Submarine builder hit by coronavirus outbreak

Defence shipbuilder ASC has been forced to shutdown some of its Adelaide operations following confirmation that one of its staff tested positive for coronavirus.

ASC is responsible for sustaining the Collins Class Submarines, employing 1,400 people across three facilities in South Australia and Western Australia.

ABC news reported that a building at the company’s Osborne yard where the staff member worked had been closed down for cleaning and other employees are either working from home or taking a leave day.

It is not clear what work was being performed in the building but it is understood that a considerable number of staff are affected.

Government-owned ASC built the Collins class submarines while ASC Shipbuilding has been taken over by BAE Systems for the duration of the construction programme for the Navy’s new Hunter class frigates.

The case was one of a number confirmed in South Australia on Friday as authorities brace for a breakout of the still-rare virus Covid-19 into the broader community.

Picture: ASC/Osborne

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.