French manufacturer Axon Cable is the latest international firm to move into South Australia's Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen, as it accelerates its entry into the state's defence and space sectors.
As a global leader in the design and manufacture of customised cables, connectors and interconnect solutions for defence, aerospace, medical and automotive industries, Axon is expanding its footprint into South Australia, positioning itself within the state's world class innovation district.
Already a key supplier to ASC at South Australia's Osborne Naval Shipyard, Axon's move into the Landing Pad opens the door to deepening industry relationships and forming new supply chain partnerships across defence, naval shipbuilding and space.
Also joining the Landing Pad is Western Australian firm, Bennett Litigation and Commercial Law which is expanding into South Australia to work more closely with clients delivering complex defence and infrastructure projects, as well as key stakeholders across aerospace and technology.
Bennett's expansion into South Australia strengthens its defence practice and ability to support clients across maritime and shipbuilding precincts in Osborne, South Australia, as well as Henderson in Western Australia, building on its experience assisting with the SEA1180 Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel Project.
Axon and Bennett join a growing cohort of interstate and overseas talent leveraging the Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen as a springboard into the state, signalling continued confidence in South Australia's thriving defence and space industries.
Managed by Defence SA, the Defence and Space Landing Pad provides office accommodation, government support and tailored business advisory services to help national and international companies establish and scale their operations in South Australia.
Since opening in 2018, the Landing Pad has supported more than 20 defence and space companies to enter the South Australian market, including Kongsberg, Egis, L3Harris and leading Australian launch services provider Gilmour Space Technologies, which moved in earlier this year.
As put by Chris Picton
I want to welcome Axon Cable and Bennett to South Australia and Lot Fourteen's world class innovation district.
The Defence and Space Landing Pad continues to attract national and international companies that are eager to establish themselves in our state.
We have a $2 billion defence industry in South Australia and a growing pipeline of work but we must continue to draw the workforce and skills required to capitalise on our opportunities.
As put by Stéphane Watier, Axon Australian Units Global Manager
Establishing a presence at Lot Fourteen places us at the centre of South Australia's defence and space ecosystem.
Many of our customers are already located here, and the Landing Pad provides a valuable environment to build relationships and collaborate on future programs.
Being close to major defence projects allows us to better support our partners and respond quickly with local expertise.
As put by Shemali Samaraweera, Bennett Litigation and Commercial Law Principal (Defence Co-lead)
Our expansion into South Australia represents a natural progression of our sustained growth in the defence industry, building on our experience supporting clients across the strategically significant defence and maritime precincts of Henderson, Western Australia and Osborne, South Australia.
Being part of the Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen positions Bennett at the centre of innovation, enabling us to support industry in the delivery of complex projects while continuing to strengthen Australian Industry Capability.
As put by Di Dixon, Lot Fourteen State Project Lead
Welcoming these new tenants is another strong vote of confidence in Lot Fourteen, with the Defence and Space Landing Pad proving a resounding success in attracting high value capability to South Australia.
Lot Fourteen continues to play a critical role as an economic driver for the state, a place where world class capability, innovation and opportunity come together.
