THE federal government has announced acceptance of the first two “deployable cabins” for the RAAF’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, built at Tomago by Varley.
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Defence Industry Minister Steve Ciobo made the announcement, saying the Hunter-built cabins were a critical part of maintaining the new fighter aircraft away from their bases at RAAF Williamtown and Tindal.
“The deployable cabins were built by Varley Group in Newcastle, NSW using Australian steel, creating 40 jobs at Varley and another 50 local jobs in the Hunter region supply chain,” Mr Ciobo said.
Varley managing director Jeff Phillips said there were two types of unit built: one held a portable briefing room for pilots, while the other was a maintenance unit.
The Newcastle Herald covered an official ceremony at Tomago in March this year when the same two cabins were ready to be handed over to the government.
“The project was delivered on-time, using a local innovative engineering design and manufacturing, with Australian steel, using local Hunter workers,” Mr Phillips said.
“With Lockheed Martin Australia's investment in this project, 40 new Varley Group jobs over the life of the project, including two apprentices, and another 50 local jobs downstream in the supply chain, have been created.”
Ian Kirkwood
Reporting journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1987. Editorial writer, general reporter, industrial relations, industry and coal.
Reporting journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1987. Editorial writer, general reporter, industrial relations, industry and coal.
