- Hofmann Engineering given the green light to help build US Navy aircraft carriers
- WA business one step closer to breaking into US nuclear-powered submarine market
- $300,000 in Cook Government funding provided to grow local companies, create jobs and diversify WA economy
In a major win for Western Australia's defence industry, Hofmann Engineering has been approved to supply WA-made components for the construction of United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Hofmann Engineering started in a Perth backyard in 1969 and has grown into an integral supplier to local industry, including WA's locally-made METRONET railcars. It is now the first business in Australia to be given the green light to provide parts for strategic US naval assets thanks to a nation leading Cook Government-supported program.
It means the Bassendean business is on track to being able to supply components for Virginia-class submarines, which will support the creation of local jobs and strengthen Australia's relationship with the US through its world-class industries.
$300,000 in Cook Government funding was provided last year to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) - the world's biggest nuclear-powered submarine builder - to deliver the Supplier Capability Uplift Program. The initiative was later incorporated into the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) program, executed by H&B Defence.
The successful program has also helped four other WA businesses advance towards achieving strict US approvals including:
- Dobbie;
- Marine Technicians Australia;
- Pressure Dynamics; and
- Veem.
HII is one of only two builders of the US Virginia-class submarine - the boat Australia is set to acquire under the AUKUS partnership in 2032.
This is all part of the Cook Government's Made in WA plan to strengthen local manufacturing. Localising the manufacture of high-end products in WA's defence industry is key to diversifying the economy and creating jobs for generations to come.
As stated by Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia:
"I want to grow WA's defence sector to become the State's second largest industry after mining, creating jobs for generations and diversifying our economy beyond the resources sector.
"WA's defence industry has the expertise to deepen Australia's strategic partnership with the US.
"Our skilled local workforce can accelerate the construction of Virginia-class submarines - benefiting both WA and our AUKUS allies."
