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Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price has revealed that three local SMEs have received funding to improve their competitiveness in the global market.
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NSW-based SME Nupress Tools, South Australian SME Lightforce Australia, and Victorian SME AW Bell Machinery, have collectively secured almost $400,000 in funding under the Defence Global Competitiveness Grant program.
Individually:
- Nupress Tools has received $150,000 to establish a high-speed milling centre for rapid machining of aluminium, aimed at targeting opportunities within F-35 Global Supply Chain;
- Lightforce Australia has received $150,000 to improve the company's design and prototype capabilities for infra-red driving or searchlights for military customers in the US; and
- AW Bell Machinery has received $92,568 to increase the business's cyber and physical security requirements to allow the company to meet mandatory security requirements to supply US defence primes.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price lauded the benefits of the export grants as a means to realising the potential of Australia’s local defence industry.
“This is a program that is a key part of the Morrison government’s plan to increase export opportunities and grow Australia’s defence industry and economy,” Minister Price said.
“By helping Australian small businesses build their export capability, we are assisting them to expand and support the current and future needs of Defence.”
The minister went on to highlight the strengths of the grant recipients.
“South Australian business Lightforce Australia has built an international reputation as a leading manufacturer of innovative lighting equipment, and this grant will help it pursue additional export opportunities in the US,” Minister Price added.
“Two other recipients, Nupress Tools from NSW and Victorian company AW Bell, are key examples of Australian industry working with the global supply chain to provide first-rate components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and the global aerospace industry.
“Export success in defence industry has the potential to be an economic force-multiplier, generating opportunities in adjacent sectors throughout the Australian economy.”
