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Rheinmetall Defence Australia and Marand Precision Engineering shone a spotlight on Marand’s Geelong manufacturing site recently, with significant capital invested in the facility to produce components for Rheinmetall’s Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).
Rohan Stocker, chief executive of Marand, explained that the company had invested in their staff and factory to achieve “world leading results”.
“This investment is for the future growth of our business, already established for more than 10 years in Geelong, however, with this partnership there is a long and very substantial development underway,” Stocker said.
“Our partnership over the past year has included the contract and production of the Earth Anchor Dozer Blade on the Lynx combat support vehicle and the Roof Module for the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle under production now. Lance Turret basket sub-assemblies are moving to contract and will begin production for export immediately.
“The Marand partnership with Rheinmetall delivers more than $300 million of real manufacturing work right here in Geelong.
“We have a highly skilled and motivated workforce at our Geelong plant that have continued to produce world leading results, and we look forward to supporting Rheinmetall long into the future as one of Australia’s and the world’s most successful and capable defence contractors.”
According to a release from the company, preparations have been put in place to construct the first roof module of the IFV, with the site recently receiving materials arriving and beginning construction. It is expected that the first part will be sent to the US as part of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle Program, contested by Rheinmetall in the US.
It was also reported that Marand had commenced development of the Turret Baskets for the vehicle, which are scheduled for export to Europe.
Lee Davis, general manager tactical tracked vehicles at Rheinmetall, explained that the partnership had developed significant sovereign capabilities in the fighting vehicle market.
“The Lynx is a highly sophisticated and complex weapon system and we are proud to have partners like Marand supporting us in delivering this critical capability enabling soldiers to complete their missions with the highest levels of protection and capability. Beyond our local opportunity for this platform, we have already received global interest in this product,” Davis said.
[Related: Rheinmetall unveils new Lynx 120 infantry fighting vehicle variant]
