The first day of the 2006 Queensland Manufacturing Technology Exhibition (QMan) was a resounding success, with exhibitors reporting a steady flow of good quality visitors and standing room only at seminars.

On 30 August 2006, the business and assets of Wesmartin Pty Ltd were acquired by Furnace Engineering Pty Ltd.

Scientists at Monash University have devised a new way of measuring water pipes that can help detect corrosion without damaging the pipe.

The Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) is set to build the country's largest hydroelectric power plant in 25 years in Victoria's Alpine region.

Origin Energy Ltd is one step closer to the development of a $1 billion gas-fired power station in south-west Victoria after winning state government endorsement for the project.

Women in the manufacturing industry are set to get a career boost through a new scholarship initiative, sponsored jointly by APICS NSW and the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD).

29 - 30 November 2006
Brisbane, Australia

Manufacturing activity in Australia strengthened in June, despite further rises in raw material costs and higher interest rates.

A breakthrough in robot MIG (metal inert gas) welding which will increase welding speed and consequently boost productivity in the metal fabrication sector is the latest investment project for the Centre for Energy and Greenhouse Technologies (CEGT).

The South Australian government has approved a $115 million funding boost for a new shipbuilding facility in Adelaide. Techport Australia, at suburban Osborne, will be the home base for the $6 billion air warfare destroyer project.

Prime Minister John Howard has ruled out taking nuclear waste from foreign countries, quashing a politically damaging issue he discussed with the United States earlier this year.

Beckhoff Automation has opened an Australian headquarters in Melbourne to bring its international presence to more than 60 companies worldwide.

Extrusion processing training courses are planned for later this year in Western Australia and Thailand.

The Bracks government has granted $44,750 to the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) to help 10 Victorian precision engineering companies showcase their talents internationally.

Buoyant manufacturing activity in Europe and Japan is feeding inflationary pressures, underpinning expectations that official interest rates have further to rise.