Babcock Australasia (Babcock) continues to uplift and support small and medium enterprises entering the Defence industry, propelling 12 of its New Zealand suppliers into its global supply chain to support current and future Defence work both locally and in the UK.
Six of the 12 new agreements were formally signed at the recent Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney as a direct result of a Supplier Day hosted by Babcock and the New Zealand Defence Industry Association (NZDIA) in September.
The companies signed up to the Babcock global supply chain will be well positioned to support frigate programmes, based on the Babcock Arrowhead 140 (AH140) design, being built for several major navies globally.
Company-X, a New Zealand-based software development company already partnering with the Royal New Zealand Navy, is one of the 12 new small and medium enterprises (SMEs) signed on with Babcock.
Company-X Head of Training and Simulation Lance Bauerfeind said: “Our partnership with Babcock not only reflects growing international demand for New Zealand innovation but recognises the depth of experience that already exists within our shores and the value of partnering with local organisations that can continue to deliver at a world-class level.”
Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said: “SMEs play a critical role in Babcock’s supply chain and global business.
“Babcock’s new partnership with 12 New Zealand SMEs presents a fantastic opportunity for these companies to make a real difference both locally and globally. Not only will it deliver economic growth for local communities and support the development of local jobs, it will also strengthen the local supplier base in New Zealand.
“More than 91 per cent of our current New Zealand expenditure is reinvested back into the economy through the provision of services from local businesses. In the last two years alone, more than $220 million of activity has been directed into our 600-company strong local SME network.”