Defence alliance on show
A TRANSITIONAL or emergency shelter that can be snapped together using prefabricated panels is one of the innovative Geelong region products set to be shown to international defence industry buyers at Airshow 2019’s trade exhibition.
The Geelong Defence Alliance pod at next week’s Airshow will bring together local businesses with the capacity to tap into defence industry supply chains.
The businesses include a manufacturer of military pyrotechnics, a developer of next generation virtual reality training systems, a specialised clothing manufacturer, a freight forwarder with expertise in transporting ammunition and firearms and a business specialising in offsite manufacturing.
Geelong Defence Alliance chairman Joe Farrah said small-to medium-sized businesses had the capacity to secure more involvement in defence industry programs.
“What we are seeking to do is to showcase the depth and the richness of the capability in the SME space across the greater Geelong region,” Mr Farrah said.
The managing director of the Lara-based Chemring Australia said Geelong businesses had the capacity to partner with defence industry contractors, or to collaborate and become their own prime contractor.
“We want as an alliance to be exploiting that capacity . . . and where possible forming a collaboration . . . to tackle some of these defence programs that have been released,” he said.
The Geelong Defiance Alliance involves industry partners, the Geelong Manufacturing Council, the City of Greater Geelong and the Committee for Geelong.
Business to be showcased at Avalon include Chemring, Flaim Systems, Cross Laminated Offsite Solutions (CLOS), XTM Performance and McHugh & Eastwood.
Other organisations to have a presence include Marand Precision Engineering, Air Radiators and Deakin University.
CLOS is setting up a base at Avalon and director John Fitzgibbon said it had a new product, SafeHouse, to show.
SafeHouse involves a panelised timber system, including insulation and cladding, that can be erected for use as a barracks, relief shelter or transitional shelters.
Mr Fitzgibbon said the product was in line to be produced at Avalon once the plant was operational.
The Deakin Universitybased Flaim Systems will show its prototype technology around next generation fire extinguisher training.
McHugh & Eastwood director Aaron Dillon said the freight forwarder would highlight its experience in shipping ammunition, firearms, weapons and defence-related materiel.
The Torquay-based XTM Performance has previously provided fire retardant soft shell jackets for Australian special forces.
General manager Paul Manders said it would be highlighting a new combat glove liner and its range of ski wear, gloves and socks.
Chemring will be demonstrating its advanced manufacturing capability.
Mr Farrah said it expected to become focused on military contracts within a year.