B&R Enclosures moves into defence sector

B&R Enclosures’ has expanded its interests to the defence sector following contracts it worked on for Boeing’s Currawong battlespace communications system.

The company manufactured brackets and racks for the Boeing system which provides secure wideband voice, data and video services over wireless and wired infrastructure for land-based Australian Defence Force personnel.

B&R’s core business has traditionally been cabinets and enclosures for industrial, information and communication technology, hazardous areas, industrial and domestic applications.

B&R Enclosures executive director Chris Bridges-Taylor said: “Boeing Defence Australia engaged us to develop brackets for high capacity line-of-sight radio and videoconferencing equipment.

“That initial piece of work was the foundation for shaping our defence business which now includes a broad range of data and electrical custom enclosure, as well as integration and control solutions.”

Project Currawong employs more than 200 Australian businesses.

Boeing Defence Australia head of industry engagement Peter Farquharson said: “Our local supply chain provides agility, certainty, and an ability to work at pace.

“In return, the complexity of defence work delivers opportunities for SMEs to build sophisticated manufacturing skills and reap benefits beyond one specific program.”

B&R’s work in the defence sector has justified investment into Industry 4.0 business systems and capital equipment.

Bridges-Taylor said: “We are committed to staying at the leading edge of smart manufacturing techniques and digital technology innovations to meet the evolving needs of our market.

“The defence industry’s stringent quality and accreditation requirements have escalated our investment in equipment such as robotic laser welding and 3D technology to enhance our physical production processes.”

Picture: Boeing Australia

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