Quickstep, the
manufacturer of advanced carbon fibre composites for the aerospace and
automotive industries, has celebrated the opening of its new manufacturing
facility at Sydney’s Bankstown Airport.
The facility will supply components to aerospace leaders Northrop Grumman Corporation and Lockheed Martin.
Opened by NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell
and Gary Ervin, Northrop Grumman’s
Aerospace Systems Division President, the facility houses high-tech equipment to manufacture carbon
fibre components half the weight of a comparably strong steel part.
“This is one of the world’s most
advanced carbon fibre component manufacturing plants and a great example of
high technology bringing international work to NSW,” O’Farrell said.
“This new facility is just one
example of the investments Quickstep has made in the last two years in
preparation for executing F-35 work,” added Gary.
Philippe Odouard, Managing Director of Quickstep, said that the new plant and the jobs
that it creates demonstrated Quickstep’s successful relationship with Northrop
Grumman Corporation and Lockheed Martin, and capacity to become an
integral part of the global supply chain for high volume manufacturing
industries.
The facility comprises a 4000 square metre hangar with $15 million of the
latest state of the art manufacturing equipment and infrastructure along with a
1250 square metre office and is Quickstep’s new headquarters.
Gary Ervin (Northrup Grumman - left) and NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell (right) with Quickstep's Philippe Odouard (centre).
