Five companies aided to join submarine supply chain

Five South Australian companies will undertake a programme to help them enter the global supply chain for nuclear-powered submarines, under an agreement with the United States’ largest shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).

The state government has partnered with HII through HII Nuclear Australia Pty Ltd (HII-NA) to accelerate the development of the state’s defence industry workforce, skills and supply chain.

The participating companies in the $1 million Supplier Capability Uplift Program are McKechnie Iron Foundry, Century Engineering, Levett Engineering, H-E Parts International and MacTaggart Scott Australia.

The CEO of McKechnie Iron Foundry Andrew Nixon said: “As a South Australian owned company, this is a great opportunity for us and I’m confident in the skills and knowledge of my team to become part of the global supply chain for submarine builds.”

Participating businesses are now undergoing a Supplier Technical Assessment and Validation (STAV) review by HII-NA, which will identify capability gaps to compete for work on the Virginia Class Submarine and other U.S. build and sustainment opportunities.

HII is one of only two designers and builders of nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy, and spends US$1 billion annually with suppliers.

Following the STAV review, HII-NA will provide a comprehensive report that will include recommendations for capability development and improvement activities.

From there, the businesses which have participated in the review and report will be able to apply for matched grant funding through the Department of State Development to address the recommendations arising from the STAV report.

The Vice President of Operations for HII Nuclear Australia Tim Brown said: “HII, in partnership with the South Australian Government, is committed to enhancing the capabilities of local suppliers, ensuring they are well-positioned to support the construction and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines in Australia and the integration into the Virginia Class Submarine programme supply base.”

Picture: McKechnie Iron Foundry