News

Manufacturing capability is a central focus of new funding announced for Australian industry, with the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) supporting $2.9 million in grants to eight local companies involved in the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program.

Manufacturing and construction jobs are expected to increase in Western Sydney following a $508 million investment by the Albanese Government in two defence infrastructure projects linked to Australia’s guided weapons and explosive ordnance manufacturing capability, according to the Australian Department of Defence.

Nominations have opened for the 2026 Endeavour Awards, an annual program spotlighting achievement in Australia’s manufacturing sector, organisers announced.

UNSW Sydney researchers have developed a new method to monitor how solar cells are damaged by ultraviolet (UV) light and how they can naturally recover, offering potential improvements for solar panel manufacturing.

Manufacturing workplaces have been identified as a key area where women continue to face significant barriers to entry, retention and progression, according to a new national report examining the experiences of women in trades and technical roles.

Australia’s manufacturing sector will be a key focus of a national robotics and artificial intelligence initiative, with ARM Hub set to launch Propel-AIR 2.0 in Brisbane on 17 February. 

Australia’s manufacturing sector has received a funding boost, with the Australian Government allocating more than $17 million to 44 local businesses through the latest round of the Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) program, aimed at strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability across the defence industry.

Australia’s manufacturing sector is being highlighted in a new national advertising campaign, as Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL) unveils its largest initiative aimed at promoting the purchase of Australian-made goods.

A new study from the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre has found that manufacturing activated carbon from textile and other waste streams could offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional production methods used in global purification systems.

Engineers Australia has congratulated astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg FIEAust on being named the 2026 Australian of the Year, recognising her as the first person to train and qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag.