BAE Systems rolls out ‘Targeted Tasks’ to boost SMEs

Defence manufacturer BAE Systems Australia has developed a new concept in boosting the capabilities of the SME suppliers it relies on through the deployment of ‘Targeted Tasks’.

As part of the Hunter Class Frigate Program the company aims to maximise Australian Industry Capability, and has tasked Australian SMEs with a specific scope of work to undertake as part of a $5.5 million commitment.

This comes in the form of either feasibility studies, the demonstration of capability, or uplifting their capability to meet the requirements of the Hunter programme.

These tasks enable outcomes such as knowledge transfer to Australian Industry; the creation of Intellectual Property; design, manufacture and assembly within Australia.

BAE Systems Australia is working with SMEs including VEEM (Western Australia) in collaboration with Kongsberg UK; Taylor Brothers (Tasmania); CR Mining (Queensland); Thornton Tomasetti (based in Victoria and Western Australia) working with Vipac (Victoria) and Austest (New South Wales); MyModular (South Australia); and Indigenous owned and operated company Allweld Manufacturing (Queensland).

Allweld Manufacturing Director Josh Linwood, said: “Allweld Manufacturing are a proud Indigenous and regional business, and our team are very excited to be working with BAE Systems Australia to be part of their supply chain on the Hunter programme.

“With BAE Systems Australia’s support Allweld’s capabilities and knowledge will be uplifted allowing our business to grow in the defence sector.”

Allwood provides fabricated systems to customers including Energy Queensland, State Emergency Services Qld, NSW Corrective Services, TAS Corrective Services, NSW SES, Pirtek Australia, PALL Aerospace, Qld Ambulance Service and Volunteer Marine Rescue.

The Targeted Tasks cover work scope from large scale metal casting and machining, validating in-country shock testing, inclusive manufacturing for non-typical persons, design and manufacture of stowage and outfit items, manufacture and testing of insulated panels, and supporting membership in the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and compliance with Lloyd’s Register.

Head of Supply Chain for BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, Acquisition Scott Robertson said: “We are reducing the entry barrier for Australian companies to supply into the Hunter Class Frigate Program – this is a truly national endeavour, and the benefits will flow through to companies of all sizes.”

Picture: Allweld Manufacturing