At REDARC, we take pride in our world-class manufacturing facility located in Lonsdale, South Australia. On November 30, 2018, our upgraded facility was officially inaugurated by the Federal Minister for Defence, Christopher Pyne, and South Australian Premier Steven Marshall, alongside company owners Anthony and Michelle Kittel. This momentous event marked the completion of a $22 million capital expansion project, which was bolstered by a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Government's Next Generation Manufacturing Investment Program in 2016.
Expanding Our Capabilities
Our factory expansion has added 3,000 square meters of advanced manufacturing space, featuring cutting-edge equipment and systems. This upgrade, along with the installation of sustainable power infrastructure, enhances our capability to produce high-quality products efficiently. The facility now spans 6,500 square meters on an 8,400 square meter plot of land, equipped with renewable power systems to manage energy consumption innovatively.
Sustainable Energy Integration
REDARC is committed to sustainability. We've installed a 100kW solar power plant on our facility's roof and a Tesla Battery bank, complemented by 370 solar panels covering 600 square meters. These panels generate 140 megawatt-hours of energy annually, supplying over 30% of our electricity needs and offsetting 80 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Leading-Edge Facility Design and Technology
Our facility is designed with 'Industry 4.0' principles, creating an intelligent factory network that interlinks machines, products, components, individuals, and ICT systems. This integration ensures seamless visibility and collaboration across all departments, from office spaces to production lines.
Commitment to Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence
At REDARC, we thrive on innovation and continuous improvement. Our investment in new manufacturing techniques and machinery, including a state-of-the-art Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line, has increased our production capacity by 250%. This advanced technology, housed in an ISO-rated Clean Room, ensures the protection of electronic components by maintaining precise environmental controls and reducing particulate contamination.
Advanced Testing and Validation Capabilities
Our in-house testing capabilities are second to none. We utilize Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) and Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS) to simulate 10 years of product life in just two days. Additionally, our Vibration and Climatic Chamber replicates real-world driving conditions and temperature extremes, while our Electro-Magnetic chamber conducts comprehensive compliance measurements of radiated emission and immunity. These capabilities significantly reduce the risk, time, and cost associated with new product development, enhancing quality and productivity.
Ensuring Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protection
Electrostatic discharge protection is crucial in our facility. All employees and visitors working with devices are equipped with wrist or foot straps, and ESD-protected areas feature copper floors to ground electrostatic charges. Sensitive devices are also packaged with materials that shield them from electrostatic discharges.
Embracing Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
In collaboration with Adelaide universities, REDARC has invested in the latest industrial robotics technology. Our 19kg 'worker,' Sawyer, designed by US-based Rethink Robotics, performs precise, repetitive tasks alongside human workers, ensuring safety and efficiency in tight workspaces.
Adhering to Quality and Standards
REDARC has proudly maintained ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications for quality and environmental systems for over 20 years. Our testing capabilities comply with various international standards, including ISO 7637-2, ISO 11452-2,4, ISO 10605, ISO 16750, and CISPR 32, 25, 14, 11. In 2019, we aimed to achieve ISO17025 accreditation, the global standard for calibration and testing laboratories.
Experience Our Facility
We invite you to experience our facility firsthand. Join the virtual tour led by the iconic 4WD expert Pat Callinan to witness the cutting-edge technology and innovation that drive REDARC’s success.
