The Victorian Government has announced the latest recipients of its Supply Chain Uplift Program (SCUP) grants, providing $827,000 in funding to 13 Victorian businesses to strengthen their competitiveness in the defence sector.
Victorian Minister made the announcement for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins MP during her visit to Hanwha Defence Australia’s stand at the 2024 Land Forces International Defence Exposition.
Minister Hutchins highlighted the importance of the program in supporting local manufacturers.
“The Supply Chain Uplift Program is giving our local manufacturers the best shot at securing new contracts – creating new jobs for Victorians and boosting our economy,” she said.
The matched co-funded grants of up to $100,000 will enable businesses to undertake a variety of business improvement projects, including facility upgrades, securing industry accreditations, and advancing research and product development.
The goal is to help these companies secure contracts with major defence players like Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) and other key industry partners.
Among the successful recipients are companies such as Amiga Engineering, Brockman Engineering, Diamond Defence, and Tickford Racing.
The funding is expected to enhance their capabilities, creating export opportunities and attracting investment into Victoria’s defence industry.
Dean Michie, acting managing director at Hanwha Defence Australia, praised the collaboration between the government and the defence industry.
“Working with the Victorian Government to support our two key defence programs means that these SMEs are able to work with us and also on other defence programs, truly uplifting the capabilities and capacities of the sector to compete both here and in Australia,” he explained.
Since its inception in 2021, the SCUP and the $10 million Victorian Land Systems Fund have supported business improvement initiatives across 22 Victorian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
These efforts are driving the state’s advanced manufacturing and defence-related industries, which contribute $8.4 billion annually to the Victorian economy and employ over 24,300 workers.
Dr Steven Trpkovski, managing director at Diamond Defence, also emphasized the impact of the SCUP grants on his company’s growth.
“The support provided by the Victorian Government through SCUP has enabled Diamond Defence to establish a world-leading capability in Australia for the Australian defence industry,” he said.
So far, the SCUP has awarded over $1.3 million to companies looking to modernize their manufacturing processes, purchase new equipment, and gain necessary certifications to work within the defence sector.
Michie also referenced Hanwha’s recent developments in Victoria, including the August opening of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE).
“The opening of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in August this year demonstrates our commitment to Victoria, the Department of Defence and our supply chain partners,” he noted.
For more information on the Supply Chain Uplift Program, visit the Victorian Government’s official website.
