Canadian firm buys WA fabricator to boost defence manufacturing

Canadian mobile communications company Critical Infrastructure Technologies (CiTech) has acquired a West Australian precision manufacturer to expand its defence footprint in Australia.

The acquisition will provide CiTech with immediate eligibility for Australia defence tenders and projects requiring Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership.

It acquired the unnamed WA firm for $7.7 million. While the private company was not named, it is understood the WA precision manufacturer was founded in 1997 and has sheet-metal fabrication and CNC machining capabilities, as well as laser cutting systems, robotic welding technology, and provide engineering solutions to the defence and mining industries. The unnamed WA company has revenues of around $7.4 million.

“The business has established itself as a leading precision manufacturer supporting defence and heavy industry in Australia,” explained Brenton Scott, CEO of CiTech.

“Achieving DISP accreditation represents a significant milestone. It demonstrates our shared commitment to the security, integrity, and resilience required to deliver mission-critical systems to Defence and allied nations.”

He said the deal provides CiTech with immediate access to a skilled workforce and modern fabrication systems, for faster prototyping and scalable manufacturing for its defence and communications technologies.

The founders will remain with the business through a structured transition.

“This acquisition provides CiTech with a consistent revenue stream together with instant profitability, making the CiTech Group cashflow positive from completion,” Scott added.

“It ensures the group can accelerate production of our Nexus 20 and future product lines while strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial base.”