The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG) has taken a major step forward by partnering with leading dual-use national security fund 1941 as a lead investor to pave the way for its continued expansion into the United States (US) and global markets. A joint venture between Bondi Partners and Ellerston Capital, 1941 has invested A$5 million with the opportunity of additional investment from 1941 over time.
The investment will enable TWPG to accelerate its expansion into the US and meet increasing demand for its watercraft from the US Armed Forces, and other governments in Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The investment will also see the expansion of TWPG’s Australian manufacturing facility in Yamba on the north coast of New South Wales. This facility is currently supplying new Landing Craft Light’s to the Royal Australian Navy, providing a faster and more capable craft for the Pacific Support Vessel ADV Reliant.
TWPG has become one of the largest suppliers of law enforcement and emergency services vessels in Australia and New Zealand, with increasing international demand with key Australian allies.
The investment reflects the 1941’s support of Australian dual-use national security businesses with global ambitions and recognises TWPG’s significant client base across state and federal governments and a steady pipeline of future work programs.
Recent contracts, such as the supply of Whiskey vessels to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) through the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), highlight the company’s growing international reputation including the successful delivery of the first two 11 metre Whiskey Bravo – Multi Mission Reconnaissance Craft (MMRC) to the USMC at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, in Southern California earlier this year.
The MMRC vessels incorporate almost 50 US and Australian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in turn, delivering a robust, resilient and innovative export focused defence manufacturer to key global partners.
1941’s mission is to identify, invest in and help grow the next generation of Australian and US success stories focusing on national security dual-use businesses and technologies across the Indo-Pacific and this reflects TWPG’s earnings potential into the future.
Darren Schuback, Chief Executive Officer of TWPG said: “This investment comes at a critical time to support TWPG’s growth into the US, Australia, and other countries. 1941’s knowledge of the global defence industry and their ability to support our unique capability and product offering globally will help TWPG continue to grow and create a new generation of safer, completely networked, combat-ready fit for purpose platforms, based on our own naval special operations experience. Over the course of our discussions with 1941 and Bondi Partners, it was clear that they were the right investor for TWPG. I am delighted to have 1941 as an investor and look forward to the many things we can achieve together in the coming years.”
Anthony Lazzoppina, Partner and Australian Chief Executive Officer of Bondi Partners added: “This is an exciting investment for 1941. We look forward to supporting TWPG, using our unique expertise and deep networks, as they continue to expand into the US and globally.”
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