Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today officially opened Chemring’s new $30 million plant where specialist pyrotechnics and counter measures are manufactured to support Defence personnel in Afghanistan.
Mr Clare was joined by Member for Corio Richard Marles and Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Della-Riva.
Mr Clare said that the new facility was built after the Federal Government awarded Chemring a 10-year, $160 million contract in November 2008 to supply countermeasures and pyrotechnics to the Defence Force.
“The counter-measures are a defensive flare system that assists in protecting aircraft against enemy missiles. They use flares and chaff to attract the missile away from our aircraft,” Mr Clare.
“They’re used by our soldiers in Afghanistan and from the helicopters and fixed wing aircraft that support them.
“Chemring also supply a variety of flares and distress beacons which are important in search and rescue and other emergency situations from our aircraft, helicopters, ships and submarines.
“This company is doing important work helping to keep our troops safe, and they’re doing it right here in Lara. The $160 million contract and this subsequent $30 million investment by Chemring is a significant investment in regional Victoria and it’s creating jobs.
“Since the announcement of the contract Chemring’s workforce has doubled from 30 to 60 and that’s great news for the local community.”
“I want to thank the workers here at Chemring for the great job they’re doing in supporting our Defence Force,” Mr Marles said.