THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
014/2009
SIGNING OF AIC DEED WITH RAYTHEON
The Hon. Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science,
today welcomed the signing of an Australian Industry Capability (AIC) Deed with
the Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Ron Fisher, and the establishment
of Raytheon Australia’s Industry Development Unit.
Under the AIC program, Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) is working with
global defence companies to ensure Australian companies, especially small to
medium sized enterprises (SMEs), have the opportunity to access and participate
in global supply chains of large international companies.
Mr Combet said the AIC Deeds are aimed at facilitating opportunities in the
international defence companies and their first and second tier supply chains for
Australian companies, particularly SMEs that might otherwise find it difficult to
approach large overseas companies on their own.
“In addition, the AIC Deeds provide selected training and mentoring to Australian
companies to enable them to be more globally competitive,” Mr Combet said.
Ron Fisher said Raytheon Australia’s Industry Development Unit will promote the
interests of local defence firms by identifying and facilitating business
opportunities through the Raytheon global supply chain.
“This is an important next step in Raytheon’s drive to encourage small and
medium sized Australian firms,” Mr Fisher said.
Mr Combet said under the Deed the Raytheon Australia Industry Development
Unit will identify potential opportunities for Australian firms, mentor Australian
industry on the US defence market, and work with the DMO and other
government agencies to co-ordinate trade missions and help break down the
barriers that may otherwise inhibit doing business in the US defence market.
“The unit will also distribute expressions of interest to Australian SMEs for
relevant technologies and products, and work to secure new business for local
industry,” Mr Combet said.
The Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and
innovation leader specialising in defence, homeland security and other
government markets throughout the world.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 4771 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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