The South Australian Government has announced a major boost to the state’s advanced manufacturing sector, with US-based aerospace company Life Support International (LSI) opening its first facility outside Pennsylvania in Adelaide.
Supported through the Malinauskas Government’s Investment Attraction Program, the new specialised service centre in Elizabeth South will maintain lifesaving equipment used aboard maritime patrol aircraft, including the UNI-PAC III – a 20-person life raft deployed from Boeing P-8A Poseidon bomb bays.
In a news release, the government said two South Australians have already completed specialist training and commenced work at the site, with LSI projecting to expand its local workforce to 17 employees by the end of the decade.
The establishment of the facility follows a $100,000 grant from the Malinauskas Government’s Investment Accelerator Program, alongside a joint $200 million Federal and State investment in the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility for Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircraft – both key factors in attracting LSI to South Australia.
Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Joe Szakacs said the Government’s ongoing support for defence and aerospace manufacturing is creating local jobs and strengthening sovereign capability.
“LSI and its Asia Pacific Service Centre are valuable additions to South Australia’s thriving defence industry,” Szakacs said. “Setting up in South Australia will allow them to continue supporting our defence forces faster, more efficiently and while building local expertise.”
Szakacs said the Malinauskas Government’s investment in defence aerospace through initiatives such as the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility is driving local economic activity and skilled workforce growth.
Federal Member for Spence Matt Burnell MP said the company’s decision highlights the strength of South Australia’s northern manufacturing base.
“LSI’s decision to establish its first facility outside the United States is another strong vote of confidence in the skills and capability we have here in the North,” Burnell said. “That investment has helped attract global leaders like LSI to South Australia while building long-term sovereign capability.”
LSI President Greg Yerkes said the company is proud to expand its operations with support from the South Australian and Federal Governments.
“From the beginning, LSI has been guided by a simple but vital purpose: to deliver mission-critical equipment that saves lives,” Yerkes said. “We are very grateful for the support from the Federal and South Australian Governments which have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”
According to the government, local veteran-owned company BiORG will manage daily operations of the facility as part of a strategic partnership with LSI.
CEO Doug Phillips said the collaboration demonstrates the strength of South Australia’s manufacturing and defence supply chain. “In under 10 months, our combined teams have delivered a comprehensive sustainment strategy, hired and trained a South Australian workforce, and fitted out a facility from scratch,” Phillips said.
