Industry is doing it tough
07 November, 2013 by John Immelman* | Supplied by: IICA (Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation)Recent feedback from industry leaders paints a picture of a really tough automation, control and instrumentation (ACI) market. Projects in the process industries, certainly mining, have been deferred or mothballed, and the contraction in manufacturing continues. Both the process and manufacturing marketplaces are demonstrating no growth.
Cornell engineers train 'checkout chick' robot
07 November, 2013In a further step towards automation in the supermarket, Cornell University engineers have trained a robot to work as a 'checkout chick' in a simulated grocery checkout.
Sandvik cuts 37 jobs due to mining decline
31 October, 2013Sandvik has announced it will cut 37 jobs at its Heatherbrae facility, five months after cutting 69 jobs across its Mayfield and Heatherbrae operations. The company attributed the decision to weaker demand for its mining products.
Rockwell launches Safety Maturity Index tool
31 October, 2013 | Supplied by: Rockwell Automation AustraliaThe Safety Maturity Index (SMI) tool is a self-guided assessment that gives manufacturers visibility into the effectiveness of their safety programs and the ability to optimise plant performance.
Hydro Tasmania cuts consulting jobs
30 October, 2013 | Supplied by: Engineers AustraliaEngineers Australia has expressed its dismay at Hydro Tasmania’s consulting arm cutting almost 40 jobs. The company says it was forced to make the cuts as a result of tightening in the Australian engineering consultancy sector.
New Kalgoorlie address for CAPS Australia
28 October, 2013 | Supplied by: CAPS Pty LtdCompressed Air and Power Solutions (CAPS) Australia is moving - the company is relocating its Kalgoorlie branch to larger premises in West Kalgoorlie.
Boral partners with Metso to build Sydney's future
28 October, 2013 | Supplied by: Metso Australia LimitedFollowing an extensive design consultation process for its Peppertree Quarry, Australia's largest building and construction materials supplier, Boral, is now leading the way in world's best practice for in-pit crushing.
SPC awaits word on $25m funding
25 October, 2013The future of SPC Ardmona's Shepparton cannery hangs in the balance as the Abbott government deliberates over a $25 million grant the processor was promised by the Labor government.
Rockwell to host 22nd annual Automation Fair
21 October, 2013 | Supplied by: Rockwell Automation AustraliaThe event offers learning and networking opportunities for attendees to hear about the latest in discrete and process control technologies that enable effective and energy-efficient global automation solutions.
Annual industrial robotics report predicts a bright future
21 October, 2013 by Glenn Johnson, EditorThe International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has recently released its annual study of world industrial robot trends and predicts that the high demand for industrial robots will continue through to at least 2016.
Schneider Electric announces awards for System Integrator excellence
18 October, 2013 | Supplied by: Schneider ElectricSchneider Electric has announced four annual awards that recognise those responsible for the innovations, achievements and service that help industrial and infrastructure organisations to meet their technical and business challenges.
Multimillion-dollar conveyor drive order for SEW-Eurodrive
18 October, 2013 | Supplied by: SEW-Eurodrive Pty LtdRio Tinto has awarded SEW-Eurodrive a multimillion-dollar order to supply conveyor drives for the Nammuldi iron ore mine in the Pilbara. The company has placed the order as part of plans to increase production to 23 million tonnes per year.
Daanet and RMIT deliver Industrial Ethernet training
17 October, 2013 | Supplied by: Daanet Pty LtdRMIT University and Hirschmann distributor Daanet are working together to help industry partners connect with the latest developments in Industrial Ethernet by delivering tailored training.
Toyota to shed up to 100 jobs at Altona
15 October, 2013Toyota has announced it will shed up to 100 jobs at its Altona plant in response to a drop in export orders. The company says there will be no compulsory redundancies; expressions of interest will be open to all permanent manufacturing employees.
Toyota manufactures 2 millionth car for Aust market
15 October, 2013Toyota Australia is celebrating a manufacturing milestone, having produced and sold its two millionth locally built car for the domestic market. The achievement coincides with Toyota’s 50th anniversary of car manufacturing in Australia.
