Marand Precision Engineering and Rheinmetall have announced an extension to their manufacturing partnership worth $50 million.
The announcement concerns the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV), which is currently in use with the Australian Defence Force, and assembled near Brisbane.
Marand’s work involves manufacture of LANCE digital turrets, hull components and vehicle attachments in Geelong for export, through their and Rheinmetall’s Australian supply chain.
According to a statement on Friday the expanded partnership includes manufacture in Geelong “of Boxer CRV subassemblies including Citadel machining, turret hatches, turret baskets, doors and dismount hatches.”
Marand CEO Rohan Stocker described the news as exciting for both his company – where Marand opened their manufacturing division at the Ford site a decade ago and employs over 80 – and Geelong.
“Expanding on our current work already underway in Geelong to now include Boxer is a testament to the capability we have demonstrated to Rheinmetall and their trust in us to continue to deliver for these critical programs,” said Stocker.
“Marand’s decades of experience, our reach across multiple industries, our manufacturing expertise, local supply chain and business systems truly set us apart from our competitors.”
According to the Geelong Advertiser, Marand will hire “will add highly-qualified welders and machinists” to complete the new requirements.
Marand operates in Melbourne and Geelong, supplying engineering solutions to sectors including defence, aerospace, rail, automotive and mining.
“Marand is an outstanding Australian company with a reputation globally for delivering quality manufacturing outcomes for major Defence projects,” added Nathan Poyner, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia.
”Boxer with the LANCE digital turret is the best vehicle in its class and sets new standards in protection and the lethality needed to survive and defeat an adversary.
“Marand is a proven partner with a global presence in Defence and its design, development and manufacturing work will be critical to the successful delivery of Rheinmetall vehicles to the Australian Defence Force and export customers.”
Picture: credit Defence
Further reading
Rheinmetall begins manufacture of Boxer armoured vehicle
Australia closer to Boxer combat vehicle exports