The Brisbane Maintenance and Modification Centre has been officially opened by Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles and representatives of Northrop Grumman Australia.
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The new facility will become a major pillar for the sustainment of the Royal Australian Air Force’s aviation capability, after it was announced on 21 March.
Northrop Grumman chief executive officer Kathy Warden and Asia-Pacific general manager Christine Zeitz also attended the event.
The facility conducts continuous through life support to key RAAF fleets and will engage an ongoing Northrop Grumman Australia workforce of around 100 employees, with the new infrastructure capacity now allowing for a significant expansion.
Deputy Premier Miles welcomed Northrop Grumman’s $20 million investment in the Brisbane Maintenance and Modification Centre (BMMC) modernisation project to create 300 local jobs and directly involve over 500 people.
“Queensland has cemented itself as a powerhouse for Australia’s Defence industry and our capabilities are quickly growing. Two-thirds of the Australian Army operates out of Queensland, and this is just another feather in our cap,” he said.
“Northrop Grumman Australia’s facility here in Brisbane is just another great example of the close collaboration between Defence and Australian industry, supporting an important ADF capability, as well as providing significant investment and generating good, skilled jobs for the Queensland workforce.”
The facility will provide support and maintenance to the RAAF’s six KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft.
“It’s been terrific to have the Deputy Premier open this strategically important facility, delivering sustainable support to the RAAF mission,” Christine Zeitz said.
“Our sustainment and modernisation program is a key element of our ongoing commitment and investment to the state.
“Northrop Grumman’s growing sustainment work at the BMMC has enabled us to establish an apprenticeship program providing a pipeline of skilled Queensland engineers underpinning the company’s ability to deliver advanced technology programs in the coming years.
“A world-class skilled local workforce with genuine and attractive career options, in partnership with the Queensland government, is a critical driver of future joint mission success.”