Previous projects
Biotechnology Australia Pty Ltd
Founded in 1977 by David and Polly MacLennan and Don McLellan, Biotechnology Australia was Australia's first, and for over 20 years largest non-government R&D-based biotechnology company. The company's first project was to commercialise its own R&D resulting in a 1000 tonne pa grain-based continuous food yeast fermentation process.
On the emergence of genetic engineering technology in the early 1980's, the company was acquired by CRA Ltd (now RTZ Ltd) and subsequently focussed its activities on gene technology.
Intensive Aquaculture: Oysters
The Company identified intensive aquaculture as a major opportunity for Australian agribusiness, and initiated several R&D projects aimed at developing novel or advanced technology for producing high value intensive aquaculture products.
The first target was oysters – both Sydney Rock and Pacific – and focussed on the selection of genetically superior hatchery spat and the development (to pilot scale) of novel intensive systems for their production; also novel systems for intensive bivalve feed production including isolation of marine yeasts and continuous fermentation of marine yeast isolates, conventional yeast (Candida and Saccharomyces species) and conventional marine algae.
For this work the Company established field stations at Lake Macquarie (Eraring Power Station for access to warm water) and Port Stephens.
Intensive Aquaculture: Silver Perch
The Company's Aquaculture Programme culminated in the initiation and management of a major four year R&D programme to develop and prove intensive aquaculture technology for the farming of the Australian indigenous warm freshwater fish, Silver Perch, involving the construction and operation of 20 ha of production ponds. The project included the development and production of specifically formulated feeds on a 5 tonne/hr pilot plant designed, constructed and operated by AGRITECHNOLOGY. The resulting company is now one of the largest intensive warm freshwater aquaculture operations in Australia, located on the NSW North Coast.
Winery technology
As a basis for the development of reduced alcohol wine technology, AGRITECHNOLOGY initiated, developed, built and managed a pilot scale winery (Caleulah Winery) at Molong near Orange in the NSW Central West, including the establishment of a contract Analytical Service specialising in advanced grape quality assays (Glycosyl-Glucose, Total Red Colour, etc). Caleulah is now part of Orange Country Wines.
Advanced Systems Research Pty Ltd
Advanced Systems Research developed, patented and commercialised novel technology for the accurate, rapid, remote automatic location of vehicles in urban and high density areas.
AGRITECHNOLOGY principal (David MacLennan) co-founded the company with Dr Michael Yerbury, University of Sydney physicist, and was Chairman and Managing Director throughout the 4 year joint R&D programme with Lend Lease Ltd. The Company floated on the Australian stock Exchange as QUICKTRAK Ltd, which commercialised the technology in Australia and overseas.
Metalaser Pty Ltd
Metalaser developed, patented and commercialised a novel copper vapour laser system for medical and industrial applications, from technology originating from Macquarie University, Sydney. The Company was co-founded by AGRITECHNOLOGY principal (David MacLennan) who was Chairman and Managing Director until the Company relocated to the United States to expand its commercial activities.
