Global Supply Chain success for Australian SME

Brisbane based EM Solutions, a trusted technology developer of innovative microwave and on-the-move radio and satellite products, has become an integral part of the Thales supply chain.

Initially awarded a $1M AUD contract in 2012 to provide key Ka band components for a satellite terminal being developed by Thales in France, EM Solutions has continued to supply Thales with components for a range of products for global customers.

EM Solutions ability to make timely modifications to their commercial off-the-shelf products to suit Thales’ specific customer requirements has been a key asset. In 2016 a framework agreement was signed to streamline ordering and in 2018, EM Solutions work was again recognised when they took out Thales Australia’s Supplier of the year award for Export Achievement.

The relationship between EM Solutions and Thales has continued to evolve, with the most recent $6.5M AUD contract being for the supply of components to support a major connectivity project.

Thales and EM Solutions have been collaborating through the work of the Thales Global Supply Chain team. Anne Munro, who heads Thales’ GSC team, said that “Thales has built trust with EM Solutions over an extended period and it is as a result of good communications and its proven track record that Thales has the confidence in EM Solutions to deliver” 

For EM Solutions, the success in winning export business through the Global Supply Chain program has meant an expansion of its test and assembly capacity. Rowan Gilmore, CEO, said “Because of this business, EM Solutions has expanded its capacity, purchased additional equipment and hired new staff to meet delivery requirements. 

The products supplied by EM Solutions are also in use in several of its own on-the-move satellite terminals for a range of land and maritime applications, including the Cobra X/Ka tri-band Maritime Satellite Terminal which is now operational on a number of different classes of Navy vessels both in Australia and internationally.  Thanks to its collaboration with Thales, EM Solutions is positioning to win further global business and extend its reach into other projects.