Hofmann Engineering has been approved to supply WA-made components for the construction of United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Hofmann Engineering started in a Perth backyard in 1969 and has grown into an integral supplier to local industry, including WA’s locally-made METRONET railcars. It is now the first business in Australia to be given the green light to provide parts for strategic US naval assets thanks to a nation leading Cook Government-supported program. It means the Bassendean business is on track to being able to supply components for Virginia-class submarines, which will support the creation of local jobs and strengthen Australia’s relationship with the US through its world-class industries.
About $300,000 in Cook Government funding was provided last year to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) – the world’s biggest nuclear-powered submarine builder – to deliver the Supplier Capability Uplift Program. The initiative was later incorporated into the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) program, executed by H&B Defence. The successful program has also helped four other WA businesses advance towards achieving strict US approvals including:
- Dobbie;
- Marine Technicians Australia;
- Pressure Dynamics; and
- Veem.
HII is one of only two builders of the US Virginia-class submarine – the boat Australia is set to acquire under the AUKUS partnership in 2032. This is part of the Cook government’s Made in WA plan to strengthen local manufacturing. Localising the manufacture of high-end products in WA’s defence industry is key to diversifying the economy and creating jobs for generations to come.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia said: “I want to grow WA’s defence sector to become the State’s second largest industry after mining, creating jobs for generations and diversifying our economy beyond the resources sector. WA’s defence industry has the expertise to deepen Australia’s strategic partnership with the US. Our skilled local workforce can accelerate the construction of Virginia-class submarines – benefiting both WA and our AUKUS allies.”
H&B Defence Managing Director Tim Brown said: “Securing the first Request for Quote through AUSSQ so quickly is a testament to Hofmann’s hard work and the success of the program being delivered by H&B Defence. AUSSQ’s mission is to identify and qualify businesses capable of supporting the early stages of the AUKUS endeavour by manufacturing components currently in short supply in the US. This not only supports the timely delivery of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines but also builds the expertise needed for future in-country submarine construction in Australia.” We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Australian Submarine Agency and Australian industry to strengthen our sovereign supply chain.”
Hofmann Engineering Managing Director Erich Hofmann said: “This opportunity highlights the confidence being placed in Australian precision manufacturing and reinforces Hofmann Engineering’s commitment to delivering world-class precision machining solutions in support of both the US Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. This collaboration reflects the strength of Australia’s industrial capability and the value of working together on innovative solutions. We remain committed to strengthening the Australia–US partnership by advancing sovereign capability, building industrial resilience, and providing long-term support to undersea defence programs.”
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