ASC has launched registrations for its New Supplier Forum 2022, a free online event designed to assist more Australian businesses to enter the defence industry and work on submarine programs.
The virtual forum will be held online on 11 August and provide small to medium enterprises with the opportunity to learn about how they can join the more than 1200 Australian businesses which already support ASC’s Collins Class sustainment program.
The forum will include presentations by senior members of ASC’s supply chain team, networking and question and answer sessions to help more Australian businesses understand how to meet defence industry requirements for quality and technical performance and become ‘ASC-Ready’.
ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Whiley said the New Supplier Forum 2022 aimed to help more local businesses participate in Australia’s growing submarine sector.
“As ASC looks to the next phases of Collins Class sustainment and the Life of Type Extension, it’s critical that we continue to build and support local supply chain participation,” Whiley said.
“Large defence projects provide suppliers with great opportunities for long-term contracts that can support their growth. We want to assist even more Australian businesses to be ‘ASC-Ready’.”
“That will create more Australian jobs, and sovereign defence industry capability for our nation.”
ASC reportedly spends around $200 million with Australian businesses each year, and achieves more than 90 per cent Australian Industry Content on its Collins Class program, according to ASC.
The Collins Class Life of Type Extension will replace propulsion systems, diesel engines, generators, and the power conversion and distribution systems on all six of Australia’s submarines.
Axiom Precision Manufacturing General Manager Craig Maynard said his company had been part of ASC’s supply chain for the last nine years. He said the relationship had helped his company create jobs, enhance its products and strengthen its defence manufacturing capability.
“We have grown to become one of the largest Australian-owned precision machining and advanced manufacturing companies,” Maynard said. “Through our involvement with ASC, we became the first supplier outside of Europe to manufacture the main engine bearings used in the Collins Class submarines, providing Australian sovereign capability for critical sustainment items.
“The New Supplier Forum will be a great way to learn more about how Australian businesses can also be involved in the LOTE program, which might provide decades more work.”