The State Government of Victoria, Australia yesterday said it is expanding its presence and expertise in the North American defense and aerospace industry with the strategic appointment of Karen Loughran as manager, Defense & Aerospace for North America.
With more than 300 companies that supply products and services to the defense industry, Victoria boasts proven capabilities in military vehicle design and manufacturing, aerospace design and component manufacturing, autonomous systems design, munitions production and protective personal equipment design and manufacture, the state government said in a statement.
In 2009-2010, Victoria’s defense and aerospace industry generated $2 billion in revenue, with approximately 9,000 workers and around $240 million in exports.
“Ideally situated to service the broader Asia-Pacific markets, Victoria is quickly becoming the defense hub of Australia, already home to the Australian operations of major industry suppliers such as BAE Systems, Boeing and Lockheed Martin,” said Victor Perton, commissioner to the Americas for the State Government of Victoria, in a statement. “Karen will be instrumental in promoting Victoria’s proven defense capabilities, supply chains, skilled workforce and supportive government among U.S. defense companies. We look forward to Karen’s leadership in Washington, D.C.”
Victoria also is playing a leading role in the global Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, with 12 Victorian companies already supplying a variety of components to the $350 billion program.
To date, the Australian industry overall has won more than $200 million in contracts for the JSF program, with more than half of these going to Victorian companies, which are expecting to see an additional $10 billion in opportunities as a result of the program.
In addition to serving as the home to the Australian operations of defense companies, Victoria is also home to several large research organizations such as Australia’s Defense Material Technology Center and the Defense Science & Technology Organization’s division for aeronautical, maritime and homeland security laboratories.
Based in Arlington, Va., Loughran will be responsible for promoting Victoria’s defense and aerospace leadership among North American-based companies. A native Australian, Loughran brings more than 20 years of experience in business development for U.S. government and commercial organizations, including several aerospace companies, to her position with the State of Victoria.
For more information: http://www.invest.vic.gov.au/aviation-aerospace.