Bushmaster order a vote of confidence in Australian industry
20 June 2011
Thales Australia has signed a contract to supply another 101 Bushmaster vehicles to the Australian Department of Defence.
The contract is a further vote of confidence in the Bushmaster, which has performed well on operations and helped save the lives of numerous Australian troops. The new Bushmasters will be used to replace damaged vehicles, and to support current and future operations.
“This success is the result of extensive R&D, engineering and Australian manufacturing expertise,” said Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia’s CEO.
“The teams based at our facility in Bendigo, Victoria, have wide-ranging skills and experience that enable us to work closely with the Defence Materiel Organisation and the Australian Defence Force to continually enhance the Bushmaster family of vehicles to meet evolving requirements.
“We greatly appreciate this vote of confidence by the Commonwealth not only in our own workforce, but also the specialist skills found in the many Small to Medium Enterprises that make up a significant part of the Bushmaster supply chain.
“Once again, this shows what Australia’s defence industry can achieve, and the benefits of being close to the customer while having the local capabilities to meet specific local needs.
“For our Bendigo workforce this will mean continued production through 2012. We will continue to vigorously pursue opportunities for the Bushmaster Single Cab Utility Vehicle and the new Hawkei in order to maintain the viability of Bendigo production. Export opportunities are also being pursued, with the Bushmaster already securing export sales of over $100 million.”
The contract takes the total number of Bushmasters ordered by the Department of Defence to 838.
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transport markets. In 2010, the company generated revenues of €13.1 billion (equivalent of AUD 18.9 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners. www.thalesgroup.com
Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and services. Employing around 3,300 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of around AUD 900 million in 2010.
Press contact
Libby Noble
Thales Australia
+61 (0)2 9562 3150
+61 (0)434 155 881
libby.noble@thalesgroup.com.au
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