Lockheed Martin Australia welcomes Ferra Group to mentor program

Lockheed Martin Australia announced that Ferra Group, a global manufacturer of complex metallic assemblies, structures and components to the Aerospace & Defence industry, has been selected as the latest participant in its Mentor Protégé Program (MPP). This partnership will provide Ferra with a 12‑month intensive mentoring experience designed to enhance its core operational and commercial capabilities. “Ferra’s expertise in the manufacturing of precision aerospace & weapon systems assemblies positions it as an invaluable partner for the defence sector,” said Toni Marzulli, Vice President Operations, Lockheed Martin Australia. “Through the MPP, we will share our experience in quality systems, export controls, supply‑chain resilience and cyber‑security to help Ferra deliver even greater value to both Australian and global customers.” “Partnering with Lockheed Martin enhances our ability to secure high‑impact global opportunities in aerospace and defence industries,” said Blair Drinkwater, Vice President Defence Business, Ferra. “The MPP’s focus on best‑practice business processes and technical excellence aligns perfectly with our continuous improvement and staff development programs.” “Ferra’s commitment to innovation and quality underscores why it is an ideal candidate for the MPP,” added Chris Hess, Head of Industrial Development, Lockheed Martin Australia. “The program will build on Ferra’s existing competitiveness in securing prime and subcontractor contracts on a global scale, strengthening the Australian defence industrial base.” Launched in the United States as a federal supplier development program in 1990, the MPP enables Lockheed Martin to establish successful long-term relationships with eligible small, innovative businesses, while helping them to develop technical and business capabilities that will enable them to compete more effectively for future prime and subcontractor contracts in both local and global supply chains. The MPP has already graduated four other Australian companies – Clearbox Systems, Silentium Defence, Inovor Technologies and AW Bell – and will continue to identify high‑potential Australian companies for future cohorts. Ferra’s participation in the MPP is sponsored by Lockheed Martin Australia’s Office of Australian Industrial Participation through the Global Supply Chain Program. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]