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Babcock Unveils Advanced Defence Facility in Woodville North to Enhance Project Capabilities

Defence Technology

Technology, Manufacturing, Operations, Optimization

Business Honor
29 October, 2024

Babcock launches advanced defence facility in Woodville North, boosting key projects and workforce opportunities

Babcock has formally inaugurated a defence-accredited facility at Woodville North to support more than 100 engineers and technical specialists who are working on some of Australia's most important defence projects. The best in breed, high-technology structure replaces Babcock operations that were conducted from Osborne. It includes a purpose-designed, 4,000m² manufacturing workshop with 2,000m² of office space. State-of-the-art technologies integrated there are designed to amplify its operational throughput.

The facility will service key projects such as submarines, Collins Class, for Hunter Class Frigates and future AUKUS projects, as well as asset management of C-CBRNE. Premier Peter Malinauskas added that the great opportunity provided for workforce development in South Australia by the facility underscored the fact that the facility will deliver highly skilled, well-paid career opportunities for locals.

According to Babcock's defence chief, Andrew Cridland, the new site will bring out better capabilities in defence, where the company would be able to allow deeper maintenance on key systems as well as Life of Type Extension projects for the Collins Class fleet. The facility is aimed at fostering collaboration amongst engineers that can give a hands-on opportunity in doing detailed work in mechanical systems optimization.

The building is carbon-neutral. It features a 99-kilowatt rooftop solar array, energy-efficient lighting, and electric vehicle charging stations. Commercial & General, which built the facility, was proud to hand over the project on time and on budget.

The new facility, which is said to have created almost 200 construction jobs as it was under development, will be operational by the end of the year, placing Babcock at the forefront of large employers in the state's growing defense manufacturing sector.