Sharpe® is proud to announce the investment in a state-of-the-art Mazak Integrex i-450HS x 2500U multitasking machining cell, supported by the Queensland Government’s Made in Queensland Round 6 initiative.
It’s the second time Sharpe® has received support through the MIQ program—reflecting ongoing confidence in our innovation and impact on regional manufacturing. The initiative is supported by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.
This advanced manufacturing cell, featuring a gantry robot loader and integrated parts conveyor, will be central to scaling production of the Sharpe® TX Series TorqStopper® product line—an innovative solution to tubing back-off and the oil and gas industry’s leading torque anchor. Manufactured in Queensland, its robust design is proven to increase production, while reducing the downtime of an operating well. As the only Australian OEM of the TorqStopper®, we’ve been manufacturing this product for over 7 years, continuously investing in specialised tooling, work holding systems, and external machining optimisation reviews. These initiatives have refined our processes to deliver high efficiency with minimal scrap and rework.
Introducing multitasking technology and robotics will significantly boost production throughput, helping Sharpe® remain competitive in both domestic and international markets while offering new export opportunities.
Beyond the TorqStopper®, the machining cell will support a range of Sharpe® manufactured products of high complexity and tight tolerances and surface finish requirements. Single-setup machining reduces the risk of errors associated with moving workpieces between machines, ensuring quality and consistency while enabling faster turnaround times and reduction of work in progress, essential for meeting competitive lead times demanded by Sharpe’s clients.
The Integrex i-450HS and gantry robot loader enable lights-out operation, freeing skilled staff to focus on high-value tasks including programming, monitoring and reviewing machining processes, and continuous improvement.
As part of this implementation, Sharpe® will create new jobs and upskill CNC machinists and programmers to operate the robotic and Mazatrol systems.
This investment reflects our strategy to increase capacity and capability through automation. It’s a step forward in future-proofing Australian manufacturing and continuing to deliver high-quality, precision-engineered solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and markets.
