Victoria continues to cement its reputation as Australia’s defence manufacturing capital, with Hanwha Defense Australia setting up its national headquarters in Melbourne.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll today officially opened Hanwha Defense Australia’s new headquarters in Melbourne’s CBD. The headquarters will house up to 150 staff, including the company’s leadership team along with staff in finance, human resources, engineering and facilities.
Earlier this year it was announced that Hanwha is establishing a $170 million Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence at the Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct with support from the Andrews Labor Government, creating more than 300 local jobs in design, engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Hanwha will build its self-propelled howitzers at the Avalon facility to deliver on the Commonwealth Government’s $1 billion LAND 8116 program after the company was announced as the program’s successful bidder late last year.
The Labor Government is investing $10 million in the Victorian Land Systems Fund, which will be used to support local businesses to join Hanwha Defense Australia’s supply chain and create local jobs.
Hanwha is also one of the final two bidders to deliver the Commonwealth Government’s multi-billion LAND 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle program.
Hanwha Corporation is South Korea’s largest defence company which also operates in the aerospace, fintech, mining and clean energy sectors.
In January 2021, the Labor Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha to formalise a long-term partnership to support the establishment of Hanwha’s defence manufacturing operations in the state.
Hanwha is just one of several major defence firms to invest in Victoria and develop the state’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. Other firms include BAE Systems, Thales and Lockheed Martin.
The Victorian defence sector contributes $8.4 billion to the Victorian economy each year and supports around 24,300 jobs across the defence industry.
Quotes attributable to Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll
“Hanwha opening its Australian headquarters in Melbourne is testament to the strength and competitiveness of our defence sector as well as our attractiveness as an investment destination.”
“Establishing a headquarters in Melbourne is another milestone in Victoria’s partnership with Hanwha and we look forward to the company creating more skilled local jobs.”
Quote attributable to Hanwha Defense Australia CEO Richard Cho
“This new facility brings together our diverse workforce, with room to grow. I would like to thank the Victorian Government for their support of Hanwha Defense Australia in bringing high technology and manufacturing skills to Australia.”
Reviewed 25 August 2022