Seven Aussie companies win Rheinmetall contracts

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price today announced seven small businesses that will partner with Rheinmetall Defence Australia on two major projects for the Australian Army.

FILE PHOTO (January 2017): A Rheinmetall Boxer CRV negotiates an obstacle on the Driver Training Circuit at Puckapunyal. Photo by Lieutenant Colonel Chris McKendry.

Visiting the new headquarters of Supashock Australia in Adelaide, Minister Price said the seven companies would share in nearly $20 million of work under the LAND 400 Phase 2 and LAND 121 Phase 5B.

LAND 400 Phase 2 will provide Army with 211 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles – which Rheinmetall will assemble at their facility in south-east Queensland, while LAND 121 Phase 5B will provide heavy and medium logistics vehicles and modules.

“This is an excellent example of how the big defence companies are working with local businesses on these large projects,” Minister Price said.

“The seven contracts announced today are the initial contracts as part of around $1.9 billion of work to be undertaken by Australian industry.

“Each company will be part of a growing cohort of local small businesses already delivering parts and services to Rheinmetall as the company builds its network of suppliers across Australia and establishes a local capability to underpin a national military vehicle industry.”

The companies receiving contracts today are:

• Cablex: A Melbourne-based  company that will supply vehicle systems and C4I cabling for the first 25 Boxers.
• Eylex: A Sydney-based  company that will supply crew communications equipment including headsets for the first 25 Boxers.
• Tectonica Australia: A Melbourne-based  company that will supply driver’s aids for night-time situational awareness for the first 25 Boxers.
• ABI Coating Specialists: A Brisbane-based who will paint and finish the first 25 Boxers.
• Bartlett: Based in Ballarat, Victoria, will supply tarpaulins for selected Rheinmetall MAN high-mobility logistics vehicles.
• Supashock: An Adelaide-based company that will supply spare wheel carriage system for Rheinmetall MAN heavy transport vehicles.
• Varley: Based in Newcastle NSW will supply various modules for the Rheinmetall MAN high-mobility logistics vehicles.

Minister Price welcomed the opening of Supashock’s new facilities today, which marked the expansion of the company into Australia’s defence industry and the creation of 60 new jobs.

“Supashock is a shining example of how our investment in Australia’s defence industry is creating new opportunities and more jobs for small businesses across Australia,” Minister Price said.

“I congratulate them on the opening of their new facility, and thank Premier Marshall for his government’s support of this project.”

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