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Thales unveils new investment in Lithgow

The Member for Bathurst, the Hon Paul Toole MP today unveiled a new $1.8 million honing machine on the rifle production line at Lithgow Arms.

The new equipment brings Thales鈥檚 investment to more than $30 million in plant and equipment at Lithgow Arms since 2006.

This investment demonstrates Thales鈥檚 continuing investment in maintaining Australia鈥檚 sovereign industrial capability in small arms research, design, development and manufacture.

Thales鈥檚 continued investment over more than a decade has unlocked the potential of the site, winning contracts and generating jobs and investment in Lithgow, the Central West and along the supply chain.

In order to maintain a capability advantage for Australia鈥檚 Defence Forces, Thales is investing in world class manufacturing capabilities that can be integrated with digital technologies, including 3D printing, advanced optical and targeting equipment and secure digitally networked systems.

Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole said that 92% of content used in production is sourced locally or made on site. 

鈥淚 am delighted that more than 200 of Lithgow Arms鈥檚 suppliers are located in NSW, and over the last three years these suppliers have received almost $20 million in orders from Thales鈥 Mr Toole said. 

鈥淪ince 1912, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory (now known as Lithgow Arms) has proudly supported Australia鈥檚 soldiers on battlefields around the world,鈥 he said.

Director of Soldier Weapons Systems, Graham Evenden, said that  Thales is investing significantly in its manufacturing capability and skills development to develop the world leading technologies for future products.  

鈥淭oday鈥檚 unveiling shows our intent to build on Lithgow Arms鈥 distinguished heritage to develop and manufacture the next generation soldier weapons systems for the future Australian Defence Force.鈥

Photo (L 鈥 R): Kevin Dobel, The Hon Paul Toole MP, Craig Harr, David Forbes, Graham Evenden

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