Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries
Tasmanian manufacturing company Jayben Group has made its first foray into the defence supply sector signing a Memorandum of Agreement with Boeing subsidiary Insitu Pacific.
This is another success story through the Tasmanian Government's Tasmanian Defence Industry Strategy, and further establishes our position as a world class defence and manufacturing hub.
Insitu Pacific are currently tendering to supply tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems to the Australian Army under the LAND 129 investment program.
This means that this agreement could see Jayben as part of the team supplying vital components to strengthen our national defence capability.
Insitu Pacific is a recognised leader in the design of complete unmanned aerial systems including craft, sensors and software and is in the running for this multimillion dollar Australian Government contract.
Jayben has been in operation for over 90 years and in Tasmania for 17 years, specialising in the manufacture of off-highway drivetrain solutions mainly for mining and agricultural vehicles.
This is the first time they have actively looked to enter the defence sector since WWII.
Importantly, if this bid is successful it will open up more international markets and opportunities for Jayben and Tasmania's manufacturing sector, and will continue to raise the recognition of our high-quality bespoke manufacturing capabilities.
A decision on the successful bidder for the Australian Army's LAND 129 Phase 3 investment program is expected to be made this year.
Jayben Group General Manager, Chris Johnson, says "We recognise the Tasmanian Government's ongoing support, in particular for us to go to Land Forces as part of the Tasmanian stand, as well as associated networking events. These were beneficial to exposing Jayben to defence contracting and making industry connections."
