20 November 2009
Production of the next generation Hawkei Protected Military Vehicle–Light
(PMV-L) in Australia would generate almost 700 jobs in Victoria, most of them in
the Bendigo area, according to independent economic analysis.
The detailed economic study also found that the Bushmaster vehicle program is
currently supporting 1100 jobs, but employment will fall in coming years as
orders and production decline on the original Australian Defence Force
Bushmaster program.
The Managing Director of Thales Australia, Chris Jenkins, said the analysis
conducted by ACIL Tasman was the first detailed assessment of the economic
contribution of Project Bushranger to Bendigo, Victoria and Australia, taking
both direct and indirect benefits into account.
“This detailed report underlines the value through the whole supply chain of
designing, manufacturing and supporting these Protected Mobility Vehicles in
Australia.
“As well as the direct employment by Thales on the production line in
Bendigo, the study looked at the broader economic benefits, including the supply
chain of Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“The report found many of the 120 Australian suppliers to the Bushmaster
vehicle production reported significant additional benefits from involvement in
the project, including:
- Improved ability to export
- Sustained productivity improvements
- Improved capability to supply the Department of Defence
- Technology transfer
- Improved management practices
“The economy-wide impact of the project is in excess of $1 billion, and next
year will be generating more than 900 additional jobs in the Bendigo area and
1100 across Australia compared to a scenario where vehicles were imported.”
Mr Jenkins said the analysis extended to the forecast economic impact of
manufacturing the next generation Hawkei PMV-L in Bendigo, estimating it would
generate around 500 jobs in the Bendigo area and nearly 700 across Victoria.
“As production of Bushmaster is forecast to peak in 2010-11 and then decline,
the Hawkei program is vital for the future of Bendigo vehicle production.
“Thales is working closely with the Victorian and Federal Governments, and
industry groups, to maximise the benefits of the Hawkei program. We have
conducted industry briefings for suppliers, and already more than 250 SMEs have
expressed interest in being involved in the program.
“The forecast job generation does not include orders beyond the 1300 vehicles
required by the ADF, so there is a very real potential for Hawkei export sales
to boost the economic value even further, as we have achieved with Bushmaster.”
A full copy of the ACIL Tasman report is available at
www.thalesprotectedmobility.com.au See the Hawkei on display at the Melbourne
Convention and Exhibition Centre (access via Clarendon St entrance), Friday 20
November, 11am.
About Hawkei
Hawkei is Thales Australia’s contender for the Department of Defence’s LAND
121 Phase 4 program to replace Army Landrovers. The sleek 7-tonne 4x4 can carry
up to six soldiers, and incorporates high levels of survivability and blast and
ballistic protection, along with unparalleled situational awareness. Following
the tradition of the Bushmaster, which is named after a deadly pit viper, Hawkei
is named after a stealthy species of Death Adder – Acanthophis hawkei – which is
native to Australia.
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence,
Security and Transportation markets. In 2008, the company generated revenues of
12.7 billion euros (equivalent of AUD 22.1 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50
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
as 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 3,500 people in over 35 sites
across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of more than AUD1 billion
in 2008.
Press contact
Julian Elliott
Thales Australia
+61 (0)2 9562 3716
+61 (0)401
134 415
julian.elliott@thalesgroup.com.au