with current and prospective customers was once again a prime reason to head into the exhibition centre for at least a day or two.

Even with the optimism experienced at Austech 2012, investing can be a risky undertaking. The risks can be significantly reduced, though, if manufacturers carefully think projects through and surround themselves with suppliers they really trust and that want to establish long-term partnerships for providing additional help and guidance, Mr Infanti emphasises. “It is important to preserve and assist our manufacturers.”

Austech 2013 will once again offer great networking opportunities for local and international manufacturers, in line with AMTIL’s motto: Connect – Inform – Grow.

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

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30/08/2011 5:25:30 PM

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MACHINERY, TOOLS AND METAL WORKING •

ABB supports young QLD engineers

BOLD NEW LOOK FOR FLEXOVIT

ABB, a leader in automation technology, has announced a fiveyear sponsorship agreement with the University of Queensland valued at an estimated $500,000.

Under the agreement, students of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology will have access to the ABB Mechatronics Teaching Laboratory, which is complete with ABB’s System 800xA control system, IRB 120 industrial robot and drives packages.

The university will run courses each year with ABB guest lecturers, giving a minimum of 120 students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with ABB’s productivity enhancing and field-proven System 800xA and automation equipment in areas such as Control Engineering, Mine Ventilation and Mine Management.

One of the two ABB drives packages consists of an ACS800 variable speed drives (VSD) and AC motors. Another combines ABB’s DCS800 VSD with a Baldor DC motor and gives students exposure to the energy efficiency capabilities of these devices and knowledge in how they can be applied to reduce energy consumption across a variety of mining applications.

In addition to the on-site equipment, ABB will provide undergraduate scholarships for low socio-economic or indigenous students.

ABB will award a minimum of one three-year scholarship annually, which will give these students the opportunity to complete their

Flexovit from Saint-Gobain Abrasives, is getting a new label, designed for easier wheel selection and safer use.

Customers choose a wheel based on three main criteria – size, application (cutting or grinding) and material such as steel or masonry.

The new label has supersized all these requirements with bold colour coded graphics for easy wheel selection.

The yellow label also assists with visibility when used in a cutting or grinding application, facilitating better distinction between material and wheel. All this makes Flexovit safer to use.

higher learning at the University of Queensland.

ABB country manager Axel Kuhr said: “ABB is excited about the future of engineering in Australia. We see the opportunity to work closely with the UQ as rewarding for both the students and ABB.” Mr Kuhr said ABB would also sponsor a number of full-time Research Higher Degree students with scholarships as well as offering paid internships over the lifetime of the sponsorship.

Executive Director of Mining Education Australia, and UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Professor Peter Knights, said the association with ABB allowed UQ to collaborate with a world leader in power and automation technologies. “The equipment donation to the laboratory will enable students to gain hands on experience related to the design, construction and testing of their innovations,” Prof. Knights said.

It is vital for Queensland’s resources sector to have new engineers graduate with the most up-to-date skills.

ABB provides lifecycle services to a number of major resources clients in Queensland and interns could expect to work on essential solutions such as mine hoists, conveyor systems, control and electrification systems, and specialty engineering projects.

ABB’s other core offerings include electric motor refurbishment and the sale of high, medium and low voltage products.

ABB Australia Pty Limited Ph: 1300 782 527 www.au.abb.com

KETEC

R

Precision Tooling at Affordable Prices

What has not changed is the specification and high performance that customers expect from Flexovit.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives Pty Ltd Ph: 03 9358 6157 www.saint-gobain.com

Lifting steel sheets has never been Easier A budget lightweight lifting magnet system for large, thin steel sheet is now available from Serpent and Dove – Applied Magnetics. The Tecnomagnete Easy-Lift magnetic lifter is designed for uses such as loading thin steel sheet onto cutting tables.

The Tecnomagnete Easylift 600 lifter employs six permanent-electro lifting magnet modules, requires no battery

back-up and being self-contained, can be easily transferred from one crane to another.

The Easylift magnet array comes with wireless control and a safety system to prevent de-activation during a lift.

The permanent-electro lifting magnets are exceptionally energyefficient using power only for the activate and de-activate functions.

Easylift is suitable for sheets from 1.6mm to 16mm thick and up to 3m long. Tecnomagnete has lifting magnet systems to suit all applications and is represented in Australia by Serpent and Dove – Applied Magnetics Pty Ltd. Serpent and Dove Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9971 7577 www.serpent-dove.com

Thick Turret Thick Turret ABS Salvagnini

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Trumpf Murata Wiedemann Tel: 03 9768 3745, Fax: 03 9768 3765 Email: info@punchtech.com.au

www.punchtech.com.au

Thin Turret (Strippit)

industryupdate.com.au

59

• MACHINERY, TOOLS AND METAL WORKING

ANCA wins major Export Award ANCA, a manufacturer of high quality CNC tool and cutter grinders, won the Large Advanced Manufacturer award at the 50th Australian Export Awards earlier this year. This is the second time ANCA has won the award, having been successful in 1995.

Austrade State Director for Tasmania and Victoria, Margaret Bounader, said at the award presentation at Parliament House, Canberra: “ANCA is an outstanding example of successful, export-focussed manufacturing.

“ANCA exports 98 per cent of its products and has built its reputation through innovation and a commitment to research and development.”

ANCA released a number of quality new products this year, including the MX5 tool grinder.

Established in 1974, ANCA employs more than hundred engineers.

Automatic high speed metal pressing

The Melbourne-based company has a global network of overseas offices and agents.

ANCA supplies to industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics and tool manufacturers. Customers include companies such as Boeing, General Electric, Sandvik, Rolls Royce and Johnson and Johnson.

ANCA director Pat Boland said: “We were pleased to receive the award as it is recognition for the dedication of our employees.

ANCA staff are very passionate about our products and helping our customers.”

ANCA achieved a 19 per cent increase in export sales during 2011/12 and has been significantly increasing the number of employees over recent years.

Australian owned pressed metal components manufacturer Swift Metal Services has expanded its range of automated metal pressing machinery to facilitate faster, more competitive production runs of small metal components and pressed parts.

With metal pressing speeds of up to 100 press parts per minute, Swift Metal Services cutting edge technology high speed press incorporate a servo-feeder and straightner/decoiler and is capable of 500mm per second material feed.

The four-stage pressed metal fan (pictured), is processed through Swift Metal Services metal pressing machines, for an Australian pump manufacturer.

Swift Metal pressing machines can utilize copper, galvanised, stainless steel and phosphor bronze coil.

Components are pressed and formed

with greater accuracy, maintaining higher quality, whilst being comparative pricewise with imports.

With Swift’s expanded metal stamping and steel forming capabilities lead times are reduced significantly, resulting in lower inventory of stock items.

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

Fresh thinking in machining and laser marking solutions FANUC ROBODRILL

ELECTROX Laser Marking

Intelligent high speed CNC milling and drilling.

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

ALPHA CNC Lathes

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

COLCHESTER Manual Lathes

Full range with models including CSS DRO.

Sydney

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

Sole

60

agents

Melbourne

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

Brisbane

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

West Australia

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

YCM Range

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

South Australia

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

Electrox Victoria

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

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industryupdate.com.au

MACHINERY, TOOLS AND METAL WORKING •

AMTIL appoints new president Paul Fowler, a director of Dimac Tooling, has been appointed president of The Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL).

With its headquarters in Melbourne, AMTIL is a national body representing the interests of manufacturing technology suppliers and users within the precision engineering and advanced manufacturing sector.

Mr Fowler will be responsible for strategically leading AMTIL’s operational initiatives in developing and expanding new and existing projects aimed at improving the performance and output of Australia’s advanced manufacturing industry.

Together with CEO Shane Infanti and the AMTIL Board, Mr Fowler will lead the Institute’s continuing efforts to provide services around education and training, innovation and market access for Australia’s manufacturing businesses.

“It is important that we continue to provide services around education and training, innovation and market access,” Mr Fowler says. “Having the right skill set and the right technology builds capability which, when presented with opportunity, builds businesses.”

Mr Fowler boasts an impressive track record, serving more than 8 years as Director at Australia’s leading supplier of accessories and workholding solutions Dimac Tooling in Victoria. He has been a member of the AMTIL Board since 2008 and succeeds Pat Boland, cofounder and Director of CNC tool and cutter grinder manufacturer ANCA Pty Ltd. Established in 1999, the notfor-profit organisation is the voice of the advanced precision manufacturing sector, and the number of services on offer is continually expanding.

Mr Fowler takes over the reins of the manufacturing association at a time when a growing number of companies in Australia get ready to get involved in major international projects and are gearing up to face competition from not only Asia, but also Europe and the US. “The AMTIL Board will direct much of their focus to developing a more strategic and longer-term view towards the changing landscape within the precision manufacturing sector,” says Mr Fowler. www.amtil.com.au

Customize Your Machine Framing to Your Needs with 80/20 Sydney-based 8020 Australia specialises in T-Slot aluminium extrusion, offering an endless list of applications, that can be innovatively tailored to any industry or application required, including ‘out of the box’ solutions to benefit your imagination and creativity.

8020 Australia are aware of all machine frame requirements, and so provide solutions involving anything from casters, floor mounts to colourcoded accessories and customised mounting plates to provide both standard and custom machine frames to suit any purpose. 8020 Australia machine frames also feature a two-degree drop lock, which, when engaged, renders frames and fasteners

vibration proof, for any sensitive applications. The drop lock is used in conjunction with casters for mobility purposes, which can lock equipment in a required location.

Additionally, the nature of T-slot aluminium extrusion inherently provides the possibility of mounting and positioning any machine with more precision than any previous design. The T-slot of the profile further allows the machine to be quickly removed for maintenance or for additional components to be utilised.

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

industryupdate.com.au

61

• PRODUCT NEWS

A world of cable carrier options

TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP cable carriers: • Full range of options to suit your requirements –plastic, steel and combined hybrid materials • Available in 1 mm width increments • Over 100.000 variants in steel and plastic material • Standard widths from 6 mm to 2.500 mm • Weights from 0.13 kg – 600 kg per meter • From single chain link to harnessed assemblies ready for installation

TURCK unveils new connectivity portfolio TURCK has added its own connectivity portfolio to its range of products. The new product lines, TXL and TEL, are available with angled or straight M8 or M12 connectors.

With different combinations of 3-, 4- or 5-pin female and male connectors and cable lengths from 30 cm up to 10 m, users will find the right cordset for their application.

The connection and extension cordsets of the TXL line combine the different requirements that previously had to be reserved for special cables in a single series.

The cables are jacketed in specially abrasion resistant polyurethane (PUR). TXL cables are halogen and

silicon free and are nevertheless flame retardant, weld-splatter resistant, particularly suitable for trailing cables, and resistant to oil and chemicals.

TURCK is offering the TEL series for price-sensitive machines and plants with standard requirements.

The PVC cables of the TEL series are resistant to acids and alkalis, as well as being flame retardant and cULus and RoHS approved. TXL and TEL are the first product lines of TURCK's connectivity program, which will be expanded continuously.

TURCK Australia Ph: 1300 132566 www.turck.com.au

Tsubaki Australia Pty. Limited NSydney M WH P _ A D . p Melbourne df Pa ge

02 9704 2500 03 9215 2888 Email: sales@tsubaki.com.au

1

Brisbane 2 4 / 0 1 / 1 3 , Perth 4 : 1 2 PM 07 3273 0600 08 6254 0000 Web: www.tsubaki.com.au

Register to visit >> nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au

Making Manufacturing • Explore the latest in manufacturing innovation • Enhance efficiency and boost productivity

• Exchange ideas on critical industry issues • Network and do business face-to-face

12 dedicated product zones. Over 300 exhibitors.

New Sustainable Manufacturing zone.

MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

62

industryupdate.com.au

7-10 MAY 2013

new release!

PRODUCT NEWS •

Another strong year for Lencrow and Ausa Lencrow is still growing its share of Ausa sales in Australia with orders increasing 40 per cent in 2012.

The majority of the sales have been with the masted all terrain forklifts.

Ausa has focused on improvements in this range with the option of Full Grip transmission in many models.

This system allows the transmission to operate in 2WD most of the time and selecting 4WD when required.

Offering better manoeuvrability and reducing rear tyre wear by 50 per cent and still offering the same performance in off road conditions.

Ausa also this year released the latest in their Taurulift Range the T307 a telescopic handler with a capacity of 3000kg and lift heights to 7000mm.

This range now offers six different models with capacities from 1300kg through to 3000kg.

The complete range is powered by the Kubota diesels for smooth and reliable operation.

Lencrow’s Managing director Ross Grassick says: “Lencrow has been impressed by the attention to detail that Ausa puts into the units they manufacture. We have added a

number of these units to our own hire fleet this year due to the reliability and operator acceptance. I can only see this number increasing in 2013 with the new enquiries over the last quarter.”

All the units imported by Lencrow conform to Australian Standards and their standard build includes full road lighting and safety features required.

The units in the masted range are offered with side shift to improve the efficiency and better driver control.

“As with all products that Lencrow sell they are backed up with parts and trained technicians this keeps Ausa units in optimum operational condition,” says Mr Grassick.

“Lencrow’s Ausa parts distribution centre located in Melbourne has an extensive range of the parts that you may require. This is backed up with regional parts distribution in both Sydney and Brisbane. We also have electronic access to the Ausa web site offering 24 hour parts and technical assistance.”

310

the future of stretch wrap technology...

The new Excell 310 comes with: - New Design - Extra Wrapping Cycles - Safety Crush Prevention Device - Service Alarm Cycle Counter - Photo Eye Sensor - PLC Controlled - Friction Brake (Variable Tension Control)

C

M

Y

Lencrow Group Ph: 1300 536 276 www.lencrow.com.au

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Tsubaki launches new GT4 Winner BS/DIN roller chain Tsubaki Australia is proud to announce the introduction of the GT4 Winner BS/DIN series roller chain into the Australian & New Zealand markets.

GT4 Winner is a fourthgeneration BS/DIN roller chain designed for reduced wear and elongation resulting in extended service life. The chain incorporates four key improvements: 1. Seamless bush with grooves on the inner surface which act as a lubricant reservoir.

2. Extruded bush with precise cylindrical profile and surface finish result in optimal surface contact between the pin and bush.

3. Centre-sink rivet head allows for easy disassembly of chain.

4. Ring Coined connecting link allows chain to be specified up to full kW ratings.

Available in sizes 06B to 48B and in simplex, duplex and triplex variants.

Tsubaki Australia Pty Limited Ph: 02 9704 2500 www.tsubaki.com.au

Designed by engineers from Melbourne’s Integrated Machinery, a member of the Integrated Packaging Group...

Our newly launched series of semi-automatic Excell stretch wrapping machines deliver greater value, higher quality and more features at no extra cost.

320

the future of stretch wrap technology...

The new Excell 320 comes with: - New touch panel screen - Extra wrapping cycles - Safety Crush Prevention Device - Service Alarm Cycle Counter - Photo Eye Sensor - PLC Control - Easy Load Powered Pre-Stretch Unit ... and many more features only found on machines twice the price!

Scan to visit our website:

quality.service.value For service & parts enquiries:

INTEGRATED MACHINERY

T: 1800 079 727 www.imaust.com.au

For sales & rental enquiries:

INTEGRATED PACKAGING

T: 1300 479 727 www.ipstretch.com industryupdate.com.au

63

CORNER BUMPERS AND LEG BUFFERS FOR TROLLEYS

CORNER BUMPER

LEG BUFFER

• NON MARKING POLYURETHANE

• NON MARKING CONSTRUCTION

• INTERNAL STEEL SUPPORT

• SHOCK 7 IMPACT ABSORBING

• FOUR 6mm MOUNTING HOLES

• 94mm OD X 10-15mm THICK

• 80mm x 80mm INTERNAL

• SUITES 22mm, 25mm, 32mm ROUND & 25mm SQUARE TUBE

Available through distributors Australia-wide

Ph: 07 5593 4718

E: sales@qhdc.com.au

Three good reasons to choose TURCK technology TURCK has introduced the first fieldbus gateways and block I/O modules that communicate with Profinet IO, Modbus TCP or Ethernet/IP. The multiprotocol devices can be operated automatically in each of the three Ethernet systems.

The new multiprotocol solutions help users of several different Ethernet protocols to effectively reduce the range of device variants required.

Multiprotocol devices also enable the identical planning of machines and plant sections with different Ethernet protocols.

Depending on the requirements of the end customer, only the controller or master have to be changed in order to offer machines for three different protocols.

TURCK offers multiprotocol devices for its modular BL20 series gateways for control cabinet mounting and also for the BL67 series for field mounting. IP67 block I/O modules including the space-saving BL compact series are also available as multiprotocol devices.

All devices can be installed in a linear topology using the internal switches and

support “prioritized startup” functionality: QuickConnect for Ethernet IP and Fast Startup for Profinet.

In QuickConnect mode a block I/O device starts up in under 90 milliseconds.

In Fast Startup mode, the device takes less than 150 milliseconds to start up.

In Profinet mode, the systems also support features such as topology detection and addressing via LLDP as well as the Media Redundancy Protocol for establishing a ring redundancy (Device Level Ring for Ethernet/IP).

The devices detect the protocol used by listening to the communication traffic during the startup phase.

TURCK Australia Ph: 1300 132566 www.turck.com.au

www.qhdc.com.au

Sippel gives Porsche a boost

Going up? … the Airskate is used to move the massive Porsche car lift

When companies are faced with the daunting task of moving bulky or heavy equipment they contact the Sippel Group. Geoff Sippel and his team have specialized in moving machines and heavy objects with 100 per cent success for more than 35 years.

During that time there has been no personal injury or damage to equipment, floors or buildings.

The Sippel Group recently faced the challenge of moving a huge twopiece hydraulic car lift at a major city Porsche showroom so that vehicles could be relocated to an upper level.

The car lift, located in the service area of the facility, weighed 7-tonne in total.

Sippel’s unique Airskate Modules were used to lift the bottom half frame and float it into a new position. A

crane was then used to joining the top section.

The Airskate was positioned as low as possible to allow the combined top and bottom sections to clear the ceiling and sprinkler system – a clearance of only 10mm to 12mm when floated into the final location position.

This meant the Airskate Modules had to be set up to provide the absolute lowest clearance between the ceiling and Grinnell Sprinkler System and 10mm clear of the floor surface while floating.This allowed the hydraulic vehicle lift to be moved in a suitable position to service the Porsche Display Mezzanine Area.

From there the prestige cars were driven in and lifted up to a mezzanine display floor. Another mission successfully accomplished.

A video of this amazing feat can be obtained by emailing the Sippel group at: sipco@bigpond.com The custom-designed and built Airskate is capable of moving very awkward and heavy loads from 100kg to 100 tonnes or more.

Sippel Group Ph: 02 9567 4889 www.airskate.biz

Narrow aisle side loaders Established in 1947, with over 60 years of experience in the field, FIORA is currently the first Italian company specialized in design, construction and sale of 4 ways and multi-directional side-loaders.

FIORA is able to offer a wide range of standard side-loaders and customised solutions achieved based on the specific need of each customer.

Contact John Parisi 03 9548 7511 Email: internationalfork@gmail.com

www.internationalforklifts.com.au 64

industryupdate.com.au

PRODUCT NEWS •

Bioplastics on show at AUSPACK PLUS 2013

The Bioplastics Pavilion will again be a main feature of the AUSPACK PLUS 2013 exhibition in Sydney.

First introduced in 2009, the Bioplastics Pavilion attracts key industry experts together under one roof to help exhibition visitors understand bioplastics.

This includes members of the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), the peak industry body for manufacturers, converters and distributors of bioplastic products and materials throughout Australia and New Zealand. The Association assists members in promoting products and materials.

Previous Bioplastics Pavilion displays at AUSPACK PLUS generated significant interest in this merging market place.

Companies already signed to be a part of the pavilion include BASF Australia, Chem-Supply, Nature

Works, Sun Australia Environmental Materials, Innovia Films, Novamont and Cardia Bioplastics.

Other ABA members such as Because We Care will have a separate exhibition stand in the same area as the pavilion.

Mr Rowan Williams, Business Director, Australia and New Zealand, Plastics, BASF Australia said the company would showcase a comprehensive range of sustainable packaging solutions at AUSPACK PLUS 2013.

“BASF provides a number of products that can help its customers to improve the sustainability of packaging.

Examples include the partially biobased, compostable polymers ecovio and ecoflex,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Stephen Morris, Business Development Manager, Chem-Supply said their display would promote Chem-Supply’s new agency for

compostable plastics – FKuR GmbH (Germany).

“Compostable plastics is growing faster than the industry average and will, with time, constitute a significant part of the local market,” Mr Morris said.

“Our objective is to broaden the available range of biodegradable materials, which will assist in the growth of Bioplastics.”

Warwick Hall, Novamont SpA, said: “As a founding member of the ABA and a manufacturer of the Mater-Bi range of starch based bioplastics resins, Novamont SpA is looking forward to exhibiting at AUSPACK PLUS 2013.”

“The applications for Mater-Bi® bioplastic are many including shopping and boutique bags, organic waste collections bags, biodegradable agricultural film and packaging. Within the ABA pavilion at AUSPACK PLUS 2013, visitors will be able to see packaging and other products made in Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world using Mater-Bi bioplastic resin.”

AUSPACK PLUS 2013 will be held at the Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park from May 7-10.

AUSPACK PLUS is owned and presented by the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), Australia’s only national packaging and processing machinery organisation.

AUSPACK PLUS 2013 Ph: 02 9556 7972 www.etf.com.au

Blast machine makes a big impression

The infrared revolution continues...

Locate electrical problems

Check mechanical devices

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

to 140 x 140 pixels ◊ Detect temperature

Protoblast Company is an Australian owned and operated company specializing in the manufacture of Abrasive Blasting Equipment.

Since its establishment more than 40 years ago, Protoblast has supplied Automatic Blast Machines, Abrasive Blast Chambers and ancillary equipment to industry worldwide.

The Protoblast Company has developed the Protoblast Section Blast Machine, which is now a feature of many fabrication workshops throughout Australia.

The Section Blast machine’s main purpose is to abrasive blast steel sections before fabrication – a cost effective solution to a full Blast Chamber.

The Section Blast machine takes up less space than a Blast Chamber, costs

less to operate and is much more efficient.

Many customers have installed the Protoblast Section Blast machine in line with their Beam Line Machine.

As a result, they have experienced a drop in fabrication times, as fabricating pre-blasted steel is faster than working on virgin steel.

Protoblast Company also has Automatic Blast Machines for post fabrication and manufactures all equipment for Blast Chambers.

Protoblast Company, which has agents in all states, is committed to ensuring the best possible blasting equipment solution for its customers.

Protoblast Company Ph: 1800 772 320 www.protoblast.com.au

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

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

www.flir.com FLIR Systems Pty Ltd. 10 Business Park Drive, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia Tel: 1300 729 987 Email: info@flir.com.au www.flir.com ISO No. FLIR20855

industryupdate.com.au

65

• PRODUCT NEWS

TURCK enters the fast lane

Help reduce maintenance costs on overhead cranes

TURCK, a leading manufacturer of automation equipment, has entered the market for high-speed motion control with its further developed LI inductive linear position sensor.

A new electronics architecture increases the effective output rate of the sensor from 1 to 5 kHz. In conjunction with the short signal run time (130 µs) and the highly resolved SSi output, the inductive linear position sensors can achieve the performance of potentiometers but without their disadvantages.

Unlike potentiometers, the LI sensors offer permanent protection to IP67, provide non-contact measuring and are absolutely wear-free.

The magnetic field immune sensors are suitable for measuring axes with high-speed controls such as is used in injection molding machines.

Other application areas include axis measurement in packaging machines, presses or machine tools.

LOAD LIMITERS

ROPE AND CHAIN CRANES AND HOISTS: • Helps reduce the risk of accidents • Protects against overloading of Crane and supporting structures • Quick and easy installation and available for all capacity cranes • Available preset or easily calibrated on site • Helps reduce maintenance costs • Minimizes down time • Automatic reset by reducing the load CONDUCTOR BAR • Available in steel and copper • Quickly and easily installed • Supports required only every 1.5m • Also available in a compact cluster range

SIDE PULL PREVENTERS/ROPE GUIDE PROTECTOR Prevents side pulling and protects rope guides and drums on most multi-fall Cranes and Hoists.

• Prevent dragging of loads • Easily fitted to any Crane or Hoist • Helps reduce down time.

LIFTCO INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES PTY LTD

Email: liftco@optusnet.com.au

a ladder to success

New load cell module now available

Pilot ladder magnets are used to anchorand stabilise rope ladders used by maritime pilots to access ships at sea.

The original Serpent & Dove Yellow Mag Pilot Ladder Magnets have now been significantly improved making them easier to handle and deploy.

In line with the company’s philosophy of innovation and product evolution, the improvements, with patents applied for and patents pending have resulted in a reduction in weight of approximately 33 per cent.

Also, a cushioned magnet mounting system allows the magnet

• Uplift restraint • Simple mounting • Earth bonding strap Manufactured in New Zealand, the Accupoint is now available exstock Sydney.

Contace Hi-Weight for detailed specification/data information for the Accupoint and other weighing requirements.

Hi-Weigh Weighing Ph: 02 9605 3500

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The Accupoint Static Weigh Module from Hi Weigh Australia is now available in nine different capacities.

This allows tanks, vessels, conveyors, hoppers, drums, silos and most structures to be connected into a weighing scale, level controller, or sophisticated weigh/batch control system.

Benefits include: • Fully stainless steel construction • IP68 sealing, fully wash down proof • Ideal for tanks and hoppers

With the high speed and precision of the sensor (system resolution of 1 µm), machine builders can keep the position error in motor control applications to a minimum. As with all inductive linear position sensors, the high-speed variant has very short blind zones and can tolerate up to a 4mm offset of the positioning element (perpendicular to the measuring axis).

As well as the high-speed variant with an SSI interface and 16-bit resolution, the analog variant of the sensor will also be offered in the future with the higher output rate of 5 kHz. The analog sensor has a 0 to 10 V or 4 to 20mA output.

All LI sensors continue to be available in ten measuring lengths from 100 to 1,000mm. An 8-pole M12 connector is used for the connection.

elements some movement to better accommodate slight curvatures or irregularities in a ship’s hull such as weld lines or paint and corrosion scale.

The big weight reduction makes Yellow Mag much easier to carry and deploy, especially at arm’s length.

While the improved pilot ladder magnet’s gripping strength remains the same, new flexibility in both the base plate and the magnet mounting system also makes Yellow Mag easier to remove.

Serpent and Dove Pty Ltd Ph: 02 9971 7577 www.serpent-dove.com

‘Silent’ diesel driven pumps with grunt A new range of diesel driven, selfpriming, trash pumps from GormanRupp is now available from Australian distributor Hydro Innovations.

The Ultra V Series pumps are matched with suitable diesel engines, skid or trailer mounted, and are available with or without “silenced” canopies.

The pumps are available in four hydraulic sizes – two 3” units, a 4” unit and a 6” unit. They can deliver heads to 50m and flows from 10 litres per second (l/s) through to 110 l/s.

They can be matched with aircooled or liquid cooled engines and are capable of pumping all manner of solids laden wastewater including domestic, industrial and commercial sewage.

Pumps are capable of handling solids up to 76mm in diameter, and because of the patented “self cleaning

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wear plate system”, stringy materials such as rags (ragging) will rarely block the pumps.

According to Hydro Innovations, the pumps are capable of self-priming to a maximum of 7.6m.

Unlike pumps with “add-on” priming systems, they only need the impeller turning in a partially filled pump casing to effect the priming process, making them perfect for unattended operation (auto-start, auto-stop).

Other methods of priming need many components to be functioning perfectly to effectively “self” prime (including an air separation chamber, a vacuum pump or compressor,”and a non-return valve which needs to be perfectly seated), making them best suited to attended operation. As an added bonus, the Ultra V is easy to maintain.

Hydro Innovations spokesperson Garry Grant says clearances can be adjusted in four minutes and complete rotating assemblies can be replaced in under an hour.

Hydro Innovations Ph: 02 9647 2700 www.hydroinnovations.com.au

EXAIR’s Cold Gun now CE compliant

EXAIR’s Cold Gun Aircoolant System

EXAIR’s Cold Gun Aircoolant System produces a cold, quiet stream of air to reduce heat buildup on machining operations. And most importantly, it has met the rigorous safety, health, and environmental standards of the European Union to attain the CE mark.

The Cold Gun is a low cost alternative to expensive mist systems.

It eliminates the ongoing costs associated with the purchase, filtration and disposal of liquid coolants.

Also, there are no worker related health problems resulting from breathing airborne coolants or slipping on wet shop floors.

EXAIR’s Cold Gun Aircoolant System incorporates a stainless steel vortex tube to convert an ordinary supply of compressed air into a cold -7°C (20°F) air stream at one end and a hot exhaust at the other. There are no moving parts to wear out.

The Cold Gun features an improved muffler on the hot air exhaust to reduce the noise level to a quiet 70 dBA. A flexible ball and socket hose that holds its position is used to direct the cold air to the point of use. A magnetic base provides easy mounting and portability.

Available from Compressed Air Australia, the Cold Gun Aircoolant System is non-adjustable to prevent freeze-up during continuous use.

It is ideal for machining applications which include tool sharpening, drill and cutter grinding, milling, drilling, surface grinding, band sawing, plastic machining, plunge and form grinding.

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

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www.caasafety.c

Distributors of

GPO Box 2792 • Darwin NT 0801 Tel: 1300 787 688 • Fax: 1300 787 637 Email: info@caasafety.com.au • Web: www.caasafety.com.au

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PRODUCT NEWS •

www.mechtric.com.au

Sensorless Vector Control Drives 0.75kw to 400kw

• LCD keypad offers a user-friendly operation interface.

The display screen can be defined by the user with TP-Editor soft.

• Quick setting, user defined parameter management, and parameter copy functions make the installation fast and easy.

• Modular design for flexible extension and ease maintenance.

• Built-in BACnet and MODBUS. Various optional communication cards such as ProfiBUS-DP, DeviceNet, MODBUS TCP, EtherNet-IP, and CANopen.

• The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) coating enhances the reliability and durability.

• Fire mode and Bypass functions provide safe operation in an emergency.

• Useful functions for pump and fan applications, such as: PID control, sleep/wake up functions, flying start, and skip frequency.

• Multi-pumps control functions, such as: fixed time, fixed quantity, circulating controls. The driver can control a maximum of eight pumps at the same time. An optional relay extension card is available depending on the pump quantity.

• Built-in PLC 10K step and Real time Clock.

• Long-life design.

Perth 08 92480410 / Adelaide 08 83472499 / Melbourne 03 97064599 / Sydney 02 96745511 / Brisbane 07 32743327

New BAC toolboards are top flight BAC Flightline Toolboards are the ultimate solution for mobile tool display storage. These toolboards have long been the benchmark for tool storage in the Australian aviation industry.

Beginning as a simple perforated steel shadow board developed exclusively for the RAAF, a series of repeated innovations, such as the inclusion of the patented BAC Housing, have led to a state-of-the-art system for tool storage.

From these focused beginnings, the BAC Flightline Toolboard has quickly become popular in countless other industries as the functional benefits of the unit offer technicians an industrialstrength alternative to the traditional shadow board.

Maintaining all of the standard features of a timber shadow board, the BAC Flightline Toolboard offers the following significant benefits over is antiquated forebears: • Up to a massive 7.4sqm of panelling – the benchmark for mobile tool storage.

• Steel construction – offering permanence and durability.

• Specialised partitioning material, including tool clips, partitioning posts and socket toolbars, to provide a permanent location for tools.

• Heavy-Duty Perspex Roller Door with aluminium joiners to provide a completely secure system that can allow a tool audit once the unit has been locked-down.

• Durable 150mm urethane castors allowing portability for the tools across the flightline, the workshop, the lab, or wherever else the tools are required.

These Toolboards are no longer considered useful solely for the Flightline, but have found a home in countless different applications and industries.

Secure tool storage applications are required in the education, mining, automotive, manufacturing, naval and mining Industries.

And recently companies such as Railcorp, Westrac and Australian Aerospace have added BAC Flightline Toolboards to their workshops.

Ultimate secure tool storage solution …

BAC Flightline Toolboards

Contact BAC Systems to find out more about the range of BAC Flightline Toolboards.

BAC Systems Ph: 02 9832 2777 www.bacsystems.com.au/bac-tooltrolleys

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• COMING EVENTS

2013 Coming events Safety in Action Safety Show & Conference Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre March 19-21 Contact: Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Ph: 03 8672 1200 www.safetyinaction.net.au

AUSPACK Plus Packaging & processing machinery & materials exhibition Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park May 7-10 Contact: Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) www.auspackplus.com.au

Advanced Logistics & Materials Handling Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre March 19-21 Contact: Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Ph: 03 8672 1200 www.almh.com.au

QLD Safety Show 2013 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre June 18-20 Contact: Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Ph: 03 8672 1200 www.qldsafetyshow.com.au

National Manufacturing Week Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre May 7-10 Contact: Reed Exhibitions Ph: 02 9422 2568 www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au

Clean Scene Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre June 18-20 Contact: Australian Exhibitions & Conferences 03 8672 1200 www.cleansceneshow.com.au

Austech Precision manufacturing and machine tool exhibition Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre May 7-10 Contact: AMTIL Ph: 03 9800 3666 www.austechexpo.com.au

Smart Conference & Expo Supply Chain Conference & Expo Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney June 26-27 Contact: Smart Conference www.smartconference.com.au

Editorial submission deadlines Editorial submissions for the April 2013 edition are now invited.

The deadline for the April / May edition is Monday 4th March Any editorial received after this date will not be included.

Please send all editorial to editor@industryupdate.com.au

2013 APPMA Awards of EXCELLENCE SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN DUE NO LATER THAN 22ND MARCH 2013 Recognising Innovative & Outstanding Packaging & Processing Solutions

PACKAGING + PROCESSING + MATERIALS

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WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

 Source the latest innovations, products, services and technology.  See, touch and experience working processing and packaging equipment.

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Owned and Presented by APPMA

Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th May Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

To access a submission form please contact e: appma@appma.com.au www.appma.com.au Untitled-1 1

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2013

Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th May 9.00 am until 5.00 pm

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