Deakin welcomes announcement of new Hanwha facility at Avalon
Media release
Deakin University has welcomed today’s announcement from Hanwha Defense Australia, and the Australian Government, that its new armoured vehicle centre of excellence will be constructed at Avalon Airport.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the Geelong-based centre would cement the University’s close connection with Hanwha, facilitating investment in local research expertise and the development of high-tech jobs.
It’s expected the new bespoke production facility will create a minimum of 300 jobs, spread across construction, acquisition and maintenance, as well as generating ongoing support opportunities for Australian industry until the late 2040s.
Deakin and Hanwha Defense Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year, an agreement to drive collaboration in modelling and simulation, machine learning applications and human performance.
“Deakin and Hanwha share a common goal in the development of emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on growing the local economy through education and employment opportunities,” Professor Martin said.
Deakin's Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research Professor Julie Owens said Hanwha was one of the world’s elite corporations in the development of new smart systems and technologies and would strengthen Geelong as a national centre of advanced manufacturing.
“Research and education are equally important in developing local capability, and we are looking forward to the opportunities deep and significant partnerships like this will create for many years to come,” Professor Owens said.
Hanwha is already working closely with Deakin's Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), based at the Geelong Waurn Ponds campus.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Defence Technologies and IISRI Director Professor Saeid Nahavandi said the partnership helped the Institute to translate research and technology innovation in intelligent systems for community benefit.
“Our work is integral to many of Deakin’s education and research priorities, such as creating smarter technologies, building safe and secure communities and advancing society, culture and the economy,” he said.
Media contact:
Elise Snashall-Woodhams
e.snashallwoodhams@deakin.edu.au