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Saturday, July 12, 2025 2:11 PM

Manufacturing

Curtin University to Lead Key Role in $271M National 3D Printing Innovation Drive

Curtin University is set to play a pivotal role in Australia’s $271 million Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC), a national initiative aimed at transforming the country’s manufacturing landscape through next-generation 3D printing technologies. Launched with $58 million in federal funding, the AMCRC will unite 14 research institutions and over 50 industry partners in a bid to build a connected, sovereign additive manufacturing ecosystem. This initiative targets advancements in sectors including defence, aerospace, healthcare, automotive, mining, and construction. Additive manufacturing—or industrial 3D printing—enables the creation of lighter, stronger, and more intricate components by building products layer by layer from digital designs, significantly reducing material waste. Curtin’s contribution will be driven by researchers from the John de Laeter Centre and the Curtin Corrosion Centre, who will collaborate with industry leaders such as Austal, Australia’s premier shipbuilder. Curtin’s strengths in materials science, corrosion research, and manufacturing will be key to developing innovative, sustainable solutions for industry. Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, hailed the initiative as a milestone for Australian manufacturing. “Curtin is proud to contribute to this national collaboration, using world-class research to support Australia’s sovereign capabilities and create new economic opportunities,” she said. Dr Karl Davidson and Associate Professor Zakaria Quadir, along with Associate Professor Kod Pojtanabuntoeng and Professor Vladimir Golovanevskiy, will spearhead Curtin’s involvement in AMCRC projects. Dr Davidson noted the transformative potential of additive manufacturing: “This opens new doors for materials innovation, improving supply chain resilience, efficiency, and sustainability.” The AMCRC will support research and commercialisation projects over the next seven years, also focusing on additive technologies in marine engineering, mining, and agriculture—strengthening Australia’s position in advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation. Source: Hindustan

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India Inc Registers 501 Deals Valued at $21.4 Billion in Q2 2024: Report

India Inc has recorded a total of 501 deals valued at USD 21.4 billion in Q2 2024, according to Grant Thornton Bharat Dealtracker. As per the consultancy firm, Q2 2024 witnessed the highest quarterly volumes in two years, while values declined due to the absence of big-ticket M&A transactions. The merger and acquisition (M&A) and private equity (PE) deals taken together stood at 467, valued at USD 14.9 billion, reflecting a 9 percent increase in volumes but a 28 percent decrease in value, primarily due to the previous quarter’s USD 8.5 billion Reliance-Disney mega-merger, Grant Thornton said. The just-ended quarter featured a one-billion-dollar deal and 30 high-value deals (over USD 100 million), which translates to a 58 percent increase in high-value deals compared to the previous quarter. “Indian corporates are increasingly investing domestically, reflecting strong confidence in the local investment climate,” Grant Thornton said in a release. Despite declining cross-border deals due to geopolitical instability, traditional sectors grew in volumes over the previous quarter. “With recent election results and anticipated policy clarity from the upcoming budget, political stability is expected to boost investor confidence and drive deal activity in the next six months,” it said. Shanthi Vijetha, Partner, Growth at Grant Thornton Bharat, noted that the quarter witnessed robust private equity activity and large domestic deals. “Despite a decline in cross-border deals due to geopolitical uncertainties, domestic investment remained strong. Traditional sectors like pharma and manufacturing also saw strong deal flows, collectively contributing nearly half of the deal values,” Vijetha said. According to Vijetha, the industry anticipates policy continuity, which should positively drive the deal activity.

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SolarEdge Technologies Announces 16% Workforce Reduction Amidst Strategic Operational Adjustments

In a strategic move to streamline operations and cut operating costs, SolarEdge Technologies announced on Sunday that it will be implementing a significant workforce reduction, affecting approximately 16% of its global workforce, or roughly 900 employees. This decision comes on the heels of the firm’s recent strategic shifts, including the discontinuation of manufacturing operations in Mexico, a reduction in manufacturing capacity in China, and the termination of light commercial vehicle e-mobility activity. CEO Zvi Lando explained the rationale behind the tough decision, stating, “We have made a very difficult, but necessary decision to implement a workforce reduction and other cost-cutting measures in order to align our cost structure with the rapidly changing market dynamics.” The renewable energy company had previously adjusted its fourth-quarter revenue expectations in November, citing weak demand for its solar inverters. The solar industry, particularly in Europe, has experienced a slowdown over the past year due to excess inventories and weakening demand. In the United States, factors such as higher interest rates and a metering reform in California, the country’s largest solar market, have contributed to lower demand for solar products. SolarEdge’s strategic measures reflect the company’s proactive response to the evolving dynamics of the solar market, aiming to position itself effectively in the face of challenges. The announcement underscores the broader trends and challenges within the renewable energy sector, as companies navigate market shifts and seek to optimize their operations in a rapidly changing environment.

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