A new initiative aimed at increasing the presence of locally made medical technologies in healthcare services has been announced with the formation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA). 

The Alliance, spearheaded by the BioMelbourne Network, builds on the foundation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and will pilot its efforts in Victoria.

The AMMA brings together several key industry partners, including AusBiotech, MTPConnect, AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited), and ICN Victoria (Industry Capability Network), with seed funding support from the Victorian Government.

Focus on advocacy and local procurement

The Alliance aims to address procurement barriers that currently limit the uptake of Australian-made medical technologies within the domestic healthcare system.

Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network, highlighted the importance of the initiative in creating sustainable local opportunities.

“Australia is home to world-class medtech innovators and manufacturers. Increasing awareness of these companies and growing local content in health will support Australian health services to continue to deliver world-leading care and strengthen our country’s sovereign capabilities,” Parr said.

“The Victorian pilot aims to demonstrate the potential of this ambitious and important solutions-focused Alliance and serve as a stepping stone for advancing the national agenda.”

Call for industry support

The AMMA is inviting Victorian medtech companies currently manufacturing or developing products for local or international markets to join the Alliance.

Contract manufacturing firms are also encouraged to participate. While peak industry bodies involved in the initiative offer formal memberships, the AMMA has clarified that becoming an Alliance supporter is not contingent on membership.

The Alliance aims to work closely with these peak bodies to build on existing industry efforts, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow both locally and internationally.

New uplift program in development

The AMMA is also co-developing a capability uplift program to help medtech manufacturers identify and secure opportunities within the domestic health system.

The initiative aims to address this gap by creating clearer pathways into the health sector, mirroring practices in other international markets.

The AMMA said establishing strong domestic customers will serve as crucial proof points for Australian products and attract further investment in medical innovation.

The Alliance’s efforts aim to unlock opportunities within the healthcare sector to ensure Australian patients benefit from locally made technologies.

Companies interested in joining the Alliance or participating in the capability uplift program can express their interest directly through the AMMA.

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Solvol, a heavy-duty hand cleaning soap brand, has made its return to Australia with a new and improved formula.

The updated Solvol Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner combines a cleaning agent with natural essential oils and fine pumice granules, allowing it to remove dirt, grease, oil, paint, ink, and solvents, as revealed in a news release.  

According to the company, the new formula aims to deliver a tough cleaning experience while keeping hands clean, soft, and moisturised.

Rosemary Murphy, Product Manager at Solvol, expressed enthusiasm for the product’s reintroduction. 

“For over a century, Solvol has been synonymous with quality and effectiveness for Australians who need a hand cleaner that can tackle even the grimiest jobs,” she stated. 

“Whether you’re a tradesperson, gardener, DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys getting hands-on, Solvol is the trusted ally that ensures your hands are left clean.”

The Solvol Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner is available in a 100g bar for a recommended retail price of $7.00. 

It can be found at various retailers across the country, including Bunnings Warehouse, Mitre 10, The Reject Shop, and Total Tools. 

The product is also free from GMOs, parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), phthalates, and microplastics, promoting an environmentally friendly option for consumers.

For more details about Solvol and its product offerings, visit www.solvol.com.au.

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Autodesk announced the launch of new AI-powered capabilities within its Fusion and Alias software, designed to streamline manufacturing workflows and boost efficiency. 

The new tools, unveiled during Autodesk University’s annual Design & Make conference, aims to simplify complex tasks and empower manufacturers to deliver innovative products faster.

“For decades, manufacturers have responded to their customers’ demands for increasingly complex products, which in turn typically increases the complexity of designing and manufacturing those products,” said Jeff Kinder, executive vice president for Product Development and Manufacturing Solutions at Autodesk.

The new capabilities include AutoConstrain in Fusion, which automates the process of detecting and maintaining design relationships, saving designers significant time.

Another feature, Drawing Automation, generates 2D manufacturing drawings from 3D models at the click of a button, accelerating production timelines.

“Automations that handle error-prone, burdensome tasks, freeing people to focus on high-value, more rewarding work,” added Kinder.

Autodesk also introduced Form Explorer for Alias, a generative design tool enabling automotive designers to explore creative forms while adhering to historical styling cues.

In addition, the Autodesk Assistant in Fusion offers real-time, expert-level guidance, providing answers to technical questions and links to relevant sources within the software.

Kinder noted, “Imagine an AI assistant that flags supply chain risks. Simulations that push designers toward more sustainable and manufacturable designs.”

“We’re building these capabilities, as well as empowering our customers to build them.”

New manufacturing Data Model API launched

Autodesk has also launched a Manufacturing Data Model API to enhance data exchange and interoperability.

This new API allows third-party apps to integrate with Fusion projects, ensuring smooth collaboration between tools and workflows.

OpenBOM has developed a web-based solution that automates bill of materials (BOM) workflows, giving non-designers easy access to BOMs directly from design data and eliminating the need for manual, error-prone processes.

Meanwhile, Cideon has established a two-way integration between Autodesk Fusion and SAP, allowing CAD engineers and manufacturers to access SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) data within Fusion.

Expanding the ecosystem for seamless collaboration

Recognising the need for connected tools, Autodesk said it continues to partner with over 150 hardware and software providers. Recent integrations include:

• Paperless Parts: Allows manufacturing estimators to generate instant quotes and address manufacturability issues within Fusion.
• Avnet Plugin: Enables electronics designers to source components and access reference designs directly in Fusion, reducing product development time.
• Makersite for Inventor: Offers sustainability insights by calculating environmental impacts, tracking progress toward eco-friendly goals, and suggesting material alternatives.
• NAVASTO for Alias Automotive: Brings wind tunnel simulations into the early design phase, helping automotive designers optimize aerodynamics and reduce redesign efforts.

“As an industry, we have an unprecedented opportunity to seize the value that AI, data, and digitisation offer. To do so, we must start by accessing and interconnecting the data to uncover the insights it offers,” Kinder stated.

“That’s why we’re so invested in continuing to build the Autodesk Fusion industry cloud. It’s the design and make platform for manufacturing. It’s a central environment for data, closely coupled with Autodesk AI to augment creativity, automate your workflow’s tedious tasks, and analyse project data to yield predictive insights that benefit business,” concluded Kinder.

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The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub is set to host an informative workshop on advanced manufacturing technologies on Thursday, 17 October 2024. 

This hands-on workshop aims to help Queensland manufacturers navigate the latest advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, essential for scaling their operations in an increasingly digital landscape.

The event will kick off with a welcome address followed by an introduction to the ARM Hub, renowned for its role in accelerating industry digital transformation. 

Attendees can look forward to a series of technology presentations, starting with a focus on collaborative robots, commonly known as cobots.

The workshop will then explore 3D printing and delve into the applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive demonstrations of each technology and gain insights from a panel discussion. 

The workshop will conclude with a summary and a networking session from 4:00 PM.

This event is tailoured for companies looking to scale operations, educators, and anyone with an interest in advanced manufacturing technologies. 

Specifically, it targets businesses that have already automated processes, those considering automation, and technology companies seeking to expand their capabilities.

The workshop is organised in collaboration with the Queensland Government Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing, and Water, aligning with the Queensland Government’s Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.

For more details, click here.

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Austin Engineering has achieved a major milestone in its growth strategy with the export of its high-performance Armadillo dipper bucket, which has been shipped to a leading US copper miner and is set to arrive on schedule this month.

David Singleton, CEO and managing director of Austin Engineering, emphasised the importance of this shipment, stating, “The Armadillo bucket was designed in Australia, manufactured at our Batam facility in Indonesia, and is en route to a large US copper mine, supported by our Casper operations. This demonstrates the full integration and global capabilities of the Austin business model.”

According to the ASX-listed company, the Armadillo dipper bucket, weighing between 80 and 90 tonnes, is lighter than earlier models due to a design that requires less steel in its construction.

This approach allows for higher payloads and improved fill rates compared to equivalent OEM units, thereby providing significant performance enhancements and return on investment for customers.

“By leveraging advanced design techniques, we have created a product that not only reduces weight but also maximises efficiency and productivity,” Singleton added. 

“We are very pleased to have marked the first international shipment of an Austin dipper bucket.”

This export is Austin’s fourth dipper bucket order following the company’s acquisition of Australian bucket specialist Mainetec in 2022. 

The company has already delivered two dipper buckets to Australian customers, with a third currently being manufactured at Austin’s facility in Chile for a South American client.

The Armadillo dipper bucket features Austin’s proprietary iTrip door latching and control system, which has undergone extensive testing to minimise maintenance intervals and extend the mean time between maintenance and overhaul. 

This innovation enhances throughput while lowering maintenance costs, making the bucket a valuable investment for operators.

With prices ranging from approximately US$1.5 million to US$2.5 million (A$2.2 million to A$3.7 million) per bucket, Austin said it recognises the market potential for its products in North and Central/South America. 

Singleton noted, “[We] see North and South America providing a large opportunity for further dipper bucket sales, and also for rebuilds at our US and Chile facilities. We are well set up to build market share in these markets.”

According to Austin, its recent initiatives to broaden its bucket offerings and enhance global sales have resulted in a 17 per cent increase in group bucket sales year-on-year for FY24 and approximately a 130 per cent rise over the last two financial years.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the company has redeployed much of its tray manufacturing to expanded facilities in Batam, Indonesia, which has freed up capacity in Australia for increased bucket builds and rebuild services. 

Western Australia reported a 51 per cent increase in sales year-on-year, contributing $53.6 million to group revenue.

Austin’s Chilean operations have also been busy, manufacturing an 86-tonne full Cat 7495 dipper bucket for a local customer and completing 18 dipper bucket rebuilds this calendar year, reflecting an uptick in bucket segment activity compared to previous years.

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In response to growing demands for sustainable practices, BOC has outlined a comprehensive approach to decarbonisation, focusing on providing diverse solutions tailoured to meet the needs of various industries. 

In an exclusive interview with Australian Manufacturing, Vesna Olles, director of Clean Energy and Strategy at BOC, emphasised the necessity of supporting all low-carbon pathways to assist organisations in reducing emissions.

“We understand that organisations and industries need a range of decarbonisation solutions to reduce emissions and believe support is needed for all low-carbon pathways,” said Olles. 

“We are helping industries adapt their processes and operations and are working with the transport and off-grid power sectors to help them reach their decarbonisation targets.”

With over 80 years of experience in hydrogen production and distribution, BOC is positioned at the forefront of Australia’s decarbonisation journey. 

The company specialises in the production, storage, and supply of hydrogen for transport and off-grid applications, as well as providing oxygen to enhance fuel efficiency in heavy industries—a critical step in the hydrogen pathway.

Addressing industry needs

BOC’s extensive experience in the hydrogen supply chain uniquely positions the company to support manufacturers facing challenges related to storage, reliability, cost, and safety. 

In collaboration with partners, BOC is exploring opportunities for large-scale hydrogen production to bolster domestic supply, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors such as manufacturing. 

The company is also actively involved in developing local manufacturing capabilities, including hydrogen buses and remote hydrogen fuel cell power generators.

“Hydrogen has a critical role to play in the future of Australian manufacturing,” Olles noted. 

“It is a key decarbonisation pathway for sectors like chemical manufacturing, heavy transport, and steelmaking. Positioning Australia as a leading producer of hydrogen and its derivatives will create significant opportunities for our manufacturers.”

Overcoming decarbonisation challenges

Despite the promising outlook, the decarbonisation journey for Australian manufacturers is fraught with challenges, primarily the high costs associated with transitioning to renewable energy sources. 

Olles pointed out that reducing the costs of renewable electricity and electrolysers is essential for the green hydrogen industry to thrive. 

Additionally, she highlighted the need for supportive government policies and incentives to encourage early-stage hydrogen projects.

“The biggest challenge for Australian manufacturers is the cost to decarbonise,” said Olles. “We need the cost of renewable electricity, which is used to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis, to come down. The green hydrogen industry must work on developing and improving the cost curve to lower the overall cost of green hydrogen.”

Successful partnerships and projects

BOC has initiated several projects aimed at driving decarbonisation through hydrogen solutions. In partnership with Linde Engineering, BOC is advancing cutting-edge hydrogen technologies in Australia. 

Key projects include an offtake agreement with AGIG’s Hydrogen Park South Australia, which transports green hydrogen to Whyalla for BOC’s argon production and hydrogen bus trials.

The company is also engaged in larger initiatives, such as the South Australian Government’s proposed 200 MW hydrogen plant in Whyalla, where BOC and ATCO Australia were selected as preferred partners to execute the Hydrogen Jobs Plan.

Another project is the Illawarra Technology Hydrogen Hub in Port Kembla, currently in the design phase and aiming for a final investment decision.

For more information on BOC’s decarbonisation strategies and hydrogen solutions, visit its website.

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Victoria’s manufacturing industry took the spotlight at the 22nd Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards, where the government announced a new initiative, Making it Equal: Victoria’s Women in Manufacturing Strategy, to promote gender equity in the sector.

Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins congratulated the winners and finalists, emphasising the significance of the new strategy. 

“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of this year’s Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards, who play a critical role in creating Victorian jobs and growing our economy,” she stated.

According to the government, Victoria’s manufacturing sector is a substantial contributor to the state’s economy, valued at $33.5 billion and employing over 260,000 people across nearly 24,000 businesses. 

Despite this, the representation of women in the industry has only grown from 29 per cent to 33 per cent over the past two decades.

The Making it Equal strategy aims to improve recruitment and advancement opportunities for women in manufacturing, a field where they have historically been underrepresented. 

“This new strategy is not only a major step in creating real opportunities for women to thrive in a historically male-dominated space, but a chance to future-proof our industry and make it more resilient to skill-shortages,” Hutchins added.

The Labor Government is backing Victorian manufacturing through various initiatives, including the $20 million Manufacturing and Industry Sovereignty Fund, the Industry and R&D Infrastructure Fund, and the Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program.

At the awards night, Knoxfield-based Stahl Metall was inducted into the Hall of Fame as the 2024 ‘Leader in Manufacturing,’ recognized for its innovative work in producing customized harnesses and boxes.

Latinka Cubbitt, co-owner of Catten Industries, was awarded the title of Woman Manufacturer of the Year for her significant contributions to the precision sheet metal fabrication industry.

Three new categories were introduced this year, with Australian Defence Apparel, Modscape, and Alstom being honoured as inaugural leaders in Textile, Clothing and Footwear, Construction Technologies, and Gender Equality and Inclusion, respectively.

For a full list of winners from the awards night, visit: business.vic.gov.au/halloffame.

To read the strategy and access practical tools for employers, industry, unions, and training providers to support gender equality in manufacturing, visit vic.gov.au/women-in-manufacturing.

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Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s launch of the Women in Manufacturing Strategy, describing it as a key step toward achieving gender equity within the traditionally male-dominated sector. 

While celebrating the initiative, WHISE is urging policymakers and stakeholders to adopt an intersectional approach to ensure that all women can benefit from the strategy, regardless of their backgrounds or identities.

“The strategy must reflect a commitment to valuing the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives that women bring, regardless of their intersecting identities or backgrounds,” said WHISE CEO Kit McMahon. 

She stressed the importance of embedding inclusivity and a strengths-based approach throughout the strategy’s implementation.

WHISE, a long-time advocate for gender equality and health equity in southern metropolitan Melbourne, believes that providing women with equitable access to opportunities in manufacturing will generate mutual benefits. 

This includes empowering women to thrive in the workforce while contributing to productivity and economic growth within the sector.

“The Women in Manufacturing Strategy is an exciting and necessary step forward,” McMahon stated. 

“We must ensure that this plan supports and empowers all women—not just those with existing access to resources and networks.”

She also highlighted the potential of women from marginalised communities, noting that their talent, resilience, and skills are often overlooked. 

“It’s crucial that we take deliberate action to eliminate barriers to work and create opportunities for all women to succeed. When we do this, it’s not just good for women—it benefits the entire community.”

A key initiative aligned with the government’s strategy is the “Nice Work if You Can Get It” project, led by WHISE in collaboration with the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) and Chisholm TAFE. 

This project aims to address both systemic and practical obstacles that hinder women’s participation in manufacturing, particularly in apprenticeship pathways.

“Through our work on the ‘Nice Work if You Can Get It’ project, we are collaborating with industry and education partners to break down barriers to equity within the manufacturing sector,” McMahon said. 

“It is our mission to ensure that women from all walks of life can see themselves thriving in industries like manufacturing, where diversity is celebrated and strengths are acknowledged.”

WHISE urged the Victorian Government to ensure the strategy tackles all forms of discrimination, warning that inclusivity is essential for building sustainable workplaces where women from all backgrounds can succeed.

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Advancements in long-duration energy storage, essential for the expanded use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, will take centre stage this week at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney.

The 40th Anniversary Flow Battery Innovation Symposium, hosted by Emeritus Professor Maria Skyllas-Kazacos and her team at UNSW, celebrates four decades since the invention of the vanadium redox flow battery (VFB).

This milestone highlights the evolution of the technology, which has progressed from the first 1kW battery built at UNSW to large-scale systems now deployed worldwide.

According to UNSW, unlike lithium-ion batteries, VFBs are known for their non-flammable, non-explosive properties and their ability to scale easily, making them well-suited for grid applications.

“The vanadium flow battery offers a unique solution to the energy storage needs of renewable sources like solar and wind,” Professor Skyllas-Kazacos said.

“Unlike traditional batteries, flow batteries store energy in electrolyte solutions, allowing for flexible and scalable energy storage at lower costs for long-duration applications.”

With approximately 25 per cent of the world’s vanadium reserves located within its borders, UNSW Sydney said Australia is positioned to develop a robust flow battery industry, from mining and electrolyte production to battery manufacturing.

Industry leaders attending the symposium will discuss how Australia can leverage its natural resources and renewable energy expertise to become a global leader in vanadium flow battery production.

The symposium, running from 15 to 16 October, will gather experts across the flow battery supply chain, including researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers.

Discussions will focus on the latest technological developments, market opportunities, and the importance of policy support in fostering industry growth.

The event will highlight the importance of government backing through initiatives such as the Battery Breakthrough Initiative, which aims to stimulate investment in energy storage innovation.

Experts will discuss how policy frameworks can promote flow battery manufacturing and encourage new players to enter the market.

The symposium will also feature insights from manufacturers preparing to establish operations in Australia.

These companies will outline how they plan to use Australia’s critical mineral resources to fuel a thriving flow battery sector, with benefits extending to both the domestic and international markets.

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Australia could create over 4,300 quality direct jobs by manufacturing its own wind towers instead of relying on imports, according to new research from the Centre for Future Work. 

The report outlines the economic and environmental benefits of developing a domestic wind energy sector, which currently imports all wind towers from overseas, with most coming from China.

The research found that if Australia shifted to local manufacturing, the country could generate:

• 4,350 ongoing jobs in wind tower production, with additional employment opportunities in related industries, especially steel.
• The ability to produce over 800 wind towers per year, contributing to a cumulative value of up to $15 billion over the next 17 years.
• An incremental demand for 700,000 tonnes of Australian-made steel annually, supporting the revitalisation of steel plants through the adoption of carbon-free technologies.
• A reduction of 2.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by cutting down on sea shipping of imported wind towers.

The report positions wind energy manufacturing as a key opportunity for the federal government’s Future Made in Australia manufacturing strategy.

It calls on the government, alongside state counterparts, to commission an engineering and financial study into establishing a domestic wind tower manufacturing industry on the east coast.

Professor Phil Toner, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney and the report’s author, criticised the conventional economic wisdom that suggests Australia should stick to its “comparative advantage” of exporting raw materials.

“If we follow the advice of conventional economists, we will lock Australia into once again being just a supplier of raw resources to other, more technologically sophisticated countries,” Toner said. 

“These countries will purchase Australian resources at the going global rate, transform them into innovative and expensive products, and then sell them back to us at premium prices.”

Toner stressed that manufacturing wind power equipment in Australia would help achieve a more balanced industrial structure. 

“With all the opportunities of a net-zero global economy, do we really just want to replace traditional mineral exports like coal with new generations of unprocessed minerals like lithium and rare earths?” he asked. 

“Manufacturing our own wind power equipment represents an enormous opportunity for Australia to create good quality, well-paid jobs.”

Toner also pointed out that most industrialised nations are heavily investing in the production of equipment needed for the energy transition.

“Australia needs similar policy activism to maximise the industrial, technological, and employment potential of the energy transition,” he said.

Environmental concerns were another key point raised by Toner. “Anyone concerned about the climate should be up in arms at the fact we’re importing huge heavy steel towers from China when we could be producing them here,” he stated.

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