Manufacturing and packaging machinery supplier Packserv has announced a new distribution agreement with SIAT, expanding its manufacturing and end-of-line automation offering in Australia.

In a media release, Packserv said it has been appointed SIAT’s Australian distribution partner for a range of end-of-line packaging equipment, including case erectors, case sealers and pallet wrappers designed to improve packaging efficiency, consistency and line automation.

Through the agreement, Packserv will supply and support SIAT’s packaging machinery alongside its existing product range, enabling what the company described as more integrated production line solutions. This includes systems covering filling, capping, labelling, printing, conveying, case erecting, case sealing and pallet wrapping.

“We are pleased to be a distribution partner of SIAT, extending our offering into end-of-line automation,” said Nathan Wardell, Managing Director of Packserv. 

“This addition allows us to deliver complete packaging lines, giving customers greater flexibility to scale production, improve efficiency, and reduce manual handling across their operations,” Wardell noted.

Packserv said the expanded portfolio strengthens its position as a single-source supplier for packaging machinery, combining Australian-made equipment with international machinery solutions supported by local service and technical assistance.

The company also said growing demand for automation and connected production environments is driving greater interest in integrated packaging systems, with SIAT’s equipment expected to support improvements in uptime, consistency and overall line performance.

More information on the SIAT range is available at Packserv SIAT range, with contact details provided via Packserv’s official channels.

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IFS has launched IFS Zero, an agentic emissions operating system designed for manufacturing and other asset-intensive industries, as companies face increasing pressure to measure, disclose and reduce carbon emissions across complex industrial supply chains.

The announcement was made at IFS Connect in Melbourne on 28 May 2026, where IFS said the platform provides a unified system for calculating Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, aimed at improving emissions visibility across industrial and manufacturing operations.

IFS said IFS Zero was developed following consultation with customers in asset-intensive industries and is designed to work with its broader Sustainability Management module, which consolidates environmental, social and governance data for corporate reporting.

The company said the new system focuses specifically on carbon emissions, providing more granular operational data intended to support real-time decision-making.

According to IFS, the platform applies agentic artificial intelligence across emissions data workflows, including data sourcing, validation, anomaly detection and audit preparation. 

The company said this is intended to reduce manual reporting processes and improve efficiency in emissions tracking, with outcomes including faster baseline creation and reduced data collection effort.

Caitlin Keam, Vice President Manufacturing and Sustainability Applications at IFS, said the system represents a shift away from traditional reporting methods. 

“For too long, sustainability has meant slow deployments, manual spreadsheets, and reporting after the fact,” Keam said in a statement. “IFS Zero replaces that with an agentic operating system that delivers an emissions baseline in short timescales and enables visibility into your day-to-day operations.”

IFS also pointed to research from Generation Investment Management, an investor in the company, which suggests industrial AI adoption across major sectors could contribute to meaningful global emissions reductions.

Separately, Verdantix said industrial buyers are increasingly seeking platforms capable of managing asset-level emissions complexity and linking sustainability data with operational and investment decisions. 

Senior Analyst Alessandra Leggieri said demand is shifting toward systems that integrate emissions insights into day-to-day industrial operations rather than standalone reporting tools.

IFS Zero is being released alongside IFS Cloud 26R1, which became generally available on May 28, 2026. 

IFS said the update includes enhancements across enterprise resource planning, service management, enterprise asset management and aviation maintenance, and forms part of its broader investment in industrial AI for manufacturing and other asset-intensive sectors.

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The Western Australian government says it will provide $49 million through its Housing Innovation Fund to support 15 local housing manufacturing projects aimed at increasing housing supply and expanding the use of prefabrication and other modern construction methods across the state.

Announced by the WA government, the funding is intended to help manufacturers adopt advanced production methods that can accelerate home construction by using factory-made components and modular designs instead of relying solely on traditional on-site building processes.

It noted that successful applicants will match the grants with a 50 per cent co-contribution, with projects assessed on their ability to increase housing supply, support local industry, deliver regional benefits and improve construction efficiency.

The government said the funded projects include the manufacture of wall frames, modular housing units and other prefabricated building components in controlled factory environments, which can help reduce delays, material waste and labour shortages affecting the construction sector.

Premier Roger Cook said the investment formed part of the government’s broader housing strategy.

“My government’s priority is ensuring every Western Australian has a home,” Cook said.

“Our most recent Budget includes a range of measures to help get more renters, first-time buyers, and regional frontline service workers into housing, as well as support for innovative and exciting construction methods which will help build more homes throughout WA.”

Cook said the initiative also aligned with the government’s “Made in WA” agenda.

“This investment in local manufacturers shows how my Made in WA plan can help ensure more Western Australians access the security a home provides,” he said.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the investment was aimed at increasing housing supply while supporting productivity in the construction sector.

“We’re backing projects that will build more homes, faster for Western Australian families and support long-term productivity across the housing and construction sector,” Saffioti said.

“Supply, supply, supply. That’s the housing challenge at the moment and that’s what this investment in new methods of construction is all about.”

She added that the funding would help strengthen the state’s construction supply chain while supporting local manufacturing employment.

Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the program was designed to support local businesses and expand existing industrial capability.

“The Housing Innovation Fund will help WA manufacturers unlock innovative new ways to deliver and construct more homes, more quickly,” Sanderson said.

“This is good for jobs, good for housing and good for our local manufacturing sector.”

Housing and Works Minister John Carey said modular and alternative construction approaches were already being incorporated into the state’s social and affordable housing programs.

“We have embraced modular and alternative construction methods in our social and affordable housing program and are continuing to look at ways to grow the sector,” Carey said.

The funding announcement follows a separate $48 million State Budget allocation to support advanced housing and infrastructure manufacturing facilities being developed by Built Living and Atlas Precast in Neerabup and Kwinana.

Among the largest recipients announced were Pique Mod Pty Ltd, Kimberley Manufacturing Pty Ltd, Home Group WA Pty Ltd and Limestone Building Blocks Company Pty. Ltd., each receiving up to $5 million for manufacturing and modular housing projects.

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A new report from Monash University has outlined possible futures for industries shaped by quantum technology, including manufacturing, and recommended steps to help Australia become “quantum-ready” through workforce development and cross-sector collaboration.

The Quantum Future Workforce report was led by researchers from Monash University’s Emerging Technologies Research Lab, an initiative spanning Monash Art, Design and Architecture and the Faculty of Information Technology, in collaboration with Quantum Australia.

Drawing on ethnographic interviews, documentary research and a co-design workshop involving researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry representatives, the study examined how quantum technologies could affect sectors including healthcare, cybersecurity, communications, infrastructure and advanced materials.

The report explored applications such as wearable health monitoring through quantum sensing, quantum-resistant cybersecurity systems, secure communications networks, low-energy quantum materials, and infrastructure systems supporting transport and utilities.

Among its 12 recommendations, the report called for stronger manufacturing capability, support for commercialisation and start-ups, improved public awareness of quantum technologies, greater policy engagement, and the development of a more connected national quantum ecosystem.

Lead author Associate Professor Leah Heiss said the project focused on understanding the broader systems and workforce needs that would support future quantum industries.

“The workshop brought researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry representatives into the same room to work through possible quantum futures together,” Associate Professor Heiss said.

“Rather than looking only at the technology itself, participants mapped the real-world systems, industries and people that would need to support those futures, from healthcare and cybersecurity to infrastructure and communications.”

She said the co-design process highlighted challenges and opportunities linked to collaboration, workforce readiness and long-term social impacts.

Professor Sarah Pink, Director of the Emerging Technologies Research Lab and co-author of the report, said the findings pointed to the need for a broader workforce beyond traditional scientific and technical roles.

“Our research shows the future quantum workforce will not be confined to traditional scientific or technical roles,” Professor Pink said.

“Building a quantum-ready future will depend on creating a workforce with the ability to translate between disciplines, collaborate across sectors and connect technical innovation with real-world applications.”

Co-author Dr Debora Lanzeni said the report also highlighted the importance of flexible education and training pathways as the sector develops.

“One of the strongest findings was that the future quantum workforce will extend well beyond specialist physicists or software developers,” Dr Lanzeni said.

“The report recommends more flexible education and training pathways including short courses, professional conversion programs and cross-sector upskilling opportunities.”

Quantum Australia Partnership Development Manager Adrian Gertler said collaboration between industry, government and education would be important as quantum technologies evolve.

“Quantum Australia plays a key role in leading the conversation on how quantum technologies will transform our society,” Gertler said.

“This transition will have profound workforce implications, and ensuring that government, industry, and education systems are aligned and prepared is paramount.”

The researchers said future work will include a Quantum Energy Futures project with the Monash Energy Institute and Quantum Australia, examining how quantum technologies could support resilient energy systems.

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Quantum computing could become a critical enabling technology for managing increasingly complex electricity networks needed to support future manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation, according to new research released by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

Published in Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering, the roadmap developed by CSIRO’s Quantum Systems team and international researchers examines how quantum computing could help address growing computational challenges associated with modern smart grids, which are becoming more dynamic as renewable energy, batteries, electric vehicles and automated systems expand.

CSIRO said electricity networks were evolving from simple one-way systems into highly digitised, two-way grids where energy supply and demand can shift minute by minute due to rooftop solar exports, electric vehicle charging, battery storage and smart appliances.

CSIRO quantum research scientist Dr Zeheng Wang said the main challenge facing future smart grids may not be physical infrastructure, but the computational demands required to manage increasingly complex energy systems.

“The main limitations will actually be in computation,” Dr Wang said.

“Computing power is crucial in managing the flow of energy in complex networks. In other words, some of the most critical problems in future smart grids may eventually be unworkable and unsolvable by today’s best computing systems.”

The researchers said quantum computers operate differently from conventional computing systems and could offer new capabilities in solving certain complex optimisation and modelling problems.

“Quantum computing won’t replace our current everyday computers, but it could become a strategic computational resource for the energy industry,” Dr Wang said.

The study identified potential opportunities for quantum computing in areas including optimisation problems, data-intensive grid calculations, smaller machine-learning applications and system security improvements.

According to the roadmap, smart grid operation involves both device-level control systems for technologies such as solar panels and batteries, and broader system-level management across electricity networks.

“Quantum computing could help address key bottlenecks, unlocking new possibilities at both device-level converters and system-level grid operations,” Dr Wang said.

CSIRO quantum team lead and study co-author Professor Muhammad Usman said electricity grids were becoming increasingly difficult to manage as more devices and energy sources connected to networks.

“With so many different energy sources and devices connected across a busy network, managing the grid becomes incredibly complex – so complex that traditional computers struggle to keep up,” Professor Usman said.

“By leveraging quantum computing, we could potentially model these complex systems more accurately, optimise grid operations faster and monitor networks more securely.”

CSIRO said stronger and more resilient electricity networks would be necessary to support future industrial and manufacturing demands, including AI data centres, transport electrification and large-scale industrial decarbonisation.

However, the researchers cautioned that quantum technologies remain in the early stages of development and are not expected to deliver immediate consumer cost reductions.

“We’re careful not to promise immediate lower power bills because near-term quantum systems are still costly, and the technology is still immature,” the researchers said.

“But the long-term potential is clear – quantum technologies could deliver the efficiency, resilience and security needed to power our future.”

The roadmap also urged the energy sector to begin preparing for future adoption by developing skills, governance frameworks and practical applications before the technology matures.

“The key message is not that quantum computing will solve the energy transition on its own, but that it will become a critical enabling technology, helping build the efficient, resilient and secure electricity systems our future depends on,” Dr Wang said.

“While quantum technologies are still maturing, early recognition and preparation will be essential.”

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The sale of the Whyalla Steelworks has advanced to its final stage with two bidders shortlisted, marking a key step in the transition of one of South Australia’s major industrial manufacturing assets.

In a news release, the South Australian Government and the Australian Government confirmed the process has progressed following the decision to place the former owner into administration last year, describing it as a necessary intervention to secure the steelworks’ long-term future. 

They said the action has helped restore confidence in Whyalla and attracted international interest in maintaining sovereign steelmaking and manufacturing capability in South Australia.

More than 70 parties initially expressed interest in the sale, with five domestic and international industrial groups progressing to the binding bid stage earlier this year before two were shortlisted to move forward. The shortlisted bidders have now been invited to submit final funding proposals as part of the competitive process.

The two governments are jointly investing up to $1.9 billion alongside a future owner to support the transformation of the site into a modern, low-emissions steel manufacturing facility, with ongoing administration funding also ensuring safe operations and payment of workers and suppliers during the transition period.

Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the process was central to the broader industrial strategy. “A Future Made in Australia means making the things Australia needs here,” he said. 

“The Whyalla intervention is central to that: securing sovereign steelmaking, backing workers, and building the next chapter of low emissions Australian manufacturing,” Minister Ayres noted.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the shortlisted bidders were well placed to support the industry’s next phase. 

“We are pleased to see two high quality bidders shortlisted for the sales process,” he said, adding that the transition would support a long-term, modern and lower-emissions sovereign steelmaking business while recognising the challenges involved in the sector’s transformation.

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Queensland-based Vital Chemical has announced a new manufacturing-focused trans-Tasman partnership with New Zealand materials innovator Rubisco, aimed at introducing hemp and wool-based geotextile technology to Australia for the first time.

The partnership will see Vital Chemical market and distribute the products locally under the VE Geo-Loc Made by Rubisco brand, positioning the natural fibre system as an alternative to synthetic geotextiles used across civil infrastructure, landscaping, construction, and environmental rehabilitation projects. 

The range will include a hemp and wool blend as well as a 100% wool option for applications such as erosion control, sediment management and weed suppression.

Vital Chemical Director Paul McMullen said the collaboration reflects the company’s ongoing focus on manufacturing-adjacent innovation and materials designed for practical field performance.

“Our focus has always been on identifying proven technologies globally and making them accessible to the Australian market,” McMullen said.

“VE Geo-Loc Made by Rubisco provides a compelling natural alternative to traditional synthetic geotextiles, and through Vital’s distribution network we are well positioned to support adoption across construction, landscaping and environmental restoration projects nationwide.”

Rubisco, which operates manufacturing facilities in Christchurch and Ashburton, brings more than 50 years of wool fibre processing heritage and has expanded into industrial hemp fibre systems in recent years. The company’s vertically integrated platform spans fibre cultivation, processing and advanced materials manufacturing.

Rubisco CEO Guy Wills said the partnership highlights how natural fibre manufacturing systems are evolving to meet infrastructure and environmental needs.

“Natural fibres such as hemp and wool offer a high-performance alternative to many synthetic materials traditionally used in geotextile applications,” Wills said.

“Working with strong partners such as Vital Chemical enables these solutions to reach new markets and support more sustainable approaches to land management and infrastructure development.”

According to the companies, the VE Geo-Loc Made by Rubisco system is manufactured from South Island-grown industrial hemp blended with New Zealand strong wool. It is produced as a needle-punched nonwoven geotextile designed for erosion control, soil stabilisation and weed suppression, while remaining biodegradable.

Unlike conventional synthetic geotextiles, the product contains no plastics or synthetic polymers, which the companies say eliminates microplastic risks and supports soil health as the fibres naturally break down over time. With a functional lifespan of 18 to 24 months, it is intended to provide durability during vegetation establishment before returning organic matter to the soil.

The companies said demand is increasing for lower-impact materials across infrastructure and environmental restoration projects, with natural fibre geotextiles emerging as a potential alternative to traditional synthetic solutions.

For more information, visit Vital Chemical.

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Smart building materials manufacturer ClearVue Technologies says it has been selected to supply and install building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products for Canva’s new headquarters in Surry Hills, Sydney, under a non-binding Letter of Intent issued by Infinity Construction Group.

According to an ASX release from ClearVue, the company was named the successful tenderer for the project, with detailed contract terms expected to be finalised within 14 days. 

The project has an estimated value of around A$600,000 and is expected to involve the manufacture and installation of approximately 310 solar panels across more than 660 square metres of the building envelope.

ClearVue said the project will include three of its product families: Solar Skylight, Solar Balustrade and rooftop solar systems. The company estimates the installed system will have a capacity of about 75kW and generate a minimum of approximately 88,000kWh annually.

The redevelopment forms part of an adaptive reuse project aimed at transforming an existing commercial building into a high-performance energy-generating facility. ClearVue said the system is expected to contribute to the building exceeding a 5 Star NABERS rating.

The company stated that each of the products required project-specific engineering and manufacturing modifications. These included a custom balustrade framing system designed to conceal electrical wiring and integrate the company’s Thermal Management Junction Box technology.

ClearVue said its Solar Skylight system was also designed with advanced coating technology intended to reduce solar heat transmission and glare while continuing to generate renewable energy.

Infinity Construction Group founder and managing director Alan Yazbek said the collaboration demonstrated how energy-generating materials could be incorporated into commercial developments.

“Working on a bespoke façade and glazing solution for this project has been refreshing,” Yazbek said.

“The ability to integrate power-generating capability directly into the building envelope, without compromising buildability or design outcomes, represents a meaningful step forward for the industry.”

ClearVue CEO and managing director Doug Hunt said the project reflected the company’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.

“Our supply chain of expert large scale OEM manufacturers and our industry partners enable us to deliver project specific solutions,” Hunt said.

“The bespoke engineering ClearVue will deliver for the Canva headquarters, particularly the new Balustrade framing system and the advanced solar control coatings, is a clear illustration of our supply chain capabilities and shows that our technology continues to advance with every project we take on.”

ClearVue said project delivery is expected to take approximately 180 days following execution of the final contract.

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Fujitsu Limited has announced dual strategic collaborations with artificial intelligence developers Anthropic PBC and OpenAI, aiming to accelerate AI transformation across Japanese enterprises.

According to the company, these joint efforts will focus heavily on strengthening enterprise AI adoption while improving the safety, security, and resilience of critical social infrastructure.

By positioning both companies’ advanced technologies within its AI service lineup, Fujitsu intends to merge cutting-edge AI models with its own long-standing industry expertise and large-scale operating systems.

The initiative comes at a time when AI has shifted from a basic tool for operational efficiency into a core technology that shapes corporate competitiveness and infrastructure stability.

Fujitsu noted that while cutting-edge AI offers significant capabilities, improper deployment can lead to unintended consequences. Because of these risks, sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, defence, and critical infrastructure require highly dependable AI systems, supported by an ongoing operational framework to deliver long-term value safely.

To gain practical expertise, Fujitsu plans to extensively deploy both platforms across its own global organisation. The company will utilise Anthropic’s Claude models internally to accumulate hands-on operational knowledge, which it will then use to guide AI adoption across the wider Japanese business sector.

The company intends to use this hands-on experience to accumulate practical knowledge, which it will then use to guide AI adoption across the wider Japanese business sector.

As part of the partnership, Fujitsu will gain early access to Anthropic’s newest AI models. The Japanese company also plans to combine these new models with its own AI tech, including the Fujitsu Kozuchi AI platform and the Takane large language model (LLM).

This hybrid approach will allow Fujitsu to customise, design, and integrate multiple AI systems to meet specific client demands regarding data sovereignty, regulatory compliance, security, and operational performance.

Takahito Tokita, representative director and CEO of Fujitsu, spoke on the evolution and growth of AI and the need to implement it to generate tangible value.

“Through this collaboration, we will combine Fujitsu’s deep expertise across industries and business functions—particularly its extensive know-how in mission-critical domains—with Anthropic’s advanced AI models. In doing so, we aim to support the creation of new value across industries and realise a trustworthy, AI-driven society,” Tokita said.

Concurrently, Fujitsu Group employees will adopt OpenAI technologies, including ChatGPT Enterprise and Codex. This will establish a new practical model where human workers and AI agents collaborate across multiple domains, including system development, operations, proposal activities, and delivery.

Fujitsu said it intends to build upon its current AI Trust initiatives, which focus on developing a secure AI society. 

The company plans to explore how its own technologies, including high-performance computing (HPC) and next-generation hybrid computing platforms such as quantum computing, can be applied to advanced AI fields.

According to Fujitsu, these efforts are intended to support the broader integration of AI by focusing on system safety and reliability.

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Dematic has marked 60 years of operations in Australia, highlighting its ongoing role in manufacturing and supply chain automation.

In a media release, the company said the milestone reflects its evolution from a Sydney-based engineering and manufacturing business founded in 1966 as Colby Engineering, established by Gerry Hatton AM, into a global provider of automation technologies used across retail, grocery, healthcare, e-commerce and industrial sectors. 

Dematic stated that its early manufacturing roots included mechanical and structural steel expertise and the development of the ColbyRACK adjustable racking system, which remains part of its local offering.

“Dematic has always been built on a culture of innovation, partnership, and a commitment to customers,” founder Gerry Hatton AM said in comments attributed by Dematic. “From the very beginning, there was a strong belief that we could design and build world-class solutions locally, while continuing to evolve with the changing needs of industry.”

Dematic said it now employs more than 850 people across Australia and New Zealand and continues to invest in local manufacturing capability, engineering, and apprenticeship programs as demand increases for automation, robotics and AI-driven optimisation in supply chains.

According to Dematic Vice President and Managing Director for ANZ Simon Barrow, the company’s technology underpins a significant volume of goods moving through modern distribution networks. 

“A significant number of products move through supply chains powered by Dematic technology every day,” Barrow said. 

“Whether consumers are shopping online, purchasing groceries, accessing medical supplies or receiving essential goods, there is a high probability that Dematic technology has played a role somewhere along that journey,” he noted.

The company said its growth has tracked broader changes in Australia’s supply chain and manufacturing sector, shifting from traditional warehousing models toward highly automated distribution systems supported by robotics, goods-to-person solutions, and integrated software platforms.

Barrow also said ongoing investment in engineering capability remains central to the business. “For 60 years, we have remained focused on helping customers solve complex operational and supply chain challenges,” he said, adding that manufacturing, engineering and training programs continue to support long-term capability development within the company.

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