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A Brisbane company has secured a lucrative contract with an international prime in a move that will create up to 25 Australian jobs.
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Ferra Engineering, a Brisbane-based company specialising in the design, manufacture, assembly and test of defence and aerospace sub-assemblies, has signed a contract with Thales Germany for the Queensland company's submarine radar.
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said the contract is another example of Australian export success that the government is hoping to expand on with its imminent Defence Export Strategy.
Minister Pyne congratulated Ferra Engineering on being contracted for the manufacture of sub-assemblies for Phoenice, Thales’ tactical navigation radar system for submarines.
"This export success exemplifies the defence industry we are seeking to build today and into the future to support defence capability, but also to create jobs and growth for Australians by increasing defence exports," Minister Pyne said.
"Ferra’s success recognises a significant shift from automotive parts in 2002 to the innovative advanced manufacturing company Ferra is today, supplying complex assemblies globally.
“Ferra will deliver two systems to one of Thales Germany’s existing European customers, with substantial potential future sales."
The project will have flow on benefits to Ferra’s supply chain, with more than 15 Australian-based suppliers already slated to deliver the project.
"The project will result in the creation of new positions and the up-skilling of staff to manufacture, assemble and test what is an extremely complex assembly," said Minister Pyne.
"Those benefits will be realised across the Australian defence industry as some work will be performed within Ferra’s extensive supply chain around Australia.
"The signing of this contract is a strong example of Australian small to medium enterprises building their capabilities and creating long lasting export relationships."
The government said the recent export successes can be attributed to the Australian government’s Global Supply Chain program delivered by the Centre for Defence Industry Capability. The program seeks to increase Australian defence industry’s international competitiveness and facilitate opportunities into the supply chains of multi-national defence companies.
So far 148 companies have been awarded contracts totalling over $900 million under the Global Supply Chain program.
