Hofmann Engineering has been approved to supply WA-made components for the construction of United States (US) Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
“I want to grow WA’s defence sector to become the State’s second largest industry after mining, creating jobs for generations and diversifying our economy beyond the resources sector," Western Australia Defence Industries Minister, Paul Papalia, said.
“WA’s defence industry has the expertise to deepen Australia’s strategic partnership with the US."
Hofmann Engineering started in a Perth backyard in 1969 and has grown into a supplier to local industry, including WA’s locally-made Metronet railcars. It is now allegedly the first business in Australia to be given the green light to provide parts for strategic US naval assets thanks to a WA Government-supported program.
“Our skilled local workforce can accelerate the construction of Virginia-class submarines - benefiting both WA and our AUKUS allies," Papalia stated.
It means the Bassendean business is on track to being able to supply components for Virginia-class submarines, which will support the creation of local jobs and strengthen Australia’s relationship with the US through its industries.
$300,000 in WA Government funding was provided last year to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) - a nuclear-powered submarine builder - to deliver the Supplier Capability Uplift Program. The initiative was later incorporated into the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) program, executed by H&B Defence.
The program has also helped four other WA businesses advance towards achieving strict US approvals including:
- Dobbie;
- Marine Technicians Australia;
- Pressure Dynamics; and
- Veem.
HII is one of only two builders of the US Virginia-class submarine - the boat Australia is set to acquire under the AUKUS partnership in 2032.