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Australian SME SMETEC received a qualification from the Bundeswehr, supporting Rheinmetall’s local supply chain.
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Veteran and family operated company SMETEC of NSW confirmed that is has received certification from the German government to use fibre lasers to cut armour steel, forming part of Rheinmetall’s supply chain for Australian Defence Force vehicles.
SMETEC, owned by Tim and Louise Smeets, uses fibre laser and waterjet systems to cut and process a range of materials, including Bisalloy Armour grades from Bisalloy Steels in Wollongong.
SMETEC had to undergo a rigorous testing regimen by representatives from Germany’s Bundeswehr and Rheinmetall in order to ensure that they correctly met necessary standards.
SMETEC is the first Australian company to receive a certification from the Bundeswehr to use the Bundeswehr WTD91 laser.
Tim Smeets welcomed the certification, demonstrating that it will help his business cater to the domestic and international defence market.
“SMETEC Services is extremely proud of our recent achievement adding to the company’s existing Waterjet Qualification. The company has been working hard to increase its capabilities to meet the domestic and international defence needs. Our new facility, which is currently under construction, will bring new opportunities and long-term work for our regional area,” he said.
Likewise, Louise Smeets outlined that the recent news will help diversify the business to meet the needs of defence.
“We continue to diversify to support Defence's growing needs. At SMETEC, our focus is with meeting the capability requirements that are required to ensure our nations sovereign capabilities are met,” she said.
Bisalloy Steel chief executive and managing director Glenn Cooper welcomed the opportunity to comment with other innovative businesses.
“Bisalloy continues to collaborate with partners to develop innovative solutions in steels. As the only manufacturer of quenched and tempered steel in Australia it is important that Bisalloy partners with highly capable companies like SMETEC to provide our end users the solutions they need. Congratulations to SMETEC on their recent achievement,” Cooper said.
[Related: Bundeswehr signs new missile agreement]
