Energising the Factory Floor

Queanbeyan manufacturer Server Racks Australia is proof that energy efficiency on the factory floor makes good business sense.

The Australian Government is making it easier for businesses to invest in an energy efficient future, with the new $800 million Clean Technology Investment program and the $200 million Clean Technology Food and Foundaries Investment program.

These programs are central to the Government’s Clean Energy Future initiative.

Server Racks Australia, which designs and makes computer server racks, has reduced its electricity and gas usage by 20 per cent during the past few years through a focus on energy efficiency.

Most businesses could find similar results, and are now being urged to look to the Clean Technology Investment programs to see if co-contribution grant assistance is available for investment in energy efficient capital equipment and low emissions technologies, processes and products.

Server Racks Australia General Manager Simon Dunphy said the company has successfully invested in new capital equipment such as a made-to-order, energy-efficient powder coating oven.

They also regularly replace machinery to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible, and use high-quality equipment which is built to last.

“This involves a significant capital outlay, but we consider it good business as we can be as efficient as possible, not to mention our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint,” Simon said.

“For example, our state-of-the-art turret laser combination machine means we are able to manufacture with extremely high precision whilst reducing wastage from inaccurate equipment. As well, our manufacturing process is designed to significantly reduce the set up time of equipment so that we can produce one-off customised designs to meet customer’s tight timeframes.”

Server Racks Australia has claimed the Australian Government’s R&D Tax Concession for the past four years. The Concession has been replaced by the R&D Tax Incentive, which provides even more generous incentives, especially for smaller companies, via a targeted tax offset on eligible research and development expenditure.

Businesses and manufacturers should register their interest in the Clean Technology Investment programs and/or the R&D Tax Incentive with AusIndustry via the hotline at 13 28 46, by emailing hotline(at)ausindustry.gov.au or by visiting www.ausindustry.gov.au.