Advanced manufacturing soars to new heights in Australia 1 February 2012 Australia is set to expand its advanced manufacturing capability as BAE Systems establishes the nation’s largest aerospace component manufacturing and processing facilities in Adelaide. From its new facility in South Australia, the UK-based defence and security company will produce titanium tail fins for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) jets being developed in the United States. Over the next 25 years, the JSF program is expected to produce more than 3000 jets to replace a range of current combat aircraft; BAE Systems’ work on the program will be worth around A$177 million. The South Australian Government will provide support for the project, assisting BAE Systems and Australian company Rosebank Engineers to establish the new facilities. South Australian Premier and Minister for State Development, Jay Wetherill, said the project would provide a significant boost to Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability. “Already we have a strong reputation both nationally and globally for our expertise in defence manufacturing,” Mr Wetherill said. “These new capabilities open up a raft of opportunities in other aerospace, commercial and defence projects.” More information |