Issue 10 - November 2009
In This Issue...
MD's Welcome |
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As we reflect on 2009, we are fortunate that we were busy through the global financial crisis. Not only did we celebrate 21 years in business, we formed The Advitech Group to provide a complete range of products and services to meet our customer’s needs. With Christmas fast approaching, I wish you and your family a safe festive season and hope to see at the official opening of our new office in 2010. |
Introducing...The Advitech Group
Despite the economic downturn, Advitech has experienced continuous growth and recently announced its expansion plan - the formation of The Advitech Group. Created to build on Advitech’s strong reputation and history, The Advitech Group is a collaboration of technology-focused companies, formed to leverage off their insights and expertise. Through selecting strategic partners, The Advitech Group now has manufacturing capabilities combined with an integrated team of professional service providers. Companies within The Advitech Group are individually operated and managed, allowing each to work independently or collaboratively. The main advantage of working collaboratively is the ability to take a holistic approach to service delivery. Members of The Advitech Group include the following: Advitech Pty Limited - Consulting in engineering, environment, sustainability, risk and project management Hushpak Engineering Pty Limited—unique engineering solutions in the field of noise attenuation and control for the mining, civil construction, and building industries. Novecom Pty Limited - SentineX® remote monitoring systems (noise, air, odour), Criteria® risk management software, ICT systems integration consulting. This means we not only develop innovative ideas, we can partner with our customer through the project life cycle - from concept through to commissioning – to ensure optimal benefits are achieved. Forming The Advitech Group allows us to remain at the forefront of technology and strategically positions us to provide a comprehensive range of products and solutions across multiple industry sectors”, said Larry Platt.
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Novecom Pty Limited - the link between you and technology |
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Novecom is an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company. Novecom’s vision is to provide a link between our clients and technology, supplying solutions to the mining, industrial, defence and environmental industries. We specialise in customised systems integration and can assist organisations with the integration of hardware and software systems to solve technical and business issues. We also provide the technical support for our SentineX product line and Criteria Risk Management Software. Product Feature : SentineX® : This remote environmental monitoring, data acquisition, communication and reporting system provides advanced capabilities for continuous monitoring with minimal human intervention. The SentineX product line includes noise, dust, odour and meteorological monitoring solutions. Our experienced team can integrate almost any sensing device to allow mobile access to monitoring outputs. These solutions rely on wireless communication technologies such as Next G and satellite. |
Sentinex unit located at Moolarben. |
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The report generating feature automatically summarises data into preformatting reports, logs and graphs and emails a package to users daily. It can also be set to transmit alarms by SMS when certain conditions are met or exceeded. The system is currently being used by a number of mines and industrial operations, proving an invaluable tool. Environmental Manager of Thiess Mining, Geoff Marschke said "To my knowledge no other system can provide the same flexibility. With simplified automated reports and near real time access to the monitoring data, the Sentinex system allows operations to be more proactive in addressing environmental issues, making everyone's job easier".
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Hushpak Engineering - first in sound engineering |
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Hushpak Engineering specialises in unique engineering solutions, in the field of noise attenuation and control. Being a registered research and development company, combined with a highly skilled team, enables Hushpak to provide creative and cost effective solutions across multiple industries. Hushpak has superior expertise in the design of enclosures and the retrofitting of industrial plant using modern acoustic materials and techniques. The company uses or invents technology, ensuring its commitment to consumer satisfaction. The company also has a long track record in producing cutting edge solutions to achieve noise reduction in large earth moving equipment for the mining industry. |
Wood chip facility constructed with Hushclad. |
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Product Feature : Hushclad™ : .Hushpak’s Hushclad is a new revolutionary product with remarkable noise reducing properties. Manufactured using standard steel profiles including orb or miniorb, this high tensile steel laminated Colorbond composite has tremendous strength and versatility Laboratory sound tests have demonstrated an STC reduction of 23dB . Besides its great sound reducing and mechanical properties, it’s smooth sealed surfaces allow it to maintain hygienic conditions and resist dust build-up that reduces the efficiency of other soundproofing materials. Hushclad is not only visually attractive, but has a construction speed far superior to traditional sound proofing methods. Hushclad can be used in construction to reduce the noise of a workshop or factory. It can also be used as a barrier, reducing noise between industry or a busy highway and the local community. |
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Project management across The Advitech GroupFormation of The Advitech Group provides the opportunity to bring together unique skills, resources, experience and products to support customers across a diverse range of geography and industry. This will establish The Advitech Group as a leader in managing the development and delivery of projects. Based on our commitment to total quality management, our Projects Team pride themselves on working collaboratively with customers to find solutions to complex issues. We provide a tailored approach on every project, whilst leveraging the Prince2 Project Management principles. This helps ensure best practice project management. For more information contact gordon.paterson@advitech.com.au |
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Accommodation module for HMAS SydneyAdvitech was awarded the task to design a demountable accommodation module for the Royal Australian Navy’s guided missile frigates (FFG). The module was to comfortably accommodate 12-18 sailors, as well as meet the Navy’s arduous survivability requirements. Under the guidance of Russell Smith, Lead Engineer for Defence, Advitech’s engineering design team worked collaboratively with local manufacturer Custom Transportable Buildings (CTB) on the design. They module was designed to fit inside one of the FFG’S two helicopter hangars. To assist with manoeuvring for installation and removal, the module was designed to be divided into three or four sections with a customised ‘jockey wheel’ system. To join the sections together, Advitech and CTB developed another customised connection which ensured precise positioning and provided a completely safe environment for the occupants. Following the successful acceptance of the design by the Defence Materiel Organisation, Advitech was requested to project manage construction and installation of the module, for deployment on HMAS Sydney. Advitech utilised the expertise of local HunterNet members including CTB and Byron GSE. The final product was tested onsite at CTB’s Kooragang Island facility and transported to Sydney’s Fleet Base East at Garden Island for installation to HMAS Sydney. HMAS Sydney recently returned from her ‘round the world’ deployment with the module and its all important occupants in excellent condition.
Images: delivery and installation on HMAS Sydney |
Advitech and the Environment |
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Together Today Advitech recently became associate members of Together Today - who are committed to positioning the Hunter as a world leader in energy and water efficient solutions. We share the values of Together Today and are regarded as leading consultants in water and environmental services. Our team of environmental scientists have the combined skills and practical experience to provide solutions to help individuals and companies to use water and energy more efficiently. We know from experience that using resources efficiently has positive environmental and financial benefits. |
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$50 Energy Assessments for Small Business The new Energy Efficiency for Small Business (EESB) program offers heavily subsidised energy assessments, tailored action plans and rebates for improving energy efficiency. This program can save you money and reduce your impact on the environment. To take advantage of this government initiative, click to access and complete the Registration Form on our website or email Jim Kelty Advitech has 21 years experience in energy assessments. We can also project manage equipment upgrades or installations. Medium to large businesses can register for DECCW’s Sustainability Advantage Energy Saver program. |
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Advitech - in the press The June 2009 edition of The Salvation Army magazine, Pipeline, acknowledged the role Advitech played in its successful participation in the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water’s (DECCW) “sustainability advantage program”. As the consultant delivering the Resource Efficiency Module, Advitech provided advice and encouraged Salvation Army personel to identify environmental improvements and achieve their goals. The sustainability program has led to an 18% reduction in carbon emissions over the past 12 months. Provision of services to DECCW is just one part of Advitech’s Resource Wise activities. For more information on resource efficiency and sustainability, please contact Colin Barker, lead engineer for sustainable development. |
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Our 21st Birthday |
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Advitech recently marked its 21st anniversary with a party at Mangrove Jacks at Wickham. Over 80 clients, staff and supporters were able to attend and share the special occasion. Larry Platt, noted that “it was a pleasure sharing our celebration with so many of our valued supporters – the people who have helped us achieve this significant milestone”. |
Larry Platt cutting the birthday cake. |
New Headquarters and Workshop |
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To accommodate our expanding business and support our future growth, Advitech announced its plans to move to a new office and workshop facility in the Steel River estate. The site will include large workshop facilities for the manufacture of Sentinex products, plus considerable storage and laboratory areas which will benefit The Advitech Group of companies and their customers. The headquarters will also include executive and administration offices, open plan office areas and multifunctional meeting rooms . Mr Platt said “The growth of a local business is great news for the Hunter region – it provides a strong foundation for more jobs, which is especially important given the current economic climate.” Advitech staff are excited about the new manufacturing capabilities and are looking forward to the move. |
Artist's impression of office and workshop |
Our People |
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Congratulations to Darren Hennessy on his 10 year anniversary with Advitech. Darren leads the ICT team and is the lead analyst and developer. Darren’s achievements during his last 10 years include the development of Advitech’s Criteria risk management software and Sentinex remote data acquisition and reporting system. More recently, Darren was instrumental in the commissioning of QuattroSound Directional Noise Monitoring unit. Advitech celebrated Darren’s 10 year anniversary with a surprise afternoon tea on 2 November. He was awarded with an engraved anniversary pen. |
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Congratulations and farewell ... to Sarah King, who is expecting her first baby later this month. Dianne Hoskins, will be replacing Sarah whilst she is on maternity leave over the next 12 months. Welcome... to Simon Bradley, a Project Engineer, who recently joined Advitech. Simon is located at Orica’s Kooragang Island site.
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Congratulations to Steven Mills from our Sydney Office on his DECCW Accreditation. Steven is the fourth Advitech engineer to be accredited by DECCW. This means he is qualified to deliver the Resource Efficiency Module on behalf of DECCW. |