Defence manufacturer Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions has manufactured the first artillery projectile from the joint venture’s new Maryborough, regional Queensland plant.
The completion of the first batch of projectiles comes a little over two years after construction began on the greenfield site in the Moonaboola Industrial Estate, with a ramp up of production to follow.
When full rate production commences later this year, the $90 million plant will be employing up to 100 skilled staff including engineers, line supervisors, skilled operators, maintenance staff and apprentices.
The factory, a joint venture between Germany’s Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH and Australian-owned NIOA, uses a 1250-tonne hot forging press and computerised machinery to produce 155mm artillery projectiles and metal components for the Australian Defence Force and exports.
The project has been backed by $28.5 million from the federal government’s Regional Growth Fund $7.5 million from the Queensland government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and support fromthe Fraser Coast regional council.
State member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders was on hand for today’s historic event, describing it as “another cog” for the region’s manufacturing portfolio.
“Maryborough will become the number one regional manufacturing hub,” he said.
“It is fantastic to see Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions investing in Maryborough.”
Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Deputy Chairman and NIOA CEO Robert Nioa said the completion of the first projectile was a significant milestone for the factory and Australian defence industry.
Nioa said: “This is a huge step as we scale up production in Maryborough,.
“It is also a huge step in providing a sovereign munitions capability never seen before in Australia.
“We’ve never been able to make a 155mm projectile.”
Thales Australia is also to begin production of the 155mm M795 Artillery Projectile at its Benalla, Victoria manufacturing.
Nioa said that as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine demonstrated, the ability to produce your own munitions is critical for any nation.
“Artillery projectiles are among the highest use munitions in the Ukrainian conflict.
“The world’s best blueprint is right here in Maryborough and it’s a facility that can be readily expanded to respond to Australian and global demand.
“This would not have been possible without the support from all levels of government.”
Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Chairman and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition CEO Roman Koehne said: “RNM is proud to call Maryborough home and we look forward to combining Rheinmetall’s global expertise combined with a highly-qualified local workforce to elevate Maryborough as a centre of military manufacturing excellence.”
Picture: Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions project manager Jeff Crabtree, left, with RNM director Jackson Nioa and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders and the first projectiles
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