The government has announced the latest recipients of Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority (SICP) Grants, worth $2.4 million, as well as the latest recipients of the Defence Global Competitiveness Grants.
The announced SICP grants are:
- APS Adelaide Profile Services ($437,760) to purchase equipment required for the construction of a storage facility that will expand manufacturing production to meet Defence requirements;
- B.E. Switchcraft ($149,697) to fund manufacturing plant and equipment and enhance employee skills;
- Future Engineering ($421,237) to purchase capital equipment and to undertake building modifications;
- Glyde Metal Industries ($207,880) to purchase, install and commission capital equipment and train staff;
- The Dynamic Engineering Solution ($295,596) for the purchase of capital equipment, and the design and construction of test facilities for military grade components in a controlled environment.
- Owen International ($64,216) to establish and commission a test and repair facility.
- XTEK ($835,000) to fund plant, equipment and building modifications to establish state-of-the art production facilities.
“The funding we’re providing these seven businesses will help build capacity and resilience,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.
“NSW-based Owen International supports advanced electrical systems used by the ADF in maritime environments. Their grant funding will be used to establish test facilities for visual landing aids and advanced fire control systems.”
Minister Price said another recipient, WA’s Future Engineering, is upgrading its machining capabilities to continue to support ADF maritime and land-based platforms.
“This funding will enable Future Engineering to invest in equipment and facilities to increase the cost effectiveness, speed and scale of their manufacturing.”
The announced Defence Global Competitive Grant recipients are: RUAG Australia, Valley Precise Global, Advanced Navigation, EM Solutions, Heat Treatment Australia, IntelliDesign, Immersaview, Pivot Maritime International, and Fivecast. The total funds distributed is almost $1 million.
Pivot Maritime International is the first Tasmanian company to receive a grant under the program and will use the funding to help build a mission maritime bridge simulator system, opening up additional export opportunities.
“It’s great to see our defence industry growing in all parts of Australia, not just those states with a heavy defence presence,” Minister Price said.
Heat Treatment Australia will use its grant to build the infrastructure to meet increased demand for testing components supplied internationally for the F-35 program.
“All these companies are a testament to the innovative and competitive spirit of Australia’s defence industry, resulting in greater capability for our Defence Force,” Minister Price said.