ADI is delighted with the support announced today by NSW Premier Mr. Bob Carr for the company's Hunter based bid to build and maintain patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy.
The Premier visited ADI's Newcastle ship production facility this morning where the last of six state of the art minehunters is undergoing sea trials before delivery to the Royal Australian Navy.
ADI is one of three short listed contenders for the patrol boat contract. The other two contenders are based in Western Australia.
"Mr. Carr told news reporters at our site that the patrol boat contract would generate significant economic benefits for New South Wales and in particular the Hunter region, ADI managing director, Mr. Jean-Georges Malcor said.
""Indeed, the project will provide employment for an extra 400 people at our Newcastle site and a further 2,000 support jobs in the region.
""Through the minehunter ships project ADI has developed Australia's largest advanced composites production facility at Newcastle. Like the minehunters, ADI would build the patrol boats of advanced composites because they are stronger, lighter, longer lasting and require less maintenance than steel or aluminum.
""The Premier described composites as the new age building material and he highlighted the superior qualities of composites compared to steel and aluminum.
""Composite material is ideally suited to the marine environment compared to traditional ship building materials such as steel because it will not corrode, and is cheaper to maintain.
-ends- " Boost For ADI's Hunter Based Patrol Boat Contract Bid
