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Victorian Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll has announced a $1.2 million Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) grant to help Chemring Australia expand its Victorian operations in support of the global F-35 program.
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As part of the project, Chemring will expand its state-of-the-art countermeasure and pyrotechnic manufacturing facility, which is already one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities of its type in the world.
The expanded facility will be used to design, install and commission manufacturing, and test infrastructure for the F35-Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter countermeasures. Countermeasures include flares that counter the threat to the aircraft from ground or air launched infrared-guided missiles.
Chemring Australia has already provided demonstration flares to the US for qualification purposes.
Minister Carroll said, "We’re making sure manufacturing has a strong future in Victoria. With companies like Chemring Australia at the forefront of their field – that future is bright."
The company is a developer, manufacturer and supplier of military-grade products for the defence and safety markets. This investment will help the company secure high-value defence contracts.
The Victorian defence sector contributes up to $8 billion to Victoria’s economy every year and includes more than 400 businesses, employing around 20,000 people.
LIFT helps businesses generate new investment and create jobs for retrenched workers in areas affected by the closure of car manufacturing. The LIFT initiative has supported more than 40 projects that are expected to create more than 1,200 new jobs, over 1,000 of which are suitable for ex-auto workers.
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.
