Defence Industry Minister meets with Rheinmetall

17 Dec 2016 Media release

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today met with senior management of Rheinmetall in Vienna, Austria to discuss the successful delivery of medium and heavy specialised military trucks for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

As part of the visit Minister Pyne was taken on a tour of the Vienna test track and factory, accompanied by Chief Finance Officer of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Division, Mr Michael Wittlinger.

Minister Pyne thanked the personal efforts of Mr Wittlinger for ensuring the successful delivery of a key capability for the ADF.

“I welcome Rheinmetall’s investment in Australian industry as the first 64 trucks were accepted on schedule in November this year as part of LAND 121 Phase 3B,” Minister Pyne said.

Land 121 Phase 3B will acquire 2707 medium and heavy vehicles along with 3858 modules and 1704 trailers.

“Rheinmetall MAN has been focused on creating sustainable links with Australian Defence industry partners, increasing input from Australia.

“Over the past three years the original Rheinmetall MAN workforce in Melbourne has grown from 15 to more than 125 staff.”

Minister Pyne said Australian industry partners including Varley, Holmwood Highgate, Seabox International, and RPC Technologies are designing and manufacturing the various modules to the highest engineering standards.

Additionally Penske, Customs Agency Services and Linfox are providing the expert logistical and test support required for a project of this magnitude.

After Phase 3B, the focus shifts to Phase 5B in 2018. This will see more vehicles, modules and trailers brought into service.

“With the first vehicle deliveries to reach more than 2530 by 2019, I expect LAND 121 Phase 5B to maximise Australian industry content,” Minister Pyne said