Manufacturing

3D printer Aurora Labs has raised $5 million via a share placement, with the funds to be used primarily to fast track the completion of its rapid manufacturing technology, which allows multiple layers of metal 3D parts to be printed in a single pass.

Industrial technology company Orbital Corporation has lowered its revenue guidance for the financial year by $4 million, following production delays to one of its new engine models.

One of Perth’s most prominent fashion designers has announced the closure of an internationally successful label, but hinted at plans for something big in the pipeline.

Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal has increased its full-year revenue projections to $1.9 billion, thanks partly to better-than-expected procurement levels from the US Navy for its littoral combat ships.

Unique Metal Works is set to double in size after striking a deal with the administrators of RCR Tomlinson to purchase its laser business, which employs about 200 people.

US federal agents have conducted a search at Austal’s offices in Mobile, Alabama, in relation to an inquiry by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission into announcements the shipbuilder made in late-2015 and mid-2016.

Austal disclosed today that the corporate regulator is investigating announcements in late 2015 and mid 2016 that triggered a sharp fall in the ship builder’s share price.

Austal has secured a contract to build two vessels for the US Navy, while also announcing that the Commonwealth has agreed to loan the government of Trinidad & Tobago $80 million to support a purchase from the local shipbuilder.

Opinion: WA punches well above its weight in terms of technical and operational skills, but our manufacturers could do with a bit more hometown support.

Built for the state’s remote interior, OKA vehicles could be making a comeback.

Mark Pownall and Kreepy Krauly director Sarah Davis discuss the finer details of the second generation Perth-based family business, which was founded by Terry Jackson.

Austal will build a ferry for the government of Trinidad & Tobago, in a deal worth approximately $97.7 million, while also announcing it had won an advanced $54.9 million order for materials to construct a transport vessel for the US Navy.

Explosives manufacturer Incitec Pivot has reported a 34.8 per cent fall in profit for the year to September, including a $7 million hit from lost business in Western Australia.

National automotive services business AMA Group has struck a $68 million deal with new investors, which includes a big share selldown by management, after Perth-based Andrew Hopkins became the company’s chief executive.

A new report has cast doubt on Western Australia's suitability as a lithium battery-making hub, claiming low labour productivity, distance from major markets and difficulties sourcing the necessary material as barriers to any potential development.

Dredging a second channel into Garden Island and major road upgrades could be priorities in a Henderson precinct master plan to be drafted by the state government in 2019, while Defence Minister Chris Pyne today announced a new $200 million vessel will be built at the yards.

Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal has won a $US57.9 million ($80 million) contract with the US Navy to build a 103-metre catamaran.

Civmec has erected the first steel for its new $80 million assembly hall in Henderson today, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in attendance for the event.

An improved result in Western Australia, despite challenging market conditions and continued falls in brick selling prices, has helped building materials company Brickworks boost underlying net profit to $223.7 million for the 2018 financial year.

Months after being overlooked by the Australian government for local naval contracts, Henderson-based Austal has achieved more success in the US, securing a $1.6 billion contract to build two ships for the US Navy.

Austal has appointed Chris Indermaur to its board as a non-executive director, while William ‘Bill’ Plyley has stepped down as chairman of Stavely Minerals due to health reasons.

Osborne Park-based manufacturer Kreepy Krauly and homebuilder JWH Group were last night added to Family Business Australia’s hall of fame.

A strong performance in the United States has underpinned a 150 per cent increase in profit for shipbuilder Austal, although chief executive David Singleton has said the company’s defeat in the offshore patrol vessel bid will mean a tougher future for its Henderson shipyard.

Austal has been selected as preferred supplier to build six naval vessels for the Philippines, using a design similar to the offshore patrol vessel concept which was unsuccessful in a recent federal government tender.

Kewdale-based manufacturer Fero Group appears set to be acquired by global outifit DYWIDAG-Systems International (DSI) Group, after the competition watchdog said it would not oppose the deal.

Austal has announced the government of Caribbean country, Trinidad & Tobago, intends to purchase two patrol boats in a deal worth approximately $100 million.

Is it overly optimistic to believe WA could become a centre for battery manufacturing?

Two Perth companies have announced board moves with political connections, with Austal director Jim McDowell leaving to take a powerful job with the South Australian government and IT company Cirrus Networks appointing Paul Everingham as a non-executive director.

Fleetwood Corporation has continued with a major reshaping of its business, announcing two acquisitions on the east coast and a $60 million capital raising, one month after selling its caravan manufacturing business.

Shares in local tech firm Orbital Corporation soared today after the company’s preliminary financial year results showed net profit of $1.8 million.

The federal government has today announced its $35 billion frigate project will be built in Adelaide, with local shipbuilder Austal missing out on the main contract.

The federal government has launched an inquiry into cheap imports of ammonium nitrate following an application by three local manufacturers, including Wesfarmers subsidiary CSBP and Orica.