FEDERAL Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has congratulated Port Macquarie manufacturer Bale Defence Industries on its ongoing work in both innovation and manufacturing following the completion of one of its latest projects for the Australian Defence Force.
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The latest contract is for the design, manufacture and testing of Rough Terrain Vehicles for the Australian Army here in Port Macquarie at Bale Defence Industries Jindalee Road headquarters.
Dr Gillespie said the company had been operating in the region for more than 35 years through its Bale Engineering and Bale Defence Industries operations.
"The company has developed a solid reputation, particularly in Defence, for its innovation and supply of highly specialised & essential equipment used by the Army and Navy in their important operations both locally and abroad," Dr Gillespie said.
"This latest Defence contract has seen the development of a lightweight tactical vehicle that will significantly benefit the operations of our frontline soldiers."
The new Rough Terrain Vehicles are a rugged and reliable all-terrain military vehicle capable of conducting operations anywhere in the world on all kind of adverse terrain. The vehicles can be carried inside or underneath military aircraft which will allow insertion in even the most remote locations.
It also features tireball runflat tyre systems, a large number of customised weapon carriage suites, heavy payload capacity and also the first fully certified collapsible ROPS introduced into the ADF for a vehicle of its class.
The vehicle as a platform will greatly enhance the operational effectiveness of our soldiers and will offer unpatrolled safety for a vehicle of its type. All of which has been designed, manufactured and certified here in Port Macquarie.
The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) will take delivery of the first of nineteen Rough Terrain Vehicles tomorrow.
Bale Defence Industries currently employs 22 staff members comprising of fitter machinists, boilermakers, engineers, draftsmen and technical writers including 3 local apprentices.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Bob Bale and his team on the great work they have been doing over the years. Their hard work and determination to deliver highly innovative and quality equipment and products is clearly paying off, providing greater opportunities for the Australian Defence Force and delivering important economic benefits to our region," Dr Gillespie added.