Stärke eyes new export markets after securing lucrative US clamp deal

Stärke-AMG is eyeing new export markets for an innovative clamp it has developed after securing lucrative contracts with the US Department of Defence.

Stärke-AMG co-founder & group chief executive Al Jawhari. Picture: Grant Law

Stärke Advanced Manufacturing Group (Stärke-AMG) is eyeing new export markets for an innovative clamp it has developed for the defence, oil & gas and engineering sectors, after securing lucrative contracts with the US Department of Defence.

The Rapid Response Clamp was conceptualised and designed by Stärke group company VPG Innovation, and co-developed with the Department of Defence, in response to the Royal Australian Navy’s request for a product to swiftly shut down leaking pipes.

Applied to shut down leaking pipes by clamping over the leak until a permanent repair can be undertaken, the device can be deployed in less than 60 seconds, making it five times faster than traditional methods, according to Stärke co-founder and group chief executive Al Jawhari.

This time last year, Stärke secured a contract to supply 30,000 of its clamps to the US Navy, and the company has since sold an additional 6000 clamps, including 1200 to the US Navy as well as customers in Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, UAE, Singapore, the UK and the US.

“Our navy wanted an effective but easy-to-manufacture solution which led to the development of the unique chain and lever system that characterises the Rapid Response Clamp,” Mr Jawhari explained.

“Navy vessels typically house hundreds of metres of water, gas and fuel piping systems which operate under very high pressure and leaks are therefore an ongoing safety, operational and maintenance issue.

“Whilst warmly received by the Royal Australian Navy, we did not sell as many as we thought we might and so we turned our efforts to other markets.”

Gillman-based Stärke was established by German emigrant Manfred Tinney in 1971, initially making car components for the local automotive manufacturing industry before switching its focus to the mining, medical and defence sectors.

There are now seven individual advanced manufacturing businesses within the group – including Camden Park-based VPG Innovation – providing services ranging from high-end fabrication and engineering to precision machining, component manufacturing and product design and development.

VPG Innovation’s Rapid Response Clamp is a finalist in the innovation category of the Defence Teaming Centre’s annual awards to be hosted on December 4.

But Mr Jawhari said the device could also be applied in other industries where pressurised piping systems were used.

“The Rapid Response Clamp can repair a damaged pipe in less than 60 seconds and this unparalleled speed and efficiency make it the ideal solution for emergency response situations across a variety of industries including commercial, military and oil & gas where our customers include Santos, OZ and BP,” he said.

“We are receiving more export orders each month and there is intense and increasing interest from a broad range of potential customers.

“In a small way, we believe it has enhanced South Australia’s reputation as an innovation and high-end manufacturing hub.”

Earlier this year the University of South Australia opened a new advanced manufacturing facility at VPG Innovation, capable of rapidly manufacturing custom made parts for the space and defence sectors using state-of-the-art 3D metal printing machines.