AW Bell graduates Lockheed Martin Australia Mentor Protégé Program

“As a key part of Australia’s industrial future, the MPP brings world‑class expertise to SMEs that are pivotal to our defence ecosystem,” said Toni Marzulli, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand vice president of operations.

“AW Bell’s successful completion of the MPP demonstrates the company’s dedication to delivering a world-class advanced manufacturing capability in defence and aerospace.”

During the year‑long program, AW Bell benefited from hands‑on guidance in critical areas, including environmental, social, governance practices, supply chain strategy, business development, cost management/cost principles and procurement engineering.

Lockheed Martin experts from both Australia and the United States facilitated workshops, on‑site reviews and coaching sessions, enabling AW Bell to adopt best‑practice processes and align with global defence supply‑chain requirements.

“We have been truly privileged to be part of this Mentor Protégé Program (MPP). Through this program, we have gained invaluable insight into how Lockheed Martin operate, what they need and where they are headed – placing us in a far stronger position to support them in the years ahead,” AW Bell chief executive officer Sam Bell said.

“Perhaps more impacting for our team, were the mentors themselves. The mentors who guided us were exceptional, giving their time and encouragement freely, and leaving us with a network of contacts within Lockheed Martin we know we can genuinely lean on – something we did not expect but are deeply grateful for.”

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AW Bell’s graduation follows a successful 12‑month program originally launched in the United States in 1990 and later adapted for the Australian market to support the Australian Defence Force’s procurement and supply‑chain resilience goals.

“The MPP has already graduated three other Australian companies – Clearbox Systems, Silentium Defence, and Inovor Technologies – and will continue to identify high‑potential SMEs for future cohorts.

AW Bell’s participation in the MPP was sponsored by Lockheed Martin Australia’s Office of Australian Industrial Participation through the Global Supply Chain Program.

“The Mentor Protégé Program is a flagship initiative that underpins Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities,” said Christopher Hess, Lockheed Martin Australia’s head of industrial development.

“AW Bell’s completion reinforces our commitment to nurturing domestic SMEs, ensuring they are equipped to compete for prime and subcontractor roles in both local and global supply chains.”