The global manufacturing sector is witnessing a seismic shift in its automation approach as companies worldwide, big or small, grapple with the ongoing labour shortage and skills gap within the industry. 

Cargill has launched a large-scale renewable energy project at its Newcastle Crush Plant, integrating onsite solar generation into its Australian manufacturing operations as part of efforts to reduce emissions and improve energy resilience. 

The Australian Government says it is seeking to position the country as a global leader in the production and processing of critical minerals, as it promotes new investment opportunities to international partners.

Manufacturing Queensland is set to host a free online workshop aimed at helping manufacturers understand how artificial intelligence can be applied to improve productivity, efficiency and long-term growth.

Music Australia has co-invested $1.77 million with Australian record labels to support the manufacturing and development of new recordings, digital content, marketing campaigns, and artist development initiatives. 

The global manufacturing sector has started the year on a high note, with business conditions improving at the fastest rate in three months.

Energy price volatility continues to pose challenges for manufacturers and other energy-intensive industries, particularly as electricity markets experience more frequent and unpredictable price swings.

Advanced Navigation has announced the appointment of Pawel Michalak as its new chief technology officer, a move the company says is intended to guide the next phase of its technology development in navigation and autonomous systems.

Manufacturing innovation across Australia’s food and beverage sector will be in focus when industry participants gather in Melbourne in 2026, as manufacturers examine new technologies and approaches to modernising food manufacturing operations. 

Engineers Australia has called on the Federal Government to prioritise manufacturing capability alongside engineering, infrastructure productivity and skills reform in the 2026 Budget, arguing that stronger foundations are needed to support long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

Australia’s manufacturing sector recorded faster growth in January, with manufacturing output and new orders rising at quicker paces, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index data from S&P Global.