WA business powers into US nuclear sub supply chain
In a major win for Western Australia's defence industry, Hofmann Engineering has been approved to supply WA-made components for the construction of United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Hofmann Engineering started in a Perth backyard in 1969 and has grown into an integral supplier to local industry, including WA's locally-made METRONET railcars. It is now the first business in Australia to be given the green light to provide parts for strategic US naval assets thanks to a nation leading Cook Government-supported program.
It means the Bassendean business is on track to being able to supply components for Virginia-class submarines, which will support the creation of local jobs and strengthen Australia's relationship with the US through its world-class industries.
$300,000 in State Government funding was provided last year to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) - the world's biggest nuclear-powered submarine builder - to deliver the Supplier Capability Uplift Program. The initiative was later incorporated into the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) program, executed by H&B Defence.
The successful program has also helped four other WA businesses advance towards achieving strict US approvals including:
- Dobbie;
- Marine Technicians Australia;
- Pressure Dynamics; and
- Veem.
HII is one of only two builders of the US Virginia-class submarine - the boat Australia is set to acquire under the AUKUS partnership in 2032.
Localising the manufacture of high-end products in WA's defence industry is key to diversifying the economy and creating jobs for generations to come.
