Two South Australian companies, Century Engineering and MG Engineering, have been chosen to participate in BAE Systems’ Hunter Class frigate program as part of a new digital supply chain initiative. This program aims to enhance local integration into shipbuilding efforts and improve manufacturing efficiency through advanced digitization techniques.
BAE Systems Australia has introduced a “strategic supplier panel” to facilitate this integration, marking a significant step towards creating a more sophisticated and digitally-enabled manufacturing capability. This panel allows for real-time tracking and tracing of parts, streamlining the entire process from initial orders through to production and delivery. The pilot initiative aims to test new integration methods and technologies during the current prototyping phase of the Hunter Class program, focusing on critical components such as bulkheads, beams, brackets, and transportable sub-assemblies.
Alastair Bacon, BAE Systems’ maritime project director, emphasized the goal of providing live supply chain status information. This data will enhance productivity by reducing the need for ongoing supplier follow-ups and improving production coordination within the shipyard. Jim Cuthill, the maritime operations director at BAE Systems, highlighted that this initiative serves as a test for systems that will be implemented throughout the Hunter program’s lifespan, ultimately benefiting local suppliers and supporting continuous naval shipbuilding efforts.
Both engineering firms expressed enthusiasm about their involvement. Anthony Brdar, managing director of MG Engineering, noted the importance of this opportunity in shaping processes that will contribute to Australia’s long-term naval shipbuilding capacity. Similarly, David Heaslip of Century Engineering acknowledged the significance of the digital supply chain model, indicating it would enable their company to offer a flexible and responsive service to BAE Systems.
Overall, this strategic collaboration not only strengthens the local supply chain but also reinforces Australia’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding, ensuring that local firms can play a pivotal role in the nation’s defense capabilities for generations to come. BAE Systems plans to expand this supplier panel to include more local companies in the future, further aligning with its vision for an advanced and interconnected manufacturing environment.
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