Construction of Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s $170 million headquarters in Redbank reached a key milestone this week, with the administration building now complete and ready for fit-out.
The distinctive three-storey administration building, which is set to become the control centre of Rheinmetall’s next generation defence projects, features a variety of workspaces, meeting rooms, an auditorium and a commercial canteen.
Ipswich City Council approved the development application for Rheinmetall’s new headquarters and Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) within the Redbank Motorway Estate in 2018.
It’s set to become the most advanced military manufacturing facility of its type in Australia.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the state-of-the-art facility would bolster Ipswich’s defence industry.
“Ipswich has a long and productive relationship with the Australian Defence Force and defence industry,” Mayor Harding said.
“With significant defence force representation, an established and skilled workforce, an extensive industry network and capacity for growth and innovation, Ipswich is recognised as one of Australia’s primary defence regions.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the defence industry grow in Ipswich as the MILVEHCOE site takes shape.”
The Queensland Government is overseeing the construction of the MILVEHCOE on Rheinmetall’s behalf.
State Development Minister Kate Jones said the administration building has now been handed over to Rheinmetall for fit-out.
“This new centre will create jobs for locals and pump millions into the local economy,” Ms Jones said.
“COVID-19 will not get in the way of construction. Now more than ever before, our construction industry needs the government’s support – that’s exactly what we’re doing with this project.
“Today is another huge milestone, with this building now officially complete.”
Rheinmetall is well-progressed with fitting out the 30,000 square metre production building that was handed over in mid-February.
In fact, Rheinmetall’s managing director Gary Stewart said the MILVEHCOE was already being operationalised with a significant number of medium and heavy recovery vehicles currently the focus of integration work along the truck production line.
“Six weeks ago, our production hall was empty and, in spite of COVID-19, we are continuing commissioning and ramp-up to full production for our LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B activities,” Mr Stewart said.
“MILVEHCOE is now considered Rheinmetall’s centre of excellence for recovery vehicles globally.”
Learn more on the Queensland Government website.
It is great that a major company has built this complex in Ipswich. Anything to help the local people get badly needed jobs. With the release of industrial property by ICC puts the Ipswich area in a strong position post-COVID19. Well done to local Council and the Queensland Government. I assume the Federal Government had some hand in this with the contracts being provided.