Manufacturing News

Gate manufacturing goes robotic
Tuggerah-based Leda-Vannaclip, Australia's leading specialist in perimeter security solutions and traffic control systems, has installed a new robotic welder and plasma cutter to improve the efficiency of manufacturing security fencing and gates.

Designed and developed specially to meet Leda-Vannaclip’s production requirements by Robotic Australia and Leda’s own engineers, significant technical and software issues were successfully overcome in building and installing the robotic station. The robot, which cost around $500,000 has the capacity to weld fencing panels up to 12 metres in length. It has a 15 metre reach and 3 metre span and a ‘touch-and-feel’ mechanism for added accuracy. “It has enabled us to manufacture very large and complex products,” said David Matthews, Leda-Vannaclip’s Managing Director. Mr Matthews said that with pressure on Australian manufacturers to remain competitive in world markets, automation has become a necessity for long term survival of many companies. 

Commenting on the structured lease financing for the installation of the Motoman welding robotic facility, Brian Sewell, Director of Centrelease said that they recognised Leda-Vannaclip as a small-medium sized regionally based manufacturing business with significant growth potential.

The company is currently completing a $300,000 order for Woodside Petroleum’s Pluto LPG Plant at Dampier, Western Australia for a 34.5 metre bi-slide and bi-parting security gate.

Shallow Mount Bollard Footing developed
Leda-Vannaclip’s R&D team have engineered a footing system that spreads, absorbs and dissipates the kinetic energy loads of a vehicle impact. These footings alleviate the necessity to excavate deep footings for the installed of security bollards and barrier systems. Their design has been a breakthrough in security bollard design. The first Shallow Mount Bollard Footings to be made by Leda-Vannaclip will be installed along with Leda Security Bollards at the Jewish War Museum and Sydney Synagogue.

French export order for Pacific Labels
North Wyong self-adhesive label manufacturer, Pacific Labels, report that they are supplying a French company with self-adhesive labels. President, David Watts said that the company had placed six orders with Pacific Labels which are air-freighted by Fedex and are received within eight days of the order being emailed to them. “They tell us that the cost and service are exemplary by European standards,” said Mr Watts. “The orders are small, averaging AUD $1,000 per order but we are happy to supply.
“This proves that Australian manufacturers can compete in certain markets,” said Mr Watts.


Innovation Awards postponed
The Central Coast Manufacturers' Association (CCMA) has announced that due to lack of sponsorship support this year the 2009 CCMA Innovation Awards have been postponed until 2010. Association President, John Harris said that it is obvious that the economic situation is affecting companies with most taking the option to restrict sponsorship spending. The Association will now plan a Manufacturers' Dinner at which it hopes to have the Federal Leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Turnbull as Guest Speaker.

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