Parts maker set to grow
Company exporting dr one systems wins defence grant
A TASMANIA N business that manufacture sand exports specialised systems for dr ones to many overseas customers will employ more staff thanks to a federal government grant.
Cur ra wong Engineering at Blackmans Bay, which was founded in 2005 and has 16 employees, exports to the US, Japan, Israel and Europe.
The company has received $150,000 as part of the Defence Global Competitiveness Grant program.
Currawong Engineering makes systems for unmanned aerial vehicles and company owner and chief executive Gavin Brett said the funding would allow another two or three technicians to be employed.
Mr Brett said the grant would enable the business to bring the assembly of printed circuit boards in house, a key aspect in them a nu fact uring of the systems. “We supply them mostly for military-use drones and police drones around the world which are used for surveillance ,’’ he said.
“Most of our production is for export.”
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the grant program was designed to help small businesses pursue opportunities in global markets.
“Currawong Engineering is a great example of the capability that Tasmania’ s defence industry has to offer ,’’ she said.
Tasmanian senator and Assistant Minister Jonathon Duniam said Currawong Engineering was a trusted supplier in the defence and security market. “The grant will assist Currawong to increase production and deliver capability with shorter lead times, boosting its export opportunities into North America ,” he said.