Defence manufacturer Hanwha Defense Australia has officially opened its new headquarters in Melbourne’s central business district.
The new facility comes as Victoria continues to position itself as Australia’s defence manufacturing capital.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll took part in the opening ceremony of the new headquarters, which will house up to 150 staff, including the company’s leadership team along with staff in finance, human resources, engineering, and facilities.
“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,” Carroll said.
“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,” said Richard Cho, chief executive officer of Hanwha Defense Australia.
Earlier this year, Hanwha announced a $170 million Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence at the Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct with support from the state government.
The facility created more than 300 local jobs in design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
The company is also building its self–propelled howitzers at the Avalon facility for Australia’s $1 billion LAND 8116 program.
Victoria will invest $10 million in Victorian Land Systems Fynd to support businesses that seek to join Hanwha’s supply chain.
Hanwha Corporation is South Korea’s largest defence company, which also operates in the aerospace, fintech, mining, and clean energy sectors.
The Victorian government sealed an agreement with the company in January 2021 to formalise a long-term partnership to support the establishment of Hanwha’s defence manufacturing operations in the state.
