SA companies a step closer to global supply chain for nuclear powered subs
23 September 2024
Five South Australian companies will undertake a program to help them enter the global supply chain for nuclear-powered submarines.
The $1 million Supplier Capability Uplift Program is part of an agreement between the South Australian Government and US shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) through its Australian entity, HII Nuclear Australia Pty Ltd (HII-NA).
The participating companies are McKechnie Iron Foundry, Century Engineering, Levett Engineering, H-E Parts International and MacTaggart Scott Australia.
CEO of McKechnie Iron Foundry Andrew Nixon said, “As a South Australian owned company, this is a great opportunity for us and I’m confident in the skills and knowledge of my team to become part of the global supply chain for submarine builds.”
The companies are now undergoing a Supplier Technical Assessment and Validation (STAV) review by HII-NA to identify capability gaps to compete for work on the Virginia class submarine and other US build and sustainment opportunities.
Following the review, the companies will have an understanding of areas for capability development and improvement and be able to apply for matched grant funding through the Department of State Development to address recommendations from the STAV review.
Vice President of HII-NA Tim Brown said the company was committed to enhancing the capabilities of local suppliers.
“This initiative reinforces HII’s dedication to fostering industry growth and innovation in Australia and among all US allies, paving the way for strategic business development within a global supply chain,” said Mr Brown.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas added, “If our companies are to compete for work on the Virginia class submarine program, we need to ensure they have the requisite capability, and this partnership between the State Government and HII is working to achieve that.”
This program is the first activity under an MoU signed by the South Australian Government with HII in November 2023 outlining the intent of both parties to embark on a cooperative working arrangement, with workforce development another key focus area.
HII is the largest shipbuilder in the US and is one of only two designers and builders of nuclear-powered submarines for the US Navy.
