This Month
The next big squeeze facing manufacturing
Supply chain disruptions both help and hurt Australian manufacturing. But Rich Lister Gerry Ryan says solving the sector’s skills shortage is vital to its growth.
- James Thomson
From Swedish marines to a $5b giant
Magnus Nicolin, a big admirer of Swedish tennis champion Stefan Edberg, has taken a similar clinical approach to building Ansell.
- Simon Evans
ASIC accuses Austal of misleading, deceptive conduct
The corporate watchdog has launched legal action, claiming the US Navy shipbuilder and its chief executive failed to make proper market disclosures.
- Updated
- Brad Thompson
Longer road for Sanjeev Gupta’s Whyalla refinancing
GFG Alliance’s $430 million refinancing deal with White Oak is taking extra time, but steel orders are strong across the market.
- Simon Evans
Austal snares $57m contract for US Navy robot warships
Perth-based shipbuilder Austal will install autonomous operating capacity in the next vessel it delivers to the US Navy.
- Brad Thompson
a2 Milk’s rival sells its struggling China baby formula unit
Beijing’s recent change to its birth control policy may not be as big of a boost as first thought for formula players.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Rhino-Rack boss’ ride from risking his home to a $255m payday
Richard Cropley started his roof racks and luggage trays business in 1992 because products on the market were of poor quality; it’s just been bought by Nasdaq-listed Clarus Corp.
- Updated
- Simon Evans
InfraBuild claims Taiwan companies are dumping steel
The dumping claim from InfraBuild has shaken the local steel industry, which says any reduction in imports could push up prices of materials to build infrastructure and houses.
- Updated
- Jenny Wiggins and Simon Evans
May
Freedom Foods loses appeal; will face US arbitration
The major almond drink supplier will move ahead with arbitration, where the Australian manufacturer may face a damages bill of $21 million.
- Updated
- Carrie LaFrenz
Arnott’s draws sustainability lines in the sand
The iconic biscuit maker’s new transformation and sustainability boss says it’s important to set goals that stretch but are achievable.
- Sue Mitchell
- Exclusive
- Class action
Slater and Gordon investigates possible a2 Milk class action
The former market darling is now facing investor unrest after posting four downgrades to earnings in nine months, pointing to a lengthy recovery.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Pandemic high-flyer Ansell looks over the horizon
Demand for medical gloves and protective suits has skyrocketed, but what happens when the pandemic starts to fade?
- Simon Evans
Tesla set to pay for chips in advance as way of overcoming shortage
The US maker of electric cars is discussing ways to secure supply with industry operators in Taiwan, South Korea and the US.
- Kathrin Hille, Edward White and Richard Waters
Lighting manufacturer FOS Capital closes float early
The IPO window lights are still on at the smaller end of town.
- Sarah Thompson, Anthony Macdonald and Tim Boyd
- Opinion
- Trade
US protectionism and soaring economy gird steel industry
Demand for durable goods such as automobiles has surged so much that steel prices are three times higher than a year ago.
- Updated
- The Lex Column
UK government ‘vindicated’ by Sanjeev Gupta’s refinancing efforts
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng says politicians worldwide should learn from his refusal to let taxpayers bail out Liberty Steel.
- Hans van Leeuwen
Refinery expansions, franking credits back on Alumina agenda
Dividend star Alumina Limited is studying how debt could liberate more franking credits as its warms to the idea of expanding its Australian alumina refineries.
- Peter Ker
Freedom Foods recap plan secured after options, notes approved
Freedom Foods chairman Genevieve Gregor has pulled off a highly complex recapitalisation, which has saved the company.
- Carrie LaFrenz
James Hardie wants to be the Miele of house exteriors
The building products group is trying to turn James Hardie into a consumer brand as it chases 44 million renovators in the US.
- Simon Evans
Sanjeev Gupta hails progress in bid to protect Whyalla
The embattled Liberty Steel boss said he had held ‘constructive and positive’ talks with Credit Suisse, which is chasing him for up to $1.55 billion.
- Hans van Leeuwen
