Government grant helps NSW manufacturer to reinvent the wheel

NSW based manufacturer, Rotacaster Wheel, will be able to expand local production of its revolutionary omni wheel thanks to a $563,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF).

 Managing director, Peter McKinnon, said the funding will allow completion of a $2.25M automation project at its Beresfield facility, near Newcastle.

Mr McKinnon said the project will deliver a new, high volume, production system capable of making more than 1.8 million, 50mm, omni wheels a year at a lower per unit cost. He said a new system will increase efficiency and process control, reduce waste and OHS risks, and support at least an extra 11, higher skilled, local jobs.

“With the help of the Australian Government we’re investing in manufacturing excellence, skills, and jobs, here in the Hunter,” Mr McKinnon said.

He said the project will allow the company to meet growing local and international demand.

“We export around 50 per cent of production, but we expect that to grow to at least 80 per cent within the next few years. We are getting a lot of interest from the United States, Asia and Europe for our MedTech, robotic, and consumer good applications of our omni wheels,” he said.

Omni wheels are wheels with a wheel, which Mr McKinnon said presents industry and consumers with an exciting alternative to the traditional swivel caster. Because the wheels do not need to swivel, they respond directly to the force applied, and can move in any direction, providing greater load stability and directional control. There are only a handful of omni wheel producers worldwide. Omnia, a business of Rotacaster Wheel, has become a global leader in the development and manufacturing of omni wheels.

“Omnia’s patented wheel technology uses a different design and manufacturing approach to its competitors, making our Hunter-made omni wheels the most capable, across a broader range of applications, worldwide. 

“We are literally re-inventing the wheel and are at the forefront of innovation in mobility.”

Omnia’s wheels are being used to improve MedTech equipment and by Australia’s best-known retailers and wholesale distributors to move goods. The Greek Postal Service has just ordered the company’s multi-directional conveyor sortation tables.

Robotic mobility is another area where Mr McKinnon believes there is great potential. Australia’s first autonomous sterilising robot, at the Royal Hobart Hospital, runs on Omnia’s wheels.

A host of consumer goods can be improved by Omnia’s wheels according to Mr McKinnon. Its Plant Glider uses omni wheels to allow people to have an attractive plant pot that they can easily move without scratching surfaces or tipping.

“With an omni wheel, a shopping trolley or hotel luggage will actually go where you point it.”

 Mr McKinnon is particularly proud of one application - the Omni-sense white cane tip – for people with a vision impairment. 

 “Omni-sense is another example of how Omnia’s wheels can improve people’s lives.”

Rotacaster Wheel is one of 86 businesses Australia wide to gain funding support under MMF round two.

Omnia designs and manufactures its products at its facility in Beresfield, near Newcastle. It is also participating in the NSW Government Going Global MedTech program. It won Manufacturer of the Year (under 50 employees) in the 2020 Hunter Manufacturing Awards.

 Visit www.omniawheel.com

ENDS

Govt release here: https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/porter/media-releases/55m-help-australian-manufacturers-modernise-and-grow