Manufacturing

Government, the public, and businesses need to work together to turn WA’s poor recycling record around.

Having recently sold its first vehicle in more than a decade, specialist vehicle manufacturer OKA is back to business as a leaner, more sustainable operation.

Decisions made by our elected representatives over many years have put the nation in an unenviable trade position.

Austal has projected a marginal decrease in earnings this financial year on the back of an expected $200 million dip in revenue.

Austal will acquire Queensland-based BSE Maritime Solutions Group for $28 million in a bid to boost the shipbuilder’s share of maintenance and support work.

Austal has strongly denied allegations of unethical behaviour after reports emerged the Australian Border Force had funnelled $39 million to the ASX-listed shipbuilder.

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has told its 470 Perth-based employees that it will be slashing local jobs but offering some of them positions in other states.

Listed company First Graphene is working with a diverse array of manufacturers to commercialise its innovative technology.

The federal government's $1.5 billion plan to kick start the nation's manufacturing sector presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to restructure the economy.

There’s unprecedented investment in Australia’s defence industry manufacturers as the government embarks on the most significant armed build-up in a generation.

With the national economy in recession, upkeep and repairs on Collins class submarines could play a key role in WA’s recovery.

Australian manufacturers across six priority areas will receive more help to expand in high-value areas through an almost $1.5 billion budget boost.

West Perth-based EcoGraf has signed an agreement with DevelopmentWA to develop a $98 million downstream processing facility in Rockingham.

More than 330 new apprenticeship commencements will be delivered as part of a $18.3 million package to build the defence manufacturing workforce.

Plans for a high purity alumina refinery in Kwinana received a small boost today, with Alcoa to investigate developing the project with proponent FYI Resources.

Wesfarmers and SQM are progressing a sharpened up lithium refinery project in Kwinana, with a $600 million proposal heading to development assessment next week.

Business investment was up 10.8 per cent in WA in the June quarter compared to the same time last year, as investment dropped nationally.

Subiaco-based mining services provider WestStar Industrial has secured $7 million worth of contracts in Western Australia through subsidiary Alltype Engineering.

Austal recorded revenue of more than $2 billion this past financial year driven largely by the company’s ongoing expansion into the US market.

Austal has struck an agreement to buy additional land near its shipyard in the US and foreshadowed plans to expand its shipbuilding and repair operations.

Malaga company Taranis Power has scored a win over its larger rival UON as the two mining services companies continue a long and expensive legal battle.

The state government has allocated new funding to build a diesel railcar manufacturing facility in Bellevue, as well as establish a cathode production facility.

The argument for a return of local manufacturing is being made repeatedly, without any effort to lay the correct groundwork.

Digital technology’s growing influence on defence has prompted Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal to appoint vice-president Andrew Malcolm to the newly-created role of chief digital officer.

Kewdale-based manufacturer Australian Valve Group has been bought by a major US-based competitor seeking to build its share of the Australian market.

Vikas Rambal’s dream to build a $4.5 billion Pilbara urea plant is forging ahead, with his Perdaman Industries appointing construction contractors, and flagging a mid-2021 final investment decision.

Austal will invest up to $US100 million in its Alabama shipyard after securing $US50 million through US defence production laws intended to support the local steel industry.

ASX-listed Waterco is purchasing Kreepy Krauly distributor Autopool for $3.08 million, as the company seeks to expand its range of pool equipment products.

A $12.5 million submarine rescue facility to be built in Henderson will give Western Australia a central role in emergency rescues across the region; meanwhile a decision has still not been made on the best location for mid-life submarine maintenance docking.

Leanne Preston built a global consumer product business out of Margaret River; now she wants to revive specialist manufacturing in WA.

Austal has won a $324 million contract to design and construct six evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy, while also announcing it was not successful in the bid for a contract with the US Navy.

Fourteen Western Australian businesses have received financial support through the federal government’s manufacturing modernisation fund.