Katherine Ziesing | Canberra
Rheinmetall has purchased at 49 per cent share in Adelaide based SME Supashock.
Supashock, best known for their world beating work on suspension for Formula 1 race cars, earlier this year signed an agreement with Rheinmetall for international work on their military trucks.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of the announcement last week that the German company intends to establish their Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) and their potential Land 400 bid in Redbank, Queensland.
Former Army officer and Management Board member Ben Hudson announced both decisions, hinting that more research and development work is on the horizon for the company.
“We’re looking at partnering with a range of bodies in Australia to maximise high technology and high value work in this market, for both the Australian customer and internationally,” Hudson said to ADM.
Rheinmetall is investing in the South Australian company with an aim to increase their technology offering through various international Rheinmetall programs, with Hudson commenting that the company has excellent engineering credentials and the partnership will give both companies avenues for growth.
ADM also understands that the company will be investing in a number of technology fronts including lightweight materials, photonics/optronics, autonomous systems and vehicle survivability.