Global Defence Solutions has been selected to deliver the next generation of deployable force infrastructure for the NZ Defence Force.
As part of the Field Operational Hygiene and Catering System (FOHCS) requirement the project will provide an essential life support solution for serving personnel in the NZ Defence Force, and will be delivered over the next two years.
The force modernisation solution will consist of catering, shower, ablution and laundry platforms, each driven by its own dedicated diesel generator. The innovative designs also incorporate platform joining kits, interconnectors, waste water management and all accessories. Each platform is independent and can be deployed in under 30 minutes by two personnel.
The platforms are designed in partnership with French manufacturer, SERT, who have been leading deployable Life Support innovation for over 25 years. Local NZ company, Walkley filtration will provide high quality water reticulation systems and spares, as well as localised engineering support services to ensure the NZDF have a robust sovereign sustainment capability for the life of the equipment.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres congratulated GDS on its win.
“It’s great to see another innovative NSW company achieving success in a highly competitive environment, delivering quality product to a major international buyer,” Ayres said.
“We need companies like GDS to support local industry and jobs and help kick-start growth as the state recovers from COVID-19.”
The elevated and entirely sheltered environment of the platforms provides protection from dust, sand, mud, rain and snow, allowing operation in a range of harsh conditions. The quality and variety of meals produced using the catering modules along with the comfort and privacy provided by the hygiene modules provides a comprehensive support solution.
“We are delighted to be able to offer this complete life support solution to the NZ Defence Force," Laurie Koster, Managing Director of GDS said. "This really is at the core of what we do as a business and we are proud to have an opportunity to deliver these truly innovative platforms”.
The NZ FOHCS requirement follows on from the successful RAAF delivery of AFM972, Deployable Catering Capability in 2017, for which GDS was awarded the ADM Essington Lewis Award in project management for a project under $50 million.