Axiom to begin producing 1,000 face shields a day

Adelaide’s Axiom Precision Manufacturing has begun producing face shields designed by Defence Science and Technology Group.

About 600 units had been supplied so far, according to a release from defence minister Linda Reynolds. Early production rates would be 1,000 a day, increasing as manufacturing ramped up.

Reynolds said the federal government was committed to boosting the nation’s supply of PPE to frontline workers during the Covid-19 response.

“This includes boosting domestic manufacturing capability and capacity, and creating a pathway through to manage the virus,” she said.

“This initiative will not only help boost the supply of face shields across the country, but also expand industry capability within Australia.”

“The Australian-made shield is lightweight so it can be worn comfortably for long periods, made from materials which Australia has ready access to, and is cost-competitive to manufacture compared to imported masks.”

Industry minister Karen Andrews added that Axiom was an example of the “incredible advanced manufacturing capability” within the country, with many Australian defence suppliers at the cutting edge and able to adapt to produce new items during the pandemic.

Recent weeks have seen organisations including ARID, RMIT University, Evolve Group and others begin supplying masks and face shields to meet the high current demand.

Axiom has its origins in the local car industry, and was established in 1979 as Diemould Tooling. It began to diversify prior to the end of Australian passenger car assembly. Recent projects include the launch of an aftermarket 4WD range and a collaborative project led by BAE to digitalise the supply chain of local Joint Strike Fighter program members.

Picture: www.axiompm.com.au/about

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