Quickstep doubles factory size to handle drone orders

Sydney composites manufacturer Quickstep is doubling the size of its Geelong, Victoria factory and taking on new staff to accommodate orders including new orders from leading Australian drone companies.

Expansion work is expected to be completed in Geelong over the next 12 months.

An amendment to its existing three year strategic supply agreement with drone logistics Swoop Aero has resulted in firm orders for composite airframe parts worth $5.43 million – an increase of $4 million from the order announced in October, 2021.

Quickstep is an investor in Swoop, which manufactures the Kite drone (pictured) and provides drone delivery services of critical medicines and pathology samples, including in developing countries in Africa.

Swoop has made over one million drone deliveries.

Quickstep said a number of drone related engineering production orders had also been achieved from Australian and international customers, ‘further reinforcing the need for additional space and an increase in employees at the Geelong site’.

Quickstep business leader applied composites Steve Osborne said: “We are thrilled to see the continued growth of Swoop Aero and excited to support their success.

“The drone market is growing rapidly, and high-rate manufacturing solutions are a critical component of customer success.

“We are also excited that our engineering solutions and manufacturing offerings are gaining significant traction both here in Australia and in international markets.”

Picture: Swoop Aero/Kite drone