Earlier last month, Tradesales received a visit from representatives of the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) and AusIndustry, who were touring the Wheatbelt to strengthen ties between small to medium-sized enterprises and the defence sector.
The party – which included Sharni Foulkes from AusIndustry and Dan Moss and David Richens, both from ODIS – were met by Jay McEwen and Zac Baker.
“Tradesales started out working with many government agencies such as the Australian Government Department of Defence shortly after we opened our doors in 1976,” said Jay.
“While we’ve continued to supply the sector over the last 30 years, we’re always looking for ways to bolster that relationship. And, ODIS is one of the ways we can do that.”
ODIS is the link for Australian SMEs, like Tradesales, looking to enter or expand their footprint in the Defence industry.
The core function of ODIS, through its industry engagement teams around Australia, is to provide advisory, guidance and mentoring services to SMEs.
ODIS works closely with State and Territory agencies, industry associations and Defence business partners to help deliver capability that equips and sustains the Australian Defence Force.
The touring party had the opportunity to visit Tradesales’ new 12,000 sqm factory in the Avon Valley Industrial Park.
“Our visitors seemed as excited as we were for the opportunity for regional manufacturers – like ourselves – to join the defence supply chain,” said Jay.
“Since COVID, we’ve seen an ever-increasing focus on developing our sovereign capability, and Tradesales can play a role in achieving that goal.”
In recent history, Tradesales has worked directly with the Australian Army at the Lavarack Barracks and the Australian Navy at HMAS Stirling, as well as contractors for the sector, such as Raytheon Australia, Varley Group and Ventia.
For information about Tradesales’ defence sector capability, please email info@tradesales.com.au or call 1800 999 521.