Marand Precision Engineering and Rheinmetall have announced a $50 million extension to their manufacturing partnership to now include the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) in use with the Australian Defence Force and for export orders.
Marand has an existing partnership with Rheinmetall to manufacture LANCE digital turrets, hull components and vehicle attachments in Geelong for export markets utilising both companies’ Australian supply chains.
The enhanced manufacturing partnership announced by the companies on 26 May includes Geelong manufacture of Boxer CRV subassemblies including Citadel machining, turret hatches, turret baskets, doors and dismount hatches.
“This major production partnership is an exciting development for Marand and for the City of Geelong,” said Rohan Stocker, CEO Marand.
“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.
“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.”
Marand has operations in Melbourne and Geelong and supplies engineering solutions to the Defence, aerospace, rail, automotive and mining sectors.
The company will undertake design and development with manufacturing at the historic Ford Factory precinct in Geelong.
“Marand is an outstanding Australian company with a reputation globally for delivering quality manufacturing outcomes for major Defence projects,” said 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.
“Our $50 million partnership extension reflects Rheinmetall’s global commitment to delivering real Australian Industry opportunities today, in communities across the country, including in Geelong and Victoria.”