Adelaide-based company Levett Engineering has received a commendation for service and manufacturing excellence for their work on the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.

The award was presented at Levett Engineering’s Elizabeth South facility by Australian Joint Strike Fighter Program Director of Commercial and Industry, Ms Alison Petchell, on behalf of Air Vice Marshal Chris Deeble, Program Manager for the Department of Defence’s Joint Strike Fighter Program.

Levett Engineering manufactures and exports several F-35 components, including parts for the F135 engine which powers the aircraft. Their role in the program so far has achieved a value of over US $10.5 million with more opportunities to come over the life of the long-term program.

Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith said the award was excellent recognition of Levett Engineering’s work on the project.

“Currently employing around 40 people, Levett Engineering are making a huge contribution to both the program and the South Australian manufacturing industry,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“The State Government’s support of Levett Engineering has contributed to its success which will see it increase its workforce significantly over the next two years.

“South Australia is being recognised on a global scale for its expertise in the defence manufacturing industry.”

Levett Engineering was also awarded a 2015 Business SA Export Award for the Manufacturing category. It manufactures components for both Australian and International clients including the defence, aerospace, medical, electronics and commercial engineering sectors.

The Joint Strike Fighter Program is a collaborative program led by the United States Department of Defense and eight other partner nations including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The program is planning to produce around 3000 aircraft globally over the life of the program. The first two F-35 aircraft are due to arrive in Australia in 2018.

Mr Hamilton-Smith will tonight meet with major Joint Strike Fighter program stakeholders including US-based companies Lockheed Martin Aerospace and Pratt and Whitney.

Locally-based companies, BAE Systems Australia and RUAG Australia also play a key role in manufacturing and exporting components for the Joint Strike Fighter Program.