Port Macquarie based defence firm Birdon, through its relationship with German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), is hoping to become involved in Australia’s Future Submarine Program.
TKMS invited Birdon to an industry briefing about the program, which is a high-value, high-skills national infrastructure project that can deliver substantial long-term benefits to the Australian economy.
Birdon met with the German bid team, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Australia (TKMSA), which staged national briefings with suitable potential suppliers nationally discussing its proposals for Australia’s new submarines.
Jamie Bruce, CEO of Birdon, said, “Given the commitment by TKMSA to build in Australia and to actively partner with local manufacturers and service suppliers, should they be successful, Birdon looks forward to supplying TKMS’s build of new submarines for the Australian Navy.”
Birdon pointed out that, due largely to defence work, the company employs a workforce of 45 and has operations across Australia, USA and Europe.
“We look forward to working with TKMSA, should they win the bid, in helping to build Australia’s new submarines here in Australia. We have been impressed with the TKMSA team; its proposed way of working in Australia should it be successful with its bid; and the overall depth of experience of ThyssenKrupp,” he said.
Philip Stanford, CEO of TKMSA, noted, “As the most experienced designer and builder of conventional submarines, we have been very impressed with the calibre of Birdon, especially their maritime work and global experience.
Source: Manufacturer’s Monthly
