News

Australia’s manufacturing workforce is projected to grow by 91,300 workers by 2035, while skills shortages continue across 12 occupations critical to the industry, according to the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance’s 2026 National Manufacturing Workforce Plan.

Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) has started up its Generation 2.0 Graphene Manufacturing Technology Plant in Queensland, with the facility expected to produce up to 10 tonnes of graphene annually once remaining works and optimisation are completed.

Scott Technology has launched a new automated palletising system targeting manufacturers seeking higher production throughput within constrained manufacturing footprints, as the New Zealand-based automation company expands its Materials Handling & Logistics (MHL) portfolio.

Four Hunter manufacturing award winners have progressed to the 2026 Australian Manufacturing Awards as national finalists, following recognition at the 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA).

A new round of almost $80 million in manufacturing grants is open to eligible Queensland businesses, with $12.5 million available to help small and medium-sized manufacturers invest in innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Manufacturing demand for frozen and convenient foods is supporting a $200 million expansion of NewCold’s automated cold-storage operations in Truganina, Victoria, with the company adding 80,000 pallet positions to its existing facility.

Researchers at the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) have developed a self-repairing coating designed to extend the lifespan of rust protection on steel used in infrastructure, vehicles and other applications.

Kite Aerospace Pty Ltd has commenced manufacturing its KITE uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) in Geelong through a partnership with Sykes Advanced Manufacturing, establishing an Australian production base for the aircraft.

Engineers Australia has called on the Federal Government to place engineering and technical expertise at the centre of Australia’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI), arguing that the country’s AI ambitions will require investment in people, infrastructure and technical oversight alongside the technology itself.

Eifers announced its lightweight cellular concrete has supported a 900-tonne crane during a bridge beam installation on Victoria’s Eastern Freeway Burke to Tram Alliance (EBTA) project.