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Promoted by Defence Tasmania
Using the latest technology and sophisticated designs, Tasmania produces a range of engineering products and services for naval ships, boats and submarines.
Tasmania’s Defence Advocate, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Steve Gilmore said Tasmanian engineering companies have a long history of manufacturing innovation and their products and services are sought after in defence and commercial maritime sectors.
“Tasmania manufactures high-specification products and componentry for the Collins Class submarines, patrol vessels and other naval platforms in Australia and overseas,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.
The range of engineering and fabrication services provided by Tasmanian companies for maritime sectors include; advanced composites; castings (small, medium and large scale); engineering design (including 3D modelling) and prototyping; hydraulic systems design and manufacturing; laser cutting; machinery repair and sustainment; modular accommodation outfitting; metal manufacturing, fabrication and construction; and polymer fabrication.
Delta Hydraulics is Australia’s largest independent manufacturer of hydraulics, specialising in telescopic cylinders, rod hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic rams and hoses.Established more than 45 years ago and located in Devonport, Delta Hydraulics has reliably supplied defence forces with hydraulic cylinders and related products for decades.
Delta Hydraulics supplies a range of nine cylinder models and hydraulic manifolds to the Australian Submarine Corporation for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN)Collins Class submarines. The company has produced F/A-18 Hornet jacking cylinders for the Royal Australian Air Force and missile launch pad cylinders for the Singapore Ministry of Defence.
Founder and Managing Director John White said Delta Hydraulics uses its design, engineering and manufacturing capability to build innovative and high quality hydraulic cylinders to meet the exact requirements of its customers.
“Delta delivers full cycle manufacturing of hydraulic cylinders with no outsourcing. We produce friction welded rod assemblies and proprietary ceramic treatment of chrome plating with unmatched corrosion prevention and extension of cylinder life in harsh environments,” Mr White said.
APCO Engineering is a modern engineering company specialising in casting and machining products in ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Located in the Defence and Maritime Precinct just north of Hobart, APCO Engineering have been servicing national and international marine and industrial sectors for more than 30 years.
Materials such as high strength, heat, wear and corrosion resistant metals are cast in APCO Engineering’s in-house foundry using the latest foundry practices and technology.
Marine and Technical Sales Manager Anthony LeFevre said APCO Engineering has unique capabilities to produce specialist hydraulic actuators that are DNV certified for marine steering systems.
“We manufacture hydraulic actuators for international customers such as original equipment manufacturer Naiad Dynamics and their associated systems. These systems are then integrated into various commercial vessels and naval platforms,” Mr LeFevre said.
“Having our own foundry and being an agile operation, we can respond quickly to requirements and custom manufacture products to specifications.”
In the states north, Tamar Engineering Tasmania (a division of Tamar Hydro Pty Ltd) specialises in mechanical design and drafting, precision fitting and machining, fabrication and welding and pump refurbishment.
With over 40 years’ experience in pump overhauls, Tamar Engineering Tasmania transitioned into manufacturing marine pumps. The company now supplies gearbox cooling pumps to global giant Austal for the Cape Class Patrol Boats, operated by the Australian Border Force and the RAN, and also undertakes performance testing to DNV certification for the pumps.
General Manager Adam Clayton said Tamar Engineering Tasmania has also designed and manufactured over 120 portable transfer marine pumps for naval operators and supplies and repairs marine valves for the RAN.
“Building on Tamar Hydro’s turnkey capability to design, manufacture and commission hydro-electric turbines, we have developed a niche product range of bespoke engineering products,” Mr Clayton said.
“We have modern engineering plant and equipment and are committed to technical quality and tailor made solutions, ensuring the most effective overall result.”
Direct Edge is a national leader in sophisticated sheet metal manufacturing and associated services. Founded more than 30 years ago, Direct Edge is a trusted supplier to defence, mining and marine sectors.
The Burnie based company has supplied sheet metal products to several RAN platforms including the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers and HMAS Choules, and has been pre-qualified by BAE Systems to provide sheet metal products for the construction of the RAN’s nine Hunter Class frigates.
Direct Edge has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rheinmetall Defence Australia to supply prototype bracketry for the ‘Early Capability Delivery’ stage of the Land 400 Phase 2 Program.
Chief Executive Officer Di Edgerton said Direct Edge adheres to the highest Australian and international welding standards and has developed systems, processes and capabilities to be able to respond to defence’s requirements.
“We have invested in modern technology and adaptable production capabilities to add value and drive competitive advantage into defence industry supply chains,” Ms Edgerton said.
Tasmania’s highly capable and innovative engineering companies are well placed to manufacture the products and services required by defence forces into the future.
More information on Tasmania’s defence industry is available through the Defence Tasmania Industry Directory at www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/business/sectors/defence
More information on Tasmania’s maritime industry is available through the Tasmania Maritime Network at www.tmn.org.au
