Queensland wins big with LAND 400 and Rheinmetall
23 March 2018
Queensland Government:
Today’s announcement by the Federal Government
that
Rheinmetall Defence Australia is the successful tenderer for the
LAND 400 Phase 2 contract is a watershed moment for
Queensland’s
manufacturing industry and the
jobs it supports.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the announcement marks the
culmination of a lengthy and active campaign from her Government to
secure the $5 billion contract for Queensland.
“This heralds the beginning of a new military vehicle manufacturing
industry for
Queensland,” the Premier said.
“The LAND 400 Phase 2 contract to deliver the next generation of Combat
Reconnaissance Vehicles to the Australian Army is a significant step
forward for Queensland manufacturing.
“Our success in attracting a global defence giant like Rheinmetall to
Queensland will create opportunities for local industry for decades to
come.
“Rheinmetall Defence Australia has also committed to establish its
Australia-New Zealand Headquarters and Military Vehicle Centre of
Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in South East Queensland, and this facility will
become a regional hub with an expected program of continuous design,
build and support for up to 5000 military vehicles in Australia and the
Asia Pacific.”
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and
Planning Cameron Dick said Queensland was ready to reap the benefits of
the win, including job creation, booming business and invaluable
industry growth.
“This landmark project is an economic game-changer that will create 450
advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs for Queenslanders and pump
$1 billion into the state’s economy in the first 10 years,” he said.
“Winning this contract will drive high-tech innovation, boost
investment, and create global export opportunities for everyone along
the extensive supply chain across the state.
“Rheinmetall’s success is testament to all the advantages that a
Queensland location offers to modern defence projects, and cements the
state’s reputation as Australia’s front line for defence industries.”
Mr Dick said while Rheinmetall’s MILVEHCOE will be located in the
state’s South East, regional companies were set to enjoy the rewards of
a Queensland base for the German company.
“Last year Rheinmetall met with 211 companies in nine Queensland
regional centres and have already announced teaming arrangements with
four regional businesses and others in
Brisbane,” he said.
“With over 100 of the new military vehicles to be based in Townsville
and Enoggera, regional businesses will be able to capitalise on supply
and support opportunities.”
Queensland companies already set to benefit include Redcat Industries
from Cairns, Global Manufacturing Group from Maryborough, LaserDyne
Technologies from the Gold Coast, and NIOA, G & O Kert and Hilton
Manufacturing from Brisbane and Ipswich.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, Gary Stewart said that
selecting Queensland as the home for its MILVEHCOE - which will be their
biggest presence outside of Germany - was a natural choice given the
proximity to the largest Army presence in the nation, the existing heavy
vehicle precinct, the skilled and ready workforce, and the ecosystem of
high-tech defence companies already here.
“We are committed to transferring expertise and advanced military
technology into Australia and creating an industrial hub of research
and development that will create a strong sovereign military vehicle
capability that will be globally competitive for infantry fighting
vehicle programs worldwide,” Mr Stewart said.
Mr Dick said the Palaszczuk Government had worked hard to convince
Rheinmetall to choose Queensland to build Australia’s new CRV.
“The Palaszczuk Government was always confident that Rheinmetall’s Boxer
was the best vehicle for our diggers and that Queensland was the best
location for modern, military vehicle manufacturing projects,” he said.
“Ben Roberts-Smith, Victoria Cross winner and undeniably one of the
country’s most highly-respected veterans, publicly championed
Rheinmetall’s Boxer as the option that will provide our servicemen and
women with the most protection, one of the Commonwealth’s key criteria
and one backed by all Australians.
“Rheinmetall will draw on skills, services, products and capability from
every state and territory in Australia, and with such high levels of
Australian industry participation it is a national defence project of
which we can all be proud.
“In particular, Rheinmetall’s choice to use high performance armour
steel that has been designed, developed and manufactured on home soil is
further evidence of Rheinmetall’s commitment to Australia.
“The Palaszczuk Government worked on attracting the LAND 400 Phase 2
contract to the state for nearly three years and we now look forward to
a long and mutually beneficial partnership with Rheinmetall Defence
Australia.”
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875 Anika Hume 0447 320 039
External Links: N/A
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