PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rio Tinto’s first locally made iron ore rail car has been built in Western Australia, as it steps up its use of domestic manufacturing across its world class iron or...

PERTH, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rio Tinto’s first locally made iron ore rail car has been built in Western Australia, as it steps up its use of domestic manufacturing across its world class iron ore business.

The company is investing about A$150 million to purchase 100 locally built rail cars, as well as continued investment in bearing refurbishment for its Pilbara operations.

Its partnership with Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd is also supported by the Western Australian government and establishes a new local supply chain that delivers jobs and boosts manufacturing in the state.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said: “Our vision for Western Australia’s future is clear: we want to continue working closely with the resources industry to diversify our nation-leading economy and make more things here.

“These railcars are an excellent example of that vision already in action. I want to congratulate Rio Tinto, Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock for building locally and supporting Western Australian jobs and industry.”

The first 40 rail cars will be built at Gemco’s Forrestfield facility in Perth, as it sets up a manufacturing workshop in Karratha, where 60 more rail cars will be made, starting later this year.

The new Karratha facility will create a manufacturing and bearing maintenance industry in the Pilbara, supporting up to 25 jobs in the region.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “We want to support local business and create new economic opportunities in the communities where we operate.

“By partnering with Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock, we are establishing new manufacturing capability in the Pilbara that will create a reliable and sustainable supply chain to support our operations and the regional economy for years to come.”

Gemco Rail is using advanced engineering and manufacturing expertise, alongside robotic welding technologies, to create rail cars that will each carry up to 118 tonnes of iron ore from Rio Tinto’s 17 mines in the Pilbara to its ports.

The new Karratha workshop will also support the supply of new and reconditioned rail car bearings from the Pilbara and reduce the need to transport iron ore rail cars and bearings from Perth.

Engenco Limited, the parent company of Gemco Rail, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dean Draper said: "We are proud to partner with Rio Tinto to re-establish iron ore rail car manufacturing in Western Australia. The construction of Rio Tinto’s first locally built rail car marks a significant milestone in developing a sustainable local supply chain.

"Gemco Rail's investment in both our Forrestfield facility, and our expansion into Karratha reflects our long-term commitment to our customers and to strengthening regional industries. Led by our highly skilled workforce we are delivering high-quality rail solutions which will support Rio Tinto’s Pilbara operations."

CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd Managing Director Wang Liwen said: “We shall be committed to strongly support Rio Tinto's globalization strategy, low-carbon strategy, and localisation projects by virtue of our excellent products and services and actively promote the realization of social value.”

Note to editors:

Rio Tinto uses about 13,500 iron ore rail cars across its Pilbara iron ore rail network. It typically replaces about 10 retired iron ore rail cars with new rail cars a year. The first locally made rail cars by Gemco are expected to start hauling ore in the Pilbara in the first half of 2025.

Since 2018, Rio Tinto has more than doubled its annual spend with Western Australia suppliers, increasing it to a record A$10.3 billion in 2024.

Rio Tinto
Rachel Pupazzoni
M +61 438 875 469
E media.enquiries@riotinto.com

Gemco Rail
Alicia Martino
M +61 436 927 770
E alicia.martino@engenco.com.au

WA Premier’s office
Jordan Murray
M +61 419 102 823
E jordan.murray@dpc.wa.gov.au

riotinto.com

Category: Pilbara

Business Wire | Thu, Apr 03 2025 06:00 PM AEDT

Canva for Education now available through Google Workspace for Education integration, offering seamless deployment and unlocking creativity for teachers and students worldwide. SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE...

Business Wire | Thu, Apr 03 2025 12:34 PM AEDT

Canva for Education now available through Google Workspace for Education integration, offering seamless deployment and unlocking creativity for teachers and students worldwide.

SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canva, the world’s only all-in-one visual communication platform, and Google have today unveiled their latest collaboration, introducing the Google for Education app licensing integration for Canva for Education. This cutting-edge collaboration enables school and district administrators to deploy Canva quickly and easily through Google Workspace for Education, empowering teachers and students to unlock classroom creativity with just a few clicks.

This integration simplifies license distribution and reduces administrative workloads, making it easier for school and district leaders to deploy Canva at scale. By simplifying access, Canva and Google for Education are empowering educators to bring world-class creativity tools into the classroom and helping to prepare students for success in an increasingly digital world.

“Our partnership with Google is reshaping how schools access and implement technology,” said Carly Daff, Canva’s Head of Teams & Education. “With Google app licensing, districts can now deploy Canva in just minutes. This collaboration is about removing barriers so that every student and teacher can easily tap into their creative potential. Together, we’re building a streamlined education technology ecosystem that’s simpler, smarter, and more impactful.”

A seamless, scalable solution for schools

Google’s app licensing for Canva for Education addresses key challenges faced by schools and districts, offering:

• Instant Deployment: Schools can activate Canva licenses through Google Admin console, reducing setup time from weeks to minutes.
• Automated Onboarding: Staff and student accounts are created automatically, enabling a one click sign-in and onboarding experience.
• Enhanced Security: Built on Google’s trusted infrastructure, GAL ensures data privacy and compliance with global education standards, including FERPA and COPPA.
• Scalability: Flexible license management through Google Workspace for Education allows schools and districts of any size to deploy Canva efficiently.

“Google’s app licensing integration was born out of a desire to simplify life for administrators and make it as easy as possible for them to put great education tools in the hands of teachers and students. Partnering with Canva to launch the app licensing integration will further this mission, and ensure that teachers and students across the globe are able to access the world class creativity tools Canva for Education has to offer.” said Alisa Sommer O’Hara, Google’s Global Head of EdTech Partnerships

Empowering Creativity with Canva for Education

Canva for Education is free for all K-12 schools, offering access to premium creative tools, over 100,000 educational templates, and robust collaboration features. With Google for Education app licensing, schools can now deploy Canva instantly, removing barriers to adoption and opening doors for more students and teachers to create, collaborate, and learn. Find out more here.

Canva press contact
comms@canva.com

Google press contact
press@google.com

Anthem Pleasant unveils innovative ventures in EV charging, patented products, and experiential retail, seeking partners and licensees for expansion. ...We welcome discussions with partners who s...

EIN Presswire | Wed, Apr 02 2025 09:20 AM AEDT

PEORIA, AZ, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Anthem Pleasant, an American businessman and serial entrepreneur, is leading transformative ventures across diverse industries, from sustainable transportation and floral retail to innovative consumer products and entertainment experiences. Pleasant’s portfolio of businesses and patented inventions exemplifies a commitment to creativity, problem-solving, and scalable innovation. As the Art Designer at Pleasant Limousines, owner of Peoria Florist and Sun City Flowers, and creator of patented solutions like the Toothbrush Pillow and Postal Notice, Pleasant is leveraging cross-industry expertise to drive business growth and pioneer new market opportunities. These endeavors – from a groundbreaking solar-powered EV charging concept for entertainment venues to the experiential event brand Bouquets & Bubbles^® – position Pleasant as a versatile leader at the nexus of technology, sustainability, and customer experience.

Innovating Sustainable Transportation and Entertainment

Pleasant’s role with Pleasant Limousines highlights his forward-thinking approach to sustainable transportation. As the company’s Art Designer, he develops cutting-edge renderings for solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations tailored to entertainment and event venues These mobile “Tailgate Renewable Energy Entertainment” (TREE) charging stations combine renewable energy with on-site entertainment, offering a flexible, eco-friendly solution for powering electric vehicles at concerts, sports games, festivals, and other large gatherings. The concept involves mobile units equipped with retractable solar panels and battery storage, capable of providing clean energy charging services wherever crowds gather By visualizing mobile solar car charging stations that double as entertainment hubs, Pleasant aims to enhance venue infrastructure while promoting a greener future in transportation.

Concept rendering by Anthem Pleasant of the mobile solar EV charging station in various deployment stages (Stages 1–6). This visual showcases how a standard 45-foot trailer can transform into a sprawling solar array using hydraulic lifts and retractable panels. The design provides a shaded, self-powered charging hub that can be deployed rapidly at event sites, underscoring the integration of sustainability and entertainment amenities.

This innovative approach aligns with broader industry trends. Industry research suggests solar-powered EV charging will become standard at major entertainment and sports venues as electric vehicle adoption grows. The EV charging infrastructure market is projected to expand from $7.3 billion in 2024 to $12.1 billion by 2030), underscoring the demand that Pleasant’s designs address. Pleasant’s work taps into this momentum, showcasing how transportation electrification can be seamlessly integrated into the entertainment sector. By combining solar energy technology with mobile entertainment, Pleasant Limousines is positioned to deliver value both in powering vehicles and enhancing fan experiences.

“We’re bringing together sustainability and entertainment in a way that benefits everyone,” said Anthem Pleasant, describing his vision for the EV charging project. “Imagine attending a stadium concert or a festival where your electric car charges on-site via solar power, and the charging station itself adds to the event atmosphere. It’s about leveraging creative design to solve infrastructure challenges while engaging and delighting customers.” Pleasant’s integration of clean energy reflects a commitment to innovation with real-world impact – reducing carbon footprints for venues and enabling environmentally friendly transportation for attendees. It also opens doors for partnerships with event organizers, sports franchises, and venue operators looking to expand their green initiatives.

Leadership in Floral Retail and Experiential Services

In addition to his work in sustainable tech, Anthem Pleasant has made significant strides in the floral industry as the owner of Peoria Florist and Sun City Flowers. These Arizona-based floral businesses, established in 1984 and long regarded as local institutions, specialize in high-quality fresh flower arrangements with same-day delivery services. Under Pleasant’s leadership, the florists have upheld a reputation for personalized service and artistic design, serving both individual customers and corporate clients. From weddings and celebrations to sympathy arrangements, the focus on quality and customized floral art has made Peoria Florist and Sun City Flowers trusted names in their communities.

Pleasant’s involvement in this traditional retail sector is complemented by his flair for innovation. Seeing an opportunity to add a unique experiential dimension to floral retail, he developed Bouquets & Bubbles^®, an interactive entertainment experience that blends floral design with social celebration. This trademarked brand (U.S. Trademark Reg. No. 7,436,961) offers flower arrangement classes paired with a champagne experience. In a typical Bouquets & Bubbles event, participants learn professional floral arranging techniques and create their own bouquets while enjoying champagne or other refreshments in a festive group setting. The concept of “one for you, one for me” encourages guests to make two arrangements – one to keep and one to share – embodying a spirit of community and goodwill.

Bouquets and Bubbles^® Joins SAF’s Petal It Forward Initiative, Spreading Goodwill in the Community

Bouquets & Bubbles has expanded the services of Pleasant’s floristry business and tapped into the growing trend of experiential retail. This model capitalizes on consumers’ growing appetite for interactive, experiential retail experiences. The flower-and-champagne classes turn the act of buying flowers into a fun, memorable event that drives customer engagement and loyalty. The success of Bouquets & Bubbles, which has been warmly received in the Phoenix area – including participation in community initiatives like the Society of American Florists’ Petal It Forward charitable campaign ([ Bouquets and Bubbles^® Joins SAF’s Petal It Forward Initiative, Spreading Goodwill in the Community.

Bouquets and Bubbles^® Joins SAF’s Petal It Forward Initiative, Spreading Goodwill in the Community– demonstrates how innovative event concepts can invigorate a traditional retail business.

Importantly for investors and partners, Bouquets & Bubbles^® is a scalable model. The concept can be replicated in other cities through partnerships with florists, event planners, or hospitality venues. As a licensor of the Bouquets & Bubbles^® trademark, Pleasant is exploring opportunities to expand this franchise-like model beyond his own stores, bringing the experience to new markets. “Bouquets & Bubbles is about crafting joy and connections,” Pleasant commented. “We’ve created a blueprint that combines artisanal skill with entertainment. I see tremendous potential to grow this as an experiential brand in hotels, resorts, on cruise ships – anywhere people want to gather for a creative, celebratory activity. We welcome discussions with partners who share the vision of bringing this unique experience to a wider audience.”

Patented Products Addressing Everyday Challenges

At the core of Anthem Pleasant’s entrepreneurial portfolio is a passion for inventing practical solutions to everyday problems. He holds multiple U.S. patents for products that improve daily life and communication. Notably, Pleasant is the inventor and licensor of the Toothbrush Pillow (U.S. Patent 10,058,219) and Postal Notice (U.S. Patent 9,609,973), two innovations with broad commercial applications.

The Toothbrush Pillow is an assistive oral care device that serves as both a toothbrush holder and stabilizer, making it easier for users to apply toothpaste and perform oral hygiene independently. This simple yet effective invention keeps any standard or electric toothbrush flat and secure on a surface, so that individuals can dispense toothpaste with one hand without the brush rolling or falling. By providing stability and preventing mess, the Toothbrush Pillow improves the daily brushing routine – a benefit for children learning proper brushing habits, adults with limited dexterity, seniors with conditions like arthritis or Parkinson’s, and anyone seeking a cleaner, more convenient way to handle a toothbrush. Pleasant acquired the Toothbrush Pillow’s intellectual property after recognizing its potential to help millions who struggle with daily oral care tasks. Pleasant has championed the Toothbrush Pillow as a tool for greater healthcare accessibility, and the product has already been featured in assistive technology demonstration programs in multiple states. This early adoption not only validates its usefulness but also opens channels for institutional partnerships (from elder care providers to rehabilitation centers) that can broaden its reach.

The Toothbrush Pillow enables hands-free toothpaste application for users with limited hand mobility. For example, the device holds a toothbrush steady on a flat surface, which is especially beneficial for seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities who may struggle to control a brush while applying paste. By keeping the toothbrush stable, the Pillow helps prevent mess and frustration, making daily oral care more accessible.

The Postal Notice invention represents Pleasant’s foray into digital services that modernize traditional systems. Postal Notice is a patented method and platform that provides real-time notifications to mail recipients at the exact moment physical mail is delivered to their mailbox. By integrating with postal service GPS tracking data, the system can automatically send an alert (via text, email, or phone) when mail has arrived, eliminating the need to repeatedly check a mailbox and ensuring important deliveries are not missed. For households and businesses, this adds convenience and peace of mind – no more waiting uncertainly or wasted trips for mail that hasn’t yet come. For postal and delivery services, Postal Notice offers a value-added feature that can enhance customer satisfaction and potentially generate new revenue streams.

Pleasant conceived Postal Notice in response to a common problem he observed: people often miss time-sensitive mail or make unnecessary trips to check mail that isn’t there. The innovation requires no extra equipment for mail carriers, leveraging the GPS-enabled scanner devices postal workers already carry. When a carrier delivers mail, the device’s GPS location triggers a notification to the addressed recipient, who has opted in to the service. This simple but powerful idea bridges the gap between the centuries-old practice of physical mail delivery and modern expectations for instant digital information. Notably, Postal Notice complements the U.S. Postal Service’s existing Informed Delivery program – which sends daily email previews of incoming mail – by adding the critical element of timing. While Informed Delivery tells users what is arriving, Postal Notice tells them when it has arrived, in real time.

The commercial implications of Postal Notice are significant. Direct mail remains a multi-billion-dollar marketing channel even in the digital age, and USPS reported that in 2024 over 35 billion pieces of mail were sent with promotional content. Each of those mailpieces represents a customer touchpoint that could be augmented by a digital notification or online follow-up. Postal Notice effectively brings “snail mail” into the digital marketing ecosystem, enabling integrated campaigns where a physical mailer can trigger immediate electronic engagement. For advertisers and businesses, this could substantially increase the effectiveness of direct mail campaigns – a potential $35 billion boost in digital marketing revenue. Moreover, Postal Notice offers mailers enhanced tracking and analytics; businesses can know exactly when their mailed offers or documents reach customers, allowing them to time subsequent communications or staffing accordingly.

Pleasant is actively seeking to collaborate with postal authorities, logistics firms, and marketing mail providers to implement Postal Notice on a large scale. He has filed an international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application to protect the concept globally and is advocating for a U.S. Postal Service partnership to pilot the service. A successful national rollout could pave the way for licensing this technology to postal systems in other countries, positioning Postal Notice as a new standard for mail delivery in the digital age.

Vision for Growth, Partnerships, and Licensing Opportunities

Across all his ventures, Anthem Pleasant demonstrates an unwavering focus on innovation, customer experience, and scalability. His career as a serial entrepreneur is defined by the ability to identify needs in disparate markets and create solutions that resonate – whether it’s enhancing sustainable infrastructure for events, enriching community life with creative classes, or improving routine tasks with clever devices. This diverse portfolio is unified by Pleasant’s hands-on leadership and a forward-looking strategy that emphasizes partnerships and intellectual property leverage.

Pleasant’s multifaceted businesses each offer distinct partnership or investment opportunities:

• Pleasant Limousines Solar EV Project: Pleasant welcomes collaboration with event venue operators, automotive technology firms, and renewable energy companies to further develop and deploy the mobile solar charging station concept. Joint prototype development or pilot programs at major venues could accelerate commercialization of this eco-friendly service.

• Floral and Experiential Retail Expansion: Having proven its appeal locally, Pleasant is now exploring franchise-style licensing of Bouquets & Bubbles^®. Entrepreneurs or hospitality businesses can partner to launch these floral-and-champagne workshops in new regions, leveraging Pleasant’s established brand and expertise. Likewise, strategic partnerships with floristry chains or hotels could integrate the concept as a value-added guest experience.

• Toothbrush Pillow – Healthcare Distribution: To expand the reach of the Toothbrush Pillow, Pleasant is pursuing partnerships with healthcare distributors, senior care providers, and retail pharmacies. He is open to licensing agreements that would enable established medical supply companies to produce and distribute the Toothbrush Pillow under his patent, bringing it into pharmacies, rehabilitation centers, and international markets. This patented product aligns with the growing emphasis on inclusive design in health and personal care.

• Postal Notice – Marketing and Postal Tech: To realize Postal Notice’s full potential, Pleasant is advocating for pilot programs with postal agencies and is open to private-sector partners that can integrate Postal Notice into mail tracking systems or marketing platforms. Possible licensees range from postal technology providers to marketing firms eager to incorporate real-time mail delivery data into omni-channel campaigns. The sheer scale of this service – which could eventually serve tens of millions of mail users – represents a significant opportunity for partners in the postal and marketing industries.

Pleasant emphasizes that by sharing expertise and resources through strategic partnerships, these innovations can reach every market that needs them. His collaborative ethos – combined with strong legal protections via patents and trademarks – forms the basis of a growth strategy designed to unlock maximum value. By actively inviting co-creators, investors, and licensees to join him in scaling up these ventures, Anthem Pleasant is turning a series of niche innovations into widespread solutions with global market potential.

About Anthem Pleasant

Anthem Pleasant is an American entrepreneur, inventor, and business leader based in Peoria, Arizona. With a diverse portfolio spanning transportation, retail, technology, and entertainment, Pleasant has established himself as a versatile innovator and problem-solver. He serves as Art Designer for Pleasant Limousines (a luxury transportation company), focusing on sustainable mobile EV charging solutions for entertainment venues. He is the owner of Peoria Florist and Sun City Flowers, two prominent floral design and delivery businesses in Arizona, and the creator of Bouquets & Bubbles^®, an experiential floral design class brand. Pleasant holds multiple U.S. patents, including those for the Toothbrush Pillow (an assistive toothbrush holder improving daily dental care) and Postal Notice (a system for real-time mail delivery notifications). He is actively involved in licensing his intellectual properties and pursuing partnerships that bring these innovations to market. Across all endeavors, Anthem Pleasant emphasizes innovation, customer experience, and strategic collaboration, reflecting his belief that synergy and shared vision are key to driving impactful growth.

Anthem Pleasant
Postal Notice
+1 623-444-2985
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Other

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.