Marand are front and centre of the Andrews Labor Government’s renewed campaign to win a Federal Government contract to build next-generation military vehicles – creating up to 2,000 jobs.
Victoria has partnered with BAE Systems Australia, which has put forward the AMV-35 in its bid to win the $5 billion LAND 400 project, Australia’s largest ever land military vehicle procurement program.
The project includes the design, build and maintenance of 225 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles which will replace the current Australian Light Armoured Vehicle fleet.
The new campaign promotes the strengths of Victoria’s defence industry and proven track record in manufacturing military vehicles as the Federal Government readies to make a decision on LAND 400.
It features workers from Marand, one of the Victorian supply chain companies that will build components for new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles should BAE Systems win the contract for the LAND 400.
Marand is looking to increase its footprint in Geelong and base a significant part of its LAND 400 work at the former Ford factory, creating as many as 60 new jobs, including jobs suitable for former automotive workers.
Victoria is the home of manufacturing in Australia, recording 12 consecutive months of growth in manufacturing – the longest run of expansion since 2003 – despite the closure of automotive manufacturing.
Victoria’s defence sector is worth $8 billion to the local economy every year, and is made up of about 20,000 workers and more than 400 businesses.
If BAE Systems is awarded the LAND 400 contract, it would add close to $1 billion to Victoria’s economy and create up to 2,000 manufacturing and supply chain jobs, providing valuable opportunities for ex-automotive industry workers.
The Labor Government believes the decision should be based on the merit of the bid, not how many marginal seats the contract might win for Malcolm Turnbull in Queensland.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Trade and Investment Ben Carroll
“If BAE Systems Australia are successful in securing LAND 400, it’ll mean new jobs for Geelong and a chance for former auto workers to transition into new employment.”
“LAND 400 belongs in Victoria. We have the proven workforce, the expertise and the supply chain to get it done, and get it done well.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“This is an opportunity for Malcolm Turnbull to give certainty to Geelong’s manufacturing sector and support new supply chain jobs in Geelong.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020