South Australian company Axiom Precision Manufacturing has secured a multi-year contract with Boeing to deliver doors for the AH-64E Apache attack reconnaissance helicopters.

The Defence export contract was awarded through Boeing’s participation in Australia’s Global Supply Chain Program and will see Axiom manufacture components and assemble doors for the global Apache fleet.

The manufacturing opportunity is set to create new jobs and boost apprenticeships, according to Axiom General Manager Craig Maynard, who predicts the company’s workforce will grow by 15 per cent.

“This contract is an amazing opportunity for us to showcase our precision manufacturing and assembly capabilities,” Maynard said.

“The program will provide multiple training and apprenticeship opportunities, and we’ll be supporting the MRO&U Sovereign Defence Industrial Priority through the introduction to Australia of a new Hydroform press capability.

“The awarding of this contract clearly shows that Australian SMEs can compete in a global supply chain.”

It is Axiom’s second export contract with Boeing, with the company selected to supply machined parts for the Australian Army’s future fleet of 29 Apaches in March 2023.

Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs Vice President Christina Upah said the global aerospace company is honoured to work closely with Axiom to continue advancing the Apache for Australia and customers around the world.

“In the near future, Australian, allied and partner nation crews will climb aboard the latest Apache aircraft built together with Australia,” Ms Upah said.

“Axiom has demonstrated their ability to meet our stringent safety and quality requirements as a supplier on the Boeing CH-47 Chinook program, and this second Apache contract underscores our confidence in Australia’s defence industry to support our global supply chain.”

Australia is the 18th global Apache customer through a Foreign Military Sales order for 29 AH-64E aircraft, signed in May 2022. The are currently more than 1290 Apaches in operation worldwide.

For more information about the contract, visit Boeing.