Two South Australian companies have been selected to support the Hunter Class frigate program by participating in BAE Systems Australia’s new digital supply chain model.

Century Engineering and MG Engineering will form part of BAE’s strategic supplier panel and help digitise the supply chain to deliver an advanced integrated manufacturing capability for the frigate program.

As part of the initiative, the companies will supply components, including bulkheads, beams, brackets, transportable sub-assemblies and a station platform, whilst piloting digitally focused integration methods, processes and technologies.

The approach has been adopted from other industries, such as car manufacturing, which is characterised by a high degree of supply chain integration.

BAE Systems Australia Maritime Project Director, Maritime Integration Alastair Bacon said the program is expected to deliver greater efficiency and improved performance within the supply chain for the frigate program.

“We will get suppliers connected with us from a data perspective, increasing efficiency in sourcing, and move to a position where we can track and trace their components throughout the process of manufacture and onto site in the shipyard, together with the associated digital quality data,” he said

“Our vision is to be able to see live supply chain status information enabling improved productivity through less supplier follow up, and improved production coordination in the shipyard.”

MG Engineering Managing Director Anthony Brdar said the company is excited by the opportunity to work with BAE Systems Australia to develop processes and systems that will help support Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding program and benefit future generations.

Century Engineering Managing Director David Heaslip said being a part of the Hunter Class Frigate Program is an opportunity to advance the supplier ecosystem.

“It means we will be part of a digital thread from conception to installed product on the Hunter class frigates, and we look forward to providing an agile and responsive service to BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, and ultimately to defence.”

Read more about the Hunter class frigate program.