South Australian-based Defence Coating Systems (DCS) has invested almost half-a-million dollars into an on-site defence coating facility at their Wingfield factory.
The new investment will enable DSC to deliver large format projects from its purpose-built and highly specialised spray booth on site, with dimensions of over 70 square meters.
DCS General Manager, Lou Surace, said the facility investment places the company in a great position to meet the expanding needs of future defence projects in South Australia and nationally.
“With defence representing a significant percentage of our business and growing, the new on-site facility provides a unique opportunity for capability development, and positions DCS as a significant force within defence manufacturing supply chains,” said Surace.
“The defence industry moves rapidly which is why it is vital to evolve business and infrastructure to effectively deliver new innovations that meet the advanced requirements of projects right across the country.”
The infrastructure investment has enabled DCS to secure a major contract with global technology and security company, Kongsberg, to paint their NASAMS Mk 2 Canister Launchers, which will be delivered to Prime Contractor Raytheon Australia and provided to the Australian Army as part of the Land 19 Ph 7B program.
The project, now underway with Kongsberg Defence Australia, will be delivered over the next 12 months.
“We are delighted to have Defence Coating Systems working with us as part of our growing Australian supply chain. The major investment they have made to their facility in Wingfield, South Australia, is very impressive and they are a great example of an Australian-owned Defence industry SME contributing to sovereign capability,” said John Fry, General Manager Kongsberg Defence Australia.
The new facility is part of an expanding, South Australian based, Rowlands group.
Managing Director of Rowlands Metalworks, Cameron Johnston, said he is thrilled to have DCS join the Rowlands group of companies, following an acquisition in late 2021.
“DCS is an incredible force within the specialised coating sector and represents a fantastic synergy with Rowlands Metalworks. We look forward to the further expansion of DCS’s capabilities in defence and are very excited to be working with Kongsberg Defence Australia on the current project,” said Johnston.
DSC has a deep history in specialised defence coating, having undertaken previous contracts to coat air warfare destroyers over a 6-year period.