Babcock Australasia (Babcock) is partnering with the New Zealand Defence Industry Association (NZDIA) to showcase new opportunities for local businesses looking to launch into national and global opportunities in the Defence industry and broader Maritime Sector.
A supplier day aimed at supporting businesses to explore future opportunities was held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on September 23.
New Zealand SMEs and supply chain partners had an opportunity to connect with Babcock, the NZDIA and a selection of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to learn about current and upcoming opportunities, as well as gain insights into the NZ Government’s new Defence agenda following the release of the Defence Capability Plan (DCP).
Babcock also outlined potential opportunities to support the delivery of the company’s Arrowhead 140 offering as a future solution for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).
As the Strategic Maritime Partner to the New Zealand Defence Force, Babcock has provided fleet capability and support in New Zealand since 1995, sustaining 100 per cent of the RNZN fleet and operating the country’s largest marine engineering and maintenance support facility in Devonport, Auckland.
Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said: “There is no doubt there are unprecedented opportunities – both locally and globally – for New Zealand businesses who have an exciting chance to have a stake in current and future Defence projects which in turn delivers economic growth for local communities.
“SMEs play a critical role in Babcock’s supply chain and global business. In New Zealand, Babcock is supported by 600 local suppliers, each one critical to supporting the services we proudly provide the Royal New Zealand Navy, and they are integral in supporting the country’s future Defence agenda.
“Over 91 per cent of Babcock New Zealand’s current expenditure is reinvested back into the New Zealand economy through the provision of services from local businesses. In the last 2 years alone, over $220M of activity has been directed into the local SME network.”
New Zealand Defence Industry Association CEO Ian Harman said: “Delivering on the Defence Capability Plan cannot be achieved, nor can it be successful without industry.
Industry is a critical partner in both the supply of military capability and infrastructure, and their sustainment and operation through-life.
“Partnering with Defence companies like Babcock to support supplier days like this one allows us to support SMEs to enter the industry and in turn, support New Zealand’s critical Defence agenda.”
