South Australian-based Defence Coating Systems has officially unveiled the nation’s largest on-site defence coating facility at their Wingfield factory, which has helped them secure a major defence contract. 

The specialised coating company signed a deal with global technology and security company Kongsberg Defence Australia to paint the next generation launcher systems for the Australian Army.

The project will see the NASAMS Mk 2 Canister launchers delivered to prime contractor Raytheon Australia over the next 12 months as part of the LAND19 Ph 7B program.

It comes after the company invested almost $500,000 into enhancing their Wingfield factory, which now features a highly specialised spray booth, spanning over 70 square meters.

DCS General Manager Lou Surace said the facility investment places the company in a great position to meet the expanding needs of next-generation defence projects here in South Australia and nationally.

“With defence representing a significant percentage of our business and growing, the new on-site facility provides a unique opportunity for capability development, and positions DCS as a significant force within defence manufacturing supply chains,” he said.

“The defence industry moves rapidly which is why it is vital to evolve business and infrastructure to effectively deliver new innovations that meet the advanced requirements of projects right across the country.”

The new facility will support five jobs and is part of an expanding South Australian-based Rowlands group.

Rowlands Metalworks Managing Director Cameron Johnston is thrilled to have DCS join the Rowlands group of companies, following an acquisition in late 2021.

“DCS is an incredible force within the specialised coating sector and represents a fantastic synergy with Rowlands Metalworks. We look forward to the further expansion of DCS’s capabilities in defence and are very excited to be working with Kongsberg Defence Australia on the current project,” he said.

Kongsberg Defence Australia General Manager John Fry commended DCS on its new facility and welcomed the company into its growing Australian supply chain.

“We are delighted to have Defence Coating Systems working with us. The major investment they have made to their facility in Wingfield, South Australia, is very impressive and they are a great example of an Australian-owned Defence industry SME contributing to sovereign capability,” he said.

Visit Defence Coating Systems for more information about the new facility.

Image: Defence Coating Systems’ owner Cameron Johnston and General Manager, Lou Surace.