Marand Precision Engineering and Rheinmetall Defence Australia recently showcased their capabilities at an event at Marand’s Geelong manufacturing facility with sub-assemblies and other components rolling off the factory floor for Rheinmetall’s LYNX Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
Marand Chief Executive Officer, Rohan Stocker said the business had made substantial investment in the workforce by additional training; technology and machinery. “This investment is for the future growth of our business, already established for more than 10 years in Geelong, however, with this partnership there is a long and very substantial development underway. Our partnership over the past year has included the contract and production of the Earth Anchor Dozer Blade on the Lynx Combat Support Vehicle and the Roof Module for the LYNX Infantry Fighting Vehicle under production now. Lance Turret basket sub-assemblies are moving to contract and will begin production for export immediately. The Marand partnership with Rheinmetall delivers more than AUD300 million of real manufacturing work right here in Geelong.
“We have a highly skilled and motivated workforce at our Geelong plant that have continued to produce world leading results, and we look forward to supporting Rheinmetall long into the future as one of Australia’s and the world’s most successful and capable defence contractors,” Stocker said.
Materials have arrived and production commenced on the first Roof Module for the LYNX Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which is being exported to the United States in support of TEAM LYNX US testing activities associated with the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program.
Rheinmetall and Marand also announced the kick-off of Turret Basket manufacturing and export. Marand will manufacture 36 Turret Baskets for European programs. Marand has engaged a number of small to medium sized sheet metal enterprises who will benefit as a flow-on from the Turret Basket manufacture. The components and sub-assemblies manufactured in Geelong under the strategic partnership with Rheinmetall, demonstrate the established sovereign capability achieved in Geelong and the benefits to the broader Victorian economy, including additional jobs and key skilling trades.
Rheinmetall General Manager Tactical Tracked Vehicles Lee Davis said Marand was a true industry partner working to enable the sovereign manufacture of the LYNX infantry fighting vehicle, a next generation IFV providing unmatched levels of protection, lethality, mobility and knowledge. “The LYNX is a highly sophisticated and complex weapon system and we are proud to have partners like Marand supporting us in delivering this critical capability enabling soldiers to complete their missions with the highest levels of protection and capability. Beyond our local opportunity for this platform, we have already received global interest in this product,” Davis said.
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