Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Next Science reports positive study for BLASTX

Wound care technology developer Next Science has reported a study showing the company’s BLASTX product to be efficacious in the treatment of pressure ulcers when used in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). BLASTX utilises the company’s NXBIO technology which reduces the impact of biofilm based infections in human health. The 20 person study, published in the journal Diagnostics, studied whether the addition of the anti-microbial agent would decrease planktonic and biofilm bacteria in wounds. The study found that 45 percent of pressure ulcers reduced in size over the four week study period. It concluded BLASTX and NPWT ‘reduced bacterial levels and improved wound healing in recalcitrant pressure ulcers’.

Ansell completes $400 million placement

Personal protective equipment and rubber glove manufacturer Ansell has successfully raised $400 million through a fully underwritten institutional share placement. The funds will partially fund the acquisition of 100 percent of the assets of Kimberly-Clark’s Personal Equipment business for $420.5 million. The raising received strong interest from institutions, according to the company.

New bus manufacturing milestones for Queensland

The first of 200 rail replacement buses has rolled off the production line (pictured) as part of the Queensland government’s over $130 million investment to support public transport and local manufacturing. The Euro 6 diesel bus on a Volvo chassis has been built by local workers at Volgren’s Eagle Farm manufacturing facility. The 43-seat bus will now enter service during track closures on the South East Queensland (SEQ) train network. Volgren will produce 165 rail replacement buses while Scania is building 35 Euro 6 diesel buses with BusTech bodies at its manufacturing facility at Rocklea. All 200 will be built in Queensland. Nearly 50 new local jobs have been created at Volgren.

National Reconstruction Fund to join Geelong tech summit

The Geelong Manufacturing Council has announced the inaugural CEO of the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, Ivan Power, will be speaking at next week’s Technology and Innovation Summit. Power was appointed CEO of the corporation, which is responsible for investing the federal government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, in February. “Ivan will be a panellist on Evolving the Old economy to the New Economy session, which is being chaired by Viva Energy chair, the Honourable Robert Hill, former Senator and Minister for the Environment and Minister for Defence,” said the GMC in a statement.

Amazon Australia to launch two new fulfilment centres in Horsley Park

Amazon Australia announced this week announced plans to invest $490 million in opening two new fulfilment centres in Horsley Park, Western Sydney, by 2026. According to Amazon, once fully operational the two facilities will create over 1,000 local jobs, ranging from entry level roles with on-the-job training, to skilled roles. Ground was broken by NSW premier Chris Minns; planning minister Paul Scully, Amazon Australia Country Manager, Janet Menzies; and others at one of the new fulfilment centres at Goodman and Brickworks’ Oakdale East Industrial Estate in Horsley Park. The centre will be 80,000 square metres and have “capacity to hold up to 1.6 million large items”. The second FC in Horsley Park is a fitout of an existing building.

New Maryborough information centre opens

A new project information centre opening on Adelaide Street, Maryborough has opened, the Queensland government announced on Wednesday, claiming it as another milestone for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP.) Visitors to the centre “will be able to learn more” about the state government program, which Downer was awarded the contract for in June 2023. The QTMP will see 65 six-car passenger trains built at a new purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea on the Fraser Coast and a new rail facility at Ormeau, on the Gold Coast. Manufacturing minister Glenn Butcher said, “The project information centre will be an opportunity to showcase both the proud train manufacturing history of this great region, as well as the exciting future that lies ahead as the next generation of trains are built for Queenslanders in Queensland.”

ANFF looks to build annual casebook

The Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) has announced that it is seeking applications for projects to be included in its 2024 Casebook. In a statement on Linkedin on Wednesday, ANFF said that ANFF Next for 2024 “will focus on ANFF’s future-oriented endeavours that propel us toward new horizons” and is “about pioneering innovation, fostering future technologies and empowering tomorrow’s solutions.” To be considered for inclusion in the casebook, client’s of ANFF can make submissions at this link . Submissions close on Tuesday April 30.

Picture: Premier and Cabinet Ministers at Downer (credit Queensland government)