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Global Defence Solutions (GDS) has been selected to deliver the next generation of deployable force infrastructure for the New Zealand Defence Force.
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As part of the Field Operational Hygiene and Catering System (FOHCS) requirement, the project will provide an essential life support solution for serving personnel in the New Zealand Defence Force and will be delivered over the next two years.
The force modernisation solution will consist of catering, shower, ablution and laundry platforms, each driven by its own dedicated diesel generator. The innovative designs also incorporate platform joining kits, interconnectors, wastewater management and all accessories. Each platform is independent and can be deployed in under 30 minutes by two personnel.
The platforms are designed in partnership with French manufacturer SERT. Local New Zealand company Walkley filtration will provide water reticulation systems and spares, as well as localised engineering support services to ensure the NZDF has a robust sovereign sustainment capability for the life of the equipment.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres congratulated GDS on its win.
“It’s great to see another innovative NSW company achieving success in a highly competitive environment, delivering quality product to a major international buyer,” Mr Ayres said.
“We need companies like GDS to support local industry and jobs and help kick-start growth as the state recovers from COVID-19.”
The elevated and entirely sheltered environment of the platforms provides protection from dust, sand, mud, rain and snow, allowing operation in a range of harsh conditions. The quality and variety of meals produced using the catering modules, along with the comfort and privacy provided by the hygiene modules, provide a comprehensive support solution, Laurie Koster, managing Director of GDS, said.
“We are delighted to be able to offer this complete life support solution to the New Zealand Defence Force. This really is at the core of what we do as a business, and we are proud to have an opportunity to deliver these truly innovative platforms.”
The New Zealand FOHCS requirement follows on from the successful Australian Air Force delivery of AFM972, Deployable Catering Capability in 2017, for which GDS was awarded the Essington Lewis Award in project management for a project under $50 million
GDS is an Australian-owned company providing deployable infrastructure and life support solutions to the Australian and New Zealand Defence forces, emergency services and humanitarian organisations.
