German visit strengthens business ties

Queensland’s future as Australia’s home of defence manufacturing will be a prime focus during a trade mission to Germany this week by Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick.

Minister Dick will visit Rheinmetall Defence Manufacturing to discuss the company’s plans to manufacture vehicles in Queensland for the Australian Defence Force’s $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 contract.

“The recent announcement that Rheinmetall Defence Australia had won the invaluable LAND 400 Phase 2 contract sounded the beginning of a new military vehicle manufacturing industry for Queensland,” he said.

“But attracting a global giant like Rheinmetall to Queensland and backing their successful bid for this major defence contract is just the beginning.

“It is in our state’s best interests to gain a greater understanding of Rheinmetall’s manufacturing operations abroad to further highlight the many benefits of hosting this respected company at home in Queensland while they lead what will be one of the most important defence manufacturing projects our state has ever seen.”

Rheinmetall Defence Australia will manufacture Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles for the contract at a Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence and Australia-New Zealand headquarters to be built at Redbank Industrial Estate, near Ipswich.

“Queensland will be home to Rheinmetall’s biggest presence outside of Germany, creating an industrial hub of research and development that will create 200 direct jobs during construction and many more ongoing highly-skilled jobs once operational,” Mr Dick said.

“Queensland is open for business and I am ready to reinforce our state’s relationships with German companies to attract even more investment and create more highly-skilled jobs for locals.

“I look forward to discussing ways we can enhance Queensland’s long-standing trading relationship with Germany, who imported $229 million of our coal, ores, manufactured goods and scientific instruments and meat in the past financial year.”

Minister Dick’s visit to Germany also includes meeting with leaders attending the Global Bioeconomy Summit to promote the benefits of locating biofuels and bioproducts projects in Queensland.

“Germany is a world-renowned engineering and economic powerhouse and a range of Australian companies have a large presence in Germany,” Mr Dick said.

“It’s invaluable to meet with global leaders in their fields and create opportunities for Queensland overseas which will ensure economic growth, and increase business confidence and job creation for decades to come.

“We are in a period of optimism and opportunity for Queensland, and I am proud and excited to showcase our great state and promote its potential to the world.”

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039