Supashock Advanced Technologies

S U P P LY I ST

Pursuing originality, which often results in globally recognis innovation, Supashock Advanced Technologies’ mobility sys are improving vehicles in various industries. CEO, Oscar Fior discusses design, defence, and development Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

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n the landscape of mobility, Supashock Advanced Technologies (Supashock) has emerged as a beacon of innovation and excellence.

Since its inception in 2005, under the leadership of CEO, Oscar Fiorinotto, the company has 2 | APAC Outlook Issue 66

redefined industry standards with its cutting-edge solutions in mobility, motion, and autonomous systems.

This article delves into the transformative journey of Supashock, from its humble beginnings in motorsport to its current status as a trailblazer in multiple sectors.

THE FOUNDING VISION: SPEARHEADING INNOVATION IN MOBILITY Fiorinotto’s background in motorsport engineering, particularly in vehicle dynamics, laid the foundation for Supashock’s founding vision.

NG TA B I L I T Y SUPASHOCK ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES MANUFACTURING

sed stems rinotto,

Recognising the limitations of existing shock absorber designs, Fiorinotto set out to revolutionise the industry by delivering unparalleled performance without compromising ride quality.

This commitment to innovation and excellence became the cornerstone of

Supashock’s identity, driving its early successes and paving the way for future endeavours.

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE: REVOLUTIONISING VEHICLE MOBILITY Central to Supashock’s success is

its relentless pursuit of engineering excellence.

By maintaining strict control over manufacturing processes, the company ensures the highest standards of quality and reliability in its products.

Fiorinotto’s expertise in vehicle APAC Outlook Issue 66 | 3

dynamics has enabled Supashock to iterate designs swiftly, staying ahead of the curve and setting new benchmarks in shock absorber technology.

DIVERSIFICATION AND EXPANSION: VENTURING BEYOND MOTORSPORT While Supashock’s roots may lie in the motorsport and automotive sectors, the company’s ambitions extend far beyond the racetrack.

Over the years, Supashock has diversified its portfolio to cater to a wide range of industries, including mining, defence, and commercial markets.

This strategic expansion has not only broadened Supashock’s reach, but also solidified its position as a versatile and adaptive player in the mobility sector.

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Supashock’s design and management teams

SUPASHOCK ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES MANUFACTURING

DEFENCE SECTOR ENTRY: COLLABORATION WITH RHEINMETALL Supashock’s foray into the defence sector marks a significant milestone in its journey.

Collaborating closely with industry giants Rheinmetall, Supashock has leveraged its expertise in mobility solutions to develop cutting-edge load handling systems for defence applications.

This partnership has not only opened new avenues for growth but also positioned Supashock as a key player in defence technology innovation.

VERTICAL INTEGRATION AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY: NAVIGATING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS

APAC OUTLOOK: WHICH ATTRIBUTES DO YOU LOOK FOR IN YOUR TEAM TO ENSURE THEY ALIGN WITH SUPASHOCK’S VISION AND VALUES? Oscar Fiorinotto, CEO: “Interviewing today is a different game compared to two decades ago. I personally conduct interviews because it’s crucial that

In the face of global disruptions in the supply chain, Supashock has taken proactive measures to enhance vertical integration and self-sufficiency.

By investing in advanced manufacturing facilities and controlling intellectual property, the company has mitigated risks and adapted swiftly to changing market dynamics.

This strategic foresight has not only ensured continuity of operations, but also reinforced Supashock’s reputation for reliability and resilience.

every individual entering our team resonates with our culture and values.

FORWARD-THINKING MOTION TECHNOLOGY: DRIVING EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE

our company grows alongside them.”

At the heart of Supashock’s success lies its forward-thinking approach to motion technology.

By continuously developing solutions that enhance efficiency, performance, and reliability, the company stays ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Whether it’s designing for defence, autonomous vehicles, mining, or automotive sectors, Supashock

Our core values, established around 15 years ago, serve as the bedrock of our operations.

“In prospective team members, I seek character above all else. Resilience, adaptability, and mental fortitude are paramount. These attributes pave the way for success and enable individuals to relentlessly pursue excellence without the fear of failure. While experience and skills are valuable, they’re pale in comparison to character. Our company ethos is encapsulated in a simple motto: Come to work because you want to, not because you have to.

“For me, culture is defined by the ability to make sound decisions in the absence of policy and procedure. Empowering our team to trust their instincts and make decisions fosters a culture of success. My personal motivation stems from facilitating the growth and development of our team members, as Supashock is committed to nurturing character and fostering continuous learning. We firmly believe that when our team members grow,

remains at the forefront of innovation, setting new standards for excellence.

SPECIALISATION AND EXPERTISE: DESIGNING FOR DEFENCE, AUTONOMOUS, MINING, AND AUTOMOTIVE SECTORS With a workforce of around 130 employees, Supashock specialises in designing, testing, and manufacturing

products tailored to the unique requirements of the defence, autonomous, mining, and automotive sectors.

This specialisation and expertise enable Supashock to deliver bespoke solutions that address the specific challenges and demands of each industry, ensuring maximum performance and reliability in every application.

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In our daily lives, the profound influence of rotation is undeniable – from driving our vehicles to energising communities through wind turbines. At SKF Australia (SKF), we are dedicated to reimagining rotation’s impact by developing innovative products that reduce friction, enhance energy efficiency, and bring greater value to our customers’ operations. This commitment underscores the power of collaboration and innovation.

In our partnership with Supashock, we are shaping a more sustainable future. Through friction reduction and a shared commitment to innovation, we are working together to drive positive change and contribute to a better tomorrow for all.

APAC Outlook (AO): Introduce us to SKF. What is the company all about?

SKF: For a century, we’ve been a cornerstone in Australia, proudly pioneering the import of bearings in 1908, shaping our enduring legacy. Today, our extensive product range, covering bearings, seals, lubrication systems, rotating shaft services, and engineering solutions, takes centre stage in meeting diverse industrial needs. Operating strategically from our Melbourne headquarters to key locations like Perth, Queensland, and Sydney, we cater to the specific demands of railways, mining, agriculture, and the automotive sectors.

Through collaborative efforts with distributors and partners, our unwavering dedication lies in delivering value-focused solutions. SKF’s commitment to innovation and reliability sets us apart in the dynamic industry landscape. As we evolve, our primary focus remains on providing essential products

and services that significantly contribute to the success and resilience of Australia’s key sectors.

AO: Can you delve into the partnership you have with Supashock? How has the relationship grown and allowed significant success for both companies?

SKF: Over the years, SKF’s partnership with Supashock has evolved into a symbiotic relationship built on innovation, trust, and mutual success. Benefitting significantly from the collaborative synergy, Supashock has harnessed its excellence in advanced mobility solutions.

Leveraging SKF’s precision engineering and high-quality bearings, Supashock has fortified its capabilities across diverse sectors, including the defence, autonomous, commercial, and automotive industries. The integration of SKF’s expertise in bearings with Supashock’s cuttingedge technologies has been instrumental.

AO: Specifically, what support and services do you provide to Supashock?

SKF: In our collaborative journey with Supashock, we take pride in offering specialised support through

militarily and automotive-specified bearings and seals for their advanced vehicle solutions. From the initial prototype phase through rigorous testing to the final product development, our commitment to delivering precision-engineered components has played a pivotal role in enhancing the performance and reliability of Supashock’s advanced systems. The stringent requirements of military applications demand components that exceed exacting standards. Our bearings and seals consistently demonstrate the durability and resilience necessary for these critical environments.

A seamless integration of expertise marks our partnership with Supashock in supplying militarily specified bearings and seals. Throughout the development process, our technical team worked closely with Supashock’s engineers to ensure that the components met the unique specifications for military applications and underwent comprehensive testing procedures.

This collaborative approach has strengthened the quality of Supashock’s advanced mobility solutions and solidified our position as a trusted partner in delivering components that endure the harshest conditions. We remain committed to supporting Supashock’s endeavours with components that contribute to the success and reliability of their final products.

AO: What sets SKF apart from the competition and makes it the partner of choice for any company looking for reliability and quality?

SKF: SKF differentiates itself as the preferred partner in the competitive landscape due to factors emphasising reliability, quality, global reach, engineering expertise, and a rich heritage in bearing manufacturing. One of our distinguishing features is a global footprint, providing an extensive network facilitating seamless accessibility to high-quality products and services across borders. This global presence ensures a reliable supply chain and positions SKF as a versatile and adaptable partner capable of meeting the diverse needs of companies operating on an international scale.

Another critical element is SKF’s engineering knowledge.

With a team of highly skilled engineers, we bring unparalleled expertise to the table, enabling customised solutions that cater to the specific requirements of its partners. This ensures that SKF’s products are integral contributors to the efficiency and reliability of various machinery and systems.

AO: What ongoing or recent projects are important to SKF? SKF: In the dynamic landscape of automotive and

autonomous vehicle technology, SKF has been at the forefront, spearheading innovative collaborations that redefine performance and reliability. One standout project showcasing SKF’s commitment to excellence is the Lynx chain-track tensioner system, in which we play a pivotal role by supplying bearings and seals. The precision and reliability of SKF bearings and seals contribute to the overall robustness of the system, enhancing its durability and functionality in demanding military environments.

Another significant project is the suspension struts with extremely low friction seals under development, known as the “Tie Rod” Active Suspension System. The components supplied by SKF play a crucial role in the smoothness and reliability of the suspension system, enhancing passenger comfort and vehicle performance in autonomous driving situations.

SKF’s involvement in these groundbreaking projects showcases our technical prowess. It emphasises its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in military and automotive autonomous vehicle technologies.

Through strategic collaborations and the supply of critical components, SKF continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of mobility and defence.

AO: Similarly, are there any projects in the pipeline that you’re excited about?

SKF: Excitement abounds in the automotive innovation sphere as SKF delves into developing the floating piston and base seals undergoing rigorous testing. This venture signifies SKF’s commitment to advancing sealing technology, aiming to revolutionise the performance of seals in automotive suspension systems. As SKF pushes the boundaries of engineering precision, the testing phase is critical in ensuring new creations’ durability, reliability, and efficiency.

www.skf.com

FUTURE OUTLOOK: LEVERAGING AI AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES As Supashock looks to the future, the company remains committed to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to extend product lifecycles and meet future market demands.

By envisioning mobility solutions that transcend current limitations, Supashock aims to pioneer the next generation of autonomous systems and redefine mobility standards for years to come.

the boundaries of what’s possible, setting new benchmarks for excellence along the way.

As the company continues to chart new territories and pioneer new technologies, one thing remains certain: the future of mobility is in capable hands with Supashock at the helm.

CONCLUSION: PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY In conclusion, Supashock stands as a testament to the power of innovation and vision in shaping the future of mobility.

From its humble beginnings in motorsport to its current status as a global leader in mobility solutions, Supashock has consistently pushed 8 | APAC Outlook Issue 66

Tel: +61 08 8333 1123 info@supashock.com

supashock.com

SUPASHOCK ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES MANUFACTURING

Over 50 years’ experience in precision machining!

Maxiport is a high precision CNC machine shop that services a multitude of industries where there is no compromise to meeting exacting requirements, from defence, oil & gas to medical & high performance automotive.

We believe and demonstrate that quality service, on time delivery and competitive pricing are the cornerstones of high customer satisfaction. Maxiport Engineering is registered with a Quality Management System compliant to ISO 9001:2015.

Our equipment on site includes multi axis machining centres, bar fed lathes and our latest acquisition, a Mazak i250 Integrex, which allows us to complete complex parts in one operation.

08 8445 1904 | sales@maxiporteng.com.au www.maxiporteng.com.au

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Tel: +61 08 8333 1123 info@supashock.com

supashock.com

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