BAE Systems Australia has contracted Score Australasia to supply and test valves for the first three Hunter class frigates.
Working with the global independent valve company and the Commonwealth, BAE says it has secured a commitment from Score that a 'significant amount' of value ($26m) and contracts will flow through the Australian supply chain.
Twelve companies from five states will be subcontracted by Score to part manufacture, supply and assemble more than 300 different types of wholeship valves.
“We are committed to maximising opportunities for Australian businesses and thus creating Australian jobs, so we’re delighted a significant portion of valve assembly and testing will be done in Australia, by Australians," BAE Systems Australia CEO, Ben Hudson said.
“Securing such a significant portion of the valves scope for Australian companies is testament to our teams’ collaboration with industry and the Commonwealth.
“As the Hunter program matures towards the second batch of Hunter class frigates, there will be opportunities for other Australian businesses to join the valves supply chain.
“Growing Australian industry capability is essential to ensure we support Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy for future generations.”
“We are committed to driving sovereign capability by increasing Australian manufacturing content and adding value to the local economy through the entire supply chain," Score Australasia Director, Keith Simpson said.
“This is a huge opportunity for the Australian manufacturing, and we look forward to working with local manufacturers, both current and new, in achieving the best possible outcomes for the Hunter program and for Australian industry.”
There are 305 types of valves in each Hunter class frigate, and 5,273 valves per ship. The largest valves are upwards of 400mm bore size, while the smallest is 5mm. Valves are spread throughout the warship in the many different subsystems.
Credit: BAE Systems Australia
