Marand and Fairbanks Morse combine in components for N-subs

Increasing multinational collaboration among AUKUS companies in Australia’s shipbuilding sector is apparent in a new tie up between US-based Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) and Melbourne’s Marand Precision Engineering.

FMD is a primary supplier to the US Navy of marine power and propulsion systems, while Marand has increasingly been penetrating defence from its origins in the automotive sector.

FMD has extensive expertise in the power and propulsion systems for nuclear vessel platforms including nuclear submarines that are now being shared with and developed by the Royal Australian Navy.

Through their teaming, Marand will manufacture and service FMD components and, in the process, gain FMD’s expertise in the world’s predominant nuclear navy, according to the companies.

Marand also gets access to FMD’s global network of trained field service technicians and service centres, while FMD gets to expand its geographic presence in an emerging priority area for naval deterrence and defence.

Future Business and Strategy head for Marand Defence Stuart Lindley said: “This collaboration combines the expertise of two highly respected defense contractors, giving our customers worldwide access to an even broader range of manufacturing and engineering solutions.

“We’re looking forward to working with Fairbanks Morse Defense and expanding our ability to serve customers globally.”

According to the companies the collaboration positions the contractors to support the sale, design, and manufacturing of components and ships, taking advantage of FMD’s expertise and experience for Australia’s own new nuclear submarine programmes.

FMD CEO George Whittier said: “All our customers benefit from this arrangement.”

Picture: Fairbanks Morse Defense