Earlier February 2018, Axalta Coating Systems’ head office in Sydney, had the unique opportunity to host Rheinmetall Defence Australia, to learn more about the company’s plans to establish a national military vehicle industry in Australia that included a hands-on demonstration of their Boxer CRV.  

Axalta’s customers plus a network of local suppliers were briefed on the importance of establishing strong military business partnerships in Australia and the opportunities it presents to the economy, local businesses, manufacturing and job growth.

Rheinmetall also delivered the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (Boxer CRV) to Axalta’s Riverstone facility, acknowledging the three-year partnership between both companies. This journey began with Axalta providing Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) coating products for Australian military logistic vehicles being produced as part of the Australian government’s LAND 121 Phase 3B Defence Programme.  Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of defence technology, including wheeled and tracked military vehicles, weapons, ammunition, simulation solutions, command and control technology, force protection systems and sensors.

“The BOXER CRV allowed our customers to see firsthand the full depth and breadth of our coatings capability, whilst having the opportunity to go inside the vehicle,” said Michael Busch, Axalta Military and Commercial Vehicle Manager. “The event allowed our customers the ability to network with local suppliers and connect with Rheinmetall, whilst being exposed to the opportunities that being part of Australia’s military industry entails.”

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart congratulated Axalta on its successful partnership with Rheinmetall, here in Australia and abroad, and the quality of its coating services for each of the 2,500 logistics Rheinmetall MAN trucks and 3,000 modules currently being delivered to the Australian Army.

“Axalta is an excellent example of a highly innovative company making significant inroads in the delivery of a critical product to the defence sector,” said Stewart.