Sixty new manufacturing jobs will be created at a Victorian precision engineering company, after winning an additional LAND 400 package worth $15 million.
BAE Systems Australia has selected Marand to manufacture the AMV35’s turret shell, common to both Phase 2 and Phase 3 and would provide for further job increases if BAE Systems’ LAND 400 bid is successful.
Previously, BAE Systems announced that Marand would manufacture the AMV35 vehicle hull.
As part of Marand’s continued efforts to increase its footprint in Geelong, BAE Systems took the AMV35 to the historic Ford factory to showcase the vehicle to around 40 Marand staff, keen to get a closer look at the combat proven vehicle.
BAE Systems Australia and Patria have offered the AMV35 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle as part of their bid for LAND 400 Phase 2 to replace the ageing ASLAV fleet.
LAND 400 is the Australian Army’s largest ever vehicle replacement program while Marand is one of Victoria’s biggest defence manufacturers, employing more than 250 people.
“Marand has proved it has a skilled and experienced workforce ready to work with us to deliver a high quality product for the Australian Army,” said BAE Systems Australia CEO Glynn Phillips.
“Working with partners like Marand will help us develop and maintain Australian Industry Capability on major projects like Land 400.
“This opportunity will provide long-term employment with up to 60 direct jobs at Marand. I expect a number of those will be former automotive employees.”