David Jones | Brisbane
L3 Micreo, a division of listed company L3 Technologies, has officially opened a new facility next to their current site in Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane.
The modern facility sees the coming together of L3 Micreo, specialising in RF and photonic products for radar and electronic warfare systems, L3 Oceania, leading providers of maritime systems and solutions, and L3 Insight Technology, one of the leading global companies in the development and production of advanced night vision and electro-optical technology.
Our acquisition ... has enabled us to partner with other L3 divisions to provide market-leading defence force protection systems
Development work began earlier this year, and production commenced in the new facility in June with the first project being the fulfillment of L3 Micreo’s Redwing contract. The Redwing project provides protection from improvised explosive devices for soldiers and security forces via Greengum a handheld device for dismounted forces, and Greygum, a vehicle mounted device.
L3 Oceania, with support from L3 Insight Technology, will also be utilising the facility to produce night fighting equipment and provide ongoing support.
Seeing the need for growth, Micreo founder Tim Shaw actively sought an investor and Micreo's acquisition by L3 was announced during Land Forces 2016. In her opening address, L3 Micreo’s general manager Sarah Earey noted a significant period of growth for L3 Micreo.
“Our acquisition by L3 last year has enabled us to partner with other L3 divisions to provide market-leading defence force protection systems.”
The official opening of the new facility took place on 20 July, with customers, suppliers, government and senior L3 leadership in attendance to celebrate L3 Micreo’s expansion.
Advocate for defence and Queensland industry, Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP, officiated proceedings. Wallace is leading the Sunshine Coast Defence Industry Initiative and serves on the Government Backbench Committee for Defence and Veteran’s Affairs. He spoke of his recent trip to Afghanistan, where he visited serving ADF personnel and learnt about all aspects of their equipment in theatre, including the importance of L3 Micreo's counter-IED equipment for the protection of ADF personnel.
Other speakers on the day included Greg Roberts, President of L3's Intelligence & Mission Systems sector of which which L3 Micreo forms a part, and Todd Stirtzinger, President of L3 Insight Technology.