South Australian-based defence manufacturer, XTEK, has secured two Department of Defence grants totalling more than $800,000 that are set to boost production and accelerate product development.

The purchase of a new ‘CNC Virtual Machining Centre’ at the company’s Adelaide manufacturing facility will be supported by a $164,268.50 grant from the Defence Global Competitiveness program. The equipment will allow for safer and more complex machining, reducing the cost of outsourcing and improving productivity.

This project is set to accelerate new product development and prototyping, with completion expected by 29 October 2023.

Meanwhile, a $658,209.20 grant through the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority program is set to double production of the company’s Rifle Combat Helmet. The funding will be used to acquire, install and commission a new custom helmet pre-forming press, that is anticipated to be completed by the end of May 2024.

Group CEO of XTEK, Scott Basham said the company is excited to be awarded the grants.

“We are a proud sovereign Australian defence industry manufacturer with a growing global business footprint,” said Mr Basham.

“These grants will significantly help us to remain at the forefront of global lightweight and high performance ballistic armour innovation, and importantly to also double the existing production capacity of our unique ‘rifle rated’ Rifle Combat Helmet (RCH), which is now receiving a lot of interest and attention from all around the world.”

Learn more about XTEK

Image via XTEK Group