READY, WILLING, CABLE
Avalon-based company doing impressive heavy lifting
A GEELONG cable supplier is providing lifting and storage equipment for some of the Australian Defence Force’s most important combat equipment, after winning four longterm contracts in the past year.
Cargo nets for army aircraft and vehicles and helicopter load cables capable of holding more than 10 tonnes, are some of the products supplied by Fibre Tech Solutions.
Director of the Avalon Airport-based company Tristan Cross said the company’s products are lighter, quicker to apply and more efficient than steel equivalents.
He said the equipment Fibre Tech Solutions is producing reduces fuel burn in defence vehicles and aircraft due to its lightweight characteristics.
“It is a problem-solving relationship with the ADF where they come to us with a problem and we provide a solution. We are replacing equipment that was developed during the Vietnam War era,” Mr Cross said.
Fibre Tech Solutions also provide equipment to the CFA, MFB, and mining, logging and agricultural companies.
Fibre Tech Solutions’ cables are also put into winches capable of shifting Melbourne’s anti-terror concrete blocks, and its cargo nets have been used to deliver rations to coun- tries hit by natural disasters.
Mr Cross, of Ocean Grove, said the company’s lightweight equipment could be used by men and women.
“Women need to be able to lift equipment in the ADF, so our lightweight equipment suits them,” he said.
He said the company of six staff and 15 subcontractors established a testing centre at Avalon three months ago to tap into Geelong’s manufacturing sector.
“There’s a real focus on advanced manufacturing in the region and we want to grow and tap into the local supply chain,” he said.
Next year Fibre Tech Solutions will embark on two research projects for the Australian Navy to test alternatives to carbon fibre. Representatives will also travel to the United Kingdom in the hope of securing contracts with the British Army.
Mr Cross is looking to partner with global defence manufacturer Rheinmetall if the company is successful in securing the $14 billion Land 400 Australian defence vehicle contract.
“Land 400 is fantastic but it shouldn’t be the entire picture for Geelong. We are chasing long-term contracts,” he said.