Joint media release with Assistant Minister for Defence the Hon Andrew Hastie MP

The Morrison Government is backing Aussie manufacturers to tap into new local and global defence supply chains with more than $26 million for three innovative companies.

The grants under the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) will help Western Australian based family owned Hofmann Engineering to establish its advanced sovereign defence manufacturing centre and training facility for apprentices and graduates through its $16.2 million grant.

Supashock in South Australia will use its $5.5 million in funding to further invest in expanding its technology and manufacturing capability of advanced vehicle suspension systems for the defence industry.

Adelaide electronics manufacturer REDARC will use its $5 million grant for a project to develop a next generation portable power and control platform for the defence industry, including building a dedicated production facility.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said this funding builds on Australia’s existing strengths in defence manufacturing.

“Defence manufacturing offers a number of significant opportunities for Australian business to scale up, commercialise products and services, and enter some of the world’s most advanced supply chains,” Minister Taylor said.

“Keeping Australians safe is one of our Government’s highest priorities. Today’s funding comes on top of the billions of dollars the Government is investing to build our sovereign manufacturing capability in defence. 

“Not only will these projects help create new supply chain opportunities they will bolster our skilled workforce by delivering new local jobs and training opportunities.”

Assistant Minister for Defence the Hon Andrew Hastie MP welcomed this investment in sovereign Australian capability.

“These grants will create jobs and opportunities across the country and right here in WA at Hofmann Engineering – a great family owned business.” Assistant Minister Hastie said.

“We live in a time of great uncertainty in our region and the Morrison Government is supporting industry to deliver the capability our war fighters need to succeed in any contest.” 

Given the strength of applications in this initial MMI round, total funding has increased from $140 million to $200 million.

The MMI is the centrepiece of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy, designed to position Australia as a globally recognised, high-quality and sustainable manufacturing nation.

To learn more about the Strategy and the MMI visit www.industry.gov.au/manufacturing 

Media contact:

Minister Taylor’s office 02 6277 7120

Assistant Minister Hastie's office 02 6277 4223