SMITHS AEROSPACE BUILDS CAPACITY IN QUEENSLAND

Smiths Aerospace, one of the world’s leading aerospace equipment and systems companies, will expand operations in Queensland after signing a new five year defence contract.

Speaking from Melbourne today where he is attending the Avalon Air Show, Minister for State Development John Mickel congratulated the company on securing a five-year contract with BAe Systems in Newcastle to provide ongoing maintenance support to the RAAF’s fleet of Hawk Lead-In Fighters.

“BAe holds the prime contract for maintaining these aircraft but has subcontracted the maintenance and support for various electronic aircraft systems to Smiths,” Mr Mickel said.

“This is a wonderful result for Smiths as it continues to grow its operations in Queensland.”

The Queensland Government has been working with Smiths Aerospace since 2001 when the company relocated its Asia-Pacific Customer Services Regional Headquarters from Melbourne to Brisbane.

“I know two of the main reasons the company choose Queensland were because of the availability of qualified and experienced staff in avionics and other relevant disciplines and importantly the room to expand at Brisbane Airport,” Mr Mickel said.

“Since the company opened its purpose-built headquarters and maintenance facility at the airport in 2005 it’s tripled its workforce in Queensland and with this latest contract the company’s continued growth looks certain.” 

Mr Mickel presented Smith Aerospace with a certificate of appreciation for the company’s ongoing commitment to building the industry in Queensland, together with an assurance of the State Government’s continued support.

“There is no doubt that having a company the calibre of Smiths Aerospace choosing to operate in Queensland does a great deal to build our credentials as an important regional and Asian hub for aviation and aerospace,” he said.

Company contact: Smiths Aerospace, Mark Gavioli (Director Finance & HR), 3860 0700.

Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.

20 March, 2007