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Two Perth-based manufacturers, Dobbie and VEEM Ltd, have secured Level 1 accreditation within the supply chain of Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipyard, the United States’ largest naval shipbuilder.
Level 1 accreditation represents one of the highest supplier qualifications in the US defence system. It is reserved for companies that meet exceptionally demanding standards in quality assurance, traceability and material control.
The achievement positions both firms to compete for contracts supplying mission-critical components for US Navy submarines and other vessels. Level 1-certified items, including precision fittings, specialty valves and mechanical componentry, are essential to the safe operation and integrity of submarines, surface ships and nuclear propulsion systems.
H&B Defence managing director Tim Brown said the recognition was “more than a technical win – it’s a powerful signal of our growing role in strengthening global defence capability”.
“Through AUSSQ, we’re not simply qualifying suppliers – we’re laying the foundation for Australia’s future in sovereign submarine construction and advanced defence manufacturing. This is about building capability, resilience and global credibility,” he said.
Dobbie, a foundry and engineering machining specialist, and VEEM, a global leader in marine propulsion and stabilisation technologies, now join an exclusive group of suppliers worldwide that hold Level 1 status.
Both companies underwent exhaustive technical assessments by H&B Defence and subject matter experts from Newport News Shipyard under the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program (AUSSQ). Their accreditation means they can now manufacture Level 1-certified components and receive formal requests for quotation from the US shipbuilder.
The announcement highlights the role of the Australian Submarine Agency and H&B Defence in supporting local industry participation in the international defence supply chain.
Dobbie general manager Bruce Swan said Level 1 accreditation marked a proud milestone, saying, “It strengthens our business through improved security and resilience, and positions us to supply high-quality castings into US naval programs while advancing Australia’s sovereign capability.”
VEEM chief executive officer Trevor Raman described the achievement as the result of many years of investment in defence, saying, “The rigorous qualification process has validated the technical capability of our products and enhanced our reputation for reliability and performance.”
“This accreditation is a testament to the hard work of our team and allows us to play a meaningful role in supporting national security through a resilient defence supply chain,” Raman added.
