SMART Technologies and Hendon Semiconductors partner for Australian defence and space

A new South Australian collaboration could help reduce Australia’s reliance on overseas manufacturing for specialist defence and space collaboration technology, bringing the production of critical electronic components closer to home. Global interactive display technology leader SMART Technologies and South Australian advanced electronics manufacturer Hendon Semiconductors have agreed to jointly explore the establishment of Australian manufacturing capability for critical electronic assemblies used in SMART’s specialist high-security interactive displays. The agreement brings together SMART’s internationally proven and trusted collaboration technology with Hendon’s more than 65 years of electronics engineering and advanced manufacturing expertise. Initially, the parties will focus on Australian manufacturing at Hendon’s Adelaide facility of the essential main electronic assemblies for SMART’s high security Defence product line. SMART’s high-security interactive displays support Defence & Space applications including command and control, mission planning, operational briefings, training, and secure collaboration, where information security, reliability and responsiveness to operational requirements are essential. For Australian Defence and Space, a local manufacturing and technical support pathway strengthens supply-chain resilience, reduces reliance on overseas sources, and improves responsiveness to product customisation, engineering changes, and replacement parts. The collaboration creates the potential to retain and develop valuable specialist manufacturing skills, bring new work to an established South Australian manufacturer, and expand Australian industry participation in international Defence technology supply chains. The collaboration was facilitated by Adelaide-based Cambrian Defence & Space, which helped connect SMART’s international technology with Hendon’s established Australian advanced manufacturing capabilities to develop new Defence business opportunities. Bec Woolnough, SMART Technologies, Oceania Manager says: “SMART has been advancing interactive technology for nearly 40 years, starting with the invention of the world’s first interactive whiteboard. Working with Hendon Semiconductors brings that legacy of innovation together with established Australian manufacturing expertise, creating an opportunity to better support Australia’s Defence & Space customers with proven global technology backed by local capability.” Brenton Judge, Executive General Manager, Hendon Semiconductors says: “Sovereign capability isn’t just about developing new technology; it’s about having the ability to manufacture, support and sustain it here in Australia. Hendon has been doing that for decades, and our partnership with SMART is a practical example of how global technology leaders can leverage existing Australian expertise, giving Defence greater opportunities to draw on local industry for manufacturing and through-life support.” John Godwin, Managing Director, Cambrian Defence & Space, says: “This is about creating a strategic industry partnership that recognises the advanced manufacturing expertise we already have in Australia and connects it with leading interactive technology. These partnerships create new opportunities for local industry, retain specialist skills and strengthen the sovereign industrial base Defence & Space needs.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]