TCF Strategic Capability Program
The first round of grants under the TCF Strategic Capability Program (TCF SCP) that were announced back in November (and that can be found at this link) make interesting reading. The five year, $35 million, competitive grant program is designed to support large projects that will build innovative capability at the enterprise and workplace level. Whilst the grants are substantial, by all accounts the application process is onerous with some saying the process absorbed between 80 and 120 hours. Given the next round is likely to be during May, those seeking to make an application for the remaining $12 million, should allocate the time in advance.
Information on all grant programs in one document
Essential reading for all fibre and textile organisations - a 58 page document listing Commonwealth, State and Territory government programs available for the textile, clothing and footwear industries was recently published through the TCF Innovation Council. A link to the list can be found here.
Strong dollar bad for manufacturers with decline in December
Increased competition from cheaper imports - a result of the high Australian dollar - affected the textiles sub-sector, in particular during the month of December according to a survey done by the Australian Industry Group and PriceWaterhouse Coopers. A link to the AIG media release can be found here and the recent article in the Herald Sun can be found here.
TSF Commercial Enterprises divesting to simplify operations
Late in 2010, the Board of The Smith Family announced a decision to explore the divestment of its Nonwoven operations as a going concern while retaining and continuing to run the clothing recycling business. A copy of the media release can be found at this link.
Your input is needed for the latest TTNA Industry Survey
From time to time, TTNA conducts and industry survey to determine the issues affecting the business environment within which they do businss. All the feedback is confidential and will be aggregated into a report by the TTNA. Please take the time to fill out the survey that can be found at this link.
A Smart Textile Cap!
The term using your head has never been more relevant. The recently developed SmartCap combats operator/driver fatigue which is responsible for significant injuries and losses in a number of industries throughout the world. An overview on this Aussie ingenuity can be found at this link.
Cotton prices to skyrocket
The world cotton price more than doubled last year - heading for the biggest annual gain since 1973. Even before the recent floods, Queensland Cotton chief executive officer Richard Haire estimates cotton losses could total $150 million across the state. The losses in Theodore and parts of the Darling Downs total 10 to 15 per cent of the national crop. For some it is the second crop wipeout in less than a year. The article in the Courier Mail can be found at this link.
Cheers, Kerryn
|
%202.jpg "TTNA_90x443 (2) 2")
