DMTC’s Industry Capability Development Program aims to create a network of ‘Defence-ready’ companies with benchmarked, globally competitive capabilities. It has a strong focus on engaging SMEs in its research and development activities and equipping them to participate in prime contractors’ supply chains

The DMTC delegation included representatives from a range of Australian, 'defence ready' and adjacent businesses, including:

• Jade Engineering;
• SMW Group;
• CSF Industries;
• Frontline Manufacturing; and
• Watkins Steel.

They were joined by representatives from the Queensland government, Latrobe City Council, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), DMTC, the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC), Marand and defence primes including Rheinmetall Defence Australia and BAE Systems Australia.

In addition to networking, participants had the opportunity to tour the National Manufacturing Week exhibition halls and hear case studies and success stories from other Australian SMEs.

Participants gain exposure to innovative technologies, best practice techniques and processes and insights into quality, safety and certification standards expected by Defence. The multi-phase DMTC program involves process benchmarking and technology transfer activities with research partners and with support from the CDIC and relevant certification partners.

This Industry Capability Development Program is a multi-phase program designed to build capacity and open doors to opportunities in the defence sector. It also provides mentoring and evidence-based feedback on what SMEs need to do to improve skills.

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Building on previous capacity-building successes in areas such as CNC machining and additive manufacturing (3D printing), current efforts focus on enhancing welding capabilities.

DMTC’s activities focus on development of industry capability, rather than a specific product. As such, platform independent activities (such as welding productivity improvements) can be addressed independently of design or prime contractor selection, by focusing on supply chain improvements and setting context through global best practice benchmarks, standards and quality frameworks.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.