Manufacturer's Monthly May 2022

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MANAGEMENT >> TECHNOLOGY >> SOLUTIONS

MAY 2022

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MANAGEMENT >> TECHNOLOGY >> SOLUTIONS

MAY 2022

VENLO: EMBRACING CIRCULARITY IN AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING Official Industry Partners

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2022-23 Federal Budget analysis

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2021 Endeavour Awards Winners

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Manufacturers’ Monthly Contents 6 Editor’s Note

26 Engineering Focus

40 Sensors

8 Comment

28 Defence Manufacturing

42 Industrial products

12 News@MM

32 Naval Manufacturing

45 Software Management

16 Manufacturer Focus

34 Material Handling

47 2021 Endeavour Awards

20 2022-23 Federal Budget

36 Industrial Equipment

63 What’s New

23 Laminates

38 Metal Manufacturing

66 The Last Word

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The opinions expressed in Manufacturers’ Monthly are not necessarily

© Copyright Prime Creative Media, 2021 Articles All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

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Behind the cover Welcome to the May edition of Manufacturers’ Monthly featuring this year’s Endeavour Awards winners, which celebrated companies who chose to innovate and progress Australian manufacturing through the extreme economic challenges the pandemic has thrown up at local business. Find out who the big winners were from the night starting on page 47.

The 2022-23 Federal Budget was announced on 29th March, outlining how the government intends to grow a modern and resilient manufacturing industry. A significant part of the announcement was the plan to build clean industries on the way to achieve

a goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

The $2.4 billion of new initiatives in the 2022-23 Budget under the industry, energy and emissions reduction portfolio hopes to strengthen Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities, secure our resilience in times of a crisis, and ensure we have affordable and reliable energy supplies.

With this in mind, Manufacturers’ Monthly met Ty Hermans, founder and managing director of Venlo Holdings. The Australian company is building a thriving, circular, Australian manufacturing business from recycled materials. Read on about what’s behind Venlo’s success on page 16.

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MAY 2022

VENLO: EMBRACING CIRCULARITY IN AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING Official Industry Partners

INSIDE >> 23

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the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

2022-23 Federal Budget analysis

44

Altra keeping maritime moving

48

>>

2021 Endeavour Awards Winners

28 Dingley Ave Dandenong VIC 3175 Ph: (03) 9794 8337

4 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

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Comment

SYED SHAH – Managing Editor, Manufacturers’ Monthly

How the SMEs finally come away with the win

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UDGET 2022 saw both wins and losses for industries in Australia. Truth be told, it is hard to please everyone, but for the longest time, budget wise, it looked like SMEs were not given the attention they deserved. Of course, regardless of who the opposition is, there are promises of adjustments for a new budget if elected and also just how many of those will be followed through. Additionally, there might be further funding announcements in the lead up to the election – typical of any ruling incumbent.

The ruling party’s focus was centred on the cost of living with the halving of the petrol excise and extra cash for the low and middle income tax offset (LMITO), among the many announcements.

For infrastructure, $17.9 billion was announced for roads and rail (mostly). Defence had already been a winner prior to the budget with more than $10bn allocated to the nuclear submarine pen development as well as a further $270 billion to be splashed over the next 10 years.

Elsewhere, there were incentives for investment in agriculture, medical manufacturing and digital.

For the manufacturing industry, SMEs make up a large portion of

6 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

it. In this budget, there is funding announced to invest in training and technology – things that are welcome in sectors suffering skills shortages.

With Industry 4.0 in full swing globally, since the first round of the MMI, Australian manufacturers have been given the platform, and the confidence and room to grow in developing “advanced manufacturing” characteristics. The MMI and now the extra funding through skills and training should be put to further good use to support manufacturing projects.

How, one might ask?

Through investment in upskilling in managing advanced technologies and techniques. To stimulate economic growth, there is no need for an expert to let you know that the local industry needs to be modernised. To become genuinely competitive, create long-term, better, higher-paying jobs, increased productivity, most likely less energy consumption and finally economic growth, upskilling is one of the many important steps along the way to getting there.

Therefore, an extra $1.5 billion by the Government has been set aside to hire 100,000 apprentices and trainees in the next year as the government

extends its job creation programs.

With this program, 50 per cent of an apprentice or trainee’s wage for the first year will be reimbursed to the employer, up to a cap of $7,000 a quarter.

In a CPA Australia analysis preceding the budget, it was also noted that despite Australia’s low unemployment rate, the country is facing real challenges such as labour shortages and supply chain disruptions coupled with weak customer demands. SMEs would be greatly assisted with less red tape to reduce the amount compliance, reduction in costs of doing business and taxes, and most of all, assistance in measures to support hiring and maintaining staff to carry on running the business.

And were the SME community heard? Quite so.

Some of the major announcements included the training boost and small business skills. These include businesses with aggregated turnover of up to $50 million will be able to deduct an additional 20 per cent of expenditure incurred on external training courses provided to their employees.

Similar to this is the small business technology investment boost with

businesses of a similar size will get help to invest more in advanced technologies to help boost their business in cybersecurity and automated technologies to increase the efficiency of their business.

These tax reforms which should help improve cashflows will be music to the ears of SMEs now that the government has increased tax breaks for them investing in new technology and skills. The reduction in red tape in compliance should be an added incentive to be more courageous in adding more to their R&D arsenal and taking the next step in expanding their businesses.

Last, but not least, SMEs were not the only ones happy at the goodies being given out. In April 2022, Manufacturers’ Monthly’s Endeavour Awards 2021 edition was held in Melbourne to the delight of a sold out crowd. As usual, we celebrated in style and it was about the best and the brightest in the industry, but also took pride in the strength and resilience of the people. Mostly, the attendees expressed their gladness just to be back in a room full of manufacturing professionals after a couple of challenging years.

Read all about it in this bumper edition on page 46. manmonthly.com.au

CAN YOU MACHINE ALUMINIUM TO MY CUSTOM REQUIREMENTS?

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Capral prides itself on being able to deliver much more to our customers than the supply of materials.

With our state-of-the-art machining equipment, we have the capability to supply semi-fabricated and finished rolled and extruded products.

This can help you reduce your inventory, optimise your workspace and minimise manufacturing time, while reducing waste and improving efficiency. If you want Aluminium precision machined to your custom specifications, Capral can do.

Comment

GEOFF CRITTENDEN – CEO, Weld Australia

Manufacturing for a sustainable future

Australia must maintain a strong local manufacturing industry and manufacture value-added products domestically.

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HE war in Ukraine has changed the world.

Over the course of the last month, the world has returned to a pre-1989 Cold War state—with the added threat of nuclear and chemical weapons.

How has this happened? Well, during the intervening 30-odd years since the end of the Cold War, many of the democratic nations of the world have settled into complacency on several fronts. This has invited the autocratic global states to try their luck—the war in Ukraine is just one result.

8 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

The sanctions placed on Russia

by Western nations will have an enormous impact on their economy.

Australia and the United States have prohibited the import of oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas, coal and other energy products from Russia. The United States, United Kingdom and European Union have introduced unprecedented financial penalties on Russia. Exporting goods to Russia—including cars, clothing, chemicals and art—has been banned. Russian imports are attracting taxes of 35 per cent, and

the assets of Russia’s central bank have been frozen. Rightly so.

The impact of these measures is already being felt. The cost of basic products has skyrocketed, job losses are looming, and hundreds of international companies are pulling out of Russia. Even McDonald’s has closed their 800 restaurants in Russia.

Imagine if Australia was on the receiving end of such draconian sanctions.

It is not such a far-fetched proposition. China has already placed sanctions on Australian

barley, wine, beef, seafood, cotton and coal.

China is our largest trading partner by far. According to figures from DFAT, China holds a 35.3 per cent share of Australia’s export market, accounting for $167.6 billion annually. Coming in second—by a long way—is Japan, with just 11.8 per cent of Australia’s export market. Given the huge proportion of Australia’s export market the country holds, imagine if China imposed harsher economic sanctions.

Imagine if China decided not manmonthly.com.au

to accept our iron ore, or coal, or natural gas. Imagine if China refused to supply Australia with electronic chips and electrical equipment, machinery, furniture and textiles. Australia would be as vulnerable—possibly even more vulnerable—than Russia.

This vulnerability stems from the demise of Australia’s manufacturing industry.

The demise of Australian manufacturing During World War I, the Australian Government quickly realised that our economy was too reliant on imports; it was near impossible to source many products in wartime.

As a result, Australia started to manufacture a range of products on-shore during the war, from aspirin right through to chlorine.

Our steel industry also experienced enormous growth. BHP opened a new steelworks in Newcastle in 1915, which generated huge profits due to the unprecedented demand for steel to build ships, ammunition and artillery. Australia quickly matured from a rural economy into a substantial manufacturing power.

The 1920s marked the beginning of the car manufacturing boom in Australia. By 1929, 440,000 people were employed in manufacturing, approximately 18 per cent of the total population.

When World War II hit in 1939, Australian manufacturing was poised to play an even greater role than it had during World War I. With imports scarce, local demand was high. And, Australia also became an important supplier of manufactured goods to the United Kingdom and the United States. Australian manufacturing remained strong in the years immediately after World War II. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Australian manufacturing was responsible for approximately 28 per cent of the GDP, and 28 per cent of all employment.

Fast forward to today and, while manufacturing remains a vital part of the Australian economy, it is responsible for just 5 per cent of the GDP, and only 5.4 per cent of total employment. manmonthly.com.au

Australia’s governments must come to realise that, without a strong local manufacturing industry, our economy is weakened substantially. Without sovereign manufacturing capability, Australia is vulnerable to coercion from more powerful economic states. In times of turmoil, we cannot presume to

including BlueScope, InfraBuild and Bisalloy. Why not invest in their local operations to bolster our sovereign capability?

This is particularly important given that China announced in December 2021 that it is set to boost domestic iron ore production by 30 per cent, significantly ramp up

Australia has one of the world’s largest supplies of iron ore. Again, we dig it up and ship it overseas, adding absolutely no value. Australia needs to be investing in the capacity and capability of its local steel industry. rely on the generosity of our allies.

After all, our allies will be focused on supplying their own citizens, industries and defence forces.

We need only look to the recent global supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic for confirmation of this fact.

The solution Australia must build its selfreliance. Instead of mining our natural resources and shipping them offshore, we need to be manufacturing value-added products here at home. In 2018, Australia surpassed Chile to become the largest producer of lithium by metric tonnes. And yet, Australia does not manufacture batteries.

Instead, we ship most of our lithium to China as spodumene, where it is manufactured into batteries that Australian then imports back.

We need to be manufacturing our own batteries locally. We need to encourage electronics companies to set up shop in Australia so we can manufacture circuit boards and electronics chips locally.

Similarly, Australia has one of the world’s largest supplies of iron ore. Again, we dig it up and ship it overseas, adding absolutely no value. Australia needs to be investing in the capacity and capability of its local steel industry.

Australia is home to some of the world’s leading steel manufacturers,

investments in overseas mines and strengthen scrap steel recycling under a plan designed to break their dependency on Australia’s most valuable commodity export.

A skills-led recovery This manufacturing reinvigoration will rely on a skills-led recovery. And yet, Australia’s largest, oldest and most essential vocational education provider, TAFE, has had courses and budgets slashed over the last 10 years. According to the Australian Education Union, since coming to power, the Federal Coalition has cut $3 billion from vocational education funding, and overseen a 24.5 per cent decline in TAFE enrolments.

These cuts to TAFE funding have had a severe impact on course and campus closures, attraction and retention of teaching staff and workload.

The result? TAFE graduates who are under-skilled, and an Australian industry that is faced with a severe skills shortage.

The federal government has also failed to implement the recommendations outlined in the Joyce Report, handed to them three years ago. Of the 71 recommendations, just one has been implemented.

Weld Australia is calling on the federal government to implement the ‘Early Actions’ recommendations of the Joyce Report without further

delay. These include disbanding the existing infrastructure for developing training packages and qualifications and replace it with industry led Skills Organisations; strengthening quality assurance by introducing independent student assessment to international standards; introducing vocational pathways in schools as part of the STEM program; and establishing a National Skills Commission to generate skills demand forecasts and realistic pricing models.

With proper funding and a systematic overhaul as recommended in the Joyce Report, there is a brighter future for TAFE and skills development to help foster the reinvigoration of the manufacturing industry. We just need the Federal Government to make it happen.

A commitment from government We have massive gaps in our industrial capacity and the Australian governments is not showing any signs of filling them.

We need to manufacture our own batteries, electronics, plastics and composites. We need robust, cuttingedge aerospace, fabrication, and steelmaking industries. We need to add value to our natural resources.

There is a strategic imperative on the Australian government to realise that the world changed when Russia invaded Ukraine. As a result, Australia must reinvigorate its manufacturing industry. We cannot rely on our allies and trading partners to fill the gaps in our industrial capabilities. We must have a robust manufacturing industry to ensure a sustainable future.

Australian manufacturing needs strong leadership, the support of all levels of government, and investment in technology, education, and resources. It needs a commitment from government to foster the ingenuity of our inventors and engineers, as well as our manufacturers. Only then can Australian manufacturing return to its former prosperity and make a vital contribution to Australia’s economy, workforce, and future.

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 9

Comment

VONDA FENWICK – CEO, SEMMA

Training the next generation of welders What happens when a hairdresser, a plasterer and a store person walk into a bar? They talk about welding, of course, because that is what they have in common after four weeks of SEMMA Welding Skills training. Each of these people, who had never held a welding gun in their lives, have been snapped up by eager SEMMA members to work in their manufacturing businesses on welding and other production tasks.

S

EMMA is delighted to advise that we successfully ran our first of five pilot courses designed to prove our industry-led welding skills short course. The welding skills short course runs for 4 weeks and is intended to allow participants to develop a basic level of welding skills, sufficient to tackle many manufacturing welding tasks.

You can add to our initial 3 trainees, a young man who did some welding during a training exercise with the Scouts and enjoyed it. After ‘graduating’ from our course he was given a one-day work trial with one of our SEMMA members and was subsequently given an offer of employment. This young man was very quiet, and the employer admitted that if he had come for an interview, without having been referred from the program, the company would probably not have employed him. What we have developed is a Win-Win-Win; our manufacturers get skilled employees, the trainee gets a job with a pay packet, and the government no longer provides financial support to a person who initially had limited employment prospects.

One participant, a VCE qualified student who had not had any longterm employment, had worked previously in stores and other casual work. He developed good welding skills during the 4-week course (one of three participants described as ‘naturals’) and went on to join a SEMMA member and has been offered an apprenticeship by the company.

Back in early 2021 in a Manufacturers’ Monthly opinion piece we advised that we had struggled to get funding for our industry-led pilot program. We subsequently successfully secured a contract with the Department of Education

10 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Skills and Employment, Local Jobs Program to pay for equipment and training. SEMMA member Hilton Manufacturing in Bangholme Road in South Dandenong very generously provided us with both formal classroom training space and also much needed production floor space for the set up of our training welding bays. This has enabled us to give participants the feel of working in a production space while learning.

A very valuable component of the training has been incorporating a welding simulator into the program.

We have a very experienced welding engineer who runs prospective students through an exercise on the simulator.

This has the benefit of allowing participants to get a feel for wearing a welding helmet and doing a test weld in a safe, fun way while getting a baseline ‘score’ for their attempt. There is a strong, positive correlation between performance with the simulator and subsequent performance with the actual physical MIG welding performed in the welding bays.

Purchase of a welding simulator enabled our contract trainers from Chisholm TAFE to provide feedback to trainees not only on their simulated work pieces but also to reinforce areas for improvement with their ‘on the job’ performance. The simulator can demonstrate the impact on the quality of the weld if the operator uses the wrong speed or angle while welding.

The intention of our SEMMA Welding Skills Short Course pilot programme is to: 1. Enable participants to develop a basic level of MIG welding skills sufficient to be able to work in a production environment.

2. Demonstrate that the four-week course can produce ‘job ready’ production welders.

3. Provide successful ‘graduates’ from the programme with a job with our SEMMA members.

We would like to see our SEMMA industry-led model adopted more broadly to provide a constant supply of skilled employees to our manufacturers, desperate for

employees with basic welding skills.

When SEMMA first proposed this skills course, there was confusion in the broader manufacturing/ engineering training community that this was somehow meant to be used in place of full trades training. This is not the case, and we are hopeful that some

Purchase of a welding simulator enabled our contract trainers from Chisholm TAFE to provide feedback to trainees not only on their simulated work pieces but also to reinforce areas for improvement with their ‘on the job’ performance.

SEMMA ran the first of five pilot courses designed to prove its welding skills short course.

manmonthly.com.au

Skilled welders remain vital for local manufacturing.

manmonthly.com.au

of our graduates will go on to pursue further study in the art of welding, whether that is through other short courses such as welding to a particular standard or through an apprenticeship.

The course was planned to fill an immediate need, recognising the dire shortage of people with welding skills.

One voice of dissent claimed, “Oh yeah – great idea … and we’ll let them weld submarines and aircraft.”

Clearly the intention with our course is that we train in basic skills, have people who successfully complete the short course go to employers who recognise the need to support the new employee and provide further training as needed. It would be wonderful in a few years if some of our trainees go on to do more training and become specialised, highly skilled welders.

Commonsense dictates that 4 weeks, even for someone with natural ability and good hand-eye co-ordination, will not see them welding safety-critical equipment.

A key feature of our course is

the “speed dating” event held in week three, where our trainees meet prospective employers in an informal lunch meeting. Employers who have taken part in the speed-dating are very enthusiastic and have subsequently employed a number of the trainees.

Peter Angelico, MD of the Abeck Group, is very happy with his new employee who is producing jig welded parts, freeing up a higher skilled welder to complete more critical work.

Peter commented the skills course is “designed to fill an immediate need which enables us to maintain our customer’s confidence” that we can deliver in full and on-time. He went on to say, “there are plenty of full-time positions in manufacturing, we need to bring people in at the bottom end with micro credential courses such as this that are specifically designed to suit what our customers need”.

If you would like to learn more about the SEMMA welding course, please contact us at info@semma.com.au

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 11

News @MM Moderna to produce mRNA vaccines in Australia from 2024 The federal and Victorian governments have signed off on a final agreement which will see vaccine manufacturer Moderna produce mRNA vaccines in Australia for the first time.

A new manufacturing plant capable of producing 100 million doses every year will be built in Victoria, with works expected to begin by the end of this year.

Scott Morrison said the deal is

a “shot in the arm” for Australia’s pandemic defences.

“This will be the first mRNA production facility in the Southern Hemisphere, and will ensure Australians have quick and easy access to these lifesaving vaccines,” he said.

The agreement come a few months after an in-principle agreement was signed at the end of last year.

The precise location for the new plant will be determined between the Victorian government and Moderna.

Moderna Australia and New Zealand general manager Michael Azrak indicated it has much more in mind for the facility than just COVID-19 vaccines, with plans to develop a number of other respiratory treatments and vaccines.

“Moderna is backing the

development of a world class mRNA industry in Australia,” he said.

“In addition to local manufacturing, we’re going to partner with local researchers and institutions to deliver collaborative R&D that will develop the next generation of mRNA treatments.”

Australia will be one of only a handful of locations manufacturing mRNA vaccines around the world, including the US and Europe.

Boeing Australia recruits local advanced satellite manufacturers Quickstep Holdings, Crystalaid, Ferra, Nupress, Cablex, Lovitt, and Levett have signed memorandums of agreement to be part of Boeing’s advanced satellite manufacturing team, which will support Australia’s growing space industry and create almost 100 highly skilled jobs under JP9102.

“These seven local suppliers will manufacture a wide variety of products from complex bus, payload and solar array composite structural assemblies to circuit card assemblies, harnesses, and various mechanism and machine part assemblies,” JP9102 program manager Kathryn Burr said.

Boeing has committed over $5 million to an 18-month development program commencing in February to train, qualify and transfer proprietary intellectual property and knowledge to its Australian manufacturing partners.

“We are investing in these partnerships ahead of the JP9102 down-select decision,” Burr said.

“We are helping these suppliers to build the capability they need to be part of Australia’s space sector and our broader supply chain for Boeing Defence Australia and Boeing Space and Launch.”

Mark Burgess, CEO and managing

12 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Seven local manufacturers have agreed to join Boeing’s advanced satellite manufacturing team

director of Quickstep Holdings, said Boeing’s JP9102 Australian industry solution is a comprehensive manufacturing opportunity for the nation.

“Boeing’s proposal is directly aligned to the requirements of the National Space Manufacturing Roadmap and would create more than 50 jobs at Quickstep and, importantly, create the capability for Australian industry to build and test satellite structures locally,” Burgess said.

Circuit card assembly supplier, Crystalaid Manufacture, views its JP9102 collaboration with Boeing as

an opportunity to focus on business and technical improvements.

“This is a magnificent opportunity for our business to be mentored by one of the best design, production and logistics organisations in the world and supports Crystalaid and its parent company, Grabba Technologies,” Grabba Technologies executive chairman Ross McKinnon said.

Melbourne-based manufacturer of electrical wiring interconnect systems, Cablex, anticipates creating up to 40 additional high-tech, highly skilled new jobs with flow on effects to its Australian supply chain and potential

export opportunities.

“With Boeing’s support, we will leverage and evolve our existing capabilities in electrical wiring and interconnection systems, electromechanical assemblies, avionic bays, consoles and electrical enclosures to create a world-class space and satellite manufacturing capability,” Calex CEO Michael Zimmer said.

Regional NSW manufacturer of specialised engineered components, Nupress, emphasised that Boeing was not only helping local suppliers to build capability in anticipation of the JP9102 outcome, but also providing opportunities to be part of Australia’s growing space sector.

“The Boeing team worked closely with Nupress to bring AIC and sovereign capability to Australia for satellite manufacture, with the technology transfer to provide employment opportunities for regional Australians,” Nupress CEO Craig McWilliam said.

The addition of these seven Australian manufacturers boosts Boeing’s strong local satellite manufacturing capability, with additive manufacturing partnerships with RMIT and Titomic already in place.

manmonthly.com.au

News @MM Potential $7 billion uplift in Australian manufacturing from 5G A new report from Deloitte Access Economics has broken down how mobile use cases in manufacturing will be enhanced through 5G in Australia.

Commissioned by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), the report examines the economic impact of adoption levels of 5G-enabled technologies and innovations, and the policy and regulatory principles required to support accelerated adoption.

While Australia has been a world leader in mobile telecommunications for decades and is currently ranked 3rd globally, it is at risk of falling to 9th by 2025 due to lack of business readiness for change and a policy regime that needs to be recharged, according to the AMTA. The report found the top five use cases planned in the next 12 months: • Sensors and data analytics; • Location tracking machines and products; • Remote monitoring of stock and production assets; • Mass customisation; and • Factory automation.

The report’s economic modelling estimates 5G will increase Australia’s GDP by $67 billion by 2030 based on the current trajectory for adoption, however an additional $27 billion can be realised by maintaining Australia’s global leadership position through accelerated adoption – a 40 per cent uplift in economic benefit over nine years.

John O’Mahony, partner and technology, media and communications lead at Deloitte Access Economics said technology adoption is an intense race, and the earlier Australian business can develop and see the potential for 5G applications, the larger the productivity benefits.

“With nearly 90 per cent of businesses facing barriers to 5G adoption, Australia can only unlock

manmonthly.com.au

Deloitte has reported how mobile use cases in manufacturing will be enhanced by 5G.

the significant economic dividend by lifting business readiness and re-energising the policy regime and framework for 5G.” CEO of AMTA, Louise Hyland said Australia’s mobile telecommunications sector has invested billions in the 5G rollout over a number of years to establish itself as a global leader, generating significant opportunity for Australia’s economy and industries in the process.

“We know there are significant economic benefits to be gained from the adoption of 5G across industry, including innovation, jobs, productivity, and global collaboration & competitiveness,” Hyland said.

“Australia’s world-leading 5G rollout has seen three live networks established and operational 5G base stations at almost 4,000 sites at the

end of 2021 with significantly more brought online since, while trials of 5G technology are being undertaken by industry and supported by the Australian Government’s 5G Innovation Initiative.”

“But in reality, that opportunity only has value if the potential can be realised, and that’s why we are calling on industry and government to now play their role in driving an enhanced rate of 5G adoption.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 13

News @MM Advanced digital design and visualisation technologies are at the heart of the landmark new initiative, Innovation Central Adelaide – being launched virtually by Defence Industry minister, Melissa Price.

Jointly driven by Flinders University and the global technology company, Cisco, Innovation Central Adelaide has been established at Flinders University’s new Digital Transformation Laboratory at the Tonsley Innovation District, also being opened by Price.

A space designed to nurture innovation and growth by solving real business problems for small and medium sized enterprises, it represents the realisation of a national advanced technology network, complementing sister facilities in NSW, WA and Queensland.

“The partnership between Flinders and Cisco expands the co-Innovation footprint of Innovation Centrals in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, bringing together researchers and industry to facilitate collaboration and create opportunities to solve real world problems, through technology innovation,” Flinders University vicechancellor Professor Colin Stirling said.

“It further reinforces the world-class expertise that Flinders researchers are contributing to the evolution of advanced manufacturing in South Australia, supporting jobs and the economy.”

Flinders University pro vicechancellor of Research Innovation, Professor John Spoehr, said Innovation Central Adelaide will provide a hightech treasure chest to South Australian firms, and turbo charge students’ realworld learning.

“We have companies champing at the bit to do better, but they lack capacity,” Spoehr said. “Innovation Central Adelaide gives them that capacity, supporting them to apply cutting edge design processes, rapid prototyping, simulation, and high-tech visualisation technologies that would otherwise be beyond their reach.

“In addition, companies will be able to experiment with a range of robotics and automation technologies.”

As part of a network similar facilities throughout Australia, Innovation Central Adelaide will support product and service development by facilitating the uptake of digital technologies in South Australian companies.

“This important collaboration

Image: Flinders University.

Innovation Central Adelaide: A high-tech treasure chest

(L-R) Flinders University professors Robert Saint, John Spoehr and Trish Williams, and Cisco vice president Ben Dawson. is unlocking a treasure chest of technology which will help accelerate advanced manufacturing across our state,” Spoehr said.

“At the same time, it will equip students to be industry-ready with the digital skills required in the knowledge economy that help to solve real-world industry problems.”

Cisco Australia and New Zealand vice president, Ben Dawson, said the partnership with Flinders University will see Flinders join the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN).

NIIN is a Cisco-led industry and university alliance aimed at solving industry challenges through the adoption of technology solutions.

The NIIN is co-funded through Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, a $61 million investment to accelerate Australia’s digital capabilities in industries of national significance.

“The partnership with represents new research and innovation opportunities that will transform advanced manufacturing with the application of digital technologies to increase efficiencies and scale across industries,” Dawson said.

“This world class co-innovation commitment furthers our collaborative approach to innovative teaching and learning and opens the door for world leading research.”

Food and beverage manufacturing sector receives a boost The federal government has forked out $33.4 million for an Australian-first manufacturing precinct at Sunshine Coast Airport.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor has announced support for the $112.8 million Turbine Collaborative Food and Beverage Manufacturing Precinct under the Collaboration Stream of the Morrison government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

14 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

The precinct will be home to local food and beverage companies that will be able to utilise shared warehousing and logistics, an education and training centre, as well as a collaborative high-tech manufacturing facility.

It will bring together beverage company Lyre’s Spirit Co, the Queensland Drinks Accelerator and ingredients company Doehler Australia, with the Food and

Agribusiness Network and University of the Sunshine Coast.

It’s expected the project will see 131 new jobs during construction and support 687 once operational with $200 million in economic benefits.

Minister Taylor said the Sunshine Coast is home to incredibly innovative manufacturers especially when it comes to amazing food and beverage products.

“Food and beverage manufacturing

is the largest manufacturing sector for the Australian economy. One in four people employed in manufacturing are employed in our food and beverage sector and it contributes $27.5 billion to our economy,” Taylor said.

“This funding will support some of the most innovative producers leverage technology to increase their production, while meeting growing export demand and creating new local jobs across the region and beyond.” manmonthly.com.au

News @MM New renewable carbon solution could decarbonise steel industry BIOCARBON, a manufacturer based in Sydney, has found a viable solution to decarbonise the steel industry via its manufacture of a 100 per cent renewable carbon material that can directly replace fossil carbon in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking.

BIOCARBON’s new sustainable carbon neutral product hopes to enable steelmakers to decrease their carbon footprint without incurring large capital costs for modifying their equipment or processes.

The business is set to run a commercial trial of the novel product at Molycop’s steel plant in Newcastle, Australia.

The initiative is being supported by the federal government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through its Entrepreneurs’

Program, which recently awarded BIOCARBON a $293,840 Accelerating Commercialisation grant.

The initial trial will utilise 75 tonnes of the renewable carbon product (BIOCARBON bricks) in the production of 8,500 tonnes of steel.

The University of New South Wales has tested the renewable carbon material for its efficacy and the product underwent an initial trial in Molycop’s EAF ahead of the now fullscale industrial trial set to take place in May. BIOCARBON’s product is made from low value woody biomass streams, which are converted to a high-grade raw carbon product through a thermochemical reaction called pyrolysis. The raw char product produced through this process is high quality with lower ash content

and higher carbon content than the fossil coke presently used in EAF steelmaking.

The added advantages of this sustainable product include converting a waste stream into a value-added raw material and reducing the volume of timber waste going to landfill. Just in NSW, over 22 million tonnes of woody biomass waste is underutilised annually and this scale of available raw material is well surpassing EAF sector requirements in Australia.

“The renewable carbon replacement trial at Molycop will demonstrate proof of performance of the product in making green steel at full-scale, against existing fossil carbon metrics,” BIOCARBON CEO Chad Sheppeard said.

“Coupled with green electricity, a simple change in the choice of

consumables for EAF operations worldwide to our product will enable a major segment of the steel sector to become carbon neutral, with the possibility of 100 per cent decarbonisation in the future.”

Following the success of the trial, BIOCARBON expects to establish commercial product offtake agreements, allowing the business to attract investment and scale its production capacity at a facility at Bulahdelah in the Hunter/Mid North Coast region.

Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski said, “the green technological revolution is happening right here on the Northern Beaches. We are proud to be supporting companies like BIOCARBON, taking their innovative technologies to the next level through the commercialisation process.”

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Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 15

Manufacturer Focus The brands under the Venlo umbrella include BuildTuff, Evolve Group, Plungie, Poolrite, Resitech, and Tred Outdoors.

An Australian manufacturer champions true circularity Alexandra Cooper shines a spotlight on Ty Hermans, founder and managing director of Venlo Holdings (Venlo), to uncover how he succeeded in building a thriving, circular, Australian manufacturing business.

I

N 2005, Ty Hermans had an idea for a new product called PolySlab – a lightweight air conditioning slab. But after going through the process of designing and patenting the product utilising Australian service providers, he took it to China, only to discover it was not manufacturable.

16 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

On taking it back to the drawing board, Hermans focused on the critical elements of the design that would better enable its manufacture.

Then he had a brainwave: what if this now optimised design could be manufactured in Australia using recycled materials?

Not only did Hermans find that this path was more cost effective, it also became the blueprint for an entire stable of successful brands such as: • BuildTuff, which specialises in developing, manufacturing and supplying building systems for the

hardware, DIY, mining and HVAC industries; • Evolve Group, a high quality plastic and composite products manufacturer serving small and large companies in a range of industries; • Plungie, which manufactures a manmonthly.com.au

ManufacturerFocus The Venlo process

range of prefabricated, precast concrete plunge pools; • Poolrite, a manufacturer of pool products such as pumps, filters and chlorination systems; • Resitech, a plastic recycling and reprocessing company that converts plastic waste into recycled resins, which are used to manufacture new plastic products; and • Tred Outdoors, which manufactures outdoor and recovery gear.

This became Venlo, which now operates several large scale manufacturing facilities across Australia and North America and employs over 280 people across all facets of advanced manufacturing. manmonthly.com.au

Headquartered in Brisbane, Venlo is a design-led manufacturer that produces a variety of hardware products that serve multiple industries through these brands – all championing Australian made and focused on reducing carbon emissions. It has also become a complete corporate service provider and contract manufacturer for other businesses, Venlo founder and managing director Ty Hermans explained.

“We identify a great opportunity, quite often in a niche market,” he said. “We identify a known problem and then we solve that problem with great design, advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques, and then we wrap it in fences and fences of intellectual property.”

Venlo’s comprehensive inhouse process covers everything from ideation through to commercialisation and ultimately, global distribution. They discovered that this was a more reliable method than outsourcing other steps of the process.

“Over the last 16 years, we’ve learned the hard way just how little high quality support is actually out there,” Hermans said. “Things are definitely improving, but at the time we had no choice but to in-house everything, so a lot of roles were created in-house as well.”

For prototyping, the company employs a range of cutting-edge additive manufacturing processes, 3D printers, CNC mills, lathes, and high precision injection moulding machines. Much of their manufacturing process also utilises robotics within their highly automated facility, including vision systems and laser marking. There is also a blow moulding line, and processes for both single and multimaterial extrusions.

“Then if we jump across to Plungie, we’ve effectively got a precast concrete business,” Hermans said. “So, we do our pre-casting and then post finish those pools with a couple of proprietary processes, which is how we actually spit out thousands of Plungies every year.”

Reshoring and reducing emissions According to Hermans, Venlo were among the first companies to transfer the manufacturing process back to Australia and promote the concept of reshoring, rather than offshoring.

“We’ve really championed the reshoring piece,” he said. “There were many years where it felt like there wasn’t any focus or attention about reshoring – not just keeping it here, but actually going into the likes of China and bringing that manufacturing back to Australia by utilising all the different skill sets and services that we have inside the business.

“It’s our comprehensive understanding of that full supply chain – from concept all the way

through to commercialisation – that has really allowed us to take a really deep dive into what makes a product successful, not just for the client, but also for the retailer and the consumer. That allows us to go into people’s projects and businesses to really look at what needs to be done to manufacture the product effectively and sustainably here in Australia. That’s something very unique to what we do.”

Hermans added Venlo is unique in focusing on circularity and sustainability from the outset, at a time when accessing high quality, recycled plastics was a challenge in Australia. In partnering with leading suppliers such as Resitech and Martogg, and researchers from the likes of the Advanced Materials team

Venlo founder and managing director, Ty Hermans.

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 17

Manufacturer Focus

Venlo uses a range of advanced manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing.

at the University of Queensland, the manufacturer learned how to incorporate recycled materials into their designs to ensure an efficient, functional and environmentally friendly outcome at the end of the products’ lifecycles. This understanding has been beneficial in working with its broad range of customers and helping them to take a more circular approach.

“We’ve understood from both sides of the fence when we’re designing a product how to design it using recycled materials, and also how to design it so that at the end of its life, it can go back into the recycling process without contaminating and making things harder than they should be,” Hermans said.

As an example, Hermans said that at one time Venlo was possibly the 18 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

largest consumer of old Australian banknotes, which could not be easily recycled as they contained a lot of contaminants such as inks.

Learning from this has meant that the company has acquired a full understanding of how to design and manufacture a truly circular product – one that is regenerative by design, in contrast to the “take-make-waste” linear approach.

“We know it inside out and that’s been an invaluable experience for us,” he said. “It really helps us when a client comes to us looking for a more sustainable solution, or when we’re developing one of our own proprietary products. And that endof-life piece is absolutely critical.”

Late last year, Venlo even acquired their own recycling facility – Resitech – with plans to gain more

control of the full supply chain and expand on the amount of recycled materials that are actually used to create their products. Venlo’s drive behind the acquisition was to help increase the amount of waste plastic being diverted from landfill to remanufactured products.

“We have a fully vertically integrated recycling facility where we have our own waste collection, waste treatment, recycling, reprocessing, and repalletising lines that then flow straight into our own manufacturing facility to produce all of those plastic and composite products. In Australia, approximately 12 per cent of PP/ PE plastics are captured with the rest going to landfill, we want to see that number above 90 per cent and we are hell bent on getting there,” Hermans explained.

Addressing the global pallet shortage A steady emphasis on sustainability has opened many windows of opportunity for Venlo, exemplified by the global pallet shortage in the second half of last year.

Industry players reported the COVID-19 pandemic spawned an uptick in global consumer spending and heightened the demand for pallets. Simultaneously, fewer new pallets were made as timber was diverted to supply a building boom that many countries experienced, and pandemic restrictions closed off segments of the manufacturing industry – leaving many pallets locked in factories.

Supply chains went into overdrive across the globe, creating delays in manufacturing and shipping; an outmanmonthly.com.au

ManufacturerFocus of-date pallet manufacturing process also meant that the demand for pallets could not be met fast enough.

This led to retailers hoarding pallets to protect their own supply chains, which only exacerbated the problem.

Others, such as Costco, announced they would transition from timber pallets to plastic pallets.

This crisis led Venlo to respond to the industry by embarking on a project to design a 100 per cent recycled, repairable and circular pallet through its Evolve Group arm.

“The biggest issue in that market is that the damage rates on standard timber pallets are atrocious,” Hermans said. “I couldn’t believe it when we learned that over 25 per cent of all timber pallets are literally going to waste every year. So, designing a more sustainable pallet was the absolute mandate on that product.”

The Technology Enabled Circular Pallets (TEC pallets) received $450,000 in support from the federal government through the AMGC’s Commercialisation Fund. With an aim to support total circularity in its design, Hermans said there will not be a single gram of plastic that ever goes into landfill. To further this agenda, Venlo is working with the CSIRO to integrate technology that will secure total visibility of the pallets by tracking their locations at all times.

“In working with our inhouse design team and also the CSIRO, we will be embedding a multimodal sensor, or a pack of telemetry that tracks location, temperature, vibration, and impact (i.e. damage to the pallet and to the products that it’s carrying),” Hermans said. “There’s a whole bunch of other sensors we can add on or take away, depending on what kind of market the pallet is going into. Being able to have total visibility of our pallets anywhere in the world is another barrier to the products ever ending up in landfill or ending up in the waste stream.”

Additionally, the TEC pallet will be designed to become smarter over its lifespan.

“As we’re watching the pool of pallets travelling around the world, we can monitor when the pallet manmonthly.com.au

needs to come back in to be repaired and serviced,” Hermans said. “But also, we’re able to continually help our customers to improve their supply chains and drive down carbon emissions, just by making a smarter supply chain.”

The TEC pallet project has received an immense amount of commercial interest due to Venlo’s holistic design optimisation.

From a cost perspective, Hermans anticipates that the new pallets could be five times cheaper over the life of the pallet in comparison with a heavyweight timber pallet.

“From a cost effectiveness standpoint, I’d say we will see a huge transition of companies moving to our style of pallet,” Hermans said.

“Ultimately, if you look at it over a three, five, or ten year payback period, our pallet outstrips any of

the export of their Australian made products into global markets.

Hermans also expanded on the particular success of the Plungie brand, which identified a known problem and solved it using great design, followed it through with advanced manufacturing processes and protected it with various forms of intellectual property. Now that brand is upscaling their process even further.

“Plungie has been an incredible success. We made our first Plungie in August 2018, and literally cracked it out of the mould as our first prototype just days before the Australian pool conference. This year, we’re going to deliver over 2,000 Plungies,” he said. “We’ve very quickly become one of, if not the largest manufacturer of concrete swimming pools in the world, in just

I couldn’t believe it when we learned that over 25 per cent of all timber pallets are literally going to waste every year. So, designing a more sustainable pallet was the absolute mandate on that product. the competition – we set out with a target of halving the costs and we’ve taken it well beyond that now. It’s an exciting space and we’re working very hard to bring our pallet to life as quickly as we possibly can.”

Venlo are currently in the final design and engineering optimisation phase and expect to have the first TEC pallet production cell live by October 2022.

Growth and expansion Venlo’s success as a business has given them the confidence to branch out into other markets – even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they set up the Venlo North American headquarters and a new manufacturing location in Dallas in North America, all via Zoom and remote technologies. The company is also in the process of establishing an head office in Europe, facilitating

three and a half short years.

“The business in North America is absolutely incredible, so we’re going through a process optimisation piece with Plungie now to actually set it up almost like a large-scale automotive manufacturing line, if you could imagine that. That’s the next phase for Plungie, bringing all the advanced manufacturing techniques that we have honed and developed in the high-end plastics and composites space across into the precast concrete arena.”

When asked what else is in store for the future of the Venlo portfolio of brands, Hermans drops the B word.

“Now Venlo’s got line sight of exceeding $1 billion in revenue within the next four to five years,” he said. “And ultimately, really accelerating what Venlo does by bringing more businesses to life and

creating more jobs – that’s something we’re really passionate about. The whole team is really passionate about manufacturing in Australia.”

This passion extends to education, as he reveals that Venlo is in the process of establishing the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (AAMCE).

The AAMCE is an Australian first advanced manufacturing technology centre, designed to expose other manufacturers to bleeding edge advanced manufacturing technologies, techniques, machines and equipment, and implement them within their own facilities.

“We’re setting up a facility at the Mill in Petrie in North Brisbane that will train hundreds of students every year that graduate factory ready, that can leave our training centres and go straight into advanced manufacturing processes back in their hometown.

The AAMCE is also laser focused on commercialisation of IP and securing that manufacturing on home soil.

We want to ensure the next great Australian invention such as Wifi or the Black Box is manufactured here in Australia and exported globally,” Hermans said.

Reflecting on the history of their success, Venlo is particularly well placed to deliver this kind of initiative, which presents the opportunity to nurture collaboration among manufacturers in Australia and propel them forward on an international stage.

“I think one thing that Australia lacks is true collaboration. A lot of manufacturers aren’t willing to share and collaborate because it’s such a competitive market, in comparison to other markets in Europe and the United States. That’s something we’re really trying to foster – to get other manufacturers talking and sharing their experiences, and helping each other,” Hermans said. “’Rising tides floats all boats,’ and that’s what we really want to see on the manufacturing front. We’re not competing with other Australian businesses, we’re competing with low-cost labour countries such as China and really fighting to bring that manufacturing back home.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 19

Federal Budget 2022-23 Manufacturing the Budget Billy Friend takes a deeper look into this year’s federal budget and its implications for Australian manufacturing.

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ITH the Australian Federal Election scheduled for this month, the Coalition Government’s Budget 2022-23 and the Labor Party’s Budget Reply 2022 have naturally be en the subject of the usual scrutiny.

In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant disruptions to international commerce and supply chains there has been much talk in the media of ideas such as “onshoring” crucial manufacturing capabilities.

Developing “sovereign capability” in Australian manufacturing is of even greater concern when understood in the broader context of renewed global military and trade hostilities with great powers such as Russia and China, as well as ever-pressing concerns to boost Australia’s green manufacturing capabilities to tackle climate change.

20 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

To this end, Manufacturers’ Monthly examined the manufacturing-related commitments made by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the Budget 2022-23, as well as the alternative agenda put forth by Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese in his Budget Reply.

New manufacturing initiatives Treasurer Frydenberg mapped out the government’s aims for growing a modern and resilient manufacturing industry in his Budget speech, delivered before Parliament in late March.

“COVID and events in Ukraine have been a powerful reminder that we must increase our self-reliance,” Mr Frydenberg said. “Australia has a world-class manufacturing sector.

Tonight, we announce new funding to solve vulnerabilities in our supply chains.

“New funding to make Victoria the first place in the southern hemisphere to manufacture the mRNA vaccines. New funding to drive collaboration between our universities, CSIRO and industry to rapidly commercialise new technologies in clean energy, medical supplies, defence and other high priority areas. And a new patent box for agriculture and low-emissions technology sectors. This will see income from new patents developed in Australia taxed at almost half the rate that applies to large companies.”

According to the government, the Australian manufacturing industry will be allocated more than $1 billion in new investment, building on the already-existing Modern Manufacturing Strategy, with the stated intention of securing supply chains and jobs during a period

of heightened global uncertainty.

Furthermore, an additional $200 million in funding has been promised as part of the Regional Accelerator Program, to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability. $53.9 million is to be committed to the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund Round 3, to co-fund capital investments for small and medium manufacturers, and $4.7 million to support women in building careers in Australian manufacturing.

Additionally, the federal government stipulated that it would work with industry over the coming 12 months to finalise Manufacturing Investment Plans for each National Manufacturing Priority sector.

The National Manufacturing Priorities – announced in October 2020 – are to “turbo-charge Australian manufacturing” and

manmonthly.com.au

Federal Budget 2022-23 “focus on areas of comparative advantage and strategic importance”.

The National Manufacturing Priorities are: 1. Resources Technology & Critical Minerals Processing 2. Food & Beverage 3. Medical Products 4. Recycling & Clean Energy 5. Defence 6. Space The government says finalised plans for these priorities will help better guide further longterm investment in Australian manufacturing, with steps specific to each sector.

“Our Modern Manufacturing Strategy is already delivering and accelerating the transformation of Australian manufacturing, and now we want to further supercharge its job-creating power,” said Angus Taylor, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction.

Defence & national security On the national security front, Mr Frydenberg drew attention to the imperative of shoring up Australia’s defence capabilities in view of an increasingly tense strategic environment.

“We have put in place a 10-year defence capability plan worth more than $270 billion,” he said. “Hobart Class Warfare Destroyers, built in South Australia, now in the water.

Combat vehicles, maintained in Queensland, now in service. And F-35A Joint Strike Fighters with parts made in Western Sydney, now in the air. In this Budget, we continue to make record investments in our Navy, Army and Air Force.”

In his Budget speech, Mr Frydenberg said the government was building on this plan, announcing a new 10-year, $9.9 billion investment in Australia’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities. “This is the biggest ever investment in Australia’s cyber preparedness.”

Energy & emissions reduction In its efforts to have Australia reach Net Zero emissions by 2050, Mr Frydenberg stated that “technology, not taxes, will get us there.”

“Tonight, we make further manmonthly.com.au

investments in microgrids to support regional and remote communities that don’t otherwise have access to the grid with small-scale renewable energy projects like solar and wind,” he said. “A low-emissions future with reliable and affordable power is critical to our plan for a strong economy.”

Labor’s budget reply Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese delivered his Budget Reply speech before Parliament on 31 March.

As is usual for the out-ofgovernment party, Mr Albanese’s speech focused on broad priorities and didn’t delve into precise numerical figures – the elaboration of which will be the responsibility of a new Labor Treasurer should the ALP win the election.

That said, Mr Albanese did flag the importance of making greater commitments to Australian manufacturing.

“We can revitalise Australian manufacturing – and power that manufacturing with Australian made renewable energy,” he said.

“Exporting resources will always be important to Australia’s economy.

But we should also use our resources – like our minerals and rare earths – to make products like batteries here, instead of just shipping them offshore and importing finished goods.”

Mr Albanese linked energy, emissions reduction, manufacturing, and infrastructure considerations together as key “pillars” upholding Labor’s “plan for growth and prosperity”, providing us insight into what to expect from an incoming Labor Government.

“Our Powering Australia plan to drive investment in cheap, renewable energy [will] create 604,000 new jobs by 2030, with five out of every six in the regions, and lower power bills for households and businesses alike,” he said.

“Our plans for a Future Made in Australia [will result in] making more things here, diversifying the economy and revitalising the regions,” Mr Albanese said. “Using our National Reconstruction Fund, we will work with businesses to help turn good

ideas into good, secure jobs and new homegrown industries.”

He also noted Labor’s plans to invest in infrastructure, “because roads, rail, ports, and high-speed broadband are the building blocks of a stronger, more connected, more efficient economy.”

Meanwhile, on the Defence front, Mr Albanese didn’t commit to any special initiatives, outside stressing the necessity of more spending in this domain – owing to the international situation. “But that spending needs to lead somewhere,” he said. “It needs to actually improve technology and capabilities – and deliver them when they are needed.”

Industry response After six years in the Industry Growth Centres program, the budget confirmed what the Advanced Manufacturing Grwoth Centre (AMGC) had factored in from the outset – the organisation will have to become self-sufficient with industry taking the lead.

Jens Goenneman, managing director said the confirmation provides AMGC with clarity and prupose, while it has some incredibly exciting projects under development as it shifts into the next part of its life cycle.

“Included in the budget was support for a mRNA vaccine manufacturing plant in Victoria, enabling the entire country to better respond to future pandemics. This is good news. We can’t and we shouldn’t try to do everything ourselves.

Therefore, we need to focus on the few right things and critical health capability is certainly one of them,” he said.

“We were also pleased to see $53.9 million for a third round of the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund since the last two rounds of the program were heavily oversubscribed – and why wouldn’t they be popular when you get dollars on top of gear you would have gotten anyway?

Now is a good opportunity to move away from purely spending on capital equipment with one dollar on top of every three dollars for a new machine. We advocate to tailor the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund

to rather encourage investment along the entire manufacturing ‘smiley curve’ rather than focussing on its middle, lowest value adding element only.”

In a statement, CSIRO confirmed it will play a central role in the Government’s University Research Commercialisation Action Plan with $150 million to expand the CSIRO Innovation Fund, managed

by Main Sequence, to accelerate the commercialisation of research and increase industry collaboration as part of Australia’s Economic Accelerator.

Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said the budget hosts a mix of measures focussed on building the longer-term strength of the economy.

“The measures to lift Industry and university collaboration and the support for small businesses investing in digitisation are important steps to drive Australia’s longer-term economic development,” he said. “The Budget unfortunately does not make headway into some of the structural barriers to further growth including taxation reform and the still disappointing levels of business investment. Hopefully this can be addressed in the lead up to the election.”

Dr. Kevin Otto, Professor in the Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering Group in the University of Melbourne’s department of mechanical engineering, said the budget takes steps to accelerate Australia’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy, despite the challenge of a lack of training and upskilling in Australian companies.

“In the long run, Australia must do more to reduce its dependence on global supply chains and our local manufacturing ecosystem where SMEs play a huge role, but share in only a small pool of funding,” he said.

“There remains a lack of discussion on programs to foster highly technical competence within existing Australian companies. Education and skill development for manufacturing is critically important for the growth of Australian’s manufacturing. It needs to be addressed across all educational sectors.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 21

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Laminates Driving effectiveness through culture Manufacturers’ Monthly gains insight from Caterina Enters, the IBP process lead for Laminex Australia, on her role within an Australian manufacturing team and what makes the business a great place to work.

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HEN Caterina Enters joined Laminex Australia as an Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process lead in July 2020, she recognised that the manufacturers’ strong leadership team and great workplace culture was responsible for driving the effectiveness of the team. This was highlighted when Laminex was awarded in the Australian Financial Review’s annual Best Places to Work in 2021 in the Manufacturing and Consumer Goods category.

The great leadership team was partly what attracted Enters to join Laminex following a four-year stint at Fonterra, a renowned dairy manufacturer.

“IBP only works when you’ve got a really good leadership team,” she said. “At Laminex, it was evident right from the start when I spoke to a few people in the business that it was something the leadership team recognised they needed, and they were 100 per cent on board with getting it up and running as quickly as possible.”

Established in Melbourne in 1934, Laminex Australia manufactures high-pressure laminate, compact laminate and wet-area panelling, decorated MDF used for cabinetry doors, raw particleboard and MDF in their various plants across Australia.

As a subsidiary of Fletcher Building, the business has expanded over more

As IBP lead, we look 24 to 36 months forward to what our business plans are looking to be.

than 85 years to become one of the largest employers in their domain.

As a senior business process improvement leader with over 15 years of experience across FMCG and industrial sectors, Enters is experienced in connecting operational execution to strategy through implementing the IBP process. In employing her, Laminex invested in a better process to help run the business. This involves implementing a forecast to guide the business’ plans.

“As IBP lead, we look 24 to 36 months forward to what our business plans are looking to be,” she said. “This forecast determines if there are any gaps to the financial targets and also highlights if there is any misalignment to strategy. If we look forward and see that our production capacity is insufficient to meet our sales forecasts in 18 to 24 months’ time, do we have the time to do something about it? Probably.

Laminex was awarded as one of the Australian Financial Review’s best places to work in 2021.

manmonthly.com.au

Caterina Enters, IBP process lead for Laminex Australia.

Whereas if we were to see those gaps three to four months ahead of time, we wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.”

Laminex has recently focused on projects improving customer experience, particularly on the digital side.

“One of the things I noticed when I started was that the website really wasn’t easy to navigate,” Enters said.

“You could see the sort of products that Laminex worked with but I couldn’t really figure out how, or what, I needed to purchase. Also, you didn’t really get an understanding of how many SKUs existed, because there was no product catalogue. I found it difficult to understand how product X differed from product Y. “There was a big piece of work that was done over the last couple of years to clean up our SKUs and make it a more manageable range, clearly sorted into an ABC categorisation.

Inventory reduction was huge just out of that project itself.”

There is further work being implemented in the supply chain part of the business around improving movement and the network it Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 23

Laminates operates on for better efficiency in projecting the right timeframes to customers. For this, Enters said Laminex is bringing SAP into the picture within 18 months’ time to enhance and consolidate data analysis.

So far, the feedback from customers has been resoundingly positive.

“Our customers are recognising that the changes we’ve made have made life easier for them,” Enters said. “And we’re working on a number of projects that are focused on making step change improvements to customer experience moving forward.”

Building relationships A key element of Enters’ role as IBP process lead is working collaboratively across many sections of the business to deliver better results. In an episode of Laminex’s internal podcast, Learning Bites – which celebrates thought leadership within the business – she imparted wisdom on “How to influence others in three steps.”

“An IBP lead doesn’t really sit in a function, so I don’t have direct authority over any of the functions that I need to work very closely with in order to be successful,” Enters said. “I have to do a lot of what I do through influencing the demand team, the sales team, the supply planning team, the rest of the supply chain and finance.

“It’s simple if you understand how it benefits them as well. If you’re very focused only on how it benefits you, then you’re not bound to get where you need to be. But if it’s winwin, it’s easy because you just make that apparent to them and go from there.”

Enters arrived at Laminex at a time when it had just started to implement its “work from anywhere” culture, which meant that she needed to develop relationships with the right people remotely. However, this was not as much of a challenge as it sounds.

“I’d never worked at Laminex in an office environment, but I feel like if I had I would have developed closer relationships with people 24 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Laminex Australia manufactures various laminate-based products.

Since the launch of IBP, the SLT have been very clear on not setting up parallel meetings or processes to resolve issues. They’ll come and share the issue, and the core Integration Team will either use IBP data already available to resolve, or decide which IBP or tactical meeting is best suited to flow through. who only worked in the office,” Enters said. “Whereas starting in a fully ‘work from anywhere’ environment, I found that a large number of people who I developed the closest relationships with were people in Queensland who were critical people in delivering what I needed to deliver. I truly don’t believe that I would have developed the work relationships that I needed to do my job as well as I could. I think you develop more of the right connections this way.”

The people are a huge part of what makes Laminex a great Australian manufacturing business, Enters believes.

“There’s something different

about the energy around the people here. It’s not that people work harder, but I feel like people are happier here,” she said. “People feel like they’re being listened to, so even the most junior person at a meeting is happy to speak up and say what they think. And because of the work from anywhere culture, there’s no pressure to work in the head office to advance your career.”

Problem solving Laminex’s leadership team not only facilitates a better working environment but has a focus on utilising the broader team’s skills where needed. This is exemplified in the way they manage different

projects and solve problems.

“Since the launch of IBP, the SLT have been very clear on not setting up parallel meetings or processes to resolve issues. They’ll come and share the issue, and the core Integration Team will either use IBP data already available to resolve, or decide which IBP or tactical meeting is best suited to flow through,” Enters said. “It’s been an incredibly efficient and clear process to follow.”

Such a process has been beneficial in creating more resilience in the business when disaster hits, which has been a core part of Enters’ role during the past year. Events such as the COVID-19 lockdowns, which impacted construction and an influx in resin prices, required Laminex to review all opportunities and work to pivot on each issue as it arose.

This resilience has put Laminex in a good place to excel in the future.

“It really is the best place I’ve worked. People make a place, and the people are just so fantastic here,” Enters said. “It’s so exciting where this company is going, from the spaces its taking our technology to breaking new ground and different ways of reaching different segments of customers.” manmonthly.com.au

Laminates

Meet our team at INDO PACIFIC 2022 International Maritime Exposition, Sydney.

Image courtesy of BAE Systems

Helping customers deliver significant projects Australia-wide The National Product, Processing & Solutions Hub is BlueScope Distribution’s new capability. Strategically located in Unanderra NSW, BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub provides customers with world-class plate processing capability, optimised supply chain solutions with diversified transport options, and a dedicated project management team to help deliver projects on time and to specification.

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Comprehensive steel & aluminium product range

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Integrated national supply network

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The ease of dealing with one single-source provider of product, processing and service solutions

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Local and dedicated project management expertise

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Surge capacity & capability to deliver project timelines

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Technical product expertise and processing knowhow

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Extensive Australian-based stock holding

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Proven defence industry capability

BlueScope Distribution provides customers with a national network of 16 strategically located branches to help support defence suppliers with national and localised capability.

1800 876 004 | thehubsales@bluescope.com BlueScope Distribution is a registered trademark of BlueScope Steel Limited. © BlueScope Steel Limited March 2022 ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.

Engineering Focus Carbon fibre innovation for Australian manufacturing Defence contractor Thales Australia has entered into a collaboration with Deakin University and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre to develop a lightweight composite overwrap for gun barrels. Manufacturers’ Monthly speaks to the people behind the project.

A

FTER establishing the Commonwealth in 1901, the Australian government faced responsibility for the country’s defence for the first time. To be free of complete dependence of British munitions and armament supplies, the decision was made to build a factory to manufacture small arms in the New South Wales town of Lithgow.

In July 1914 – despite the centre only being in operation for two years – The Lithgow Small Arms Factory had to rise to a mighty challenge.

During the first world war, over 1500 men worked at the facility, enduring cold winters and terrible living conditions to make almost 100,000 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifles and accessories over the next five years.

Graham Evenden, Thales Australia’s director integrated weapons & sensors, said from manufacturing the .303 and SLR to today’s Austeyr SA2 and the EF88, Lithgow has a unique heritage.

“The factory was designed specifically with steam powered, belt driven machines,” he said. “They were able to manufacture that rifle in less than half the time of the same rifle which was being manufactured back in England.”

Today, the facility designs new Australian weapons for military and civilian markets. Thales Australia recently invested $6.5 million in the first step to transform the factory into a modern manufacturing and integration hub for the design, development and precision manufacture of next generation weapons systems.

At the forefront of this push is an exciting new six-month, $234,000

26 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

The carbon fibre project hopes to advance in-country composite manufacturing capabilities. research and development (R&D) project to deliver a carbon fibre overwrap that will reduce the thickness of the gun barrel, resulting in a lighter product with increased precision.

The research collaboration is a part of a wider R&D program for Thales and is in collaboration with

Deakin University and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), based around two fundamental factors: taking an in-demand product to market and securing an onshore supply of the raw material.

“Weight reduction is critical,” Evenden said. “One of the key

contributing subsystems for any rifle is the barrel which is usually a fairly large chunk of steel. The lightweight carbon overwrap seems like an obvious solution for that.”

The second, and for Evenden, most exciting reason behind the project is the opportunity to advance in-country composite manufacturing capabilities.

“Currently, the intermediate modulus carbon fibres suited to the overwrap are only available from overseas supply chains that face frequent disruptions. By developing these fibres on Australian soil, Thales is establishing an innovative capability that can be applied to other small arms products across civil and defence sectors,” he noted. “In these times, localising material is so important.”

Dr. Sarah Sharp heads Thales Australia’s integrated weapons and sensors business’ technology and engineering team, having been involved in the development and taking-to-market of new Australian products for many years. As part of Thales’ military rifle R&D program, Sharp has been looking for the right partners, which Deakin University fit perfectly.

“Deakin is our materials research and development partner and the industrialisation of the product is where we’ll be taking the lead,” Evenden said. “They play an absolutely critical role from a materials perspective and how the material is presented will influence the design of the product. We will work hand in glove with Deakin to upskill staff at our Lithgow Arms facility to work with composites, further contributing to sustainable growth within Australia’s manufacturing sector.” manmonthly.com.au

EngineeringFocus The Carbon Nexus Centre in Victoria’s south.

Thales’ mechanical design engineers will be leaning on the company’s experience in working on lightweight carbon systems for aircraft and the defence industry.

Evenden is immediately turning his attention on planning how to execute the design into a tangible manufactured product.

“At the beginning of the design phase our industrial team will be involved because at some point, we have to manufacture the product,” he added. “Quality engineering will also be involved from the start, so we can design a quality plan for testing and qualification. It’s important to embed those quality control assurance aspects from the beginning.”

The passion for engineering at the Lithgow factory stems from its rich history. Thales has a number of exmilitary staff, but Evenden explained the devotion to providing for the defence industry goes way beyond personal experience.

“Some employees are the fourth generation working at the facility since it opened in 1912,” he said.

“There are family with brothers, sisters and fathers working at the factory who carry the passion for manufacturing, so the team really cares about what goes out the door.” manmonthly.com.au

Carbon Nexus Prof Russell Varley, professor of composite materials at Deakin University, said the IMCRC activate collaboration will draw on local knowledge and expertise to meet the growing global demand for lightweight, high-performance components.

“Deakin, through its Carbon Nexus research centre, is excited to support Thales in the development of new carbon fibre materials which, will be used to produce a composite demonstrator at Thales Australia’s Lithgow manufacturing facility,” he said.

The Carbon Nexus research centre is a purpose-built carbon fibre research facility committed to supporting the Australian composite industry and creating Australian carbon fibre. This project provides the ideal platform to do this, by growing our manufacturing and research capability, while creating jobs for Australia.

Prof Russell Varley said that Carbon Nexus is proud to be at the nexus of industry, research and teaching for the global carbon fibre community.

Almost 20 years ago, Australia was falling behind in new manufacturing

opportunities amid increasing demand for lightweight, low-cost and energy efficient carbon fibre.

With the closure of iconic factories and large-scale employers in manufacturing in Geelong, such as the Ford Australia plant and Alcoa’s Point Henry smelter, the region embraced the opportunity to support local manufacturing.

Carbon Nexus has worked with some of the world’s largest and most important companies such as Vestas, Boeing, Ford and PETRONAS to name a few, whilst collaborating with many Australian companies looking to utilise more carbon fibre in their manufacture. Carbon Nexus provides research and development services across the entire carbon fibre value chain, from precursor and carbon fibre development to composite manufacturing delivered by a team of globally recognised, advanced materials experts. The centre continues to innovate, leveraging off its recent commercial success.

The pilot scale facility at Carbon Nexus, provides a unique advantage over other similar facilities, allowing technology developments to be scaled up in readiness for commercial exploitation.

“At a manufacturing capability of

between 50 and 100 tonnes of carbon fibre per year,” he added. “any new technology, whether developed by or with an industry partner is able to take the next step towards the marketplace. .”

Prof Russell Varley believes that the Thales and Deakin’s R&D partnership will act as a testbed for future developments of Australian manufactured bespoke carbon fibres.

“We would love to see this really kick-start the nascent Australian carbon fibre industry,” he said. “And Carbon Nexus is the seed to do that given the difficulty of suppliers in sourcing the carbon fibre they need at the right price.”

Dr Matthew Young, manufacturing innovation manager at IMCRC echoes this sentiment.

“This collaboration will develop a niche, high-quality product with significant export opportunities. By partnering with an Australian worldclass research facility on composite materials, this project will directly support growth within a key national manufacturing priority area,” he said.

“It’s a prime example of the role shorter-term R&D collaborations can play in strengthening the future of defence manufacturing within Australia.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 27

Defence Manufacturing Elexon Electronics forges future in Defence Elexon Electronics has invested a further $1.9 million in developing its state-of-theart Industry 4.0 defence and aerospace manufacturing facility by securing a Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grant.

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NNOVATIVE Australian electronics manufacturer, Elexon Electronics, has enhanced its manufacturing capabilities, procuring six new state-of-the-art machines for its Industry 4.0 manufacturing facility as part of its defencereadiness program.

Automation and interconnectedness have been the primary goals for Elexon, in developing its world-class Industry 4.0 manufacturing facility, offering unparalleled precision and manufacturing standards.

Over the past 16 years, Elexon Electronics has established itself as a global electronics player, pioneering various highly innovative and commercially successful products for a range of industries such as mining, pathology, automotive and recently defence.

The leading difference for Elexon, is its ability to design, engineer, prototype, test and manufacture complex electronics in-house, from high-precision custom PCB boards assembly to software and final assembly.

Today, Elexon is a trusted supplier of electronics for world-

class companies such as Rio Tinto, Newcrest, Volvo, Aurizon, Aim Lab, Agilent and EM Solutions.

Defence-readiness investment Elexon Electronics has spent the past year working tirelessly on its Defence-readiness plan, consisting of four key areas; Cyber Security Uplift, Quality and Management Systems, Team development & upskilling and Manufacturing Equipment Upgrades.

In order to become a valued Defence supplier, Elexon Electronics was committed to ensuring its quality and security systems exceeded industry standards.

Following engagement with the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC), Elexon received government support for its Cyber Security Uplift, ISO 14001 and AS 9100D management standards installations.

The successful implementation of environmental management standards ISO 14001 and aerospace quality standards AS 9100D involved also Elexon upgrading its physical and cyber security to protect IP both Elexon’s and that of trusted

Elexon Electronic’s Industry 4.0 manufacturing facility.

28 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Elexon has secured a SCIP grant, helping its offering to defence companies.

Defence partners.

Government support, in the form of firstly, the “Made in Queensland” grant 3 years ago and lately, the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority (SICP) grant, allowed Elexon to invest almost $4 million to significantly increase its design, prototyping and manufacturing capability, with a strong focus on Industry 4.0 interconnectedness.

The early procurement of highprecision automated surface-mount technology (SMT) equipment from leading European producers allows intelligent material handling, solder paste jetting, vacuum vapour phase soldering and X-Ray inspection.

More recent procurement of intelligent production and inspection/testing machinery, has further enhanced the quality standards achievable at Elexon’s Industry 4.0 facility, now offering 3D automated optical inspection, dualside flying probe testing, selective soldering, PCB cleaning, and highprecision conformal coating.

The development of Elexon’s

intelligent Industry 4.0 production facility has already resulted in the manufacturer securing a project with Tier 1 Australian Navy supplier, EM Solutions (EMS), delivering RF PCB assemblies for their marine Satcom terminals.

A milestone achievement for Elexon within the Defence space, is being approved as a supplier for Rheinmetall Group following and successfully bidding for work on Land 400 Phase 2 and 3 projects.

“Defence is a sector well suited to Elexon’s capabilities as an electronics manufacturer, even more so following our Industry 4.0 facility investment,” said Elexon Electronics CEO Frank Faller.

“Elexon is no stranger to high-precision, high-durability electronics, with its suite of wireless sub-surface mining solutions built to withstand the harshest of environments. The latest round of Industry 4.0 upgrades allows Elexon to produce extremely precise, durable, and meticulously tested electronics faster than before.” manmonthly.com.au

DefenceManufacturing Industry 4.0 manufacturing facility The Koh Young Technology Zenith2 is one of the most advanced true 3D AOI machines and an exciting addition to the Elexon Electronics facility, combining advanced vision algorithms and high-resolution 3D optics.

A major benefit of the Zenith2 is simplicity of use with AI-driven programming, offering up to a 70 per cent reduction in programming time.

The SPEA 4060 S2 Flying Probe Tester was purchased for component testing, offering dual-side flying probing, as well as the option to use fixed probes, bed-of-nails, and more.

Another reason for choosing the 4060 S2 is its ability to test large boards – up to 20kg – with high accuracy and rapid test times.

An Inertec CUBE.460 selective soldering machine allows Elexon Electronics to move from manual through-hole soldering to precise machine automated selective soldering; reducing manufacturing costs and improving quality.

Not only is manual labour removed from the soldering process, reducing time and eliminating human error, the CUBE.460 allows Elexon Electronics to solder complex PCBs. Precise cleaning requires a highquality PCB cleaner and for this reason, Elexon Electronics recently invested in an MBtech NC25E PCB cleaner, to enhance and automate PCB cleaning capabilities.

A patented filtration system provides precise and efficient cleaning of PCBs after reflow, and the use of an aqueous solution makes it possible to separate residues, ensuring a complete closed-loop cleaning process to meet environmental demands.

Elexon Electronics has also acquired a Mycronic MYC50, replacing existing coating methods with a high-speed, high-precision solution.

The Mycronic MYC50 allows for the automation of high-performance conformal coating, for complex PCBs. All of the recent upgrades come

Elexon has six new machines at its manufacturing facility.

together to form the backbone of Elexon Electronic’s Industry 4.0 manufacturing facility - a move made by the company to prepare for a serious push into the Defence manufacturing sector.

“We already have arguably some of the most advanced manufacturing capabilities within Australia,” Faller said. “But we are constantly striving to improve and stay one, or even two steps ahead of the competition.”

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Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 29

Defence Manufacturing A new steel capability for Australian defence & shipbuilding As Australia’s shipbuilding program gains momentum, the Navy’s next generation ships will need many materials, including steel. Manufacturers’ Monthly speaks with BlueScope Distribution to find out about its new BlueScope Distribution National Product, Processing & Solutions Hub.

I

N the recent Federal Budget, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced more than half a trillion dollars towards Australia’s defence forces by the end of the decade, including $10 billion for naval infrastructure and $6.4 billion for Collins class submarines.

An additional $137 million will go towards maritime surveillance and Border Force’s response capabilities, while the defence force will get an extra $75 million to protect Australia’s maritime interests.

In his budget speech, Frydenberg said “the world is less stable. We must invest more in the defence of our nation. This is what we are doing after those opposite allowed defence spending to fall to its lowest level since 1938. We have put in place a 10 year defence capability plan worth more than $270 billion supporting more than 100,000 jobs.”

BlueScope Distribution has a rich history of providing end-to-end solutions to the defence industry, servicing Australian businesses with quality products and processing.

With the push for defence projects evidently front of mind for government, one of Australia’s largest steel and aluminium distributors will be at the forefront of helping business who manufacture and fabricate products that are used to deliver Australia’s biggest defence initiatives.

BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub. BlueScope Distribution has invested $6.9 million into a new 30 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

custom site strategically located in Unanderra, NSW, nearby the BlueScope steelworks and other supply partners including Bisalloy Steel.

As well as extensive steel processing capability, the facility will have a dedicated project management team and access to local technical know-how.

Sam Gerovasilis, general manager BlueScope Distribution says the move will enable the business to further support the delivery of national projects in the defence, infrastructure, renewables, mining oil & gas, transport and agriculture segments.

“When we looked at the sovereign capability we have in Australia, we saw an opportunity to complement our 15 existing BlueScope Distribution sites around the country with a national capability to deliver product, processing and solutions for large customers,” he said. “We are a single source supplier of sovereign capability. We provide steel and aluminium, design processing outcomes rather than just standard products, and our semifinished components can really help the efficiency of those large-scale projects.”

As well as supporting Navy shipbuilding projects, The hub will also distribute steel and aluminium products for other Defence projects, such as the Army’s Land programs, and civilian sectors in infrastructure, renewable energy, transport, agriculture, mining, and oil and gas.

BlueScope Distribution’s National

The Hub provides steel processing capability including straight plasma cutting.

Product, Processing and Solutions Hub provides customers with steel processing capability including: • Straight plasma cutting • Constant angle bevel • Complex variable bevel & K bevel • Power hole thermal cut • Drilling • Tapping • Etching • Laser or inkjet printing • Blast and prime available on request Michael McPhan, BlueScope Distribution’s national operations manager leading the facility, said it’s strategic location will ensure BlueScope Distribution provides a seamless supply chain solution for its customers.

“The Illawarra location is close to supply partners like the Port Kembla steelworks and wharf facilities, and major road and rail infrastructure which will help with logistics and the efficient delivery of product to customers Australia-wide,” he said.

“No longer do our customers need to invest their own time and resources in co-ordinating the steel and aluminium supply chain

or the processing of semi-finished components – we’ve invested in this capability to help them find the freedom to do what they do best,” he said. “This, along with a multitude of other value-adds, is the driving force behind this customer-focused investment. BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub is in line with BlueScope’s company purpose to create and inspire smart solutions in steel, to strengthen our communities for the future.”

The BlueScope Distribution National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub team will be exhibiting at the IndoPacific Maritime Exposition at the ICC in Sydney May 10th-12th. The team will be available to discuss this new capability and the final day of the exhibition will also mark the official opening of this new capability.

Anyone interested in a guided tour can register via the BlueScope Distribution website.

manmonthly.com.au

DefenceManufacturing Procurement made easy for defence and maritime projects

RS Components has been servicing engineers and procurement specialists for more than 75 years.

Efficiency of purchasing processes is essential for any manufacturer. RS Components explains how it helps improve procurement departments while expanding on a huge range of products.

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OR nearly 40 years, RS Components has been working with manufacturers in the defence industry around the world, providing a wide range of certified electronic, maintenance products from trusted global brands. Anthony O’Callaghan, contracts delivery manager ANZ said the company has been heavily involved in Australian defence projects over the past 15 years.

“RS deals with a lot of prime contractors as well as working with defence direct,” he said. “Working with some of the major companies around the world as our core product ranges gives us a great starting point for OEM requirements.”

COVID-19 has only increased pressure on manufacturers to reduce downtime, which is why RS places a focus on helping businesses overcome disrupted supply chains and rising cost pressures. O’Callaghan explained how RS contributes to improved purchasing processes by breaking it into two fundamentals: an e-procurement strategy and outsourcing side of the company.

The power of eProcurement As well as empowering engineers and speeding up delivery, eProcurement ensures compliance with procurement policies and reduces the need for ad hoc purchases. The overall result is improved efficiency and adherence to cost controls, according to O’Callaghan.

“Even though a big part of the overall spend is on special equipment or services and bigger manmonthly.com.au

tenders are managed via public quote procedures, there is a lot of small and irregular demand for standard parts and components which are sometimes managed very manually often with a lot of effort and resources,” he said. “Meeting strict performance criteria is part of the DNA of the defence sector. A high-quality MRO supply chain helps defence and maritime companies to guarantee the operational availability of products.”

It’s no secret that Internet of Things and industry 4.0 has stepped up the need for production technology, but with new technology must come agile and knowledgeable MRO partners to support the transition to high-tech manufacturing.

“The MRO function in OEM, automotive, transport and defence is becoming as technologically advanced as some of the products its companies are making,” O’Callaghan added. “We’ve worked heavily with defence companies – which are attracted by being able to simply log into our catalogue, see the live pricing and worldwide stock holdings available to them. Seeing the stock availability provides confidence to make key purchasing decisions quickly.”

Technology is making the MRO function more efficient, with aProcurement tools such as RS Purchasing Manager allowing decisions to be placed in the hands of individual engineers, working within pre-set spending limits.

“A number of customers use

Purchasing Manager because it makes the process so transparent and easy,” he explained. “Customers log-in to the website, where they can immediately access net prices and the live-level elements. As soon as particular items are chosen, the stock from the website is pulled directly into the procurement order process.”

The removal of human contact from the purchasing process eradicates human error and a waste of time and resources for engineers, procurement professionals and others involved in the source-to-pay process. RS Purchasing Manager is a free order-management tool to streamline the buying process without having to invest in upgraded IT systems or software.

“The demand continues to shift because of supply chain challenges we’re seeing around the world,” he said. “Businesses aren’t able to fulfill their requirements without a digital offering.”

RS ScanStock is a managed inventory service, taking responsibility for controlling and replenishing products for a business, further freeing up the customer’s employees to concentrate on more important work. It’s complimented by another of RS’ eProcurement tools, RS ConnectPoint, which is a a touchscreen terminal that allows users to quickly connect to the RS PurchasingManager platform, where they can find the exact parts they have to order.

As well as sourcing parts and placing orders, customers can track an existing order, get safety

information, request data sheets, or find answers to specific questions.

Product plus RS’ new outsourcing service works to alleviate the need for sourcing products from multiple vendors.

Reducing the amount of orders saves time and money, so RS Product Plus service allows customers to find products which aren’t on the RS website.

“We have a team dedicated to pulling products with vital specifications which are difficult to access for prime contractors and the Australian defence industry,” O’Callaghan said. “They come to us and explain this is what we need and we can find it for them. Having the outsourcing capability on top of already having 60,000 product lines is proving to be a huge advantage.”

Indo Pacific 2022 At this year’s Indo Pacific International Maritime exposition, RS Components will be exhibiting its vast catalogue of products and services for the maritime and naval sectors. The company has the stock locally and via one of its 14 distribution centres around the world to quickly take action.

“We want people to understand the depth of product we carry,” he said. “Maintenance and repair is another important element of RS. This could be an actual asset or maintenance and manufacturing facilities, but Australian defence requires ongoing support to connect everything together.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 31

Naval Manufacturing

Keeping the marine industry in propulsion Altra Motion is the manufacturer and service provider with a portfolio of 26 world-class power transmission brands. Manufacturers’ Monthly asks the OEM what is behind its ascendency in the Australian Marine market.

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HEN Roger Axelsson joined Altra Motion four years ago as global sales manager-marine, the maritime sector was earmarked as a key growth vertical. Altra Motion has been providing quality products for ships and submarines for many years, but its focus on packaged and bespoke drivetrain solutions has put the customer in the driver’s seat.

“The main goal since I joined the company was to promote Altra Motion as the OEM of 26 worldleading power transmission brands,” Roger said. ‘Altra’s portfolio of brands provides our customers with the convenience of offering all

32 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

products from the one manufacturer.”

Altra’s customers can source multiple components from one company, which Roger says provides more convenience, compatibility and simpler procurement management.

Key brands under Altra’s marine package include Stromag, Twiflex, Bibby Turboflex, Svendborg, Wichita Clutch and Ameridrives.

All 26 brands under Altra Motion concentrate on innovating towards industry trends, focusing on research and development (R&D).

“We have a global footprint, with 17 manufacturing facilities worldwide,” Roger added. “The voice of the customer is imperative,

so we find out exactly what they want through research and knowing industry trends and engineer and design accordingly. We talk with our customers to ensure we respond and show them the benefits of working with our complete portfolio of products and service capabilities.

Innovation The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) provides bespoke packages and innovative solutions for the marine market, including the Turning, Locking and Braking system from Twiflex. The system comprises a Turning gear, Locking device, and shaft Brake (TLB) together

with a power unit (e.g. Hydraulic Powerpack) and a control panel for local operation of the system close to the equipment. TLB is available as a continuous turning option as shown or as an indexing system using a simple hydraulic ‘push-pull’ arrangement with the brakes and brake disc to inch the propeller shaft for maintenance and accurate alignment. The TLB solution enables single-source convenience for marine applications.

In addition, the Bibby Turboflex, Ameridrives and Stromag disc, diaphragm and elastomeric couplings are helping manufacturers rise to the challenges of not only naval propulsion and pumping but manmonthly.com.au

NavalManufacturing

Twiflex’s complete Turning, Locking & Braking System. many other Marine applications where couplings are required.

Altra Couplings absorb all types of shock, vibration, misalignments, and end floats. Highly-engineered, Altra coupling products represent the latest in coupling technology, featuring superior design and exceptional quality to ensure extremely reliable, long-lasting performance in all types of harsh environments and applications.

Stromag’s combination 2in1 coupling and clutch assemblies help reduce cost, footprint, and weight and improves efficiencies.

With Electromagnetic. Hydraulic or Pneumatic actuations, Stromag 2in1 Coupling / Clutch combinations also offers, optional bell housing mounting, additional bearing support and tailormade or standardised SAE (etc) interfaces. Furthermore, Stromag can also offer drivetrain torsional vibration analysis (TVA) for OEM and aftermarket applications to make sure the 2in1 Coupling / Clutch combination is engineered fully to the application required.

specialist, says all Altra service facilities are staffed with local teams of highly trained technicians that provide fast-response onservice, including 24–7 breakdown assistance and installation and commissioning support.

“The team of service technicians go onsite to complete commissioning work and service products,” Flack said. “This gives customers peace of mind knowing that if a component is too difficult to disassemble, Altra Motion can come to them. In addition, staff are factory trained, helping improve purpose-designed ships with the equipment required to conduct servicing and maintenance programs quickly and efficiently. We also have several workshop facilities around the country, allowing us to entirely overhaul equipment and bring the product back to a brand-new condition and factory specification.”

The OEM is well aware of the critical nature of its products, so it takes a proactive approach to service

programs. Products are inspected at designated and regular intervals, which recommends an inspection every three months and a service every six months.

“Because our couplings, brake and clutches are components within a piece of overall equipment or critical infrastructure, every application is different,” he added.

“We work with the customer to understand what is required. Then, as experts, we can also advise on the proper components to use for a particular vessel, which can save time and money.”

Australian made The Australian Industry Capability (AIC) is a program that provides Australian companies opportunities to compete on merit for defence work within Australia and overseas.

The Australian Government strengthened the requirements for the AIC at the end of 2020 through additional contractual and noncontractual measures to create

more opportunities for Australian businesses in Defence programs.

“For Australian Defence Force projects, if you want to be involved, there’s a criterion where at least 50 per cent of what you offer comes from these shores,” Flack said.

“Altra Motion were put forward to the Commonwealth, and we were approved for the AIC capability. So holding Altra Motion in good stead, especially with a lot of the OEMs.” “We’re responding to the Naval shipbuilding plan, released in 2017 to support the Australian shipbuilding industry and the Royal Australian Navy. We’ve done our research and will respond to market demands.”

Altra Motion can also leverage its global network and expertise to strengthen its offering to the Australian market.

“Marine is a global market,” Roger Axelsson said. “We can successfully duplicate our efforts and strategy from the European and the US marine market and apply it to our Australian customers.”

Service Since Roger joined Altra Motion, Australian staff numbers have doubled to more than 40, showing the company’s global investment into Australia. The manufacturer has three service facilities in Sydney, Perth and Mackay with qualified service technicians to support onsite and workshop requirements – and a new facility is set to open in the next few months, providing an even faster response to customer needs.

Daemon Flack, NSW sales manager and marine product manmonthly.com.au

Altra Motion manufactures power transmission products for marine propulsion technologies.

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 33

Material Handling Ingersoll-Rand Zero Gravity Intelligent Air Balancer CAPS Australia, proud distributors of the complete range of IngersollRand equipment in Australia, is pleased to showcase the allnew Zero Gravity Intelligent Air Balancer.

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HE new Zero Gravity Air Balancer from IngersollRand shows off improved ergonomics, increased operator comfort and manoeuvrability productivity. It allows up and down movement by action on the handle or directly on the load if it’s already lifted. This all new Zero Gravity control kit is designed to be installed on a standard Ingersoll-Rand BW air balancer to extend the product’s possibilities.

New intelligence to a proven workhorse Ingersoll-Rand has taken the proven technology of the Ingersoll-Rand air balancer and added to it electronic controls designed to expand its

Ingersoll-Rand’s Zero Gravity Air Balancer is now available at CAPS Australia. lifting capabilities. Ingersoll-Rand’s Zero Gravity Air Balancer control kit has been designed to be installed on any new or existing Ingersoll-Rand air balancer. The control kit offers an intuitive solution for improved

There are added electronic controls designed to expand the Air Balancer’s lifting capabilities.

34 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

ergonomics operator comfort, manoeuvrability and productivity.

The zero gravity balancer consists of three main components: • the standard Ingersoll-Rand air balancer; • the new zero gravity control box; and • the new inline handle.

In order to suspend the balancer, Ingersoll-Rand have provided new mounting brackets which allow you to use different types of suspension kits such as a trolley mount or hook mount kit. In addition to that you will see that the inline handle comes with a standard bottom hook connected to the bottom of the inline handle. The Zero Gravity Air Balancer features a force sensing handle that measures calibrated spring compression by a potentiometer. This feature causes the load to move up and down according to the direction you slide your hand.

Multiple ways to control The handle itself is equipped with an emergency stop button, two programmable input and output buttons for external integration, and an on off button. The handle has a free plug for external controls located off the back side, along with a locking plug located on the top.

This is used to connect the bouncer to the control box.

The zero-gravity balancer offers two ways of controlling the vertical movement of the balancer. The first of these two ways is by utilising the intuitive inline handle controls positioned directly above the hook.

This feature allows the operator to simply pull up on the handle or push down on the handle to actuate motion.

The operator can move the load up and down with the intuitive slide handle and without the use of buttons. The second way in which manmonthly.com.au

MaterialHandling operator applies to the handle. The up and down vertical movement has a maximum speed capability of 90 metres per minute.

to control the up down vertical movement of the zero-gravity balancer is by direct action on the load itself. Controlling the vertical travel in this way analyses the pressure sensor reading within the control box to open and close a series of valves. These valves are used to regulate the air added to and taken from the air balancer. As an example; the force required by an operator to lift a 25kg load only requires 25 newtons.

When the Zero Gravity Air Balancer interacts with different capacities, two things remain constant; speed and the ergonomics.

Safety features In the situation where the system loses air pressure or electricity, the load will always remain stable and suspended. This ensures that your load will not drop, and the product is safe for the operator.

Several parameters can be easily adjusted in the Zero Gravity Air Balancer control software by simply connecting a laptop via standard USB cable. The Zero Gravity Air Balancer combines the low maintenance and low air consumption features of an air balancer and adds to it electronic controls that extend the air balancer lifting capabilities.

Increased productivity This product is designed with instant load calculation that requires no adjustment when adapting to different loads.

The speed in which the load is raised or lowered solely depends on the force used on the handle.

The vertical up and down speed is proportional to the effort the

Want to find out more?

The Zero Gravity Air Balancer features multiple ways to control lifting operations.

CAPS Australia is a privately owned and proud Australian company intent on remaining at

the forefront of compressed air, gas and power generation solutions.

We have 42 years of experience in the Australian market and our 10 branches reach right around the country with over 160 employees.

We have 60 service technicians covering the full national footprint with a 24/7 service offering including a vast inventory of genuine OEM brand spare parts.

CAPS is an independent company with the flexibility to search globally for the best products and technologies that best serve the Australian market’s needs. CAPS has many world-renowned partner brands including Ingersoll Rand, Kohler, AIRMAN, Sauer, Pedro Gil, Next Turbo Technologies, Lamson and many more.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this revolution in intelligent lifting equipment, please contact CAPS today.

Call 1800 800 878 or visit their website at www.caps.com.au.

DataSuite: Central Innovation’s digital continuity solution Would you like to have an error free flow of data between CAD designs and your production systems? Central Innovation’s DataSuite may be the solution for your business to ensure digital continuity.

Moving data from one system to another is a complex, often manual task that is slow, monotonous, and prone to human error. The errors can be disastrous, causing significant losses in profits and productivity.

DataSuite automates this process, providing a common language between systems to allow data to flow seamlessly across platforms, removing the chance of human error and increasing the options for process automation.

DataSuite has many flexible options for robust, reliable automation of business rules, triggers, and standard data flows. Talk to us today to see how DataSuite may ensure that your business decisions are based on accurate information.

To find out more visit https://centralinnovation.com/datasuite/

manmonthly.com.au

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 35

Industrial Equipment The foundations to successful distributorship As a locally owned and managed company, APS Industrial continues to grow its service capabilities around the country to complement its diverse portfolio of products. Manufacturers’ Monthly sits down with Stephen Gough, electrical products business manager about activating an advanced strategy for the low voltage electrical portion of the business.

APS Industrial’s product range is supported by agreements with leading global manufacturers.

F

OUR years ago, APS Industrial joined forces with Siemens Australia to become the master distributor for its industrial low voltage electrical and automation products in Australia. APS’ senior management group saw this as an opportunity to shake up the market with a new distribution model to offer the Australian market the broadest portfolio of quality products.

As part of this shake up, APS has made a commitment to stock around the country and support these products with expert and experienced personnel.

With in excess of 30 per cent sales growth year on year, Stephen Gough, 36 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

EP business manager broke down the fundamentals behind this growth and in doing so showcased the impressive capability of the EP portfolio including push buttons, contactors and overloads, MCBs, RCBOs, ACBs, MCCBs, relays, distribution boards and soft starters.

“First of all, I think the market has fallen in love with Siemens again,” he said. “People are looking for a new choice and a product they know will work. We stock in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Hobart and back that up with technical support in each of those states as well. Having the people and the legs on the ground in conjunction

with the stock and competitive pricing are two fundamentals which bounce off each other.”

As workplace demands continue to rise for many local manufacturers, Stephen is seeing the market focus on innovative products which increased productivity. This is where APS leverages off its portfolio of Siemens products as well as its other manufacturing partners.

“A lot of customers say they’re looking for something that’s cutting edge,” he added. “They’re looking for something that is smart and integrable to add value to their business and operation to really add value to their offering. With

Siemens’ portfolio and leading global manufacturers like Weidmüller, Rittal, Belden, and KATKO as partners, APS becomes a one-stop shop for these customers to find a competitive edge.”

The second fundamental It’s no secret that products and services partner well. One could say the two exist side by side. Stephen certainly sees it this way and sums up the APS Industrial team with two words: dynamic and responsive.

“If we see an opportunity in the marketplace for our customers to excel, we can react and respond quicker than our competitors, manmonthly.com.au

IndustrialEquipment which is a real advantage for our customers,” he said. “This crossed over to the service side of the business. When I first started, we identified we needed to bolster our technical support to really gain market share and grow in EP.” Having qualified staff around the country, whether its electrical fitters, electricians or engineers is another feather in the distributor’s cap. But Stephen noted that without a deep knowledge of the product, qualifications aren’t enough to deliver the best service for customers. A strong core of senior expertise helps APS achieve the best of both worlds.

“Whether its market sensitive pricing, technical support, power CAD studies, discrimination studies or testing we have a dedicated and focussed team to support our EP portfolio, and our customers really value that.

Looking forward COVID-19 has thrown a myriad of challenges to Australian manufacturers. The resiliency and flexibility shown by industry has been admirable – and led to new innovations and pivoting operations for many businesses.

Now most of Australia’s states are returning to a higher degree of normalcy, APS Industrial has earmarked a focus on the customer’s voice, and face-to-face interactions as an utmost priority.

“As we return to the availability of face-to-face interactions, it is energising to know that our teams can get back out there in front of our customers, whilst implementing the learnings that we took from close to two years of restrictions.” Stephen said. “Reconnecting with customers and regularly meeting our partners is so important. On top of this, our technical support teams are based around the country and so well connected. The system of working with different partners like the electrical contractor or switchboard builder and having a presence at the consultant level at different sites helps us customise these solutions for businesses.”

Stephen also noted APS Industrial’s focused approach. manmonthly.com.au

Siemens has been manufacturing air circuit breakers for over 50 years.

“In addition to these partners, we’re also very focused on our larger end users and have had a lot of success by combining our EP offering with the market leading factory automation portfolio. We can leverage off this success in terms of the Siemens factory automation products and drives into the EP space.”

In a further show of the Siemens and APS relationship, late last year APS was appointed by Siemens as its Australian distribution partner for its building technology products, which Stephen said adds further value to its EP portfolio.

“Thermostats, sensors, valves, damper actuators and variable speed drives are all coming to APS as a Siemens distributed product, which only increases our ability to provide the customer with a complete solution,” he said.

Speaking of leveraging off success – APS have introduced a new adaptation centre at its Adelaide facility where local engineers and staff are trained by Siemens’ German expertise.

“The new adaptation centre enables us to bring in circuit breakers

from Siemens and adapt them locally in Adelaide to respond to the market quicker,” he explained. “One of our strategies is to respond to the market quickly to be competitive. By doing this, we’re also adding value with Australian-built content with our own engineers, electricians and fitters working on these products that are imported from the Siemens factory.”

APS Industrial has also invested in a new distribution board manufacturing site next door to the adaptation facility for ACBs, building on its already substantial offer of distribution boards.

“This will enable an extremely broad range of customisation to

our family of distribution boards – ultimate and essential – using local manufacturers, again increasing local content,” he said. “The local content flows all the way through to the miniature circuit breaker and all our line protection products in the control offers. On the control side, we’ve got our motor control centre offer, which features a smart switch gear solution, whether it’s something as simple as a motor starter application for contactors, relays, overloads, push buttons, isolators or switches.”

The variety of products creates an opportunity for manufacturers to find their niche and acts as somewhat of a one-stop-shop for electrical contractors. Behind the products is a strong wholesaling network, including agreements with all of Australia’s major electrical wholesalers.

“An example of this is our hang sell point of sale merchandising initiative for push buttons, where we’ve engaged local grassroots businesses to assist with the assembly,” he said.

APS Industrial recently strengthened its distribution capability to have a true nationwide reach, by acquiring Tasmanian distributor Bamford Engineering Products – Electrical, Automation & Instrumentation.

“From the outset of the APS business, we committed to establish ourselves as a leading partner for local industry,” Stephen said. “This began with our Australian mainland locations in all major capitals and now includes Tasmania. To solidify our Australasian reach, we have a strategic distribution partnership with Cuthbert Stewart Ltd in New Zealand.”

Key partners include Siemens, Weidmüller, Rittal, Belden and KATKO.

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 37

Metal Manufacturing Ingenuity solving heavy rooftop challenges Con-form Group has been challenging the perception that Industrial HVAC&R systems have to be heavy and noisy for almost 10 years. Manufacturers’ Monthly speaks to the Australian engineering company about breaking the mould for roof-mounting mechanical equipment.

B

EFORE engineering innovation can prosper, Nigel Cro, Con-form Group managing director said his team concentrates on understanding the root of a problem, and more importantly understanding what a customer is trying to achieve. Conform brings its engineers, technical team, warehouse and manufacturing capacity together to solve problems for Australian businesses, rather than just provide products.

“It’s not good enough to take on face value what a customer says they need,” he explained. “You have to ask questions, and then ask more questions. If you wipe the slate clean and consider all the factors to to the problem, then you have the opportunity to provide a solution to exactly what they’re trying to achieve.”

Nigel Cro recounted what lead the Bathurst-based business to make a change to the standard for HVAC&R

systems and invent a new lightweight platform.

“It was painful to see large structural steel sections getting craned onto roofs laboriously day after day, piece by piece and the danger and the logistics involved,” he said. “And I remember just looking at that and saying, “There just has to be a better way” Why can’t we go to a lightweight structural system that removes a lot of this pain?”

In 2014, the Con-form Group team collated its expertise and experience to develop an industry leading lightweight roof-mounting platform system for mechanical equipment.

Industrial HVAC systems are heavy and often noisy, so Con-form Group provided an engineered solution for the structure to cater for the weight on roof top installations and deliver acoustic solutions to minimise environmental noise.

“We knew a lightweight structural

system could remove a lot of that pain,” noted Nigel. “As industry professionals in roof work, we challenged ourselves to take it up a notch. There was skepticism about mounting 20 tonne of equipment on something lightweight, but we proved that wrong and will continue to do so.”

The solution’s flexibility continues to be a critical advantage over traditional systems.

“They are built fit for purpose, engineered for the required weight and the required KPA,” he said.

“Clients such as supermarkets are always renovating and changing things mechanical and refrigeration equipment in stores all the time.

What this system allows you to do is to increase or decrease at will, without changing anything in the

physical structure of the building.”

From Nigel’s perspective, roofs and Aluminium pair extremely well.

Aluminium is light weight but can be engineered as part of a structural solution, so Con-form Group knew it was key to creating this light-weight structure. The metal is an inherently noncorrosive material well suited to Australian roofs, which cope with harsh environmental conditions.

The lightweight aluminium plant platforms and screens are now found on industrial, commercial, and public infrastructure roofs right around Australia, but not that you’d notice Peter explained.

“People will drive along on a highway overpass and there is a lot of things on roofs that you see, now if you don’t see those things, that’s because we’ve done a good job – that’s our goal.”

Capral Aluminium is a key supplier to Con-form Group providing

A finished installation fitted with classic screen walls.

38 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

manmonthly.com.au

MetalManufacturing Con-form conceals unsightly plant machinery with the sharp clean lines of the Screen Wall.

regular supply of standard and exclusive Aluminium sections along with sheet and mesh products.

Custom extrusions are a key element in the solutions Con-form create

manmonthly.com.au

– Capral works hand in glove with the team to help develop exclusive extruded sections and ensure the business receives consistent and regular supply to its regionally located manufacturing site.

For Nigel, the value of a strong partner like Capral is not limited to reliable material supply.

“We get more value than a pallet of aluminium from Capral,” he said.

“It comes back to the culture again. What can we exchange as industry colleagues between each other, rather than simply being a supplier that a truck comes in and drops off something and you pay for it. That’s not what we’re about.

We need to exchange data between ourselves so that we can grow together as industry partners.”

There have been significant changes within the Australian Aluminium industry over the past 24 months as many local manufactures grapple with material import issues and supply shortages, not to mention turbulent Aluminium pricing and LME fluctuations. Of course, manufacturers like Con-form who rely heavily on their ability to

procure Aluminum to manufacture and satisfy customer needs in a timely fashion.

Capral’s NSW Industrial Market Manager Mark Murray works closely with the Con-form team to ensure their needs are being consistently met and they are abreast changing industry dynamics.

“Mark came out to visit us recently and that’s always great because things are changing so fast in the industry,” Nigel said. “Quicker than we can almost keep up with.

He’s a wealth of knowledge so I really took that time to try and draw out a lot of things from him that I really didn’t know, and that really helped us as a company.”

Australian skills and materials The Con-form Group team take pride in being able to innovate and rapidly develop bespoke solutions for clients. Employing a skilled team of engineers, draftspersons, fabricators, and installers and encouraging a culture of excellence and innovation, Nigel said employees are the company’s biggest asset.

“That will never change, regardless of what sort of building you operate from, or what sort of machinery have,” he explained. “Your biggest asset, your most valuable asset will always be your team. So we’ve gone through very carefully and picked our team. Those individual people absolutely have to share the same culture and the same values that we as business owners do.”

Agility and dynacism are two of those values which spread across the Con-form business footprint.

“I can go to our structural engineer who can do up a preliminary design sketch, send that through to the CAD team to draw it. It goes down to the machinery, which is fully automated, and I can have a sample on my desk within an hour. It’s as quick as that and that is very rarely seen,” Nigel added.

Equally important to Con-form’s business and success are strong industry partnerships with key suppliers. Nigel emphasised the importance of cultural fit and the significance this plays in selecting suppliers.

“We’re very proud to be an Australian manufacturer. In years gone past we, like a lot of companies, purchased a lot of things from offshore,” he said. “But as we realised what the importance to our customer is in timing as well as value of getting things local, we’ve brought a lot of things in house.”

Con-form Group stands out in the market for its solution focus and as a Regional Australian manufacturer using Australian materials, ingenuity and labor. Nigel circled back to the most important mindset the company holds: focusing on what the customer is trying to achieve rather than simply responding to an order.

“Any roof, any pitch, any weight anywhere.” he said, “That’s our promise, we will create the solution our clients need, and we are glad to have partners like Capral to support us.”

To watch the video about the Con-form Group story, scan the QR code.

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 39

Sensors Precision for battery production Bestech Australia tells Manufacturers’ Monthly about how optimising battery production requires the best sensors to monitor measurement tasks.

T

HERE are a growing number of activities to support the development and commercialisation of green, zero emission energy technologies such as solar, wind, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen.

Renewable energy technology has potential as clean alternatives to fossil fuel because it has the capability to generate energy with reduced total emissions of greenhouse gases. The major challenge in using renewables as a main energy source is to keep the electricity running reliably when the source is unavailable.

battery industry contributes to approximately $1.3 billion of annual GDP and supports 6000 jobs. We are one of the highest producers of battery materials like lithium and other key metals. However, these raw materials have been processed overseas to produce battery-grade materials which were then exported back to Australia, surging the price of locally-made batteries. It is more economically feasible to outsource manufacturing to countries with cheaper workforces that already specialise in battery technology.

Australia has seen uptakes in the manufacturing of large-scale

maximising the energy storage density and its operating life.

With fully-automated, precision manufacturing system to streamline production, it will bring down the manufacturing cost and make the technology market-competitive. Optimising battery production requires sensors to monitor measurement tasks during production like electrode manufacturing, assembly and forming processes.

The key control parameter in battery manufacturing is the thickness of film, wet layers and coatings on the electrodes. It is

Optical laser profile scanners can be used to measure the edge curvature and deformations that occurs during cutting of the coating film.

Energy storage systems such as lithium-ion batteries have been developed for more flexible utilisation of alternative energy. When used for home energy storage, this allows the consumers to have a greater control and full advantage of the solar energy that they generate from their solar panels. They have also been used for electric vehicles and other batterypowered applications.

Locally, the Australian 40 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

batteries and household batteries to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy future. This behaviour has seen more interest to bring the manufacturing of battery technology locally. Bringing the manufacturing home also provides more opportunities for local employment and supports the local economy, but the feasibility of local manufacturing relies on our capability to reduce costs while

crucial for manufacturers to meet these specifications as per their customer’s requests while optimising production yield and minimising waste. Still, there are measurement challenges for manufacturers to ensure that they can reliably meet these standards.

In-line measurement system is an effective approach used for continuous measurement. It allows the control system to alter the

processing parameters to bring the thickness back to the acceptable range if it deviates from the specification limit.

Factors to consider in thickness measurement A key factor to consider with inline thickness measurement is to select the systems based on accuracy. The performance of the measurement systems can be affected by various factors like environmental influences and sensors accuracy, which altogether create significant combined error.

The sensors must also be perfectly aligned and installed at the direct opposite end of one another. This configuration is to ensure the same measuring spots at all times as a slight degree of misalignment in the sensor position can contribute to measurement errors. This error will be further amplified if the target moves in the measurement field.

After both sensors are perfectly aligned, it is also crucial to synchronize them so that they perform the measurement at the same time and exactly opposite each other. If synchronization does not occur, it will definitely produce erroneous results as the measurements are taken at different positions of the products which can be prone to error due to microvibration or the sensors itself. This is because each sensor has slightly different linearity which varies by percentage of its measuring range.

Once the measurement systems are addressed, manufacturers still need to consider the best technique to mount the sensors as the mounting frame must be isolated from any source of vibration to achieve stable and reliable measurement. The mounting frame must be made from materials with minimum thermal expansion to minimise the movement of sensors due to the variation in temperature. manmonthly.com.au

Sensors The above-mentioned challenges can be addressed by using a smart, integrated algorithm to address the source of errors. An integrated automated thermal compensation is implemented to eliminate errors due to the expansion of materials.

Regular calibration of sensors can be performed to minimise the nonlinearity errors.

Non-contact displacement measurement sensors such as single point laser sensors and confocal sensors provides high resolution and precision measurements that can measure the slightest deviations down to nanometer resolution.

The ultra-high precision confocal systems can also provide high speed measurement suitable for inline production environment.

Measurement of other parameters in battery applications Combining more than 40 years of industrial experiences, engineers at Bestech Australia provide rich

expertise in high precision testing applications. Not only thickness measurement, but technologies that enable reliable measurement of other geometric parameters: edge, gaps, profile as well as physical parameters such as temperature and many more. These operating parameters should be precisely controlled and monitored to optimise the manufacturing process.

For example, optical laser profile scanners can be used to measure the edge curvature and deformations that occurs during cutting of the coating film. They can also be used to inspect the quality and uniformity of the coating process to detect undulations or defects.

Continuous thermal monitoring during initial charging and discharging of batteries is crucial to understand the temperature distribution inside the cell to identify faults such as short circuiting. Noncontact sensors such as thermal imaging cameras or pyrometers are best used for temperature

measurement tasks in production environment as the measurement do not interfere with the process, leading to ease of control and integration. Thermal imagers can also provide multiple measuring fields simultaneously and can be integrated with the control system to activate control response if the measurement exceeds the set limit values.

Choose partners, not products The drive for advanced renewable energy technology is expected to trend upwards to scale-back our emission of greenhouse gases.

Commercialisation of these new technologies will require approval from the regulatory board and passing complex testing procedures to ensure that the products are fit for market.

Measurement technology has tremendously advanced in the last few years, with sensors available for all types of measurement applications. As a user, the challenge is to know what types of systems are suitable for the intended applications.

It is difficult to find the ideal systems for all available products and it is easier to consult measurement specialists for assistance.

Bestech Australia have established successful partnership with researchers and local manufacturers to support all their testing and measurement needs. The company supplies not only products, but also provides full local technical support from system design, testing and commissioning.

The supplied high precision sensors, measurement and inspection systems from Micro-Epsilon for testing applications in the manufacturing are for the modern battery. They offer the largest range of precision industrial sensors for automation and R&D applications.

Not just Micro-Epsilon, but Bestech has also established longstanding collaborative relationship with all our suppliers and combine this partnership with its local expertise to back local manufacturing and testing capability.

INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING, ELECTRONICS DESIGN, MANUFACTURING AND TESTING ELEXON ELECTRONICS – EXPECT EXCELLENCE

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CONTACT: sales@elexonelectronics.com |

manmonthly.com.au

t: +61 7 3193 7140 | 253 Leitchs Road • Brendale QLD 4500 | www.elexonelectronics.com

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 41

Industrial Products Celebrating the heroes of Australian industrial business Grant Gray, general manager of National Sales for Motion Australia, discusses how the distributor is driving local collaboration among their customers.

M

ORE than ever, the triumphs of Australian businesses and local manufacturing are coming into the public eye. The nation’s collective mobilisation to meet demands created by the pandemic is only amplified by the skilled and passionate people working at the ground level across engineering, manufacturing, and servicing.

From Kalgoorlie to Wollongong and almost every small town in between, communities are being built on this legacy of collaboration. Generations of experts are working alongside each other, evolving their approach as new and unexpected obstacles arise. Contemporary technologies are becoming increasingly integrated throughout the industrial fields, and Australia is pioneering many of these developments on home soil. Products such as Avcatech’s perishable freight solutions are being employed internationally in response to supply chain delays, while the team at Robmac Harvesters is working to minimise organic waste in local

macadamia harvesting.

“Our country has a rich and diverse history of innovation, and the purpose of these awards is to showcase standout Australian businesses contributing to this reputation,” Grant Gray, general manager of National Sales at Motion Australia said. “In recent times, our customers have faced ongoing challenges, but our role is to work alongside them to drive collaborative opportunities for continued growth.”

As Australia’s most established distributor of industrial products, and a primary supply partner to several vital industrial sectors, Motion Australia is proud to showcase the resilience and ingenuity being illustrated across the board.

“One thing I have learnt over the last two and a half years is the significant importance of investing in local manufacturing,” Gray said.

“In a time where so much of what we do is evolving and shifting, smaller businesses require a strong foundation from which to grow. Being connected to the rest of the world

Motion Australia invests in home-grown success stories.

42 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Motion Australia showcases innovative Australian businesses and helps them to collaborate. through Motion Australia’s expansive supply framework provides an added element of security for when things don’t go to plan.”

The vision behind these awards is one of cohesiveness. Whether it is food production, working towards a more sustainable future in mining, or delivering complex engineering work, it is Motion Australia’s aim to bolster resilience and determination wherever possible. The company does this by offering widespread expertise and resources where it counts, utilising a team of experts to form hands-on relationships with customers over the course of many years.

“During the pandemic, Motion Australia has established themselves as a multi-faceted offering that can provide assurance to Australian businesses. Relying on their broad spectrum of technical competency and critical relationships with the best industrial brands across the globe, they continue tackling everyday concerns with a clear action-based approach. As a result, more customers are seeking access to Motion Australia’s vast network of reliable services,” Gray said.

“It is a privilege to be investing in home-grown success stories. We are proud to champion the winners

by showcasing the strengths of their business to the industrial market. It is an opportunity for us to invest in the future of our industry through our global supply network, which allows us to partner with our customers and achieve the best possible outcomes for their business.”

Looking ahead, Motion Australia is building up groundwork for a more sustainable future. Each business has an important role in governing this shift, and a key priority is assisting them to reach targets as efficiently as possible. Gray explains that to achieve this, Motion Australia’s vision must integrate a ‘do better’ ethos that never settles for ‘just good enough.’

“When it comes to sustainability, it is not like we have a defined point of saying, well, we have achieved that. It is an everyday, ongoing evolution towards reducing carbon emissions and waste. Every time we can increase efficiency or the lifespan of a product, or minimise the amount of power being used, we are making an impact. We are not a surface level organisation by any means – we aim to understand the complexities of each business and celebrate where incredible work has gone into enriching Australia’s industrial profile.” manmonthly.com.au

IndustrialProducts Carrum Downs sealing experts restore seals to factory new Sealing Solutions co-founder Luke Carlon and technical engineer Garry Noble tells Manufacturers’ Monthly how the business has established a seal refurbishment model that has changed the way sealing solutions are supplied in Australia.

S

EAL refurbishment is a cost-effective solution for prolonging the life of a piece of equipment. And as far as refurbishments go, “Sealing Solutions is widely accepted as the largest independent seal repairer in Australia,” Sealing Solutions technical engineer Garry Noble said.

“It’s all in the spectrum of sealing repair work we do and our rigorous testing methods— these factors set us apart from our competitors,” he said. “We have a general knowledge of everybody’s seals, whereas most of our competitors only understand how their own seals work because they prefer to make their own seals.

“If the component is out of date or out of manufacture; we can repair, modify, or swap to bring it back up to industry standard. If someone else can’t do it —we can.”

As a technical engineer at Sealing Solutions, Noble brings a highly specialised approach to the Sealing Solutions team, backed by years of experience across different industrial sectors.

Since the business was founded in 1995, the Sealing Solutions team have worked tirelessly to establish a seal refurbishment model that has changed the way sealing solutions are supplied in Australia.

“It’s a process we have evolved over 25 years,” co-founder Luke Carlon said.

“We have developed a series of fundamentals checks and balances that we go through when restoring a seal, and we know that putting a seal through these processes will get it as close as possible to the original spec.”

In addition to restoration, Carlon said Sealing Solutions has developed some test rigs that are to their own design. manmonthly.com.au

Seal refurbishment is a cost-effective solution to prolong the life of industrial equipment.

“We cover a diverse cross section of industries, and as such, have developed a flexible array of inhouse testing procedures that are in line with individual client needs and seal designs,” he said.

“We use API682 seal leakage testing as a standard, but individual sectors often require more than just a single test by one industry body.

Some clients require the addition of wet seal testing, increased pressure testing, or longer testing times.”

Sealing Solutions can test single or double seal arrangements to a range of pressures, fluctuating between seals to simulate the variable pressures during service.

Air pressure testing can be done up to 6 bar, while wet seal testing can go up to 5 bar with the ability to add constant water flow barrier supply.

In addition to these methods,

the Sealing Solutions team have developed their own unique test rig with inserted (shrunk) fit faced seals to test the integrity of the inserted face fit.

This unique point of difference has allowed Sealing Solutions to build a good rapport with seal manufacturers and OEMs. “We are recognised on the market because other people just aren’t testing seals the way that we are testing them,” Noble said. “Seals require rigorous testing to achieve confidence, so we test to a higher standard.

“We can apply a new seal supply warranty to our refurbishments.

Our testing methods are part of how we guarantee a seal’s integrity.

Additionally, we can reverse engineer customer seals and restore the integrity of the original components. We have tested the seals

we have refurbished on equipment, versus the OEM seals. And in some cases, our seals have outperformed the original specs.”

Sealing Solutions enjoys a good rapport with their customers as well, working closely with their clients in the initial stages of a repair to test components and assess costs.

“Customers appreciate that we do a lot of testing for them before we even provide a quote,” Carlon said.

“The testing process helps us get from point A to point B more quickly.

It helps us to determine what parts need to be replaced and what can be restored. This is just one of the ways we keep costs down for our clients.”

The team also takes care to keep track of the life cycles of their repairs.

“We have tried and tested methods that are proven by feedback from our customers,” Carlon said.

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 43

Industrial Products Motion Australia talks shop on custom design and manufacturing solutions Mark McKiernan, workshop manager for Motion Australia’s Workshop and Design Hub, explains how the engineering enterprise has become more involved with reclamation for bearings housings.

M

OTION Australia’s Workshop and Design Hub in Chullora, New South Wales is a perpetually growing enterprise of engineering savvy and ingenuity that services the Australian industrial centre nation-wide.

“We get a lot of enquiries for weird and wonderful things that give us the opportunity to showcase our extensive manufacturing capabilities, both custom in-house solutions and refurbishments,” Motion Australia workshop manager Mark McKiernan said.

“Advanced machining and surface treatment technology allows us to create more sustainable, affordable solutions for customers on a much quicker turnaround time. We do a lot of things — bearings, sheaves, pulleys — to name a few. For customers, it’s much more efficient to work locally with us to get components, than ordering from overseas.”

McKiernan began his career at Motion Australia in 1977 as a fitter and turner and has since become well versed in the engineering side of the business.

After 40 years of service, his passion for his work remains clear.

“Motion has been good to me over the years, and it’s a two-way street,” McKiernan said. “I love what I do. I do a lot of work with local industry— producers, manufacturers, and heavy industry across sectors. My clients span from all over Australia and Indonesia— and quite frankly, there is nothing more satisfying for me in my work than a happy customer and a job well done.”

In recent years, the Chullora team has been getting more involved in reclamation for bearings housings.

“A lot of older sites use housings that they trust and prefer local

44 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

solutions,” McKiernan said. “In my role, I get the housings shipped in from the customer’s site along with their requirements. Then I examine the housings for cracks and fractures and send them out to be x-rayed and tested to spec. Once it’s back in the workshop, we clean up any cracks or fractures, weld them, machine them, and spray them with a stainless-steel blend with a fine bit of copper in it. That adheres to the casting and then depending on the customer’s preference, we spray it with a tungsten carbide thermal spray or a ceramic which bonds with the stainless steel.”

“From there, we have it shipped back to the customer and installed back on their original equipment, and there it is —a housing just like brand new.”

The cost of reclaiming an old housing is about two thirds cheaper than casting a new housing from scratch and the lead times are significantly shorter, according to McKiernan. Once the team at Chullora receives the housing to the workshop, they typically give themselves a three-to-four-week window to do the job. Whereas the lead time for manufacturing an entirely new housing can be up to six months.

Recently McKiernan and the workshop team did a job for a customer in Newcastle just days before Christmas. The lead time getting a new bearing was going to be at least 12-14 weeks.

“We managed to perform the restoration and have it back on site for the customer in two weeks,” McKiernan said. “The customer was very happy with a cost saving of 60 per cent off the quote for a new bearing and such a quick turnaround time. It was a win-win for

Motion Australia’s Workshop and Design Hub services the Australian industrial centre nation-wide.

the customer, and for us, because we earned ourselves a new client from this job.”

When it comes to sheaves, McKiernan said the engineering hub at Queensland and Chullora —led

by Josh Price — does the design entirely in-house using engineering capabilities and the advanced 3D modelling software, Solid Works.

“Our sheaves are constructed to Australian standards in accordance with Crane Codes,” McKiernan said. “Basically, the sheaves scape is all based around freight loading.

We fabricate the frames, and all the mechanical parts are tested and certified to spec. Many of our customers have sites that require a full inspection test plan, and we assist with arranging that and

ensuring it’s fully certified and signed off.”

Drumming up more business relies heavily on experienced sales and technical engineers who perform site visits state-to-state, according to McKiernan, who rates Motion’s engineering expertise in Australia second to none across all facets of engineering.

“Our team in the field come back with a lot of enquiries from sites.

We put a together a quote package, drawing up designs from scratch, and making suggestions for improvement that are then relayed back to the customer. All the channels that work to make this happen really speak to how Motion Australia’s business works like a well-oiled machine,” McKiernan said. manmonthly.com.au

SoftwareManufacturing Central Innovation now has over 100 staff in various locations across Australia and New Zealand.

Embracing manufacturing 4.0 Central Innovation explains the importance of the seamless transfer of data between engineering and production departments.

I

N recent years, manufacturing has been focusing on interconnectivity, automation and real-time data. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart manufacturing continues to create better connected ecosystems to manage supply chains. Every manufacturer is different. Some businesses have adopted the technology early, some are slowly phasing it into operations and some are staying true to manual data entry.

But the need for connectedness and real-time access is becoming more important across the advanced manufacturing landscape.

DataSuite automates the process of moving data from one system to another.

manmonthly.com.au

Shannon Reshno, ANZ executive director of manufacturing solutions, remembers the introduction of more machine-learning capabilities driving Central Innovation’s solutions. He said many early adopters were ready for the technology right away, with traditional manufacturing approaches becoming more disconnected.

“From 2015 onwards, with our yearly presentations, we started off presenting the information in terms of concurrent engineering with all the sales, marketing, manufacturing and logistics,” he said. “The common thread was a vision within manufacturing to have all of these elements connected on one platform.”

Central Innovation continues to improve its model-based solutions and provide engineers, designers, and manufacturers with the design, simulation, verification, manufacturing, file management and collaboration tools that they use to manufacture innovative products and equipment – in one package. The 3D CAD software creates a singlewindow integration and the ability for SOLIDWORKS products to work together. Now there are over 3 million users of it today.

“We made a model to derive all the activities and requirements across the entire enterprise,” Reshno explained. “Product management has always been crucial, but is becoming

more and more front of mind for businesses. If they are not on the same page about product information they aren’t able to go to market as quickly as they want to.”

The centre of action, as Reshno calls it, is always with a data management solution in place.

A big element of industry 4.0 is strengthening the connection between the engineering data and the ordering team. Central Innovation’s flagship solution, DataSuite, allows for the transfer of this data without any doubling-up or manual overwriting, which can cost thousands of dollars and many hours of resources. Reshno pointed to Central Innovation’s ability to extend the life of IT systems with links to the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system of customers.

“DataSuite’s interface is able to solve the problem of transferring data between engineering and production departments,” he said.

“This removes the need for timeconsuming manual data transfer and the risk of human error, which makes better use of the ERP.” Integration isn’t a click of the fingers – it requires expertise and support to implement.

Every business is unique, with its own set of systems and platforms – some new, inherited or just difficult to work with. Central Innovation takes time to understand what each

part of the system can do and sits customer-side to tailor solutions and use the DataSuite framework to achieve their specific needs.

“Most of our bigger customers have a quarterly visit from us to look at the solution in action and assess updates and developments,” he said.

Every manufacturing business has different core requirements, but Reshno explained that it comes down to how customers see the value of required improvements. For many who rely on offshore critical components, ignoring integrated systems risks a mistake in ordering, putting delivery at risk.

“The standard lead times for stock in countries like India, Taiwan, China and Vietnam is around 16 weeks,” he said. “Savvy managers unpack the risk of inefficient processes and can see that having an ERP that can integrate engineering, marketing, sales and procurement all into one.

Sometimes it’s hard to envision this, because the ERP is saving time and money but isn’t making the business any direct money, the production is.”

“I’ve been in the Australian engineering space for 33 years and I’ve seen the landscape dramatically change in that time. Equipment is coming in sometimes fully assembled.

The tortured supply chains at the moment mean we can really help inventory and project managers very economically and quickly.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 45

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ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2021 2021 Endeavour Awards winners announced Moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, Manufacturers’ Monthly was thrilled to celebrate Australian innovation and excellence at the 2021 Endeavour Awards.

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FTER a frustrating wait from COVID-19 postponements, the 2021 Endeavour Awards were held in Melbourne last month.

Key industry faces had the chance to reflect on the last couple of years – and the resounding atmosphere reflected a gratitude to be able to celebrate Australian manufacturing with each other, instead of over the internet. As always, the awards featured a high calibre set of companies with innovative ideas, technologies and products.

It’s no secret that Australian manufacturing has been challenged by the economic climate brought about by COVID-19, so the event was dedicated to the entrants, finalists and winners who embraced change and hard work to advance the industry. There was a jump in the number of quality nominations in individual categories this year, despite any anticipated flow-on effect from the economic downturn.

Manufacturers’ Monthly congratulates all the winners and finalists and was so pleased by the large turnout to the

prestigious event.

Takeaways from the judges Peter Canavan, senior policy officer at AI Group said the Endeavour Awards provide a great opportunity to showcase the exciting ways that Australian manufacturing companies are dealing with a rapidly changing world.

“Not for many years has Australian manufacturing shown itself to be so vital for our country’s prosperity and security, and the Endeavour Awards highlight just what our industry can achieve,” he said.

“What stood out for me this year was the innovations that address some of the key issues facing the world: our need to develop products friendlier to the environment; our need to engage more deeply with digitisation and the Internet of Things; and our need to find innovative ways to skill up our workers. To me this demonstrates that our manufacturers might be working locally but they are coming up with

global solutions.”

Scott Martin, group leader of applied physics at CSIRO concurred saying that every year there are impressive examples of inward and outward innovation – inward innovation bringing new technology form around the world into Australian markets and manufacturing processes; and outward innovation developing Australian-grown technology for local and export markets.

“I think it’s wonderful when I see companies getting recognition for some of the really innovative stuff happening here in Australia,” he said. “But the awards also show that innovation need to be cutting edge technology to be really impactful.

If it’s something that drives more adoption of what’s already available, this can be equally or if not more valuable.”

“There were a couple nominations which were extremely difficult to judge between this year. These were scalable and very easy ways for manufacturing companies to

implement industry 4.0, without a huge amount of investment in equipment and automation, there were some really nice ways to collect data on existing manufacturing lines.”

“Companies are applying a lot of machine learning algorithms to put on top of data. We really need the Australian industry to adopt industry 4.0 and automation more strongly, and I thought this was a really strong step in the right direction.”

Matthew Young, manufacturing innovation manager Innovative Manufacturing CRC said he was surprised about the variety of applications for different sectors in the nominations.

“It’s important to encourage Australian manufacturers not to fly under the radar,” he said “We definitely need to showcase Australia.

Some still think that there’s not much going on here but there’s a lot of innovation, as evidenced by the nominations. The innovation in manufacturing is an enable for broader Australian industry.”

Industry gathered to celebrate Australian manufacturing at the 2021 Endeavour Awards.

manmonthly.com.au

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 47

ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2021 Sponsor: MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR - COOLON LED LIGHTING MOST INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURING COMPANY - COOLON LED LIGHTING BEST IIOT APPLICATION - COOLON LED LIGHTING

Coolon’s connected lights clean sweep

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IGITISATION is the ultimate goal of the rapidly evolving and sometimes seemingly limitless world of Internet of Things (IoT). With this in mind, Coolon LED Lighting puts smart networking nodes inside the industry’s best, most robust lights, enabling digitisation in any mining, industrial, manufacturing, chemical, defence, food and beverage, commercial or other industry facilities.

Andrew Orkin, business development manager for Coolon LED Lighting said while digitalisation of industrial processing plants is worthwhile, it can be extremely challenging because of the complex and hazardous environment of industrial settings.

Running cables and setting up Wi-Fi coverage is challenging, costly, and disruptive to operations, while radio signal propagation is often impossible due to the presence of massive steel and concrete infrastructures, as well as constant electromagnetic noise from various types of equipment.

“Coolon’s lights now come fitted with smart wireless mesh networking nodes inside,” he said.

“The new technology acts almost like a network of satellites which can achieve a variety of things which traditionally hasn’t been done before. Lighting is naturally positioned to provide the best radio coverage, by being mounted in elevated positions, constantly powered, located throughout the site, routinely inspected and essential to any facility.”

Coolon smart lights contain nodes inside the fittings, which enables

48 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Andrew Orkin and Ekaterina Borisova from Coolon LED Lighting.

almost “plug-and-play” capability, offering immediate and effortless digitisation for mining and industrial sites, regardless of the size or complexity of the infrastructure.

Once installed, the lights can automatically create a wireless mesh network that covers the whole site, solving connectivity challenges: one node only needs to service a limited area around itself and pass the data onto its neighbour for retransmission.

The lights hold many capabilities, for instance the mesh network offers the ideal backbone for asset tracking service providers to roll out their services with high accuracy and low latency. Gaining real-time site-wide visibility enables site management to instantly locate any tagged item anywhere on site, including indoors and underground, with relative precision, maximising asset utilisation efficiency and productivity.

Orkin explained Coolon Brilliant Connected Lights do not only represent disruptive innovation but provide a backbone for thousands of emerging IoT-dependent services and technologies.

“We spend a lot of time and most of our money on research and development,” he said. “And we will continue to update our product range with new technology. It’s about the technology revolutionising what people do from day-to-day.” manmonthly.com.au

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ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2021 ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTION OF THE YEAR - AWMA WATER CONTROL SOLUTIONS

Fish exclusion screens for environmental sustainability

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WMA design, manufacture and install water control infrastructure and water management systems. The Australian company has gate-specific design expertise, a dedicated design team, manufacturing facility and installation capacity all in-house. All of AWMA’s innovative solutions are customised to meet site specifications, utilising proven designs with a variety of local and remote control and management systems.

Brett Kelly, managing director said the regional manufacturer in Victoria’s north has a sense of community.

“A benefit of being a regional manufacturer is the retention of your workforce,” he said. “We have a pretty unique set up in terms of what we’re doing not being done elsewhere.”

The company’s Fish Exclusion Screens were developed to protect Australian native fish species.

Whenever water is taken out of rivers, fish and debris are taken out

with it. Studies show Australia is osing nearly 100 million fish every year to water extraction systems.

“The screens are part of the jigsaw of native fish recovery,” Kelly explained. “It closes the loop to keep them in the natural waterway. And the technology that we’ve been able to develop is able to do that in a way that doesn’t impact on water delivery at all.”

In 2016 AWMA was approached by renowned fish ecologist Martin Mallen-Cooper along with the North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA), to provide feedback on the viability of screening irrigation off-takes to protect native fish. AWMA travelled to the United States on a number of occasions to meet with screen operators, asset owners, fish scientists, university academics, water providers and screen manufacturers. The technology review has resulted in an in-depth understanding of the applications, engineering, design and operational characteristics associated with fish Brett Kelly and Peter Ebenwaldner from AWMA Water Control Solutions.

AWMA is proud to contribute to the sustainability of the environment.

manmonthly.com.au

exclusion screens. Considerable time was also spent with the NSW fisheries scientists and Charles Sturt University specialists understanding the differences between the US Salmon and our native fish to allow engineering and specification changes to the screen design to suit our native fish species.

“When you’re doing things that hasn’t been done before in Australia, it makes sense to go and have a look around the world,” he said. “A real key is ‘self-powered’ or ‘selfpropelled’ screen which uses a pumps flow velocity to clean the screen,

rather than powered options. A clean screen and low flow velocities actually produces high quality water without impingement or entrapment of fish onto the screen.”

Since the first screen project in 2018, AWMA have been involved in numerous project steering committees and assisted in developing many concept designs for screen applications. To date, applications include projects for irrigation diversions, agricultural pump stations and hydropower intakes, with dam intakes also now in progress.

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 51

ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2021 OUTSTANDING START-UP AWARD - SPACE TANK STUDIO SAFETY SOLUTION OF THE YEAR - SPACE TANK STUDIO

Space Tank Studio – CoLab shields Australia from COVID-19

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S a start-up under the Space Tank Studio makerspace banner, CoLab set out to design an Australian made, sustainable face shield solution as COVID-19 sparked a vulnerability in health PPE and a need for a domestic manufacturing line.

Having the foresight and flexibility to pivot operations during the pandemic, Space Tank founder and director, Holger Dielenberg, and CoLab business partner, Scott Anderson, launched the Rapid Shield to help improve the quality of life for Australians during this period.

To be recognised by the industry as an Outstanding Start-Up with the Safety Solution of the Year was an honour, Dielenberg said.

“For us, it’s about industry recognition. In this context, what we’re trying to achieve is to make things locally and help Australia reach its goal of sovereign manufacturing – having a local journal support us is a good way to send the message out to the community that things can be made locally,” he said. “So, from our perspective, it’s good to be recognised for those reasons.”

Rapid Shield’s simple, innovative design was completely manufactured and assembled in Melbourne with zero wastage by reusing all offcut materials and ensuring 100 per cent recyclability.

Using a curved folding pattern, the solution closes the gap between the forehead and shield, providing a critical barrier against air borne viral droplets and reducing the number of parts needed. With the ability to be delivered flat packed, storage space and transport costs

52 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

were reduced as well as unit costs.

Rapid Shield is a great example of how clever design, collaborative spirit and local knowledge can achieve local and sustainable mass production of critical health PPE without compromising on cost, volume or quality. Thus, it has attracted attention from Australian frontline workers, federal and state governments and the broader commercial market.

Dielenberg believes there is still work to be done to secure a more resilient manufacturing industry in Australia.

“I think COVID-19 has certainly exposed a lot of inefficiencies, gaps and weaknesses,” he said. “Larger companies tend to do well, but the middle to small players tend to struggle a lot, mainly due to high labour rates and high-cost dollar and our low population.

“It’s very, very hard to get anything off the ground or to develop anything new. So, I think there’s some huge systemic issues that continually need to be addressed.”

Space Tank Studio is currently addressing this by doing what they do best – developing strong networks and advocating collaboration in the industry.

“As a business maker space, we are constantly working with either council or state government,” Dielenberg said. “I’m constantly on various workshops, innovation workshops and precinct workshops to work with the government and help them understand what is actually needed on the ground, what are the challenges that local manufacturing are facing. We also lobby for assistance to continue our

Space Tank Studio – Winner of the Outstanding Start-Up and Safety Solution of the Year Awards.

work in that area.”

As further evidence that Space Tank Studio is a deserving winner of the Outstanding Start-Up and Safety Solution of the Year Awards, they now have a new innovative safety product in the works.

“We’ve actually been working on a new medical product for the

last 14 months or so – it’s a patient isolation device, which basically detoxifies the environment in a healthcare setting.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly congratulates the double award winner in their achievement and looks forward to seeing what they do next. manmonthly.com.au

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ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2021 Sponsor: TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION AWARD - TILLIT AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - TILLIT

Manufacturing’s do-it-all digital platform

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NNOUNCED in July 2021 in Adelaide, South Australia, the launch of the TilliT technology business forms part of a strategic expansion for SAGE Group to deliver Software as a Service (SaaS) and associated IoT hardware solutions for customers across the broader manufacturing industry, to enhance manufacturing processes.

TilliT is a no-code, simple to set up, digital factory platform, that provides an integrated way to plan, execute and analyse manufacturing processes – in one out-of-thebox cloud application. It is a comprehensive digital platform that

delivers forward-looking insights, real-time visibility and operational control to a client’s factory.

TilliT CEO James Balzary explained that only 5-10 per cent of Australian manufacturers have an industrial automation backbone or PLC-sort of infrastructure.

“Industry 4.0 demands that manufacturers have real-time visibility of their people, process and tasks in their production environment,” he said. “But the majority of manufacturers still capture tasks on paper.”

“The vast majority of manufacturers are SME without

any industrial backbone in pace.

For those customers, we send them a range of IoT sensors which are battery powered and last three or four years. The sensors start to record really insightful information accurately – temperature, vibration, counting products down a manufacturing line or whether a machine is running or not – and push all that data to the cloud.

The new-gen approach is of course cloud-enabled and IoT enabled data capture. Our approach challenges the traditional approach to manufacturing and we’re really kicking goals as everyone scrambles around to come to the party with their own do it yourself IoT platform.”

The newly expanded TilliT platform can operate standalone between the ERP and the machine control layer to digitalise the operation or co-exist with existing tools in place because of its flexibility and ease of deployment as a cloud solution such as Amazon

Web Services.

The TilliT SaaS and IoT solution is a powerful, yet simple to implement, digital factory suite that provides an integrated way to plan, execute and analyse manufacturing processes by orchestrating people, machines, material and tasks.

It affords visibility of asset and manufacturing line performance, directs the execution of events and coordinates activities necessary to manufacture any type of finished good. It also handles quality checks, production scheduling and digital workflow with a focus on real time visibility.

We are seeing AI and IoT technologies such as TilliT improve manufacturing efficiency and costreduction by enabling visibility of operations and therefore smart decision making in real time. The end goal is to ultimately protect manufacturing profitability and deliver the opportunity for all manufacturers – large or small – to thrive on a global stage.

TilliT delivers flexible and powerful digital tools in one integrated platform.

TilliT’s James Balzary and Rafael Amaral.

manmonthly.com.au

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 55

ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2021 Sponsor: EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT - ESSITY

Essity – Deepening essential operational skills

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SSITY Australasia is a personal care and hygiene company known for its market-leading household brands including Sorbent, Handee Ultra, Purex, Libra, Tena, Tork and Treasures. Their Springvale site in Victoria supports 100 operational staff and 150 administration staff in manufacturing feminine care and incontinence care products for over 40 years.

By locally manufacturing such essential products, Essity has been able to thrive as the stresses of supply shortages struck the industry, Essity site and operations manager for Springvale Matthew Arblaster explained.

“I think COVID-19 has shown us the importance of local manufacturing and as a local manufacturer of critical goods – being in one of the categories of products that got hit by surge buying in the pandemic – it shows that if you’re making those essential goods locally, it really does ensure that we can react quickly and ensure that our consumers have those essential products in ample supply,” he said.

“We have proven now that local manufacturing has an absolute strong place and stable supply chains can outweigh cost reductions and mitigate that risk of short supply.”

In creating an even stronger supply chain, recently Essity’s strategy has been to grow, promote and build skills in its dedicated manufacturing and supply team.

This was achieved through a Skills Development Program that was introduced in 2020 to capture, assess and share the team’s amassed knowledge. The aim was to develop a platform to train new staff, cross skill operators, create a standardised process, and build skills in using more modern equipment and creating new products.

56 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

Essity – Winner of the Excellence in Manufacturing Skills Development Award.

An online induction was created to train every visitor and employee, to standardise safety messaging and expectations before anyone entered the site, which was particularly effective for casual workers and contractors.

The company developed a robust training and assessment programs for each of its machines and roles which have allowed the business to cross-train and upskill its operators.

This has enabled Essity to be agile in a changing market and channel resources appropriately based on consumer demand. The training system includes an assessment of all roles on sites across 16 machine operating roles, a list of key ‘core’ skills of industry and best practice knowledge, an assessment tool that measures competency and qualifies staff to run the machine, a regular face to face feedback and coaching system with both the trainer and

supervisor and a revamp of the graduate intake program to attract motivated graduates who bring innovative ideas.

“With all of the change we’ve undergone, we needed to upskill and train our staff,” Arblaster said.

“The depth of knowledge we’ve had to transfer to people has been challenging, but we’ve got really good systems in place. And equally, keeping people safe is a big focus of ours – and with that comes the work we’ve been doing.”

Since the program was implemented, Essity says it has witnessed a plethora of benefits at the Springvale site. Along with a 56 per cent reduction in consumer complaints, there were less staff injuries and better flexibility in staff’s work schedules. Additionally, there has been an increase in employee satisfaction in the team and more internal promotions, as

well as new apprentices hired; the training program has enabled them to upskill quickly.

Ultimately, the Skills Development Program has improved operations and driven a great return on investment, as the cost per unit has been reduced by 16 per cent. It will continue to support a legacy that will serve the Essity manufacturing site in delivering sustainable, customer-centric products to the community.

Arblaster said it was great to be recognised in the Endeavour Awards in an industry where it can be hard to balance inputs and outputs, and people and processes.

“I think it’s great to be in the company of, and measured against, really established and professional companies and to know that you’re in their league in working on best practice,” he said. “That’s a huge accomplishment.” manmonthly.com.au

SHARING IDEAS IS THE FIRST STEP TO TAKING FLIGHT. “BDO has the expert knowledge and experience in the manufacturing sector. They’re on top of sector trends and initiatives, and in our fast growth mode their skills and knowledge are very handy.”

Daniel Zheng, Chief Financial Officer at Star Combo Pharma.

Use the QR code or visit www.bdo.com.au/manufacturing to learn about how BDO can assist manufacturing organisations.

Daniel Zheng, Chief Financial Officer at Star Combo Pharma, pictured with Ryan Pollett, Partner and National Manufacturing and Wholesale Leader, BDO Australia.

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ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2021 Sponsor: EXCELLENCE IN GROWTH - HEALTH FOCUS MANUFACTURERS

Health Focus Manufacturers – Organically growing Australian manufacturing

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HE Excellence in Growth Award recognises three aspects: financial growth, people growth and market growth.

These are vital in achieving sustainable and consistent growth in the long term. Health Focus Manufacturers has excelled in each of these areas.

Launched in 2011 as a contract manufacturing business, Health Focus Manufacturers has grown from humble beginnings – with only six staff, a basic warehouse and no offices – into a leader in the provision of new product development and contract manufacturing for the skin care, personal care and hair care industries. This was done by listening to their valuable customers and doing whatever possible to assist them in taking their expertly manufactured products to market in a timely manner.

As client needs and market forces have changed, Health Focus Manufacturers have modified and adapted the business to keep abreast of these needs and underpinned their product development and manufacturing services with quality systems and excellent customer service.

Health Focus Manufacturers is now an Australian cosmetic and cosmeceutical manufacturer that delivers quality skin care and cosmetics products – both certified organic and synthetic – to domestic and global markets. A decade on, the business has reached over $8 million in revenue for the 2020/21 financial year with 40 staff.

Part of this growth can be attributed to strategic partnerships with existing clients, whereby Health Focus Manufacturers will both formulate products on demand and

manmonthly.com.au

Health Focus Manufacturers won the Excellence in Growth Award.

recommend products to fill gaps in clients’ product lines, identify opportunities and anticipate client needs. And according to Health Focus Manufacturers managing director, Derelle Mitchell, the company is continuing to grow with plans for a new manufacturing facility.

“We’re looking to build a purposebuilt therapeutic goods facility in the next two to three years,” Mitchell said. “We are excited about where we’re heading – we currently manufacture high-end skincare and a lot of organic products, and this will broaden our area in the market. We’re going to build a pretty impressive manufacturing facility which will employ more people and we will definitely continue on the growth path once we build it. It’s very

exciting!”

A women-led business, Health Focus Manufacturers holds a strong position in the global market by making high quality, sustainable, Australian made products and working with clients both big and small – all while committing to customer service within an experienced team comprised of great talent. The company wants to make a positive impact on the sustainability of the cosmetics supply chain.

Some of the products that the business manufactures include highend skincare, tanning products, hair care, deodorant, masks, moisturisers, serums and cleansers – even dog shampoo. Almost any cosmetic or cosmeceutical product available in a skincare clinic, chemist or

supermarket (except for aerosols and sunscreens) can be produced by them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they also upscaled the manufacture of hand sanitiser.

The manufacturer is proud to be recognised in the Endeavour Awards, especially in view of the high calibre competition for the Excellence in Growth Award.

“I’ve noticed, more so than ever since COVID-19, that manufacturing in Australia is being supported and recognised,” Mitchell said. “We’ve come from pretty humble beginnings, so for us especially to be producing Australian made products and flying the Australian flag, while employing Australian people and growing – it’s a pretty proud industry for me to be in.”

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 59

ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2021 Sponsor: GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRATION OF THE YEAR - SUPASHOCK

Supashock advancing defence vehicles

S

UPASHOCK is a worldclass producer of advanced mobility, logistics handling and autonomous systems that control, monitor and improve mobility of defence, autonomous, commercial, automotive and other transport vehicles.

Oscar Fiorinotto, founder and CEO at Supashock Advanced Technologies said the company is proud to be recognised for pushing Australian manufacturing forward.

“We’re seeing some of the largest demand for manufacturing in our lifetimes,” he said. “The modern push into manufacturing, moving away from offshoring and advancing intellectual property is important.

The problem we face as an industry is

we haven’t kept up with training over the past 20 years, but there’s been huge progress made lately in terms of bringing niche manufacturing to the fore with automation and the transition from industry 3.0 to 4.0.”

The company was recognised at this year’s Endeavour Awards for its LYNX KF41 IFV Running Gear, which is helping with the development of new military vehicles to fill the technology gap which currently exists from outdated fighting vehicles in modern warfare settings.

The running gear is a vital component of the armoured fighting vehicle, increasing the mobility aspect of the tank, resulting in improved all-terrain handling, ride

Supashock CEO Oscar Fiorinotto and ICN’s Derek Lark.

We have a reputation for providing high performance mobility products and services. As well as the unique design and competitiveness, the ability to manufacture the system and sustainability of the system here in Australia is key.

Since being founded in 2005, Supashock has developed a reputation for quality products.

60 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

quality, and the ability to be tuned to all variants of the IFV including APC, ambulance, recovery, and command and control.

“It fills a gap where advanced mobility systems are required for modernized fighting vehicles and enhances the driving capabilities for its operators in threatening situations,” he said. “We have a reputation for providing high performance mobility products and services. As well as the unique design and competitiveness, the ability to manufacture the system and sustainability of the system

here in Australia is key. But first and foremost, it gives the end user a better offering.”

Supashock has had major success in international markets with the LYNX KF41 Running Gear system.

So far Hungary is the first launch customer and the vehicle is built upon partnerships with suppliers across the globe. Supashock was chosen as the Running Gear supplier because of its innovation, reliability, technical compliance, quality, and years of experience in the mobility systems field for defence vehicles. manmonthly.com.au

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What’sNew

BST presents Aplex’s ARCHMI-9XXB Series for factory automation Backplane Systems Technology is proud to present Aplex’s ARCHMI-9XXB, which is a series of industrial compact size HMI that accompany resistive and projected capacitive touch with full-sized 12.1”/ 15”/ 15.6”/ 17”/ 18.5”/ 19”/ 21.5”/ 32” TFT-LCD to fit in any factory automation applications. To enhance and streamline the production process in a smart factory.

The ARCHMI-9XXB Series facilitates an elevated CPU performance with a Whiskey Lake CPU and the series also supports a GPU of Intel UHD Graphics 620, which can broaden the application field in more usage. In terms of I/O, ARCHMI-9XXB is equipped with 4 x USB 3.0 type A, 2 x LAN, 1 x COM, 1 x DP port, and onboard up to 32 GB DDR4. Furthermore, the series is also equipped with the new generation interface - M.2 slot has increased bandwidth to speed up the performance of the transmission.

Lastly, ARCHMI-9XXB has a rugged design HMI which is equipped with an IP66 flat front panel with aluminium die-casting to resist dust and water. Resistive touch screen and 7H hardness projective capacity touch screen are also available for different operational requirements. Moreover, ARCHMI-9XXB can prevent damage from sudden shutdown and power failure by optional featuring a backup battery. The backup battery will immediately provide a short time of power to the ARCHMI-9XXB system when an outage occurs so that there will have sufficient time for equipment to be shut down properly. In addition, it can also prevent data loss, hardware/software damage and can offer facilities a stable and long lifespan.

Key features: • available from 12.1” to 32”; • touch: resistive and capacitive touch optional;

• • • •

high brightness and wide temperature pptional; front IP66 certified; flat bezel design; and supports smart battery backup.

Company: Backplane Systems Technology Phone: (02) 9457 6400 Website: www.backplane.com.au

ICP Electronics Australia presents iEi’s IMBA-Q470 ATX motherboard ICP Australia is proud to introduce iEi’s IMBA-Q470 motherboard that supports both 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors, allowing it to have improved performance by up to 80 per cent than the previous generation on i5 processor.

The 10th Gen Intel Core platform supports up to 10 cores and improved performance over Coffee Lake-Refresh. With increased I/O capacity and the

latest DDR4-2933 memory support, these processors deliver the performance required to consolidate industrial multiple workloads.

Furthermore, IMBA-Q470 is equipped with Intel UHD Graphics to display videos and images in stunning 4K resolutions. Among its three independent display ports (VGA+HDMI+DP), the HDMI and display port can both support up to 4K high resolution. Hence, the enhanced visual quality fulfils the high precision demand of users.

Likewise, IMBA-Q470 is equipped with two Intel 2.5GbE controllers, which are ready for the latest-performance router. With two 2.5GbE ports owning the benefits of low-latency, high-throughput and cost-effective, the IMBA-Q470 can meet the bandwidth-intensive requirements such as large file transfers and high-resolution video streaming, which is ideal for machine vision and AI edge computing applications.

Key features: • LGA1200 Intel 10/11th Generation Core i9/i7/i5/i3, Celeron and Pentium processor; • dual-channel DDR4 2933MHz; • support HDMI, DP, VGA; and • support M.2 A key for WLAN expansion, M Key for PCIe NVMe storage.

Company: ICP Electronics Australia Phone: (02) 9457 6011 Website: www.icp-australia.com.au

manmonthly.com.au

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 63

Brought to you by

Qorvo’s CMD328K3 Low-Noise Amplifier for X-Band and Ku-Band Satellite Comms Mouser Electronics, Inc., the industry’s leading New Product Introduction (NPI) distributor with the widest selection of semiconductors and electronic components, is now stocking the CMD328K3 6 GHz – 18 GHz low-noise amplifier (LNA) from Qorvo. The device is ideally suited for electronic defence and communications systems where small size and low power consumption are needed.

The Qorvo CMD328K3, available from Mouser Electronics, is a broadband MMIC LNA that operates between 6 GHz and 18 GHz with a noise figure of just 1.4 dB. The CMD328K3 amplifier delivers greater than 27 dB of gain with a corresponding output 1 dB compression point of +12 dBm. The broadband device is a 50-ohm matched design, which eliminates the need for external DC blocks and RF port matching.

Housed in a leadless 3 mm × 3 mm plastic surface-mount air cavity package,

the CMD328K3 amplifier is an ideal alternative to hybrid amplifiers. Applications for the CMD328K3 LNA include X-band and Ku-band radar, satellite communications, and electronic defense receivers.

Company: Mouser Electronics Phone: (852) 3756 4700 Website: www.mouser.com/new/qorvo

Precision Compressed Air Thermal Flow Meter improves processes, reduces maintenance and cuts costs Process and manufacturing engineers responsible for compressed air systems used in a wide range of industrial applications will find the advanced FS10i Series Compressed Air Flow Meters from Fluid Components International (FCI) helps them improve productivity by measuring accurately and quickly detecting system leaks, which improves overall process quality while simultaneously reducing system energy costs.

The compact FS10i Flow Meter Series is a dependable, economical and easy to install solution to measure the flow rate of compressed air, air and natural gas. They are accurate to ± 1.5 per cent of reading, ±0.5 per cent of full scale, with repeatability of ± 0.5 per cent of reading and have a response time of 4 seconds (1 time constant).

Their go anywhere small size, plug-in wiring and inline or insertion style threaded connection into plant piping ensures quick and effective installation. In addition, they are SIL-2 rated for safety instrumented system (SIS) critical processes.

Providing precision direct mass flow measurement, the FS10i Flow Meters require no additional pressure or temperature sensors or other components to infer flow measurement. Their sealed and no-moving parts sensor does not foul or clog and requires no routine maintenance that ensures years of trouble-free, continuous operation.

Utilising decades-long, applications-proven thermal dispersion flow sensing technology, the FS10i Flow Meters provide a fluid-matched, calibrated and linearised 4-20mA output of flow rate, and a user programmable high or low flow alarm/trip point with a 1A SPDT relay output. For visual indication, the FS10i Flow Meters include a 10-segment LED array. This display illuminates proportionally to the flow rate and flashes if an alarm trip occurs.

The FS10i Flow Meters are available in both in-line and insertion style configurations to support installation in line sizes from DN25 to DN500. They operate over a wide, 100:1 turndown from 1,6 to 122 NCMH depending on the fluid media and line size. Their 316L stainless steel construction ensures superior corrosion resistance in the pipe. An aluminium housing, and protective, rubber boot surrounding the display area make the FS10i suitable for IP64 installations. The FS10i also carries global approvals: FM, FMc, ATEX, IECEx, and EAC/TR CU (Div 2) and Zone 2/Zone 2 installations.

For line sizes of DN25 or DN50, the FS10i is built as an in-line solution with a stainless steel, female NPT pipe tee to ensure the instrument’s accuracy and repeatability in the installation. For line sizes 63,5 mm or larger, users can select the 64 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

insertion-style configuration in either a 152mm or 305mm length. The insertion-style configurations are outfitted with a 0.5-inch compression fitting, with either a Teflon or stainless steel ferrule to adjust the actual insertion depth to be compatible with a range of pipe diameters and achieve inserting the sensor element to the centre-point of the pipe.

User set-up is performed using a PC connection to the instrument’s serial port, included computer interface dongle and using FCI’s free software utility program. User set-up functions include scaling of the 4-20mA output to the desired flow range and engineering units, setting the relay trip point and adding hysteresis or time delay to the relay’s action, etc.

Each meter is precision calibrated on FCl’s air and gas flow stands, which are outfitted with NIST and ISO/IEC 17025 traceable equipment to ensure their accuracy and measurement repeatability.

Company: AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Phone: (03) 9017 8225 Website: www.ams-ic.com.au manmonthly.com.au

What’sNew ATDC installs commercial folding closures at Sacca’s Fine Foods The Australian Trellis Door Co. (ATDC) has completed a major installation of its commercial folding closures to secure the new storefront at Sacca’s Fine Foods at Blackburn Square in Victoria, near Melbourne.

This striking installation literally takes your breath away. Finished in a gloss black satin powder coat, the system spans a whopping 54 metres at its full extent and is suspended from an overhead support structure at a height of 3600mm. The door is configured from 300mm wide panel sections suspended with industrial grade support carriages from a heavy duty extruded aluminium top track; it has three S-configured bends and 2 x special radius curves as it follows the shaped contours of this aperture.

Project managers for this installation are South Melbourne based Dzine Construction Group.

For further information on this product, visit ATDC’s website.

Company: The Australian Trellis Door Co. Phone: 1800 657 435 Website: www.trellisdoors.com.au

igus receives first UL approval for halogen-free TPE cables As the world’s first manufacturer, igus has received UL AWM certification from the well-known US organisation Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for its high-end TPE cables that do not use fire-retardant halogens as additives. This is the first time that the testing organisation has recognised that halogen-free TPE cables can also meet the fire protection requirements in industry.

The independent organisation Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is one of the most important authorities in the USA in terms of product safety. It has been testing components of machines and systems since 1894 to see whether they are suitable for industrial use. Their seal is one of the prerequisites for a successful market entry in North America.

Fire protection is a key decisive criteria. This is because, according to the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), machine fires are the fourth leading cause of fires in industrial environments in the USA, closely followed by fires caused by electrical factors.

“That is why we are particularly pleased that igus has now become the world’s first manufacturer to receive a UL seal for halogen-free TPE cables,” says Rainer Rössel, vice president and head of the chainflex cables business unit at igus. “The approval demonstrates to our customers that they have the safety aspect with chainflex high-end TPE cables.”

Fire protection can also be achieved without halogens For this certification, the igus engineers had to do a lot of persuading. Up to now, the flame retardancy of cables has been the key factor in obtaining UL certification for fire protection. Approval is therefore only granted to products containing flame retardants such as chlorine, fluorine or bromine. These additives increase the flame retardancy. However, so far it has not been taken into account that the flame retardants generally change the chemical structure of the jacket and reduce the mechanical load-bearing capacity.

Therefore, igus starts much earlier in the process: The cable specialist focuses less on preventing a fire from spreading, but rather on how the cable itself caused the fire. The TPE jacket compounds are extremely resistant to mechanical loads as well as external influences. They can therefore be used in a wide range of applications: in small installation spaces of up to 4xd, on highly dynamic, short travels with accelerations of 100m/s² or on long travels in a temperature range from -35°C to +100°C. At the same time they are extremely media resistant, even with

manmonthly.com.au

special organic oils.

In all of these energy chain applications, the halogen-free TPE jacket compounds minimise premature aging of the outer jacket by a factor of up to 10; when compared to the same materials containing flame retardants. A decisive cause of fire is reduced. This is because if the jacket does not break the cable cannot cause a fire because a reduction in the cross section of the cores is impossible due to the non-existent jacket break. An argument which finally convinced the UL. Flame retardancy of TPE cables is no longer the measure of all things With these measures, igus makes a significant contribution to increasing machine safety. The long-term flexural strength and service life of chainflex cables in the e-chain have been proven by numerous practical tests in the in-house igus test laboratory – and not just for TPE cables.

“So far, customers have already had the opportunity to choose from 1,044 chainflex cables with UL approval,” Rainer Rössel points out. “With the new certification, there are now more than 200 TPE cables, so we can offer an almost complete UL certified product range.”

Customers in Australia benefit from this by being halogen-free, as do those who build machines for the North American market, where UL certification of the individual components is the required rule.

Company: Treotham Automation Phone: 1300 657 564 Website: www.treotham.com.au

Manufacturers’ Monthly MAY 2022 65

The Last Word

INNES WILLOX – Chief Executive of the national employer association, Ai Group

A workplace relations agenda all parties should support

I

N the lead-up to the impending Federal Election, Ai Group released a series of policy papers that together present an agenda aimed at raising the living standards of Australians and addressing the slowdown in real incomes growth of recent years. Businesses have a critical role in achieving these national objectives by investing; creating jobs; introducing new goods and services; and developing and adopting new technologies and processes.

First among these were four papers outlining an important workplace relations platform we suggest all parties should support.

This election offers an opportunity for all sides of politics to support workplace relations policies that will contribute to creating a flexible, inclusive and productive workforce that will help set us up for our postCOVID recovery and beyond.

These four policy papers covered Gender Equality, Diversity &

Inclusion; Enterprise Agreements; Forms of Employment & Engagement; and the Safety Net of Minimum Conditions.

Ai Group has a strong commitment to gender equality and inclusive workforce participation. Businesses with a gender-equal, diverse and inclusive workforce have improved performance. Increased workforce participation, particularly for women, assists in their economic well-being and independence, particularly later in life.

We have proposed a number of initiatives in this area including: • More accessible and flexible childcare options for households; • A publicly-funded family and domestic violence leave payment linked to the existing unpaid leave entitlements in the Fair Work Act; and • A commitment that any religious discrimination legislation must not inhibit the ability of employers to maintain inclusive

Innes Willox said enterprise agreement making should be simplified.

66 MAY 2022 Manufacturers’ Monthly

and harmonious workplaces.

There are serious problems with Australia’s declining enterprise agreement system that need to be addressed to encourage agreementmaking. Enterprise agreement making should be a relatively simple process for employers and employees – not the ‘minefield’ that it currently is.

With a few sensible reforms, the enterprise agreement system can once again play a key role in delivering higher productivity, improved remuneration to employees and more competitive businesses.

Ai Group proposals include: • Simplifying the Better Off Overall Test by ensuring that hypothetical types and patterns of work that are unlikely to be engaged in are not taken into account.

• Simplifying the requirements for the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to be satisfied that genuine agreement has been reached.

• Simplifying the requirement for employers to explain the terms of a proposed enterprise agreement to employees prior to the vote.

These are basic, common-sense changes, and by no means radical reforms.

It is vital that businesses have the ability to engage workers in whatever form of employment or engagement suits the needs of the business. The casual employment uncertainties have been comprehensively settled in legislation, in awards and in the High Court. It is in no-one’s interests for this to be disturbed.

The High Court has also recently provided a lot more certainty for independent contracting arrangements.

It is a myth that insecure work is increasing. The level of casual employment, labour hire employment, fixed-term employment and independent contracting has not increased over the past decade.

Employers and employees need flexibility with forms of employment,

not more restrictions.

Australia’s industrial relations system is far too complicated. The safety net of minimum conditions needs to be modernised to reflect the needs of contemporary workplaces.

Matters that are primarily dealt with in the National Employment Standards (NES) in the Fair Work Act should be largely removed from awards.

The Fair Work Act should be amended to require that employers and employees to whom awards apply have access to certain minimum levels of flexibility. The minimum levels of flexibility should include: • The ability to agree on flexible part-time employment arrangements, with the ability to readily adjust ordinary hours on any day by agreement.

• The ability for day workers who are working remotely, to work outside the spread of hours in the relevant award and to break up their work periods, provided that their employer agrees.

• The ability for an employee to enter into an Individual Flexibility Arrangement (IFA) with their employer, with an optional lodgement and approval process so that both parties can have certainty that their IFA passes the Better Off Overall Test and is legally enforceable.

Our industrial relations system is intended to be fair to all parties.

However, it is not fair that the system is so complicated that even many major corporations with sophisticated payroll systems are making payroll errors leading to multi-million dollar underpayments.

What hope does a small business have in being confident that it has complied in all respects with relevant awards and workplace laws given the current complexity of the system?

To read Ai Group’s full series of pre-election policy papers, visit www.aigroup.com.au/ news/election-2022/ manmonthly.com.au

SKILLS & TRAINING Upskilling and training Australia’s manufacturing workforce is critical to strengthening sovereign capability.

In July 2022 – we will showcase businesses who continue to develop skills in different facets of manufacturing, from industry 4.0 expertise to welding and fabricating.

The edition is an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate the extent of their services to the industries they serve.

In every edition of Manufacturers’ Monthly, we’re proud to work with our commercial partners on content that helps connect you with your future customers.

Booking deadline: 25 May 2022

To book contact DANNY HERNANDEZ now danny.hernandez@primecreative.com.au | 0431 330 232

Fi

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Find your future For people who belong at Laminex

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We are an inclusive and diverse workplace with a vibrant culture – and we’re looking for people like you.

People who embrace innovation.

People who nurture safety.

People who champion creativity.

And people who are ready to chart their own course.

Curious to find out more?

Get in touch: peoplewhobelong@laminex.com.au

AUSTRALIAN

IndustrialBusinesses MARCH 2022

|

EDITION 6

Celebrating the Heroes of Australian Industrial Business Turn to page 03

Robmac Harvesters are revolutionising macadamia farming in Alstonville

Designing pathways to the future

Humble recipe to household name

Hunter Region serviced by Morgan Engineering for over 40 years

Read the inspiring story behind Australian pantry favourites

13

16

29

A tough nut to crack

contents 04

07

Innovation from the ground up

10

‘A Good Day at Work’

Lighting the spark in the next generation

March 2022 GOLD WINNERS 13 A tough nut to crack

25 Cutting edge designs and servicing

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26 Dependable time and time again

Designing pathways to the future

SILVER WINNERS 19 Cementing a global reputation 20 Fresh solutions to transporting perishables 21 Planting the seed for modern engineering 22

27 The right tool for the job 28 Connecting Australians for almost 90 years

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD 29 Humble recipe to household name

Growing integrity on Australian soil

23 Chipping away at sustainable forestry

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24 Rising from the ashes

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

30 Our network

FEATURE

Celebrating the heroes

M

of Australian industrial business

ore than ever, the triumphs of Australian businesses and local manufacturing are coming into the public eye. The nation’s collective mobilisation to meet demands created by the pandemic is only amplified by the skilled and passionate people working at the ground level across engineering, manufacturing, and servicing.

From Kalgoorlie to Wollongong and almost every small town in between, communities are being built on this legacy of collaboration. Generations of experts are working alongside each other, evolving their approach as new and unexpected obstacles arise. Contemporary technologies are becoming increasingly integrated throughout the industrial fields, and Australia is pioneering many of these developments on home soil. Products such as Avcatech’s perishable freight solutions are being employed internationally in response to supply chain delays, while the team at Robmac Harvesters is working to minimise organic waste in local macadamia harvesting.

“Our country has a rich and diverse history of innovation, and the purpose of these awards is to showcase standout Australian businesses contributing to this reputation,” says Grant Gray, General Manager of National Sales at Motion Australia. “In recent times, our customers have faced ongoing challenges, but our role is to work alongside them to drive collaborative opportunities for continued growth.”

As Australia’s most established distributor of industrial products, and a primary supply partner to several vital industrial sectors, Motion Australia is proud to showcase the resilience and ingenuity being illustrated across the board.

“One thing I have learnt over the last two and a half years is the significant importance of investing in local manufacturing,” reflects Grant. “In a time where so much of what we do is evolving and shifting, smaller businesses require a strong foundation from which to grow.

Being connected to the rest of the world through Motion Australia’s expansive supply framework provides an added element of security for when things don’t go to plan.”

The vision behind these awards is one of cohesiveness. Whether it is food production, working towards a more sustainable future in mining, or delivering complex engineering work, it is Motion Australia’s aim to bolster resilience and determination wherever possible. The company does this by offering widespread expertise and resources where it counts, utilising a team of experts to form handson relationships with customers over the course of many years.

“During the pandemic, Motion Australia has established themselves as a multifaceted offering that can provide assurance to Australian businesses. Relying on their broad spectrum of technical competency and critical relationships with the best industrial brands across the globe, they continue tackling everyday concerns with a clear action-based approach. As a result, more customers are seeking access to Motion Australia’s vast network of reliable services,” says Grant.

“It is a privilege to be investing in homegrown success stories. We are proud to champion the winners by showcasing the strengths of their business to the industrial market. It is an opportunity for us to invest in the future of our industry through our global supply network, which allows us to

“Our country has a rich and diverse history of innovation, and the purpose of these awards is to showcase standout Australian businesses contributing to this reputation.”

partner with our customers and achieve the best possible outcomes for their business.”

Looking ahead, Motion Australia is building up groundwork for a more sustainable future. Each business has an important role in governing this shift, and a key priority is assisting them to reach targets as efficiently as possible. Grant explains that to achieve this, Motion Australia’s vision must integrate a ‘do better’ ethos that never settles for ‘just good enough.’

“When it comes to sustainability, it is not like we have a defined point of saying, well, we have achieved that. It is an everyday, ongoing evolution towards reducing carbon emissions and waste.

Every time we can increase efficiency or the lifespan of a product, or minimise the amount of power being used, we are making an impact. We are not a surface level organisation by any means – we aim to understand the complexities of each business, and celebrate where incredible work has gone into enriching Australia’s industrial profile.”

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

3

KRE ENGINEERING

Innovation

from the ground up

W

“We work very closely with our customers and supply partners. You have got to be able to listen to what the market requires, and tailor the products to suit. We use machine shops all over the country, which means we keep everything Australian made. We work very closely with our partners, which has proven invaluable in the last couple of years, with the pandemic affecting supply chains from Europe and America.”

hat do you do when imported equipment proves unreliable and in need of constant repair? According to Keith Edmunds, you design and build your own cutting‑edge machines using the best quality materials. That is exactly what KRE Engineering Services did back in 1991, and now the company is leading the way with their bespoke pipeline repair and installation tools.

“The best way to describe pipeline rehabilitation is that it is like endoscopic surgery for cities,” says Keith, Director of KRE. “Over time, underground infrastructure will need repair or replacement. This can also include new pipes that are damaged during installation, which needs to be rectified before they can go back into service.

In today’s pipeline rehabilitation industry, a major concern is working underground without disturbing the environment and disrupting the streets above. KRE Engineering Services have developed Australian made, portable robotic cutters that are easily maintained, safe and efficient.

“The whole industry is driven around non-excavation. Various lining methods are used to create a new pipe inside a

4

pre-existing pipe, then these robots go inside with video cameras attached and carry out the repair or maintenance,” Keith explains. “Having to excavate from above is a thing of the past.”

By using machine shops across the country and prioritising locally sourced parts, KRE proudly supports Australian businesses, whilst also mitigating supply chain delays.

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

Manufacturing robotics for pipeline renovation and maintenance has its challenges, as they are primarily used in sewers. This type of environment is highly corrosive and KRE understand that it is vital to use high quality components to ensure reliability of their products. In doing so they have formed a strong relationship with their favoured suppliers.

“All of our bearings, seals, drive belts and systems are sourced through Motion Australia,” explains Keith. “Accounting for challenging environmental effects and the risk of corrosion means that quality and long-lasting parts are essential. We value them as a partner because they’ll happily bring in new stock for us and tailor it, and we always make sure that

REVOLUTIONISING PIPE REHABILITATION Our technology allows for remoted controlled access to repair, clean and inspect underground pipelines without disturbance to surface level infrastructure.

Established in 1991, Australian owned KRE Engineering Services has been designing and manufacturing robotic equipment to cater to industry needs for over 30 years.

Visit our website to browse our series of lateral cutters, accessories, and rehabilitation packers.

Benefits of robotic cutters: • • • • •

Unit 32 205 Port Hacking Road Miranda NSW 2228 keith@kre.com.au 02 9522 4922 KRE.COM.AU

Faster – minimum disruption Safer – fewer risks to operatives Flexible – suited to all environments Greener – smaller carbon footprint Cost effective – does not require excavation

KRE ENGINEERING

“We are constantly looking at what is new.

That is what gives us a bit of an edge, and it is worth investing in.”

and it is more efficient as well.”

the Motion Australia representative is around during the design process for that reason.”

Shirish Rabade, Sales Representative at CBC Silverwater visits KR Engineering’s site every few weeks to assist with parts and components for their designs. “From the prototype to the finished product, I work with KRE to find solutions that can improve the performance of their water management systems,” says Shirish.

“Since our business at CBC has now come under Motion Australia as one entity, I have access to a much wider range of products at Silverwater. KRE purchases a wide variety of products from us – bearings belts, hoses, couplings, adhesives, and O-rings and we ensure that we have stock readily available on a short turn around time.”

Forward planning and communication with Motion Australia has meant that KRE is no longer struggling to contend with logistical effects of Covid-19. Liaising with Motion Australia has allowed the team to stockpile equipment ahead of time, avoiding stagnation once imports begin to falter.

Importantly, KRE can source premium equipment from Motion Australia, including high quality brands such as Seal Innovations, Timken, and Loctite, to navigate hydraulic and remote operation challenges effectively.

As the robotics industry evolves to

6

incorporate recent technologies, KRE is looking to the future when it comes to innovative design. Most recently, the business has been delving into the possibilities of 3D printing, particularly with plastics and metal alloys. Being able to create prototype models for testing introduces more flexibility in the engineering process, and it is something that the business is looking to invest in over the coming years.

“We are constantly looking at what is new. That is what gives us a bit of an edge, and it is worth investing in. We grew over the last two years because the government invested more resources into infrastructure. We are continually expanding our product range and capabilities and look forward to being even busier in the future.”

KRE’s new 150-250 Robotic Cutter brings high-value solutions to trenchless pipe construction. This competitively priced, remote-controlled system boasts a 200-metre cable, 3-axis cutting control and a 320° swivelling camera. These features allow the machine to undergo a range of tasks such as tap grinding, preconditioning of pipes prior to lining, and de-rooting or reinstatement of lateral connections.

The development of these tools is vital in keeping workers safe, Keith says.

“You cannot send a person into those smaller pipes. It is extremely dangerous, which is why we now undertake repairs remotely. It is a lot safer for the operatives,

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

With over 30 years of experience developing clear imaging and repair solutions, Keith and his team have evolved to meet the industry’s needs over time. Now, over 500 KRE 150-250 and KRE 300-600 lateral cutter models have been distributed worldwide, setting the global standard and situating KRE ahead of the market.

The considered engineering of these machines comes down to thorough communication with customers, and a dedication to meeting operator needs.

“We are a small business; we have only got seven employees. I think the last time anybody left KRE was about ten years ago. We are like one big family - everybody works well together, and everyone wears different hats within the business. I think a crucial part to KRE’s success is having a close-knit team.”

KRE’s robotic cutters are manufactured in-house at the Sydney facility, and are exported to Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, Botswana, Chile, and the U.S. The team is now looking to service the domestic plumbing industry with modern designs such as portable water pipes and micro cutters.

“Our innovation is primarily driven by our need to meet our customer’s day to day challenges. The pipeline rehabilitation industry has many operational and technical challenges that we are excited to work with customers to solve, whether using our existing products and equipment or designing Scan the QR code new equipment to learn more about for specific KRE Engineering requirements.”

PUMPENG

‘A good day at work’

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ndustrial manufacturing can seem like arduous and challenging work, and it does often present an ongoing need for complex problemsolving in day-to-day operations. That is why the team at PumpEng follow the ethos of ‘a good day at work’ – an overarching framework that governs their quality of product and services.

Utilising decades of experience to develop specialised submersible pumps to the mining sector, they focus on delivering efficient, safe and reliable equipment that ultimately makes the jobs of their own staff and clients easier.

According to Matt Oliver, Commercialisation Manager, PumpEng was conceptualised in 2001 to continue improving the design of mass-produced submersible pumps, accounting for the harsh operating conditions underground. A venture between Paul Meneghel and Galvin Engineering, PumpEng’s success has been built on continuous consultation with the Australian mining industry.

They now produce multiple patented series of pumps, designed in-house for a range of mining applications and environments.

“Our founder, Paul, originally started PumpEng in Kalgoorlie and has been working with pump technologies since the 1980s. From the start he was aiming to improve the design and aligned himself with the mining industry to continually research and develop product, purpose-built specifically for that sector. That dedication has brought us a long way, and we are now a major partner for the industry in our own right.”

Working closely with the industry and their clients is important to PumpEng, as they seek to provide the Right Pump for the Job. The team aims to reduce maintenance costs by producing durable, high-quality pumps, and ensuring the safest working conditions for operators.

They also offer branch network sales, equipment hire and comprehensive aftercare for pump servicing across the country.

“Our core focus is creating a good day at work for our employees and clients,” explains Matt. “Our engineering team has created innovative products that challenge the status quo, and The PumpEng Way supports our customers to use them correctly.

Working as a team, we’re united to make sure everyone feels supported, which sets us apart as a business.”

Aiming to reduce the chance of pump failure is crucial to implementing this ethos, Matt says. The bottom line at PumpEng will always be increasing project productivity and reducing the risk of harm. The team closely inspects performance and repair data from each client to assess strengths and aspects that can be evolved for future improvement.

“Acting with integrity is one of our core values. Making sure we are open and honest about things like repairs and improvements, and working alongside the customer, is what will get us the best result. We produce quarterly reports for our key customers and identify what the recommendations are to reduce the need for repairs. A lot of them appreciate that we offer so much information and data on how we can make their lives easier.”

PumpEng strongly believes in the beneficial characteristics and dynamism of Australian made and distributed product. Allowing for tailored allocation and close

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

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EXPLORE OPTIONS » INSPECT SITE » PRESENT SOLUTIONS

DO IT DIFFERENT, DO IT RIGHT Tough submersible pumps for underground mining and construction. Our team of experienced technicians can assist in evaluating your current project, to deliver data-based solutions. Pump repairs and scheduled maintenance are also available from any of our workshops.

The PumpEng way.

Visit our website to see our full range of JetGuard, Guardian, Raptor, ScatPump and MetalVest pumps.

1/18 Renewable Chase Bibra Lake WA 6163 sales@pumpeng.com.au 08 9434 9922 PUMPENG.COM.AU

PUMPENG

partnerships, our local industrial landscape has been an exciting setting for submersible technology to adapt.

“Pumps and other products designed here in Australia are specific to the market,” reflects Matt. “Each local area has unique opportunities that innovative thinkers are able to work around, so you end up with premium product suited to various environments and applications.”

Motion Australia proudly services industrial manufacturers across the country, ensuring that each region is met with adequate supply and customer support. This also means staying on top of local development, resources and servicing within specific areas, especially where there is projected growth.

“Wherever possible we source products from Australian suppliers such as Motion Australia. A key benefit of doing this is reliable stock quantity; we can control our spikes and troughs because they are always available. We also rely on Motion Australia to provide us with high quality NSK bearings.”

“We are based in Perth, but we have four branches across the country, so Motion Australia’s national footprint means we can maintain a relationship with them at all of our branches. Having a supplier that knows our product and what is required during the design process is extremely helpful.”

Brayden Paciente, from BSC O’Connor, says that offering valuable input and investing time into customers such as PumpEng is what sets Motion Australia apart. “We always ensure that we have stock specific to their operations, by

also maintaining a close relationship with NSK Bearings and liaising between them effectively. Going that extra mile to obtain certain components, specifically for their business, shows that we are dedicated to ensuring their long-term success.”

PumpEng specialises in tough all-metal submersible dewatering pumps. Their JetGuard and Guardian ranges are engineered for compatibility within the mining sector, but can also be applied to general dewatering projects.

Additionally, their innovative ScatPump series is designed to handle solid material, such as slurry, in most overflow sumps in process plants, offering a more user-friendly alternative to vertical cantilever pumps, and delivering greater ore recovery.

A key aspect to their quality standards is prioritising metal components over rubber and polyurethane, to ensure longer-lasting results. PumpEng builds equipment for the harshest environments, accounting for particle gravel, small shot crete poly fibres, and urethanes that can potentially damage flimsier apparatus. Using plex stainless steel and white iron, these pumps have a higher wear resistant, allowing them to operate at full capacity for longer.

“We combine our engineering experience with knowledge gained through long-term associations with the mining industry. Our commitment to smart research and development means we can play our part in supporting a sustainable mining future,” says Matt.

As members of Pump Industry Australia, PumpEng continually operates to

leading standards of safety, quality, and efficient output. Their growing team of highly skilled and experienced staff works hard to service and elevate the mining industry, prioritising a more sustainable future through their projects and design.

Their compact range of tough submersible pumps is backed by years of development and environment testing, fulfilling a need for accessible, streamlined performance.

Scan the QR code to learn more about PumpEng

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ARROW ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Lighting the spark in the next generation

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ased in the seaside city of Wollongong, NSW, Arrow Electrical Services is investing in the next generation of Australian electricians. With a dynamic team consisting of 34 highly skilled and experienced employees, the business has situated itself as a leading specialist across the state.

Established in 1984 by Col Brown as a small motor rewind shop, it has evolved into a sizeable operation, run by Col’s two sons, Rodney and Anthony. Working across the local mining, industrial, commercial, energy and security industries, they have been developing expertise in rotating machinery for over 35 years. This service includes repairs, 24-hour maintenance service, tooling support and switchboard manufacturing.

“It is one of the best crew of people that I have ever worked with,” says Dane Townsend, Workshop Manager. “I think that says a lot about the values of the company. Being family-owned has a lot to do with that – the management team is always incredibly supportive and we all gel together extremely well.”

One of Arrow’s primary goals is to invest

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in the future of the local industrial sector, by creating work opportunities for young people in the area. Offering continual trade education and apprenticeship opportunities is a large part of this, Dane explains.

apparatus is key to Arrow’s success.

According to Dane, complying with rigorous external audits and staying ahead of the curve with the latest technology requires a strong relationship with local suppliers.

“Some of our staff have been around for 25 to 30 years, and we want them to pass on their knowledge before they hang up the bat. We feel it is critical, moving forward, that we invest in our community’s future and preserve those skills in the younger generation. Our team is great in that way.

Everyone has the time to teach and assist, in any way they can.”

“We prefer to use locally based companies like Motion Australia for our parts. A key factor is communication – it is a lot easier when we can discuss with someone about what we need, face to face. It is also about supporting the local economy and forming good partnerships with other businesses.”

Since its outset, the company has been specialising in rotating machinery sales and repairs. Inclusive of rewinds, overhauling, testing and installations, this multi-generational accumulation of skills and knowledge has only strengthened over time. The team also has the capacity to carry out laser alignment and vibration analysis, with extensive knowledge in induction motors and submersible pumps.

Building up a comprehensive workshop, equipped with safe and advanced

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

“The main products we buy through Motion Australia are bearings, lubricants and gaskets for our electrical motors, pumps, and other rotating equipment.

They are essentially a one stop shop for us.

We know that if they do not have things on the shelf, they are always happy to source them for us as quickly as possible. It is good to know we have someone we can rely on.”

Wollongong branch rep Jose Costa reflects on his extensive working relationship with Arrow Electrical, citing trust as a major factor in their reliably positive outcomes. “We’ve been working alongside

job. He is driven by Arrow’s commitment to innovation and is excited about their newer ventures into different markets.

their business for over 30 years. It is a relationship founded in loyalty – we provide them with excellent service, and they have come to rely on us for quality, timely products. That also flows on – we eagerly support them to deliver on expectations from their own customers.”

“Arrow Electrical is a family business, so we have a very personal relationship and intimate knowledge of their operations.

We get along very well with the owners and there is a certain level of symbiosis in how we serve each other.”

Getting involved in the community and demonstrating proactive steps towards growth are core priorities for the business. As a member of the i3net - the Illawarra’s Innovative Industry Network - Arrow is carving a notable path in the electrical space. Forming a network of like-minded industrial businesses helps to highlight work opportunities and encourage shared resources across the region, Dane says.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our local economy and build on existing progress in technologies. Community is important to us, and it is key that we learn

to adapt to changes in the industry.”

Like most businesses, Arrow were considerably affected by the last two years and the impacts of Covid-19 but have aimed to make the most of the situation by applying their expertise to helping the broader recovery effort.

“I actually would say that when Covid first hit two years ago, we got a little bit busier to begin with,” reflects Dane. “That was because of the loss in production for a lot of our customers. Many of them decided to use the down time for preventative maintenance, which is where we get called in. We have also been assisting by installing equipment on sites to help deal with outbreaks, such as thermal imaging technology.”

Through the ups and downs, the team has maintained focus on their mission to provide comprehensive service and enduring products to a range of sectors across the Illawarra and beyond.

Since starting with the company as an apprentice, Dane has worked as a tradesperson and now within a management role, applying his passion for problem-solving every day on the

“We are an AS3800 workshop, which means we are qualified to work on hazardous area equipment. We have invested a lot of time and money into that area of work, and it is something we want to keep expanding on top of our strong presence in the coal industry,” says Dane.

Arrow’s purpose-built workspaces are equipped with the necessary hardware to carry out premium servicing and manufacturing to quick turn arounds.

They are an accredited level two service provider across multiple categories and levels. The workshop is licensed to Department of Primary Industries (DPI) standards, and the company is a member of both the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

“What we do is so versatile. There are so many areas of specialisation as an electrician, but where we invest – in rotating equipment and motors – and how we do it is quite unique. We may have upcoming projects to do with hydrogen, which we have not dealt with before. Having been around since the 80s, it has been a long Scan the QR code journey, but it is only to learn more about going to grow from Arrow Electrical here.”

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THE ROTATING MACHINE SPECIALISTS LET US HELP YOU WITH • • • • • • • • •

Repairs and sales of electrical rotating machines Onsite 24-hour breakdown and maintenance service Commercial and industrial contract services Repair of electrical power tools Overhaul, repair, modification and manufacturing of underground mining equipment PLC and SCADA Laser alignments Panel building and switchboard manufacturing Level 2 service provider 3126 for categories 1-2-3 and 4, grade B

109 Auburn Street Wollongong NSW 2500 info@arrow-electrical.com.au 02 4227 3088 ARROW-ELECTRICAL.COM.AU

ROBMAC HARVESTERS

A tough nut to crack

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lstonville is a quiet town, nestled in the hinterlands of northern NSW and surrounded by rolling hillside farmland. It was here, as the macadamia industry began to boom through the late 1980s, that Robert Eggins began tailoring his 20 year established business towards the macadamia industry. Servicing operators with maintenance, repairs and modifications to harvesting. He soon realised what was lacking when it came to efficient and purpose-built machines.

Along with his son, David, he developed a lightweight, commercial grade harvester, equipped with sweeping mechanisms and reduced stalling capacity for wet weather operation.

Today, there are over 240 Robmac harvesters that are running on Australian plantations.

“The team runs a production pipeline with three or six harvesters in the works at any given time,” says David. “We build an average of twelve to fifteen units per year and offer ongoing support for all our customers.”

Robmac Harvesters is committed to supporting the Northern Rivers community, primarily by sourcing materials and equipment through local suppliers. According to David, having a personal connection with business partners goes a long way in delivering premium and well-suited machinery for the region’s landscape.

In addition to design and manufacturing, the team at Robmac are dedicated to offering personable service to their customers. If a machine requires inspection or repairs it is essential to have a fast turnaround, explains David.

“We buy our parts and components from Motion Australia because they are very time efficient,” he further explains, “Our local rep, Gary Livotto at BSC Lismore, has been coming to our workshop for fifteen years or so. Our longstanding relationship with Gary has been a key part in the development of our machines from the start. He is interested in the machines and how

they work and has provided expert advice on selecting premium parts and components for them from the earliest days of our business.”

According to Gary, building the best machines possible that will endure in the field for many years starts with using the best components. “Nut farming relies on extremely tight harvesting windows, and a delay of even two weeks can wind up costing a farmer tens of thousands of dollars from wasted crop.”

“At BSC, our convenient services provide customers like Robmac with good backup if there are issues on site. They don’t have to worry about delays or stock availability. Plus, there is nothing like the personal aspect of being able to ring up and talk to someone you know well.”

Through Motion Australia’s businesses, Robmac sources Fenner, Timken and NSK bearings, sprockets, taper lock bushes and chains because “they are the best quality that we can get,” says David. “Going with these brands has been money well spent because we AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

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ROBMAC HARVESTERS

have never had any problems with their product, and we need that reliability factor. There is no point in building a harvesting machine that is cheap and will break down in the field. Farmers don’t want to stop mid-harvest.”

As far as work ethics and culture goes, David says it is all about a high standard of customer service for Robmac.

“We aim to be the best in the industry when it comes to meeting customer needs in a timely manner. We acknowledge how serious a breakdown can be cost-wise, and how important it is to prevent that from happening during harvest season.”

This knowledge is what drives them to build exceptional quality machines, undergoing frequent testing and design upgrades to meet industry capacity.

Robmac Harvesters places a strong focus on balancing their designs to closely skirt the base of trees, while also providing optimum comfort for the driver.

“Even though it might look quite simple, there is an extensive design process that we are always looking to improve when it comes to these units. With each new model we are fine tuning the process – these products are created to make things easier for the farmers.”

In terms of navigating Covid-19, David reflects on the benefits of running a small team, focusing on quality product.

While the business came up against a rise in steel prices and freight costs,

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“We aim to be the best in the industry when it comes to meeting customer needs in a timely manner. We acknowledge how serious a breakdown can be cost-wise, and how important it is to prevent that from happening during harvest season.”

having the option to bulk stock through Gary at BSC Lismore ahead of time helped immensely in the long run.

“We have been incredibly lucky. We run on a small staff, and the industry kept moving so the customers we rely on the most still required new machines and servicing. We have had enough componentry to keep our shop up and running, and we are set up well to handle other inconveniences because of the excellent service we have received from BSC.” Alstonville is one of the most populated

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

regions for macadamia farming in the country, with the majority of other plantations stretching down Australia’s eastern coast. The Robmac Complete Harvester is optimised for all weather conditions, thanks to its low ejection drag and grass cutting slots.

According to David, their design will benefit the movement towards more thorough harvesting, allowing every nut on the ground to be swept up for processing. This is more financially sustainable and minimises potential product waste over time. The wheels are specifically designed in-house to suit muddy conditions, while avoiding soil compaction around the tree base.

“The farming community is very tightly knit so if a machine is good, farmers will recognise this and recommend it to each other. That is why we have never had to advertise that much. Our orders mostly come through word of mouth.

But it has not been an easy task. It has taken significant effort to reach a point where we can stand fully behind our product. Today, we are enormously proud of what we create, and we are planning to expand and upgrade our production capabilities even further.”

David attributes the success of the business to fantastic employees Robert, Ethel, John and Maggie.

Scan the QR code to learn more about Robmac Harvesters

PURPOSE BUILT MACADAMIA HARVESTERS

We offer lightweight, commercial grade harvesters for nut farming across Australia. With inbuilt sweeping and leaf beating features, our machines are designed to be user friendly and reliable for many years. The Robmac complete harvester boasts a comfortable drive unit and commercial transmission.

• • •

Reduced stalling capacity for all weather Custom wheels for a clean harvest Low profile and light

Be in control of your harvest – contact us today!

447 Wardell Road Lynwood NSW 2477 robmac@bigpond.com 02 6628 5911 ROBMAC.COM.AU

MORGAN ENGINEERING

Designing pathways to the future

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hared mottos can help drive determination and get to the core of what is important. At Morgan Engineering, the team lives up to the ethos of “we make it happen,” offering world class services and equipment to Australia’s industrial engineering industry.

Since its establishment in 1975, the business has situated itself at the forefront of specialised computer aided design and drafting (CADD), line boring, large capacity computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining, on-site machining and heavy fabrication. They are now one of the most established and sought-after services in the Hunter Valley region, dedicated to “thinking outside the box” when it comes to complex mechanical tasks.

“We have been delivering specialised engineering services to the coal mining and construction industries for over 40 years,” says Jeremy Brett, Morgan Engineering’s General Manager. “The company has grown from a small engineering shop into a team of over 60 highly trained tradespeople.”

Company directors Chelsea, Martin and Matthew Morgan have decades of experience working within the company, with a primary focus on delivering excellent, 24/7 service to their clients.

The contemporary, state-of the-art

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workshop in Singleton, NSW boasts advanced technology and systems. Their ultramodern, high-capacity workshop features a Mazak Integrex i-400 multitasking machine and a Mazak MTV815/80 vertical machining centre. The tooling network is managed by a single overarching enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, allowing high-capacity production flow and quality design.

“We foster an attitude that supports continuous improvement. The way our workshop is set up helps us to provide innovative, bespoke, cost effective, timely, quality assured and reliable engineering solutions for all clients,” explains Jeremy.

He points out that Morgan Engineering places a strong focus on values and culture, and the team works hard to align those frameworks in day-to-day operations.

Shaping the culture of the business has a big positive impact on success, and their ability to attract and retain the right people.

“At Morgan Engineering, we believe that culture matters and that the company’s vision and culture will set us apart from other engineering companies. Our continued success and opportunities for growth comes from our great team culture.

We value our employees and think they are the engine of this organisation. Our

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clients receive better outcomes, and our team is happier and healthier. We do this by creating a friendly and supportive work environment for our staff. This includes keeping encouraging and maintaining open and honest communication as well as keeping each other accountable for our actions.”

“Our values are at the heart of everything we do as an organisation, and by committing to them as a team, it ensures we are all working toward the same goals.

This commitment supports our culture, and shape who we are as a business.”

In addition to this, Morgan Engineering is constantly seeking to support and become involved in the Hunter Region broader community. Proudly supporting the growth of local engineering and tradespeople, this includes outreach to youth through school careers days and training opportunities. Over the years they have also demonstrated a commitment to building relationships with individuals and groups via donations and sponsorships.

“We employ fourteen apprentices and are proud to offer further opportunities for young people. We also have a long and proud history of sponsoring local sporting teams and charity events, such as the Newcastle Black Dog Ride and various

“Morgan Engineering are proudly 100 per cent Australian owned, and we source from local suppliers such as our local Motion Australia branch. We get our bearings and consumable products through Timken, Loctite, NTN and Inox for their ongoing reliability.”

food drives. We are a generous supporter of the Singleton Show and support other businesses in the local community throughout the year.”

While the impact of Covid-19 has been felt through restrictions and increased costs of business, Jeremy states that full compliance and the safety of employees has always been a priority. Ongoing challenges have arisen from the strain on international coal exports, but Morgan Engineering has been quick to adapt.

“The safety of our staff and clients was our number one priority as we ensured adequate supplies of personal protective equipment and sanitiser were available, while risk assessing and adjusting our workshop layout traffic flow

to allow for social distancing measures.”

Morgan Engineering utilises modern techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, staying ahead of the competition and delivering on first class outcomes.

Putting together and maintaining this production network relies on the quality and competitive lead times from Motion Australia – the country’s largest distributor of bearings and power transmissions.

“Morgan Engineering are proudly 100 per cent Australian owned, and we source from local suppliers such as our nearest Motion Australia branch. We get our bearings and consumable products through Timken, Loctite, NTN, CRC and Inox for their ongoing reliability.”

Mark Hill, one of the reps at the CBC

Rutherford branch, says that collaboration and ongoing contact are key to developing a long-lasting relationship with Motion Australia’s customers. “We work very closely with Morgan Engineering – I chat to them on the phone several times a week and drive up to visit their site as often as I can.”

“We mostly supply them with bearings and consumables. On top of that, we are proud to offer friendly service and expert advice wherever we can. It is always about working together to find the best solutions.”

Making a footprint in the industry takes time and patience, but the company is known for putting heads together and striving for innovative ways forward. Highcalibre work ethic and diverse skillsets are what drives them to excel, all while maintaining focus on strengthening local industries.

“Whether it’s a local farmer with a small engineering problem that requires a solution, or a large blue chip mining organisation, we pride ourselves on providing innovative solutions to unique problems,” says Jeremy. “Our vision and culture are what sets us apart, and we are Scan the QR code proud to be constantly to learn more about changing, growing Morgan Engineering and evolving.”

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OVER 45 YEARS OF ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

We deliver reliable and high-quality services to the mining and earthmoving industries. Proudly servicing the Hunter Valley region and beyond, Morgan Engineering is dedicated to offering the best solutions for our customers.

We specialise in: • CAD drafting • Large capacity CNC machining • On-site machining and heavy fabrication Contact us today about our range of services, including machining, line boring, liquid nitrogen handling, service exchange components, welding and general engineering needs.

159 & 164 Maison Dieu Road, Singleton NSW 2330 02 6572 2032 MORGANENGINEERING.COM.AU

ROTARY KILN SERVICES

Cementing

requires a close partnership with their local branch in Cairns. The complexity of developing large rotating machinery requires a particular technical insight – one which Motion Australia is able to provide on a consistent basis.

a global reputation

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s the construction industry moves and grows, so does the need for highly specialised and dedicated service teams. Since 2007, Rotary Kiln Services has been offering world standard construction, commissioning, and maintenance to ensure full and productive asset lifecycle.

“We can supply parts, survey, and undertake mechanical and structural repairs when rotary machines become damaged and worn,” says Mark. “In Australia, we are in every major cement plant providing this expertise. Our biggest advantage is that we can deliver our major structural works within an unmatched timeframe.”

Owner Mark Whittaker says that as the industry is constantly changing, it is important to keep up with the latest advancements. “As a leader in the industry, Kiln Services has a wealth of knowledge and experience in everything related to the industry. We are committed to providing a variety of companies and individuals with quality products and innovations.”

Mark explains that generating a tight-knit company culture is a key factor in ensuring things run smoothly, especially when working to tight deadlines and rapidly changing circumstances. “We have a reputation for treating our employees well.

Because of this they are very loyal, and we make sure they feel valued and like part of the family.”

While Australia’s cement industry is relatively small, Rotary Kiln Services has found a market across the broader Asia Pacific region and in adjacent sectors such as mineral processing, pulp and paper, and steel manufacturing.

In perfecting their own designs, Kiln Services looks to Motion Australia for industrial grade and durable parts.

Collating substantial inventory of bearings, driveline products, chain, and fluid power componentry for a heavy project load

Kiln Services has recently developed a specialised, platformed grinding machine to assist in balancing kiln rotation, and Mark stresses the importance of working alongside Motion Australia on developing these designs, “We designed that from scratch and fabricated it in our Cairns facility. A lot of the mechanical parts are sourced through Motion Australia, and we are incredibly pleased with the quality.”

Functioning at a base line standard of ‘Zero Harm,’ Mark outlines that comprehensive safety is essential to deliver quality and long-term servicing across multiple clients.

“We are always on top of spatial awareness during simultaneous operations. We have an established track record of completing capital repairs and new projects on time and within budget. The quality of the service delivered in the past is fundamental to our success and in ensuring customers continue to get the best possible level of service into the future.”

EXPERTS IN ROTATING MACHINERY

Leading construction, commissioning, and maintenance services.

Let us help you ensure long asset lifecycle by providing expert engineering across all rotary operations.

• • • • •

Installation & maintenance Emergency breakdown servicing Hot kiln alignment Tyre and roller grinding Inspections and audits

32 Vickers Street, Edmonton QLD 4869 07 4045 6700 KILNSERVICES.COM

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AVCATECH

Fresh solutions

to transporting perishables

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ver the last two years, ocean freight and worldwide transport systems have experienced significant delays, impacting almost every industrial sector across Australia. More than ever, the importance of keeping perishable cargo in a controlled and safe environment while in transit has come to the front of everyone’s attention.

Avcatech is a leading developer of the latest cargo monitoring technologies.

They currently offer two major products, designed to work separately or in tandem as a complex perishable goods protection and data analysis system.

“Avcatech was formed in 2020 from an ownership restructure of Maxtend – a pioneer in providing controlled atmosphere services to all major shipping lines and global exporters,” explains Steve Tenni, Avcatech’s National Sales Manager.

“Prior to this, the Maxtend team had built up a widely trusted brand across many

countries for the last twenty years.”

Both Avcatech’s atmosphere control apparatus and data technology are designed, engineered, and manufactured within Australia. Their tools assist in extending the storage life of perishable cargo, enabling safer transport over long distances.

“We are pioneers of next gen product,” says Steve. “The key feature of Maxtend is that it is retrofitted to existing refrigerated containers, so it can be installed anywhere and then taken out at the end of the journey. It controls the atmosphere and keeps the produce in a suspended state by slowing down the respiration rate to delay ripening.”

Avcacheck is a customised cargo monitoring service which uses a series of specialised sensors, patented modems, and customised interface for international cargo tracking. Functioning on realtime data, Avcacheck employs a web

PRESERVATION AND REMOTE MONITORING OF PERISHABLE CARGO Our products work to ensure the safe transportation of perishable goods by land and sea freight.

Maxtend – Our atmosphere control technology ensures the freshest environment for perishable goods such as fruit and vegetables Avcacheck – Customised data monitoring solutions including sensors, modems and advanced user interface

Avcatech Pty Ltd U 35 170 Forster Road, Mount Waverley VIC 3149 03 9652 3600 AVCATECH.COM

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AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

interface to closely monitor factors such as temperature, humidity, and location of consignments.

These advanced technologies are developed in-house, with the help of various materials sourced through Motion Australia. According to Steve, dealing with perishable goods requires elevated precision, which can only occur by working with quality supply partners. “We are incredibly happy with the reliability Motion provides. It is all first class, and it needs to be because if something were to go wrong there would be large repercussions in the work that we do.”

Responding to the freight crisis caused by the pandemic, Avcatech has played a vital role in maintaining the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain. “One of our features is worldwide tracking. You can see a vessel, live, anywhere around the globe whether it is on land or at sea.”

Avcatech is focused on continuing to develop future-oriented technologies for our globalised world. International trade and export are major players in Australia’s economy, and Avcatech is serious about their role in the bigger picture.

CMQ ENGINEERING

Planting the seed for modern engineering

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needs, including pioneering the design of mobile mining equipment.

arole Park in Queensland is home to CMQ Engineering – a versatile business operating in the concrete batching, mining, quarrying, precast, asphalt, materials handling, product recycling and blending markets.

Since 1964, CMQ has been producing concrete batching plants, and is now situated as a leading Australian supplier for plant construction projects. They are one of few companies across the globe who design, fabricate, install, and commission these worksites, overseeing the process to completion.

In addition to these larger engineering projects, CMQ designs and distributes an extensive range of equipment and refurbishes old equipment for customers, offering ongoing servicing and plant upgrades across the country.

They are always seeking to enhance and tailor their products to customer

Their reputation in the industry is built on investments into cuttingedge technology, and the reliability that comes with working exclusively alongside Australian component suppliers. Sourcing equipment such as bearings, lubrication and other vital products through Motion Australia is a key aspect in CMQ’s mission to bolster the national standards of industrial engineering.

Much like CMQ’s vision, Motion Australia’s ongoing mission to invest in the growth of Australia’s industrial sectors strengthens the relationship between both businesses. As a longterm buyer of Schaeffler products – one of Motion Australia’s strategic suppliers – CMQ depends on the accessibility of a national supply network for sourcing across all projects, which Motion

Australia provides.

With a long-term dedication to achieving the best results on each project, all CMQ design work is undertaken in-house. This allows for close monitoring of equipment supply and specifications, while streamlining the communication process during development.

Built on the core values of innovation, determination, and quality, CMQ strives to meet the needs of their customers every step of the way. In developing world-leading products across multiple areas of expertise, they are focused on augmenting the foundations of the modern production plant.

INNOVATION, DETERMINATION & QUALITY We present turnkey solutions across the concrete, mining, material handling and recycling sectors. Australia’s favoured producer of concrete batching plants, with over 55 years of experience and a highly skilled team.

• • • •

Design Manufacturing Site work Green energy

157-161 Cobalt Street Carole Park QLD 4300 info@cmqeng.com 07 3879 3288 CMQENG.COM.AU

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

21

HAYES SPRAYING

Growing integrity on Australian soil

D

uring the 1970s, Maurice Hayes went from working with local farmers and spraying from the back of Land Cruisers, to establishing the Hayes Spraying business with his brothers and wife, Jennifer. They soon embarked on manufacturing agricultural equipment full-time, and are now proud to service broad acre boom spraying across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

According to their Purchasing Manager, Shane Clement, Hayes Spraying maintains a strong focus on community and supporting local business, especially when it comes to sourcing materials.

“The Australian manufacturing industry is vastly innovative and self-sufficient.

We support business in the township of Goondiwindi where we can, and we rely on local distributors for most of our parts.”

The team thrives on its values of courage and integrity, focusing on the production of robust and innovative spraying machinery. “Maurice and Jenny are still working full time,” explains Shane. “Our culture means that we are more than just a team, and the owners really look after and respect the staff.”

Shane says that when it comes to developing new equipment, Hayes Spraying has always been extremely satisfied with the service and quality of goods provided through Motion Australia. As a family business looking to grow even more in the coming years, they value a trusting and friendly relationship with local Motion representatives.

Evolving to address industry needs is a key motivator for the team at Hayes, Operations Manager Mark Dezius states.

“In the last five years we have had a bigger focus on reducing chemical usage on farms. The technology we are developing will save a huge amount of money in chemical costs, and also keep the soil cleaner. We are looking at automation as a way to address the labour shortages as well.”

“A lot of gear from Motion goes into our manufacturing process. We are currently building an N-Buggy, which is a five-tonne silo on wheels with a conveyor system, designed to water

As a leading OEM of ground based agricultural spraying machinery, Hayes Spraying are keeping in step with the market by offering durability, highperformance and tailored services.

DURABLE BOOM SPRAYING SOLUTIONS 100% Australian owned company manufacturing boom spray equipment built to last. Sustain food, fibre, land and future.

We provide exemplary after-market servicing and products you can trust.

• • • • • • • •

Linkage sprayers Trailing sprayers Channel booms Air spreader Camera sprayers Tractor tanks Chemical trailer Original N-buggy design

1 Troy Drive Goondiwindi QLD 4390 sales@hayesspraying.com.au 07 4671 3092 HAYESSPRAYING.COM.AU

22

and dose cotton at the same time.

When it comes to wheel bearings, lubricants, and parts for the levelling system, we rely very much on Motion Australia for sourcing those NTN, NSK and Loctite products.”

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

SPE MANAGEMENT

Chipping away

and re-establishing forested land after harvesting as well as major weather events like storms.

at sustainable forestry

L

ocated in Geelong, Softwood Plantation Exporters (SPE) is changing the game when it comes to re-using waste product along the forestry supply chain. Born out of a partnership between Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP) and Associated Kiln Driers (AKD) in 1996, the business offers its owners a well-located export facility that receives, processes and stores forest and sawmill residues.

Rowan Eyre, Manager at SPE, says that having an outlet for forestry by-product means that the entire plantation and sawmill residue become useable. “As part of the forestry supply chain, our business provides an outlet for a product that was once considered part of a waste stream.

The thinning logs that we chip on site require harvesting to maximise the potential of the retained trees and ensure highquality logs for the future for the Australian housing market. The sawmill residues that we take is a core function that supports the sawmills.”

SPE prioritises Australian manufactured products for their stand-out quality.

“I’ve been in this industry a long time,” says Rowan. “Whenever we have used equipment that is manufactured overseas, generally the lead time on parts and servicing is not good enough.”

“Having an outlet for the waste streams adds to the viability of sawmilling activities as well as adds value to the forest by allowing on time commercial thinning.

Forestry is great for the environment, as trees sequester CO2 and the carbon is retained in the wood for life. We also sell the by-products of bark and wood fines made during the process, so nothing is wasted.”

He elaborates that tapping into Motion’s national footprint of industrial supply is a key factor in the success of their business.

“We will always use local suppliers like Motion Australia where possible. We have a particularly good relationship with our local Motion rep, he often calls in and checks on us to make sure we have got all the supplies we need to keep the plant running.”

Rowan describes the manufacturing of woodchips (repurposing of forestry materials) as an artform, due to the detailed tooling and technique specification required to create quality product. SPE’s management systems and equipment are designed to monitor product on a daily basis, ensuring that market expectations are met consistently.

The positive environmental impact of repurposing by-product is a major factor that led to SPE’s establishment 26 years ago. Rowan outlines how the use of these raw materials ultimately benefits the forestry supply chain in several ways, including the reduction of fire hazards

“We are passionate about specification.

We are constantly making changes to our process for efficiency, safety, and quality improvement. SPE is critical to the plantation and sawmill supply chain – our export business benefits Australia’s export income.”

PREMIUM SOFTWOOD CHIPS

We produce high quality Radiata Pine wood chips for export and domestic markets.

Our processes add value to the plantation and sawmilling activities undertaken by our owners.

Call us if you need any information about our products!

PO BOX 7041 Geelong West VIC 3218 info@spemanagement.com.au 03 5272 2966 SPEMANAGEMENT.COM.AU

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

23

PHOENIX FROZEN FOODS

Rising from the ashes

W

hen it comes to an industry as broad as food manufacturing, it is hard to be one of a kind. Primarily supplying to the foodservice market, Phoenix Frozen Foods is Australia’s only vertically integrated potato product manufacturer, overseeing the lifecycle of the product from farm to plate.

“We are a family owned, fourth generation business,” says Director Annmarie Hyndman. “My grandfather and great grandfather came out to Australia from Italy, and they were pioneering the potato farming around Gembrook. The business has stayed in the family and in 2010 we established our first potato cake factory.”

In the following years, the business evolved and its reputation for highquality produce grown on Victorian land became widespread. Misfortune loomed, however, and in early 2020 the factory experienced a devastating fire, followed by a pandemic only weeks later. The team spend eight months

rebuilding, and from the ashes Phoenix Frozen Foods was born. This process of recovery has not been easy, Annmarie says, but morale is stronger than ever.

“We want to expand our facility in the coming year to what we were pre-fire.

We are continuing to work hard to drive our business forward and grow.

We distribute nationally, and we are hoping to build back our previous clientele base.”

In the process of putting together their new factory, Phoenix Frozen Foods has prioritised supporting local distributors for materials and tooling, Annmarie explains. From bearings and belts to fryers and spiral freezers, Motion Australia is always their first port of call.

“We have had to rebuild our business from scratch, and we always go to them for the variety of product that is always high quality. Recently, we were installing an external heating unit and our local rep was able to help us design the fitting. He is excellent at taking our

vision and helped us make it a reality – it has always been a close partnership.”

Being a family business, Phoenix Frozen Foods strives to support the local economy by advertising locally for roles, while ensuring equal opportunity and diverse staffing. They are also cognisant of their employees’ individual needs around flexible hours and are always striving to create an honest and supportive work environment.

“We are keeping potato farming alive in Gembrook which is reducing each year due to larger farmers interstate.

We are also able to provide jobs to local communities and provide products to local businesses and schools. We are proud to donate our products to local sportsgrounds, other local community support groups and charities.”

POTATO CAKES | SKIN-ON CHIPS | SEAFOOD STICKS | CRUMBED SCALLOPS

FARM TO PLATE POTATO PRODUCTS Fourth generation potato farmers with a passion for quality frozen products.

Contact us for details on our full product range, product development capabilities and distribution partnerships.

400 Mountain Road Gembrook VIC 3783 enquiries@phoenixfrozenfoods.com.au 0488 111 991 PHOENIXFROZENFOODS.COM.AU

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AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

AE GIBSON & SONS

Cutting edge designs and servicing

E Gibson & Sons has been enhancing Australia’s industrial manufacturing profile for over 125 years. A fifth generation, familyowned business based in Kendall NSW, their focus lies in the design and manufacturing of special purpose machinery used for materials handling and processing of renewables such as timber.

A

Australia’s oldest sawmilling equipment manufacturer in the country.

Operating out of two large-scale manufacturing centres, AE Gibson & Sons is also dedicated to helping their customers process renewable resources, and effectively manage biomass and waste materials. Their product is of world-class standard, incorporating the latest technologies in industrial automation and mechatronics.

The business is one of the largest employers in the Kendall region and has a strong focus on nurturing future generations of engineers through apprenticeship and graduate programs. The staff bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table from a broad spectrum of industry backgrounds.

Their competitive approach has strong relationships and rigorous performance standards at its core. This comes from lifetimes of experience as

General Manager, Curtis Gibson, explains that maintaining their reputable position in the market relies on sourcing durable, consistently well-made parts

“We are committed to achieving client satisfaction through research, development and continual upgrading and improvement of our machine designs”, says Troy Krogh, Managing Director. “We aim to deliver products of the highest possible quality to our clients.”

for their machinery. With design and engineering flexibility at the forefront of their identity, AE Gibson & Sons values the reliability of products sourced through Motion Australia.

“So much of our machinery is customised for each client and what we do can be very broad. We need to trust that the quality of the parts can play a role in delivering exceptional solutions. Reliability is key here – often our machinery has a service license of 25 years or more, so all the components must be made to last. We know through experience that we can get that assurance from Motion Australia.”

AE Gibson & Sons has always cared about their staff, with teamwork and community values at the forefront of everything they do. Several employees have been within the company for over 30 years – a testament to the team’s integrity and actioned values.

“We innovate by designing and building world class engineered machinery and automation systems,” says Curtis. “We boast an experienced management team to service sales, product design, production and after-sales support.”

Innovative Customised Machinery Offering custom-designed sawmilling machinery and comprehensive servicing. We can assist in processing renewable resources, biomass and waste products, and construction.

• • • • • • • •

Log systems Primary and secondary breaking down Dockers Materials handling Stackers and sorters Waste systems Dry mill equipment Custom sawmills

17 Comboyne Street, Kendall, NSW 2439 info@aegibsonman.com.au 02 6559 4001 AEGIBSONMAN.COM.AU

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

25

HARVESTAIRE

Dependable

time and time again

O

about the durability of the product.

We recently spoke to a contractor who estimated that his five-berth cradle had handled close to 600,000 lambs.”

The business is well-known for their widely utilised five berth Lamb Marking Cradle, designed to allow efficient processes when it comes to earmarking, tailing and docking.

The importance of local manufacturing has become even more evident in recent years, due to complications with international freight and increased shipping costs. The specific type of products Harvestaire develops are often difficult to import, and hard to source in the first place.

perating out of a factory warehouse based in Perth, Harvestaire is an Australian owned manufacturer supporting farmers across the country with rigorously engineered agricultural equipment.

According to Dirk Vorster, General Manager at Harvestaire, this unit has been sold to more than 4,500 sheep farmers across Australia. Its purpose is to make lamb handling and animal care operations more streamlined, ultimately maximising output in shorter windows of time.

“Like everything we do at Harvestaire, our cradle is over-engineered,” says Dirk.

“We regularly hear stories from farmers

Their streamlined solutions are meeting the needs of Australia’s unique environments and standards, ensuring maximum workload capacity and compliance. Harvestaire’s commitment to manufacturing on home soil has meant long-term support for the local economy and strong working relationships with their suppliers.

“Local manufacturing here in WA allows more certainty for obtaining parts and

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR HARVEST Trusted manufacturer of Australian designed harvesting equipment and lamb marking cradles.

Visit our website for our full product range and direct customer support.

INNOVATION PREMIUM SERVICE QUALITY PRODUCTS

18 Mumford Place Balcatta WA 6021 sales@harvestaire.com.au 08 9344 7433 HARVESTAIRE.COM.AU

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AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

shorter delivery times to Australian farmers,” Dirk explains. Supporting the community and generating a healthy local economy is also one of their priorities. “Many of our employees have been working with us for more than a decade, some for over 50 years.”

With a dedication to excellent customer service and quality products, Harvestaire is focusing on research and development to provide continual support to the agricultural industries.

Their Lamb Marking Cradles are undergoing complex upgrades in 2022, and they are constantly seeking new ways to revolutionise Australian farming.

DELAHENTY MACHINERY

The right tool

“He’s always available, and will always do anything to get us the parts we need in a timely manner.”

for the job

D

elahenty machinery operates on a trifecta of unique specialisation – they build and sell machinery, provide tooling and equipment, and offer servicing and support for customers.

For over 55 years, the team has worked alongside world leading partners to develop tomorrow’s solutions for a range of industries.

“We specialise in quality tube manipulation and cutting machinery. In Australia we manufacture complete tube bending and end forming tool sets, and complete turnkey solutions,” says Stuart McNidder, General Manager at Delahenty.

Offering bespoke tooling for CNC applications, tube bending and end forming jobs is where Delahenty excels. This work is done out of their factory in Knoxfield, Victoria, where Owner Michael McCarthy has taken over the family business.

Throughout the years, Stuart says there is a strong focus on using the best quality

tooling components to suit individual customer needs.

“That is our real point of difference – people are not necessarily just buying cheaper products from overseas or off the shelf. We are providing them with excellent quality Australian product. If anyone has something they need tailor made or custom built, we can do that.”

Delahenty’s premium solutions rely on sourcing hard-wearing, quality parts for their designs, explains Stuart. They need to trust that supply can endure freight delays to avoid disappointing customers, which is why Motion Australia is their first port-ofcall for sourcing brands such as Rexnord Australia, NTN, TECO and SP Tools.

Each Motion Australia representative aims to develop a close working relationship with the businesses in their area, taking every step to provide ease of mind and tailored advice. “We’ve got a fantastic relationship with our Motion Australia rep,” says Stuart.

The Delahenty team is striving to innovate in the robotics space, having recently introduced a new range of collaborative robots from Kassow. The possibilities of these 7-axis machines ensure ease of programming and flexible application to the Australian manufacturing landscape.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19, Stuart says that the business has come out on top.

“We have certainly had issues, but the team is very flexible. And our customers have been very understanding while we play catchup – our family culture and support for each other has helped with those problems.”

Supporting the local economy and providing work opportunities is a major priority for Delahenty. Sourcing parts from within Australia and manufacturing on home soil means shorter lead times for customers and close partnerships that can last through adversity.

“We take the time to listen to our customer’s concerns. We believe in quality value, and we have been doing it for decades.”

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE ARE THE KEY! With over 55 years of experience Delahenty Machinery is a leading Australian owned supplier of machine tools and bespoke tooling to the Australian manufacturing sector including:

• • • • • • • •

Train, rail, and bus manufactures Ship and boat building Construction Automotive Aluminium processing Truck and heavy machinery manufactures Furniture Defence

Talk to our experts about the right machine or tooling solutions to expand you manufacturing capability, improve efficiencies and reduce production costs.

14 Parkhurst Drive Knoxfield VIC 3180 sales@delahenty.com.au 1300 787 312 DELAHENTY.COM.AU

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

27

BAMBACH WIRES AND CABLES

Connecting

Australians for almost 90 years

E

stablished in 1936, Bambach Wires and Cables is an Australian owned and operated manufacturer of premium quality electrical cables.

Servicing several industries across wastewater, marine projects, switchboard, and infrastructure development, they are currently working to increase their overall manufacturing capacity from 30 to 250 tonnes of finished goods per month.

This expansion has been made possible by the formation of a new facility in Rosedale, Victoria, acquired through a company merge with Advance Cables under Energy Technologies Limited in 2019. Over their many decades of operation, Bambach has evolved from a humble factory into a major supplier of cable technology to over fourteen Australian sectors.

Able to manufacture cables as small as 22mm² and as large as 300mm², the team is constantly seeking to acquire

new machinery and improve their capabilities across multiple sites. Over the last five years, a major focus has been gearing towards a target of 50-150 per cent increase in line speed along the manufacturing process.

“Not only have we grown our capacity through a new factory and equipment, but our new facility in Rosedale sits on 127 acres. So, if our business grows, we will not have issues in terms of space,” says Nicole Paola, Bambach’s Marketing Manager.

Currently operating with a team of 44 employees at the Rosedale factory, Bambach has a strong focus on driving innovation in cable design. Their highly skilled technical team regularly consult with industry bodies to ensure that all current projects are in line with the needs of the Australian market.

“Our sales team always have customers’ best interests at heart,” says Nicole.

AUSTRALIAN MADE SINCE 1936 Manufacturing wires and cables across construction, mining, solar, communications, marine, defence, rail & more!

Visit our website to view our full list of services and industrial cable catalogue.

J/134-140 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale NSW 2100 02 9938 5622 BAMBACHCABLES.COM.AU

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AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

“We are always encouraging our production planners and technical team to achieve the best possible outcomes and endeavour to operate in a timely manner. Some members of our sales team have been in the industry for almost 30 years, so customers can rely on their extensive industry knowledge.”

According to Nicole, being able to consistently deliver large consignments of trusted stock relies on their commitment to sourcing Australianmade components. Their relationship with Motion Australia ensures shorter lead times, ongoing communication about the needs of the business, and a necessary level of trust in the quality of product.

“At Bambach, we have been supporting local businesses since 1936. We source much of our factory consumables, packaging, and warehouse supplies through Motion Australia, and support local printing and apparel companies for our catalogues and promotional materials. We are proud to say that we have an average of 90 per cent local componentry across our range of electrical cables.”

THREE THREES

Humble recipe to household name

F

rom selling pickles on a horse and cart around the streets of Sydney, to being one of the country’s most recognisable supermarket brands, Three Threes has built a powerful reputation on McAlpine family values for over 100 years.

Stanley Roy McAlpine and Winifred Grace started making and selling delicious condiments from their home in 1919. Over time, the business grew and eventually they established a factory in Lidcombe that is still operating today.

Three Threes’ extensive product lines span across premium condiments such as pickles, relishes, olives, and gourmet table sauces. The now fifth generation business exclusively supports Australian farmers, sourcing produce from across New South Wales and Queensland.

“We try and focus on locally made products, and everything is processed here. In answer to consumer requests for Australian grown pickles and beetroot,

we have also proudly introduced the McAlpine Signature Range,” shares Justine McAlpine, Office Manager.

In manufacturing some of Australia’s most iconic household products, Three Threes aims to source locally for dependable and consistently high-quality parts. Through Motion, the business has benefited from CRC Industries lubricant products, and industrial motorisation from TECO. “While our food products are quite traditional, we try wherever we can to upgrade and improve our machinery to ensure the best quality,” Justine explains.

“Things like our filling machine, labeller, palletiser and similar equipment needs to be serviced in a way that is cost effective, but also going to deliver a better result.

Motion helps us a lot in that way.”

Over the last 100 years, Three Threes have kept family recipes at the heart of their business, introducing iconic

products such as Mightymight to the range. Quality is at the heart of everything they do, operating to thorough codes of safety and hazard mitigation from start to finish.

“I think when products are being imported, there is no guarantee that it is coming from the same supplier all the time,” says Justine. “So, because it is all sourced here, we are following strict rules and regulations which helps consumers feel confident in their purchase.”

Justine is optimistic about the future of Three Threes, as many of the operational duties are becoming the responsibility of her son and fifth generation McAlpine, Tim. “Often people will ring us just to say that it is great that we are still a family company. You know, we are one of the oldest original national food manufacturers, and it is something to be immensely proud of.”

THREE CHEERS FOR THREE THREES We’ve had over a century to perfect our quality range of table condiments, pickles and spreads. Our family‑owned business exclusively supports Aussie farmers, serving delicious products to households across the country.

Find us in store at Coles, Woolworths and IGA.

37 East Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 info@threethrees.com.au 1800 018 33 THREETHREES.COM.AU

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

29

BRANCHES

Our Network Australia wide

VISIT US AND SPEAK TO OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS AT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH

SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND YOUR NEAREST MOTION AUSTRALIA BRANCH!

www.industryinmotion.com.au

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AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES | EDITION 6

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‘One Motion’ Australia expands their service offering for heavy industry

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Carrum Downs sealing experts restore seals to factory new

Harvesting the macadamia boom in Bundaberg

Environmentally sound industrial cleaning solutions

Surface technology extends the life of bearings

A crash course in Timken Solid-Block bearing units

Motion Australia talks shop on custom design solutions

Sealing Solutions offers superior in-house seals testing

Dale Jackson talks about the local macadamia industry

CBC helps customer go green with CRC’s eco-friendly product range

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On-site training sessions for the strongest bearing unit on the market

Motion’s Design Hub is growing enterprise of engineering savvy.

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