Engineering company Marand will manufacture more army vehicle components at the former Ford factory under a deal with a German conglomerate.
Marand Precision Engineering, which has operated out of Norlane for a decade, will add highly-qualified welders and machinists to its 80 Geelong staff to deliver the components for the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia, whose parent company is based in Germany, is manufacturing about 200 Boxers for the Australian Army under a contract worth about $1.6bn.
Rheinmetall has engaged Marand to manufacture hatches, doors and the protective structures for the Boxer’s turret, and perform machine work on the vehicle’s frame.
An Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle crewed by soldiers from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment during Exercise Damascus at Wide Bay training area, Queensland. Picture: Defence Media – Nicole Dorrett
The Marand manufactured components will be used on Boxers for the Australian Army and Boxers which are exported.
Marand chief executive Rohan Stocker said the company wanted to expand its work within the Australian defence industry.
“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,” Mr Stocker said.
Marand already has a contract to manufacture some Boxer components for Rheinmetall, and is expected to add about 12 staff as a result of its latest agreement with the company.
According to the Defence Department the eight-wheel Boxer provides high-level protection, firepower and mobility.
The Boxer is due to be in the army’s arsenal for the next 30 years, and some variants of it will contain an anti-tank guided missile and a remote weapon station.
During the past 20 years Marand has exported about $650m worth of engine trailers and vertical tails for the F35 Joint Strike Fighter, considered one of the world’s most advanced stealth aircraft.
In February Marand won a contract to provide missile launch ramps to Kongsberg Defence Australia..
Australian Army Corporal Christian De Leon from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment in an army Boxer during Exercise Damascus at Wide Bay training area, Queensland. Picture: Defence Media
Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Nathan Poyner said Marand had a global reputation for delivering quality manufacturing for major defence projects.
“Our AUD $50m partnership extension reflects Rheinmetall’s global commitment to delivering real Australian industry opportunities today, in communities across the country, including in Geelong and Victoria,” Mr Poyner said.
Marand CEO Rohan Stocker. Picture: Alan Barber
Rheinmetall CEO Nathan Poyner. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
“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.”
Marand designs and manufactures components for American aerospace company Lockheed Martin, aircraft manufacturer Boeing, defence giant BAE Systems, and mining companies BHP and Rio Tinto.
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