News Review: Mincham Aviation wins Chinook components contract | ADM Apr 2010

1 April 2010

Mincham Aviation, an Adelaide-based small-to-medium enterprise (SME), has won a contract from Boeing to manufacture four assembly-spare-part sets for the CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Contract terms have not been disclosed.

Mincham Aviation, based at Parafield Airport, was identified during capability conferences organised by the Boeing Office of Australian Industry Capability (OAIC).

Established in 2008 as an alternative to industrial offsets to increase business opportunities for Australian companies, the OAIC has already generated contracts worth more than $26 million for Australian firms.

The OAIC works directly with Boeing's major business units and key supplier partners to coordinate supplier visits, industry conferences, and provide mentoring and training for selected Australian SMEs.

"It's great to see Mincham Aviation join the global supply chain of a major international defence company," Mark Reynolds, head of the DMO'sIndustry Division said.

"It bodes well for future contracts, and serves as inspiration for other competitive Australian suppliers."

Mincham Aviation Managing Director Daryll Mincham said the contract "is the first step in what we hope will be a long-term relationship with Boeing.

"We initially approached the OAIC with the intention of achieving a contract within three years, so gaining a contract in less than 12 months is well beyond our expectations."