Digital technology’s growing influence on defence has prompted Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal to appoint vice-president Andrew Malcolm to the newly-created role of chief digital officer.
Vikas Rambal’s dream to build a $4.5 billion Pilbara urea plant is forging ahead, with his Perdaman Industries appointing construction contractors, and flagging a mid-2021 final investment decision.
Austal will invest up to $US100 million in its Alabama shipyard after securing $US50 million through US defence production laws intended to support the local steel industry.
ASX-listed Waterco is purchasing Kreepy Krauly distributor Autopool for $3.08 million, as the company seeks to expand its range of pool equipment products.
A $12.5 million submarine rescue facility to be built in Henderson will give Western Australia a central role in emergency rescues across the region; meanwhile a decision has still not been made on the best location for mid-life submarine maintenance docking.
Austal has won a $324 million contract to design and construct six evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy, while also announcing it was not successful in the bid for a contract with the US Navy.
Graphite company First Graphene is planning to raise $6.2 million from a rights issue to expand its production facility in Henderson and increase marketing initiatives.
Engineering company Lycopodium has developed an electrically operated ventilator, to be used as emergency backup in the event of a shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The federal government today announced significant investments in the energy sector, with the awarding of $69.5 million to two new cooperative research centres, and the launch of the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre.
A local access management firm has entered a partnership with Swedish scaffolding manufacturer HAKI to provide a platform for expansion into the oil and gas industry.
Yara Pilbara and Engie have received a $1 million boost for a planned renewable hydrogen project from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, but Western Australia will not be involved in the establishment of a new Australian Hydrogen Centre.
Austal’s Alabama shipyard has propelled the Henderson-headquartered shipbuilder to a record half-year earnings performance and a solid lift in net profit.
Wesfarmers has sold $1.1 billion of Coles shares, reducing its holdings of the supermarket chain to 10 per cent, while revealing $24 million of payroll problems during its half-yearly results released today.
