New advanced manufacturing jobs and export opportunities will flow from a new partnership between South Australian suspension maker, Supashock and an Indian automotive manufacturer.
Today the companies will sign an agreement at the Taj Mahal Hotel, in Mumbai, to strengthen collaboration as Supashock develops vehicle suspension for an Indian army vehicle manufacturer.
Under the agreement, Supashock will design and develop prototype suspension technology to be trialled by the manufacturer. If the trials prove successful, Supashock will supply the shock absorbers for current production and modification of existing vehicles.
The partnership is a direct outcome of last year’s Indian trade mission and will see Supashock expand its research and development, and export capabilities, creating new jobs for South Australians. The latest mission is also looking at new advanced manufacturing export avenues in the Indian defence market and partnership opportunities in naval shipbuilding.
Background
Earlier this year, global defence firm Rheinmetall acquired 49 per cent of the Magill-based Supaschock. As part of the week-long India mission, SA’s defence leaders will also visit the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) yard, in Mumbai, which is halfway through a program to build six conventionally-powered Scorpene-class submarines with French shipbuilder Naval Group.
Quotes attributable to Defence and Space Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith
It’s great to support local South Australian company Supashock in their efforts to create exciting new export opportunities in the Indian defence market.
This mission is also beneficial in exploring new naval partnerships in the Indian market and investigating what we can learn from India’s submarine program for our own upcoming submarine build.
It will also provide fantastic opportunities for South Australian businesses to explore new export avenues in the Indian defence market, as we transition towards a high-tech advanced manufacturing future.