Ferra Engineering, a company based in Brisbane, is poised to manufacture more precision parts for global giants, such as Boeing, after receiving backing from the Queensland government.
Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher said the financial backing granted to Ferra by the Department of Regional Development and Manufacturing is intended to ensure the company’s manufacturing was brought onshore to Queensland.
A total of 20 new jobs are expected to be created in the next five years, according to Butcher.
Ferra seeks further boost defence manufacturing capability to handle a range of upcoming projects, which includes Boeing’s autonomous MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the local production of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is set to create approximately 300 construction jobs and at least 70 high-skilled jobs once operational. This is on top of new supply chain opportunities brought for local businesses.
The Tingalpa-based company recently purchased a custom-made Computer Numerical Control machine, which will enable it to produce larger components for a range of defence products.
“Ferra Engineering welcomes this collaboration with Boeing and the Queensland Government to manufacture precision aero-structures for the MQ-28A Ghost Bat,” said Ferra Chief Financial Officer David Rogers. “This further proves that Queensland businesses like Ferra can compete and be successful in manufacturing and supplying complex systems at a global level.”
Minister Dick is slated to visit Ferra’s manufacturing facility in Bangalore, India, in March as part of an upcoming Trade Mission.
“We’ve supported Ferra to install technology that allows them to build larger components for military aircraft systems. And we’re supporting them to export their products to countries like India through Trade and Investment Queensland,” the minister said.
“We want to keep strengthening Queensland’s advanced manufacturing capabilities because that will further diversify our economy and build on our existing skills base,” he added.
Ferra’s export customers also include industry giants such as Dynamic Technologies, Godrej Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, the Airbus Group, GE Aviation, Thales and Lockheed Martin.
