More Victorian manufacturers are set to join the supply chain as part of the Australian Army's largest every acquisition project - thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks today visited the Hanwha Defence Australia Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) at the Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct to announce the recipients of Round 5 of the Supply Chain Uplift Program.
More than $800,000 has been awarded to 11 businesses to help them compete for contracts as part of the supply chain for Hanwha Defence Australia and other major defence businesses - creating new jobs, export opportunities, and attracting investment to Victoria.
The successful companies are Blueroom Simulations, EnyGy, Lunar Outpost, R&I Instrument & Gear Co., Ribcraft Marine, Ronson Gears, Skills Leap Australia, Stahl Metall, Total Precision, TRJ Engineering and Vokke.
Matched grants of up to $100,000 will support manufacturers to undertake projects including systems or facility upgrades, obtaining necessary industry accreditations, and further research and product development programs.
For recipient Stahl Metall, the funding will enable them to acquire a range of advanced manufacturing equipment that will help them improve product development and prototypes to seek further defence contracts.
Hanwha Defence Australia is delivering the Australian Government's $1 billion LAND 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobile Fires program featuring the Huntsman vehicles (AS9 Self Propelled Howitzer and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle) and the $5-7 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 - Infantry Fighting Vehicle feautirng the AS21 Redback.
These programs will create more than 1,000 direct jobs and hundreds more across the 2,500 businesses in Victoria's defence supply chain - strengthening Australia's defence, supporting those who serve, and building Victoria's sovereign industrial capability.
Since 2021, the Labor Government's $10 million Victorian Land Systems Fund and Supply Chain Uplift Program has supported 22 small and medium sized businesses.
The Victorian Defence Vision Statement outlines the Labor Government's vision to leverage the state's nation-leading capabilities in advanced manufacturing, workforce talent and defence-related research and development, which contribute around $10.9 billion annually to our economy and employ over 29,000 workers across Victoria.
More information about the Supply Chain Uplift Program is available at business.vic.gov.au/scup.
As stated by Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks
"We've set out a vision for Victoria to be a defence and aerospace powerhouse - and we're backing our industry to grow and thrive."
"The Supply Chain Uplift Program gives Victorian manufacturers the best shot at winning substantial defence contracts, helping to create jobs and boost the economy."
As stated by Member for Lara Ella George
"Our region plays a key role in Victoria's defence industry, and this investment is helping businesses scale up and succeed."
As stated by Member for Geelong Chris Couzens
"This new funding builds upon our support for local industry, solidifying Geelong as a vital manufacturing hub, creating jobs and boosting the regional economy."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"These investments will benefit the wider Geelong region - creating high-skilled jobs, driving innovation and ensuring local businesses are part of Australia's defence supply chain."
As stated by Ben Hudson, CEO of Hanwha Defence Australia and Europe/UK
"The support from the Victorian Government through the Supply Chain Uplift Program (SCUP) to SMEs is an excellent ongoing investment in Defence Industry."
"From capital investment to DISP accreditation, it's great to see SMEs investing to make sure they are ready to do business with us in current and future Defence programs."
As stated by Anton Fonseka, Managing Director Stahl Metall
"This funding will help us scale our operations and strengthen our ability to support key programs like LAND 400 and LAND 8116."
"It also reaffirms the importance of building a sovereign and resilient supply chain in Victoria that can compete globally and deliver lasting economic and strategic value."
