BAE preferred supplier Redarc kickstarts frigates jobs boom

ONE of BAE System’s preferred suppliers, Lonsdale electronics company Redarc is looking for 50 new staff to support its bid for two separate contracts on the future frigates project.

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ONE of BAE System’s preferred suppliers, Lonsdale electronics company Redarc is looking for 50 new staff to support its bid for two separate contracts on the future frigates project.

Managing director Anthony Kittel welcomed BAE’s choice as the winning bidder for the $35 billion project.

“We are very excited. BAE’s engagement with the SME (small and medium enterprise) community has been exceptional.

“I am looking forward to fine-tuning our proposals (to BAE and their suppliers) and creating jobs and work not just for our business, but others through our supply chain.”

In late 2017, Redarc signed a memorandum of understanding with BAE contractor Raytheon Anschütz, which supplies navigational bridge systems to naval projects.

Redarc will bid to work with Raytheon to supply electronics to the systems for the frigates.

Redarc has also roped in smaller Lonsdale company Rowlands Metalworks on its proposal to Raytheon.

Redarc managing director Anthony Kittel and employee Mike Hartas. Picture CALUM ROBERTSON.

In May this year, Redarc formed an understanding with British company MARL to manufacture and support LED lighting solutions to be installed on the frigates.

Before 2017, Redarc had been focused on making products for the transport industry, including voltage converters, battery chargers and customised electronics.

Mr Kittel told The Advertiser on Friday he would be setting up a formal structure for the defence division where the first six people were already hired.

“We are looking for former defence personnel or those with experience of working with the primes.”

“We are very excited about the next phase of the business and the growth we see coming.”

Redarc is also a partner on the multi-billion dollar, multi-year Land 400 contract by both short-listed bidders, BAE Systems and Rheinmetall.

Mr Kittel has a five-year strategy to make defence a key pillar with the business, accounting of at least 10 per cent of its turnover.

A major expansion of the facility at Lonsdale is currently underway to bring in new high-tech testing and validation equipment.

Redarc, which employs about 150 full-time staff, has a turnover of about $50 million and an ambition to double that by 2020.