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.

Production growth in Australia’s dairy sector is expected to continue through the 2026/27 season, although at a more measured pace, as slowing global milk supply and rising demand for dairy proteins reshape market conditions, according to Rabobank.

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.

Wurth Australia is investing in automated order fulfilment at its Yatala, Queensland and Keysborough, Victoria distribution facilities through a new partnership with supply chain automation provider Dematic.

Manufacturing businesses are making progress in areas including automation, digital tools and sustainability, but many have yet to embed these practices consistently across their operations, according to a new report by Sandvik Coromant.

Australian caravan manufacturer Crusader Caravans is expanding its presence in New Zealand, adding Christchurch-based CMG Campers as a South Island dealer as demand grows for its full-composite caravan range.