Frucor Suntory Revolutionises Training with Extended Reality

Written By Emma Murtagh

Frucor Suntory is embarking on an innovation journey by integrating extended reality (XR) technology into its manufacturing training and safety processes.

Last year Frucor Suntory (Oceania) announced a +$400 million investment into a new state of the art manufacturing and distribution facility in Swanbank, Queensland.

The new facility will be a game changer for the Oceania region, enabling Frucor Suntory to meet growing customer demand, strengthen in-house capability, and create a platform for further innovation as a future focused business.

Swanbank will be an entirely net-zero operation and have the immediate capacity to deliver 20 million cases per annum, with the opportunity to scale in the coming years.

Construction has commenced and the facility is set to come online in mid-2024.

This week Frucor Suntory teamed up with the Queensland XR Hub and Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative to deliver a pitch challenge for virtual and extended reality experts to pitch innovative training and safety solutions in a manufacturing environment.

Following pitches from four shortlisted companies, tech start-up, Nexefy emerged victorious. The company’s pitch earned them $80,000 (AUD) and the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Frucor Suntory in shaping the future of the Queensland facility.

Tech start-up Nexefy was awarded $80,000 and the opportunity to collaborate with Frucor Suntory in shaping the future of the Queensland facility.
From left to right: Alan Smith (Judge, Suntory Beverage and Food), Schalk Pienaar (Founder & CEO, Nexefy), Mark Toomey (Judge, Frucor Suntory), Paul Woods (Judge, Frucor Suntory), Craig Tichon (Judge, Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport).

Nexefy is known for creating immersive training experiences, using extended reality to create transformational learning programs. This approach will be a game changer in a manufacturing environment as training can be delivered in a truly immersive way with zero safety risk for participants.

The team will continue working closely with Frucor Suntory to further develop virtual training and safety programs.

Innovation Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says collaboration with industry, local start-ups and entrepreneurs was important for building Queensland jobs and manufacturing. “The Advance Queensland initiative is about turning great Queensland ideas into the job creating Queensland industries of the future in a competitive global environment,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Pitch challenges backed by Advance Queensland have a great track record for connecting the Queensland knowhow of home-grown start-ups like Nexefy with Australian and international investors.”

Frucor Suntory Program Transformation Director Mark Toomey shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “It’s been fantastic to see the creativity and talent that the local business community has to offer. Our site will be world-class, and it’s incredible to be able to source the technology and expertise we need locally as we build our new facility. The site is due to be online mid-2024 and we’re incredibly excited about our future.”

Nexefy will embark on a partnership pilot program with Frucor Suntory to expand and refine the solution for implementation at the new facility.

Pitches were delivered by four shortlisted companies - Nexefy, HINDSITE Industries, BoostAR and Real Serious Games.
From left to right: Schalk Pienaar (Founder & CEO, Nexefy), Liam Scanlan (COO & Co-Founder, HINDSITE Industries), Rory Broadbridge (Head of Customer Success, HINDSITE Industries), Chris Samios (CTO, BoostAR), Andrew Logan (CEO, BoostAR), Suman Mitic (XR Design Lead, Real Serious Games).

Emma Murtagh
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