Global defence giant Saab is expanding its local presence in Victoria thanks to a new cutting-edge facility that will create 50 highly skilled jobs and help drive the state’s economic recovery.
Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas opened Saab Australia’s new System Integration and Support Centre, which was established to draw on the state’s strong industry capabilities.
“Investments like these are critical to our economic recovery – fostering innovation, boosting local supply chain opportunities and creating jobs in the defence sector,” Minister Pallas said.
“This ground-breaking work will also develop the skills of local experts and position Victoria as a world leader in the sector.”
A co-investment was made between the Victorian Government and Saab in order to help continue Saab Australia’s growth and enhance its contribution to industry-leading defence projects.
“Saab has had a small office and team based in Melbourne for over a decade, but this co-investment will see our Melbourne footprint expand to enable the delivery of major new defence projects, along with continued in-service support for Australian Defence Force equipment,” Saab Australia’s Managing Director Andy Keough said.
The centre will become Saab’s Asia Pacific hub for integrated communications systems. This will create a range of software and systems engineering roles while expanding the company’s capabilities.
With the investment, Saab’s global Deployable Health Care Centre of Excellence will be relocated to the state from Sweden.
It will also enable the company to transfer technology and IP to the state, creating opportunities for Victorian supply chain companies.
Saab Australia was established in 1987 to build and develop Australia’s defence capability. The company currently employs about 560 people nationally, including 45 in Victoria.
The company has contributed to major defence projects such as the ANZAC class frigates. Saab Australia was also announced as a major partner for both the SEA 5000 and SEA 1180 naval projects and the Joint Project 2060 for deployable health modules.
Victoria’s defence sector contributes up to $8.4 billion to the state’s economy each year, employing around 36,000 people and supporting thousands of businesses.
Source: Premier of Victoria