Queenslanders land another defence contract

Queensland’s reputation as a leading force in supporting industry and defence is again in the spotlight with local companies being contracted to help deliver more heavy vehicles and equipment to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the $1.4 billion LAND 121 Phase 5B would sustain more than 100 jobs with Haulmark Trailers in Rocklea and over 100 jobs throughout Rheinmetall’s Australian supply chain, including Holmwood Highgate in Loganholme, through to 2026.

Mr Dick said the Federal Government's recent announcement of the new contracts further consolidates Queensland’s place as Australia’s leading manufacturer of heavy vehicles.

“Rocklea’s Haulmark Trailers Australia and Holmwood Highgate, as part of the Rheinmetall Defence Australia supply chain, are already supplying over 2500 protected and unprotected medium and heavy logistics vehicles, about 3800 specialist modules and 1700 trailers as part of an earlier phase of the ADF’s ongoing modernisation of its land forces,” he said.

“Now they will again play a major role in delivering an additional 1044 new-generation medium and heavy vehicles, 872 modules and 812 trailers in this new contract.

“This means a continued flow of work to these companies, which boosts business and supports jobs for Queenslanders while fuelling our thriving defence manufacturing sector.

“This project continues to advance Queensland’s industry expertise in manufacturing and sustainment of heavy vehicles.

“Haulmark Trailers, Rheinmetall and Holmwood Highgate in Loganholme are to be congratulated on their quality performance and contribution to the state’s reputation as Australia’s front line for defence industries.

“Through our Defence Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, the Palaszczuk Government,  is ensuring we are reaping the benefits of the surge in defence investment, and contracts like this which are paying dividends for Queensland only bolster that vision.”

Member for Moorooka and Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said: “Haulmark Trailers’ win speaks volumes about the quality of manufacturing businesses we are lucky to have based in our community and the opportunities that abound for such businesses to capitalise on the confidence we’re seeing in Queensland’s growing manufacturing industry.”

Member for Macalister Melissa McMahon welcomed the prospect of a business in her local area contributing to growing such an economically important industry for Queensland and Australia.

“The future of defence manufacturing is bright in our state, and it’s a coup for the local business community to know that a Loganholme-based group is playing a part in growing that industry for the benefit of all Queenslanders,” she said.

“Having served in the Australian Army myself, it’s a source of pride for me knowing that a company in my local community is producing parts for use in vehicles which will be carrying Australia’s dedicated defence personnel while they serve our national community.”

Holmwood Highgate director Wade Mellish said the LAND 121 Phase 5B contract, along with the work gained through earlier contracts, has provided stability and new opportunities for the company.

“LAND121 Phases 3B and 5B have not only provided this 65-year-old private family business the opportunity to diversify, but also to gain access to an exclusive international market,” he said.

“Winning 5B provides continual long-term work which also provides certainty to our existing Queensland industry supply chain and, importantly, helps us with developing a larger skilled workforce within the region.

“The ability to work with our partners at Rheinmetall on these contracts has had multiplier effects on the business within manufacturing, design and systems engineering. 

“Leveraging these has now enabled us to step into the international market with the processes, product quality and credibility that working with the ADF offers.”

Haulmark Trailers Australia Pty Ltd General Manager Mike Ireland said securing the LAND 121 Phase 5B contract is great news for the local economy.

“This new contract will not only benefit our business, but also our current suppliers in the local area,” Mr Ireland said.

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039