The Queensland Government has confirmed it will provide $500,000 in funding to expand local production of military-grade hard armour plates used inside vests to protect soldiers and police officers.
Arundel-based armour manufacturer, Craig International Ballistics, will use the funds to add a second high pressure hard armour plate tool to its operations, expanding the production and range of armour made from the military-grade thermoplastic known as Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), resulting in lighter body armour.
The company has made armour products for over 25 years and is a major supplier to the Australian Defence Force and Australian allies around the world.
The new equipment is expected to be up and running by late-2027.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the investment was strengthening Queensland’s sovereign defence capability and support industry growth on the Gold Coast.
“The Gold Coast is a growing defence industry hub and this investment strengthens an important local link in a Queensland-wide supply chain,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“Making this specialised equipment locally not only means the Gold Coast plays a crucial part in protecting our brave Defence personnel and police officers, it also means more skilled local jobs, stronger local economies and more opportunities to support our national defence forces.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is rebuilding Queensland’s sovereign industries like defence and backing the home-grown innovation that will secure our state’s future.”
Managing Director of Craig International Ballistics, James Craig said the investment would strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability while positioning the company for continued international growth.
“Craig International Ballistics welcomes the Crisafulli Government’s support through the Sovereign Industry Development Fund,” Mr Craig said.
“As an established supplier of ballistic protection systems to the Australian Defence Force and law enforcement agencies, this investment will enable us to acquire advanced manufacturing plant and equipment at our Arundel facility, expanding our sovereign manufacturing capability for hard armour products in Queensland.
“The project will support highly skilled local jobs, strengthen Australia’s defence industrial base and provide Craig International Ballistics with the advanced manufacturing capability needed to pursue further growth in global defence markets.
“We sincerely thank the Crisafulli Government for its confidence in Craig International Ballistics and for backing our vision to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability right here in Queensland. This investment gives us the opportunity to continue investing locally, creating highly skilled jobs while expanding into global defence markets.”
