East Gippsland company ZCG has received a significant contract to supply high-end antennas for the Australian Department of Defence as part of technology designed to keep troops safe from explosions in the field.
The advanced troop protection system, designed by the Defence Science and Technology Group and manufactured by L3 Micreo in Brisbane, includes custom-made antennas, designed, tested and manufactured at ZCG’s Lindenow head office.
The locally made antennas are a critical component of the suite of robust troop-protection devices specifically designed for use by Afghanistan National Defence and Security Forces, for use by troops on foot, and mounted in light vehicles.
“The ZCG technical team spent six months last year working with our partners in Defence to develop antennas for devices that block radio-frequency transmission so enemy combatants can’t remotely trigger improvised explosive devices (IEDs),” ZCG managing director Garry Kelly said.
“Our antennas play an important role in keeping troops safe from IEDs in conflict zones around the world.”
The family-owned company designs and manufactures antennas for extreme conditions.
Under the direction of Mr Kelly, a radio-frequency expert, ZCG offers premium off-the-shelf and customised solutions to customers around the world. It provides everything from mobile antennas for use on vehicles and the marine industry; base stations for police and emergency towers; through to custom-designed broadcast antennas that enable radio and TV broadcasters to deliver a high quality, targeted signal. Autonomous haul trucks in the mining industry also rely on their products.
This is the second time the company has worked with Defence and L3 Micreo on this project, known as REDWING.
“Over the past two years, we have supplied more than 150,000 antennas, on time and on budget, for the first version of this technology,” Mr Kelly said.
“But this contract takes our business to a whole new level. As a small rural enterprise, we had to step up and increase our capability so we were eligible to win larger, more complex defence contracts.”
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, who is also Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, commended Garry and Sally-Anne Kelly from ZCG for their continued commitment to Gippsland.
He said ZCG was an example of business being able to thrive from a regional base.
“It is essential for local companies such as ZCG to win major contracts, which help secure jobs, strengthen Australia’s capabilities and ensure the security of technology,” Mr Chester said.
“ZCG employs 20 people in Gippsland and winning this contract is a wonderful achievement and reward for all their hard work.
“When I had the opportunity to visit some of our troops in Afghanistan I was pleased to learn the locally-made product was saving lives among coalition forces in their battles with the Taliban.”
ZCG has worked hard to improve its systems to ensure it meets the minimum criteria for engaging with major defence players.
It renovated and restructured its Lindenow head office and completing a lean manufacturing and continuous improvement program run by Melbourne consultants OPTIM Improvement and co-funded by East Gippsland Shire Council.
The program helps local businesses to structure and operate their workplaces to be more competitive in domestic and export markets.
ZCG has now earned certification for ISO 9001 : 2015 Quality Management Standard, which means the company is operating at an internationally recognised standard. It also now qualifies for the ISO 14001 : 2015 Environmental Management Standard and AS/NZS 4801:2001 Health and Safety Management Standard.
To speak with Garry Kelly please call Kylie Miller on 0411 650 250 or email kylie@cupcakecommunications.com.au.
