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Two Australian businesses have secured the largest subcontract so far signed with Naval Group Australia for the SEA 1000 project, at an estimated $20 million.
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Defence Connect can confirm that Berendsen Fluid Power and H&H Machine Tools have been selected as the first Australian partners for major equipment design contracts that will support the build of the Attack Class submarine.
The two companies will deliver and sustain the medium-capacity press, high-capacity press and large-capacity milling machines (LCMM) for the Attack Class submarines.
The announcement was made by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price.
“The awarding of these contracts supports the Morrison government’s objectives of providing sovereign support for the design, build, operations and sustainment of the fleet as well as maximising the involvement of Australian industry,” Minister Reynolds said.
Under the deal, Seven Hills-based Berendsen Fluid Power and Melbourne’s H&H Machine Tools will partner with Pinette Emidecau Industries and Starrag Group Holding AG to become the design authority and manage the local manufacture of medium-capacity presses and a large-capacity milling machine.
“The value of work for local companies is estimated at $20 million, supporting more Aussie jobs and opportunities for small business,” Minister Price said.
“Our $50 billion investment in 12 future submarines will create thousands of Australian jobs and new opportunities for small businesses, and these contracts are part of this commitment.”
The contracts are the largest signed by Naval Group Australia to date.
“These partnerships will result in the creation of an enduring Australian capability, not currently in existence. Both H&H and Berendsen will be involved in the equipment’s full life cycle, and be transferred the knowledge, skills, documentation and tools to ensure they become the in-country sustainment partners for the next 50 years,” said John Davis, CEO, Naval Group Australia.
In the design phase, H&H and Berendsen employees will be trained overseas and draw on their local expertise to ensure the certification of design compliance for all three pieces of equipment to Australian standards. In the manufacturing phase, H&H and Berendsen will manufacture major components for the equipment, such as electrical cabinets, wiring and hydraulics.
“It’s a great honour to be selected, along with our partner Starrag for the future submarine program,” said H&H managing director Thomas Hegmann.
“For a small Australian company to have the opportunity to work with such a renowned international supplier is really something. We now have a huge opportunity to grow to support all of the components we will have to make, from people to factories to machinery.
“My advice to other Australian suppliers is be a specialist and find your niche. You can’t do everything. You have to be good at what you do and go for it,” Hegmann said.
