Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions begins construction of $60m shell forging plant
Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions (RNM) has begun construction of its shell forging plant at Maryborough that will eventually be an artillery shell forging factory that will supply the Australian Defence Force and allied forces globally.
The $60 million projectile plant being built at the four hectare greenfield site will be turned into a 7000 square metre plant, and is being built with the backing of both the Federal ($28.5m) and State Government, who are chipping in with $28.5 million and $7.5 million respectively.
The facility will be ready in 2022, and will support 100 ongoing jobs.
Robert Nioa, Chief Executive of NIOA and Director of RNM, said: ”Today is the beginning of a new chapter for NIOA and Rheinmetall with whom we have had a great relationship for the past 25 years. This project represents a deep commitment to the region and to building Australia’s sovereign capability.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said production from the Maryborough facility would meet increasing demand for investment in munitions for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“The forging and manufacturing facility will ensure future resources supplied to the ADF will be Australian-made and create Australian industry capability now and into the future,” Mr McCormack said.
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