News

Global manufacturing activity slipped back into contraction in July, as weak demand, lower exports, and cautious sentiment continued to weigh on production across major regions, according to the latest J.P.Morgan Global Manufacturing PMI.

Breakthrough Victoria and Monash University have jointly invested $2.25 million in three emerging startups – Myostellar, Fyton Bio, and Remagine Labs – with the goal of developing technologies that could ease pressure on Victoria’s health system and deliver global health benefits.

Australia’s manufacturing sector gained momentum in July, marking its strongest performance in three months, according to the latest S&P Global Australia Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI®) report.

Sims Limited and Equest Steel Pty Ltd, trading as Alter Steel, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a scrap supply and services agreement that supports the development of a new electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking facility in Pinkenba, Queensland.

Monash University has launched the Monash Ventures Pre-Seed Fund, a $15 million initiative aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of research by investing in early-stage spinout companies. 

Vanden Global has launched a new PET Recycled Resins & Flakes Catalogue aimed at helping Australian manufacturers secure certified recycled feedstock that meets both regulatory and production demands.

More than 540 workers at Portland Aluminium, Victoria’s largest employer, have voted in favour of Protected Industrial Action after 16 weeks of stalled enterprise agreement negotiations with Alcoa, the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) Victoria announced. 

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) have renewed their memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen business cooperation and manufacturing ties between Australia and Malaysia.

NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NSB) has commenced the transfer of its patented cell manufacturing process to Q-Gen Cell Therapeutics, a move the company says is a key step in advancing its clinical development and commercialisation plans.

Australian flooring manufacturer Godfrey Hirst is celebrating 160 years of continuous local manufacturing, as it navigates rising energy prices, changing consumer trends, and global competition.