Four Australian stainless steel projects across food processing, construction, data centres and advanced engineering have been recognised for their contributions to the country's manufacturing and fabrication industry at the 2026 Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) Fabricator Project of the Year Awards.

Global manufacturing activity continued to expand in October, although rising input costs, material shortages and supplier delivery delays added pressure on manufacturers, according to the latest J.P. Morgan Global Manufacturing PMI data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Has wondering where and how you should be using AI within your operations become the latest worry to be added to an already long list? If you answered in the affirmative, you’re in good company. 

Gold Coast skincare manufacturer MooGoo Skincare will expand its local manufacturing capacity with support from a $1.3 million Queensland Government grant, a move expected to create 25 jobs and upskill 42 existing workers.

The NSW Government has opened Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a development partner to deliver a new Enterprise Precinct at Bradfield City in Western Sydney, with the proposed development expected to support advanced manufacturing and other emerging industries.

State-owned energy company SEC Victoria has secured a 10-year offtake agreement for a 102-megawatt (MW), four-hour battery at the Glenrowan Solar Farm in north-east Victoria, adding energy storage capacity to its portfolio.

Australia’s manufacturing sector remained in contraction in October, with declining new orders, rising input costs and worsening supply conditions contributing to another month of reduced production, according to the latest S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

Regional manufacturers have been recognised for their innovation, sustainability and export capabilities at the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA), with Apollo Engineering and Elecbrakes named Manufacturers of the Year in their respective categories.

Rising operating costs, workforce shortages and uncertainty around government policy are putting pressure on Australian manufacturers, with GoZero Group warning that the combined challenges could affect investment, productivity and the country's long-term industrial capabilities.

Daikin Australia has launched its seventh-generation VRV commercial air conditioning system, introducing R32 refrigerant technology alongside integrated safety features and improved seasonal energy efficiency.