Australian + New Zealand Defence Directory 20/21

AUSTRALIAN + NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE DIRECTORY 2020/21 THE NATION BUILD www. d e f e n c e . d i r e c t o r y 22 DEMONSTRATING AND GROWING SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY M arand is the home of one of Australia’s strongest sources of sovereign and advanced manufacturing capability. We recognise and embrace the role we can play in partnership with the international Primes -and their systems providers- in growing the capability of Australian industry for the benefit of Defence during procurement and sustainment In this dynamic environment, with our special role at the mid-tier, we have a unique perspective on the industry. Our deep and ongoing engagement with the supply chain gives us a working knowledge of local industry capability. This allows us to act as an integrator for our first-tier customers and allows them to focus on delivery of overall capability to the Commonwealth. One of the strengths of Marand is our adaptability. Having worked for most of the Primes on different programs over the years, we have, as a core competency, the agility to adopt Prime and OEM-specified processes and systems, or in other words, transfer technology. When we started the F-35 Vertical Tail project we didn’t have the capability required. However, the Primes (BAE Systems UK and Lockheed Martin) could see that we had a pathway to es- tablish the processes, the vision to make the investment, and the ability to manage the risk. We thank them for that trust and partnership now as we continue to deliver exceptional award- winning performance to the F-35 program. At the same time, in many areas, our own Australian Intellectual Property (IP) is world leading, and Primes come to Marand and other SMEs for support on their programs globally. Marand exports 70% of our work. Marand engineers, manufactures and sustains complete products in the form of facility automation solutions, and assembled products, which go direct to the client’s final assembly line. Marand’s design contribution includes production automation machines, tooling and fixtures for companies such as Boeing, vehicle companies, and large rail operators. For the F-35 Vertical Tails, we assemble and machine high accuracy components, and manage a complete supply chain for all elements and processes required to finish the end product for BAE Systems UK. At the same time, we manufacture and provide support for the F-35 engine trailer. Significantly, Marand did the design for this project, and has continued to evolve the solution as a highly sophisticated piece of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), which is used by all F-35 operators, MRO facilities, and final assembly and check-out locations around the globe. We are glad that the most recent Force Structure Plan, reinforces the commitment to build a resilient and internationally competitive Defence sovereign industrial capability. AIC for us is about providing enduring benefits to the Commonwealth. We are here to help develop, supply, sustain, and upgrade the equipment needed by the ADF. We understand that Defence procurement requires best capability and value for money. We also know that if the provision of a fair opportunity to compete is mandated, we will do very well, as we have shown on the most demanding programs globally. Marand has proven that Australian companies can compete and add value on the global stage, on many occasions, the addition of the Aus- tralian capability increases value for the taxpayer, both during procurement and also for sustainment. The challenge for us all is to communi- cate around AIC and so assure that value-add to programs is achieved. We need the Commonwealth, Primes and their suppliers to support genuine engagement by providing realistic timelines for the required administrative processes, which will then allow us to demonstrate and grow sovereign capability. We have a Defence focused strategy to build on our experience and proactively reach out to programs of interest, to ensure they are aware of the local capability available in Australia. We have seen the important role partnerships and joint ventures have in creating new business opportunities to benefit both the partners and clients. Through Marand’s ownership by ASDAM (Australian Sovereign Defence and Advance Manufacturing), we are now more focused on this strategy, taking a deliberate approach to the future growth of the company’s Defence business in support of the AIC (Australian Industry Capability) objectives. ASDAM’s investment in Marand, and more recently Levett Engineering, is evidence of this company’s commitment. I’m delighted to be part of Marand’s long-term leadership team, which includes Alex Lyon, Steve Mellor, and Rohan Stocker. Together, we look forward to playing our role in contributing to the effective and efficient delivery of Australian content, IP, and best practices across the range of Defence programs in the coming decades. Simon Walter Head of New Business - Defence Marand