The Morrison Government has awarded $1.85 million in grants to small businesses looking to expand overseas, as part of a strategic approach to growing Australia’s defence exports.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, announced the 13 grant recipients at the Defence Industry and Innovation Day held at Australia House in London on Monday ahead of the major defence tradeshow, Defence Security & Equipment International (DSEI).
“The Defence Global Competitiveness Grants help Australian small businesses to build their export capability, which presents new opportunities in overseas markets,” Minister Price said.
“Importantly, helping small businesses become ‘export-ready’ means they can take up opportunities to help them grow and create more Australian jobs.”
The Morrison Government is investing up to $4.1 million each year under the Defence Global Competiveness Grants program, a key initiative of the Defence Export Strategy.
Gold Coast company Craig International Ballistics – one of the companies in London attending DSEI – will use its grant to adapt its composite body armour systems to meet the needs of international markets and customers, and is already enjoying success in the UK.
Another member of the Team Defence Australia delegation, Defendtex, will use the grant to purchase specialised equipment which will enable it scale up production at its Melbourne facility.
“This is a great example of the Morrison Government providing real assistance to help Australian businesses grow by accessing new export markets,” Minister Price said.
Defence Global Competitiveness Grants announced today:
Company | Grant Amount | Details | State |
Australian Performance Vehicles | $150,000 | Invest in advanced manufacturing facilities for the production of military restraints for land and amphibious vehicles. | VIC |
Levett Engineering | $150,000 | Purchase precision machining for the manufacture of component parts for the aerospace industry, enabling them to manufacture complex avionics assemblies for military aircraft and grow sales into military supply chains in the United States. | SA |
Defendtex | $150,000 | Purchase specialised equipment to scale up its Victorian facility for the manufacture of commercial quantities of explosives and propellant. | VIC |
Quality Production Engineers | $150,000 | Increase technical capacity for manufacturing large, complex, highly precise jobs. | SA |
Craig International Ballistics | $145,686 | Invest in manufacturing equipment for product accreditation, and enhanced networks and software implementation to improve data protection. | QLD |
Athinian Valley | $150,000 | Purchase equipment to manufacture complex shaped components for frigates and other vessels being built in the United Kingdom. | SA |
Nupress Tools | $150,000 | Undertake a Quality Improvement Program that will enhance the company’s manufacturing of hot engine components and support access to global defence supply chains. | NSW |
Carbonicboats | $150,000 | Build in-house facilities to test and measure performance and reliability of its Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. | NSW |
PMB Defence Engineering | $82,262 | Procure and commission a versatile testing facility for new technology batteries. | SA |
Dobbie Dico Meter Company | $148,507 | Improve its capability to manufacture high quality small precision parts as components of operational maritime pumps. | WA |
Ruslyn Holdings | $17,100 | Purchase tooling to manufacture a plastic lightweight rugged hook and line reel. | NSW |
Nupress Tools | $112,817 | Purchase wire cutting machinery to enhance their manufacturing capabilities and increase the company’s eligibility an access to international defence export programs. | NSW |
QPE Fabrications | $150,000 | Acquire, install and train personnel for capital equipment necessary for Defence related programs | SA |
HeliMods | $150,000 | Purchase plant equipment to manufacture large machined components used in the assembly of military and paramilitary helicopters | QLD |
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