Rowlands Metalworks’ first robot in 65 years to get future frigates, other sophisticated jobs
SA metal fabricator Rowlands says its first robot in 65 years is a key step to a major contract win on Australia’s multi-billion dollar future frigates.
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SA metal sheet fabrication company Rowlands Metalworks has unveiled a $500,000 investment into its future, its first robot in 65 years.
“The exciting thing about our robot Arcemy is that it is certainly new technology to us, but it’s also unique in the SA steel fabrication scene,” said business owner and managing director Cameron Johnston, who bought the robot from ASX-listed AML3D, a fellow South Australian business.
“It just puts Rowlands in a much better place to attract a high-calibre of jobs, so that instead of combating for the nearest cent on normal steel fabrication jobs, we can elevate ourselves because we are technically more capable now of delivering a more sophisticated product,” Mr Johnston said.
“That is important for typically defence clients who are looking for higher levels of engineering capability than what you can make in a kitchen sink,” he said.
The business signed a widely-publicised memorandum of understanding with $45bn future frigates builder BAE Systems’ supply chain partner Raytheon Anschütz in 2018.
That memorandum, which covered the delivery of navigational bridge consoles for the nine frigates, is expected to translate into millions of dollars of work for the Lonsdale company, but there is no definite contract yet.
“I think it’s fair to say I think it is a done deal and it is highly likely that in the ships’ consoles, this machine might make some special mounting brackets, which are very light, very strong and quicker to make.”
BAE Systems confirmed it had not contracted Rowlands yet, and declined further comment on specific timelines.
It has been supportive of Australian industry developing innovative, advanced manufacturing techniques that are transforming the naval shipbuilding industry.
Rowlands Metalworks’ major customer is agribusiness Seed Terminator, which uses a specially designed machine, fitted on the back of its harvesters, to help farmers get rid of weeds, avoiding the need to spray crops.
That customer will most likely be the first recipient of any machines made using Arcemy, which can be programmed for traditional robotic welding jobs, but also has the capability to 3D weld.
“Traditionally Rowlands has cut bits of steel, folded and welding them together to make the machines, which we will still do,” Mr Johnston said.
“But the robot will focus on heavily repeated elements of that product or machine … and in time, we may start laser printing pulleys and components inside it.”
Other potential beneficiaries of the robotic technology include Spark Furniture, Enviro Australis, Seeley International.
Rowlands Metalworks employs close to 70 staff, who will have new opportunities to boost skills.
“My personal belief is that as the owner of a business, you’ve got a choice to make – you can rip the money out of the business and live a comfortable lifestyle or you can continually try to keep your company contemporary and abreast of developments,” said Mr Johnston, who has owned the 1956-established business for 15 years.
“There is now a clear pathway inside Rowlands (for employees) to learn programming and other skills and it will become important as defence projects get underway.
“We will need to train up more welders and engineers and making Rowlands an attractive employer is important.”
The company has also formed a joint venture with French company Probent, a supply-chain contractor to $90bn future submarines builder Naval Group.
Rowlands Metalworks received a Centre for Defence Industry Capability grant of $189,000 from the Federal Government towards the $500,000 robot.
”It is exciting that we have this capability and technology available locally (through AML3D) in SA.
“How cool is that.”
Originally published as Rowlands Metalworks’ first robot in 65 years to get future frigates, other sophisticated jobs
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