Login
iscover
The partnership between Queensland SME RGM Maintenance and Thales Australia is expected to expand the ADF’s access to heavy vehicle maintenance services.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Under the agreement, RGM will support Thales with their specialised workforce in North Australia, including northern Queensland and Darwin, which will broaden the availability of maintenance capabilities for defence bases.
The collaboration will help the prime contractor access specialised skills, experiences, and training to support the maintenance of the Australian military’s heavy vehicle fleet.
It is hoped that the partnership will reduce the cost of heavy vehicle transport.
The recent announcement comes following two decades of collaboration between RGM and the ADF across light, medium, heavy, and protected vehicle maintenance. RGM and Thales have also worked together for 15 years, including across on-demand maintenance including surge capability requirements.
According to Thales Australia, the two have even partnered on the painting and surface preparation for the 40 Bushmasters recently donated to Ukraine.
Cam Purdey, director of defence maintenance services, Thales Australia and New Zealand, explained that the partnership will enhance Australian industry capability.
“We are very excited about this new partnership with RGM. This is a clear demonstration of the Thales’ long-term commitment to growing and maintaining an enduring, sustainable, and resilient sovereign industrial defence capability — increasing the skills of the defence industry workforce and growing employment opportunities throughout regional Australia.”
Based in North Queensland, the partnership demonstrates how local communities are keen and ready to support the ADF, Russell Newman, director RGM, explained.
“RGM is very proud of the relationship we have had with Thales over the last 15 years, originally with a contract to support the Bushmaster training fleet and the growth that has led from there. We strive for excellence in maintenance delivery for the ADF.
“We are a proud North Queensland company employing locals in regional Queensland and the Northern Territory, and a key part of these communities that are motivated to support the ADF’s serving members with quality repair and equipment husbandry is a big part of RGM culture. We feel privileged to be able to offer industry-leading sovereign maintenance support that supports our soldiers and helps keep them safe on operations.”
