EM Solutions completes first stage of Brisbane factory expansion
EM Solutions, a maker of satellite and microwave communications products, has completed the first stage of its Brisbane factory’s expansion, which it says is required to accommodate the design, manufacture and testing of its flagship Naval SATCOM systems.
In a statement on Thursday, the Electro Optic Systems (EOS) subsidiary said the expansion includes a new, 100 square metre ISO7 (Class 10,000) clean room, with eight new workstation areas as well as three chip and bond machines.
The expansion plan includes a 125 cubic metre environmentally-controlled chamber for MIL standard certification of its 2 m King Cobra systems, as well as a 150 square metre R&D laboratory. Plans are also being finalised for a 135 square metre “RF Transparent All-Weather Testing Facility”, to offer visibility of satellites in a secure physical environment and enabling 24/7 testing of terminals in simulated “real world” conditions.
EM Solutions will mark its 25th anniversary later this year. It currently employs 95 in Queensland, two interstate and four overseas, and has recently increased its workforce by more than 30 per cent through recent contracts. The company is also preparing to open a new facility in the Netherlands
The statement adds that the planned RF transparent facility will be able to simultaneously test as many as five terminals, and include two 6-axis platforms for simulating vehicle and vessel operational movement and vibration.
“This factory expansion program increases not only our capacity to meet customer demands for the Cobra family of SATCOM systems, but also enhances our technical agility to deliver high quality space products in an increasingly demanding environment,” said Vice President of Operations Georgios Makris.
“It underscores our ongoing commitment to invest in Australian sovereign SATCOM capabilities, serving both the ground segment but also for space.
“Our Brisbane headquarters has added extra personnel specifically for the design and manufacture of the new products and services, with particular emphasis on Program Management and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) to aid our defence-oriented programs.”
Picture: supplied
Further reading
EM Solutions’ in-orbit test of satellite transponder
EM Solutions signs $150 million defence satellite communications contract
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