Victorian manufacturing opportunities in ales Hawkei vehicle supply chain

02 August 2013

Thales Australia brought local suppliers together this week to present a new opportunity to play a major role in the manufacturing of the company's Hawkei protected vehicle.

Around 20 SMEs, many from Victoria, met with Thales representatives to discuss options for the manufacture of the Hawkei's fabricated sub-frame, vehicle components and assemblies - a significant package of work that forms a crucial part of the vehicle's innovative design.

Thales is segmenting the Hawkei supply chain work into around 30 major work packages, and is looking for suppliers who can work in close partnership with the company in order to meet very specific quality, cost and technical requirements.

Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said: We are actively investigating Hawkei supply chain options, talking to many suppliers who want to be part of the manufacturing process.

Our Hawkei vehicles are currently undergoing testing by the Department of Defence and, if we are successful in securing a manufacturing contract, we'll be working very closely with suppliers who can deliver cost-effective, high performance components for what is an important defence program.

Manufacturing is a crucial part of this nation's industrial base, and we will continue to support defence industry manufacturing because this industry has repeatedly proven it can deliver vital capabilities to the Australian Defence Force.

Thales will offer the following work packages to local industry for the Hawkei program:

HVAC system

Pneumatic system

Hydraulic system

Bonnet assembly

All vehicle plastic components

Power pack dressing

Any suppliers interested in the Hawkei program should contact Procurement Manager Alex Wootton at alex.wootton@thalesgroup.com.au.About ThalesThales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of 14.2 billion (equivalent of AUD 17.6 billion) with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.

Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and services. Employing around 3,200 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of AUD 1 billion in 2012.

Press contact

Julian Elliott

Thales Australia

+61 (0)2 8037 6031

+61 (0)401 134 415

julian.elliott@thalesgroup.com.au

LINK:	http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Countries/Australia/2013/201...
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