To reinforce sovereign manufacturing goals, the Morrison Government has awarded three small Australian manufacturing businesses more than $2 million in support under the latest round of its Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority Grants Program.
South Australian companies Axiom Precision Manufacturing, M. & I. Samaras, and the NSW specialty products company Jehbco Manufacturing are the latest SICP grant recipients.
Both Axiom and M. & I. Samaras received $1 million, while Jehbco received $92,340.
Under the grant, Axiom will develop capability to weld high precision structures and armoured steel whilst maintaining mechanical properties.
This is the second Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grant for the high precision manufacturer, and the latest funding will be used to enhance its precision welding capabilities.
“Axiom boasts an already strong track record and this grant boosts their potential to provide high quality welding capabilities to Australia and our partners,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.
In April 2020, Axiom teamed up with the Defence to produce protective face shields for frontline health workers.
Meanwhile, metal and steel manufacturer M. & I. Samaras will use the funds to develop and install a robotic and assembly and welding line equipped with advanced manufacturing capabilities for use in heavy engineering and shipbuilding.
Lastly, Jehbco will purchase and commission capital equipment while upgrading overall security to facilitate gains through reduced manufacturing time – improving quality and precision.
“Australian companies have world-leading capabilities and this program ensures companies like Axiom, M. & I. Samaras and Jehbco Manufacturing can continue to grow, avoiding Australian reliance on foreign companies for crucial Defence technologies and components.
The SICP grants program has supported up to 73 Australian small and medium businesses to a combined value of $40 million since its inception in November 2018.
For more information on the grant application, visit the Centre for Defence Industry Capability at: https://www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Sovereign-Industrial-Capability-Priority-Grants
