News Review: Thales Australia signs global supply chain deed | ADM Feb 2010
The GSC Deed is part of Defence's Global Supply Chain program, and actively facilitates opportunities for Australian industry to compete in Thales's global supply chains and those of the company's major supply partners.
Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia's Managing Director, said the company has a demonstrated commitment to supporting local industry and opening up international opportunities.
"Thales has a long and successful track record of working closely with numerous supply chain partners in Australia, especially in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector generating substantial technology-based exports for this country," he said.
"Thales programs such as the Bushmaster have opened up new local and international opportunities for our local partners.
"The supply chain comprises around 120 Australian SMEs, with more than 100 based in Victoria and 30 in the Bendigo area.
"This generates long term revenues for a wide range of local component manufacturers.
"As we develop new products such as the next generation Hawkei Australian Light Protected Vehicle, we will open up new markets and deliver growth opportunities across the board."
"The Deed is part of the Government's Global Supply Chain (GSC) program, which uses the leverage of the DMO's major equipment acquisitions to extend opportunities for Australian companies to access the international market place," Minister for Defence Materiel, Greg Combet said.
"The Deed actively facilitates opportunities for Australian industry to compete in Thales's global supply chains and those of the company's major supply partners.
"This will greatly benefit Australian defence industry, especially small and medium sized enterprises.
"It will also benefit the international companies we deal with by improving their competitiveness," Combet said.
"This commitment also extends beyond sales opportunities and involves helping SMEs enhance their competitiveness, for example by providing training using our extensive in-house resources in conjunction with the Skilling Australia's Defence Industry (SADI) program.
"We are making these training resources available to defence industry SMEs, and welcome their interest in the program.
"Thales is also committed to supporting industry associations such as the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN), the Australian Industry Group, and the Defence Industry Innovation Centre.
"These organisations working across our nation's industry are vital in preparing Australia for the defence challenges of the future."