Australian advanced materials company, Quickstep Holdings has secured its second major aerospace manufacturing program, announcing that it has been awarded the tender to manufacture wing flaps for the C-130J Hercules military transport aircraft.
Quickstep was selected as sole source supplier for the C-130J flaps following an international commercial tender program by Lockheed Martin which attracted bids from numerous manufacturers from around the world.
“The award of this C-130J contract further demonstrates Quickstep’s ability to contest and win major aerospace manufacturing contracts and confirms our competitiveness on the international stage,” said Quickstep managing director Philippe Odouard.
“It is good news for manufacturing in Australia, demonstrating that we can keep manufacturing work in country through innovation and high-end capabilities.”
Odouard also paid tribute to the NSW government who supported the company during the tender process.
New South Wales deputy premier and minister for trade and investment Andrew Stoner said the exclusive five year contract with Lockheed Martin will create over 60 jobs at Quickstep’s new advanced manufacturing facility at Bankstown Airport.
“Congratulations to Quickstep – this is a major win against manufacturers from around the world to become the sole supplier of carbon fibre wing flaps for C130J Hercules military transport aircraft,” Mr Stoner said.
“This is also a great boost for South West Sydney and demonstrates the ability of innovative NSW manufacturers to successfully compete on the global stage.”
Representatives of Lockheed Martin are scheduled to visit Quickstep’s Australian headquarters in the second quarter of 2012 to finalise contract details, which are expected to include a multi-year term and will see Quickstep as sole source global supplier for these part sets.
First orders for non-recurring activities for the manufacturing program (such as planning, tooling, training and project management) are expected in Q2 2012 with early cash flows following shortly after.
First aircraft parts are scheduled to be delivered in 2014.
The C-130J program represents Quickstep’s second aerospace program following the commencement of manufacturing for the international F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program in 2011worth up to $700 million.