Login
iscover
NSW family-owned company SMETEC Services has announced that it has achieved certification from the German government to cut armour steel for Rheinmetall’s Boxer 8x8 combat reconnaissance vehicle.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Over the course of the testing, SMETEC’s operations were put through their paces by officials from the German Bundeswehr (the Federal Armed Forces of Germany) and Rheinmetall delegates from both countries.
The company is now the first Australian operator to achieve such approval from the German Army – known as Bundeswehr WTD91 qualified – for cutting of armour grade steel to the German Army’s TL2350-0000 standards.
The move comes as part of preparations to manufacture the Australian Army’s new military vehicle in-country, drawing on other local manufacturers including Wollongong-based Bisalloy Steels.
SMETEC has long worked with Rheinmetall Defence Australia to meet the high standards and certifications associated with the Rheinmetall supply chain; including German government qualification.
Located in Huskisson on the NSW south coast, SMETEC specialises in precision processing of exotic materials and uses state-of-the-art waterjet cutting technologies to ensure Bisalloy’s highly specified material is processed to required standards.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia managing director Gary Stewart commented, “SMETEC’s achievement reflects the growing opportunities for highly capable Australian SMEs through existing local industry networks. The company is to be congratulated for achieving a world-class manufacturing capability that has been recognised by the German government and will ensure Australian soldiers are protected in combat by Australian steel”.
