Manufacturing news – stories you may have missed

Orica announces executive appointments, including new CFO

Explosives technology group Orica has announced changes to its executive committee. Chief Financial Officer Kim Kerr has decided to leave Orica and James Crough has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. James joined Orica in May 2019 as vice president of finance for Australia Pacific and Asia. He then served as interim CEO and Group President – ​​Australia Pacific and Asia, and in October 2021 was appointed Group CEO and President – ​​North America. Meanwhile, John Cooper was appointed to the Executive Committee as President – ​​North America – John held senior positions across strategy, marketing and technology. Andrew Stewart has been appointed to the new position of President, Specialty Mining Chemicals, where he will be responsible for the integration of Cyanco, as well as the growth of our existing specialty mining chemicals business. Germán Morales’ role has been expanded to President, Australia-Pacific and Sustainability, where he will be responsible for sustainability, corporate affairs and real estate beyond the Australia-Pacific region. Commenting on the management changes, Orica’s managing director and CEO, Sanjeev Gandhi, said: “These new appointments demonstrate the strength of Orica and ensure that we have the optimal structure to continue to execute our profitable growth strategy.”

Carbonix tests VTOL drone technologies

Drone manufacturer Carbonix recently conducted extensive testing of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities as part of a proof-of-concept initiative. According to a social media post, the recent Taree Bridge to Beach ski race in New South Wales saw significant success. “Using VTOL drone technology, we obtained a comprehensive aerial perspective covering the entire 25-kilometer race route. By streaming live footage back to the race control center, the drones gave event coordinators visibility to assess the situation and quickly identify the need to take next steps, such as changing course, alerting other competitors or sending medical assistance. Carbonix, a manufacturer of long-range drones, specializes in visual inspections of extensive infrastructure.

Nufarm expects a 25 percent increase in operating profit in FY24

Agricultural chemicals maker Nufarm has announced its results for the last half year, revealing statutory net profit after tax of $49 million on revenue of $1.8 billion. The company said its FY24 guidance calls for EBITDA of $350 million to $390 million, and over the longer term, continued progress toward key strategic growth milestones leaves the company well on track to meet its 2026 revenue aspirations. Nufarm managing and CEO Greg Hunt said: “Despite challenging conditions, Nufarm delivered a solid performance in the first half of FY24. For FY24, we expect EBITDA of $350 million to $390 million. The midpoint of our forecasts is for EBITDA growth of 25% YoY in H2FY24. Our balance sheet position is strong. Our debt financing provides significant flexibility to meet changes in working capital, we have no short-term refinancing requirements and we have minimal financial covenants associated with our facilities.

Great wrapping links with Opal for compostable pallet wrapping

Biodegradable clear film maker Great Wrap has partnered with cardboard packaging and recycling company Opal to offer compostable machine pallet wrap to businesses in Australia and New Zealand, enabling them to divert traditional packaging of pallets from landfill. Great Wrap’s certified compostable pallet wrapping machine is made from compostable biopolymers and plant oils, meeting what the company calls “an urgent need for the adoption of compostable materials.” Opal Packaging Plus has become the exclusive distributor of Pallet Wrap film and is the first compostable stretch film in its offer. Jordy Kay, co-founder of Great Wrap, said: “Our machine-made pallet wrap is unique in that it is fully compostable, has a 250% pre-stretch capacity, runs smoothly on high-speed lines and maintains high tension for ultimate reliability. Our foil is denser and stronger than traditional foil, which means our customers can reduce the thickness of the foil to achieve the same results as with traditional foil.

Greening government supply chains requires changes in public procurement

A new report from the Center for Policy Development (CPD) recommends strategic changes to state and federal procurement policies to accelerate Australia’s transition to net zero and support the development of emerging green industries such as green steel and green hydrogen. The report, Green Goods: Strategies to Decarbonize Government Procurement in Australia, found that better collaboration on these policies at all levels of government could significantly reduce emissions. With government procurement accounting for over 17% of GDP, its potential to drive demand for low-carbon goods and services and act as a catalyst for building demand in key green industries is enormous. However, according to the report, a patchwork of green procurement practices across levels of government is creating confusion for both suppliers and government buyers and does not adequately encourage companies to use environmentally better materials. While announcements like the new federal environmentally sustainable procurement policy are welcome, significant gaps remain. The report proposes short-term steps that governments can take now, including setting green procurement targets for Scope 3 emissions and measuring baseline procurement emissions. It also suggests working closely with industries to understand what can be achieved and encouraging suppliers to innovate.

Cyclopharm raised $22 million

Radiopharmaceuticals manufacturer Cyclopharm is to raise $22 million from investors to finance its rapid expansion into the US market. The company announced an institutional placement to raise $20 million and a shareholder offering to raise another $2 million. The share issue is at a 13.9% discount to the company’s last price quoted on the ASX. Cyclopharm’s Technegas imaging system was recently approved for sale in the US market, the world’s largest. The amount raised will also be used to expand Technegas’ applications beyond the pulmonary embolism market.

Vale, industrial designer Robert Pataki OAM

Good Design Australia and the Australian industrial design community are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Robert Pataka OAM. Robert was one of the giants of industrial design and will be remembered not only for his countless design breakthroughs, but also for his kindness, generosity and impeccable character. Robert’s iconic designs include the Kambrook Powerboard, the world’s first multi-plug adapter (which we all take for granted today), and the Britax Safe’n Sound Baby Capsule baby seat in which Lady Dianna famously carried Prince William as a newborn. Robert was a winner of the Australian Design Prize (2022) and a Life Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia. Chairman of Good Design Australia, Dr Brandon Gien, said: “Robert was simply a legend in the Australian industrial design community. I had the pleasure and honor of working with him on many Good Design Award jury panels over the years. He was kind, extremely intelligent, and knew almost everything there was to know about what made for good design (and what didn’t!). I will miss him very much.”

Universities and Therapeutics Innovation Australia announce partnership

UNSW Sydney has announced it is partnering with Therapeutics Innovation Australia (TIA) as part of a new network established to support RNA research, development and commercialization in Australia. TIA RNA Products Capability is a collaboration between TIA, UNSW, Monash University, the University of Western Australia and the University of Queensland, supported by Australia’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The universities will serve as four primary hubs or “front doors” for access to RNA services and the development and production of cost-effective nucleic acids. UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs said on Friday that work at the UNSW RNA Institute was contributing to the translation of life sciences into products. Said Brungs: “These products are vaccines and therapeutics for emerging diseases like COVID-19, but they also serve as advanced medicines for the complex challenges posed by cancer, infectious diseases, rare genetic disorders and neurodegenerative conditions – across the board. The pioneers are to be the UNSW RNA Institute.”

Photo: Carbonix/VTOL drone over Taree, New South Wales