Rheinmetall and Supashock are proud to announce a European export contract that will see running gear components and technology designed and manufactured in Australia by Supashock and its qualified local supply chain, optioned in yet another contract for Rheinmetall's globally acclaimed Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
"Over the next 4-5 years, this (European) contract will further boost Supashock's export activities from the current level of 65%, of total sales to circa 75%. Externally, we estimate the support of 250+ jobs through our local supply chain due to the European export contract", said Mr Oscar Fiorinotto, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Supashock.
Supashock's highly advanced and patented mobility systems provide superior performance for tracked vehicles in the global market.
The new contract will create approximately 50 direct jobs that support sovereign industrial capability priorities. "Internally, Supashock is forecast to grow to 200+ employees by 2025 through defence, autonomous, commercial and automotive contracts. The latest export contract will also facilitate a major advanced manufacturing expansion for Supashock", Mr Fiorinotto said.
Supashock's valued partnership with Rheinmetall has provided a strong export base for the Australian defence industry. "Working closely with Rheinmetall, we are focused on providing advanced capabilities to Rheinmetall customers around the world."
"It's astounding to think Supashock has grown from 15 people in 2017, to a projected workforce of 100+ in 2022. None of this would be possible without our great partners at Rheinmetall and of course the support of State and Federal Governments."
Mr Armin Papperger Global CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall AG talked to the ongoing success story between Supashock and Rheinmetall, and the expansion to the global market. "After great success in developing sovereign industrial capabilities together whilst having served the needs of the Armed Forces in Australia over the past four years, Rheinmetall and Supashock will now use this base as a springboard to exploit new business opportunities in Europe and around the world. Being part of Australia's sovereign Defence capability makes us very proud and we are thankful for the continued support of the Federal Government, the Government of South Australia and local authorities, without which all of this wouldn't be possible."
Mr Gary Stewart, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia spoke proudly of the Rheinmetall and Supashock partnership.
"In four short years, Rheinmetall and Supashock have evolved our partnership, with Supashock today a part of Rheinmetall's sovereign Defence capability that supports not only the Australian Defence Force, but exports programs in Europe and North America" said Mr Stewart.
2.
Senator for South Australia and Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said Supashock had sprung to new heights, securing further major contracts with Defence and Rheinmetall.
"Supashock's ongoing success represents the rapidly expanding innovation and manufacturing sector that is a driver of South Australia's vibrant defence industry," Minister Birmingham said.
"The Morrison Government is supporting defence industry businesses like Supashock to pursue opportunities in international supply chains, delivering significant benefits for the Australian economy and creating hundreds of local jobs."
Premier Steven Marshall congratulated Supashock on their latest major contract announcement.
"Supashock are a real South Australian success story, proving just how important the defence industry is to South Australia," Premier Marshall said.
"They have pivoted from an industry which was winding down, to one which has a pipeline of work and local jobs for decades to come and I congratulate them for continuing to lock in major contracts and employing South Australians in the process."
Supashock's rapid growth has also driven engagement with the State Government to facilitate trainees from the SA Premier's Defence Scholarship Program and Defence Industry Internship Program.
Additional to State Government and Defence education and internship programs, Supashock holds strong partnerships with local universities, hosting a range of scholarship and undergraduate industry placement programs. Internally, Supashock's commitment is to upskill, grow and retain the local workforce, whilst continuing to deliver globally leading Australian technologies.
