The Deputy Premier South Australia, the Honourable Susan Close MP, today officially opened Lockheed Martin Australia’s Adelaide City Office, unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion together with Lockheed Martin Australia employees, industry partners, academia, business and Indigenous leaders.
The new 930 square metres purpose-designed office will accommodate over 90 staff including engineers, scientists, commercial, legal, administration and operational employees in the heart of Adelaide City as the company expands its footprint in the region. Lockheed Martin Australia employs over 1,200 staff Australia-wide including a 520-strong workforce in Adelaide.
As part of Lockheed Martin’s Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem, the company is increasing its R&D presence by standing up a dedicated STELaRLab in the Adelaide City Office. STELaRLaB, first opened in 2016 in Melbourne, is the first world-class multi-disciplinary research facility to be established by Lockheed Martin outside of the US. From the Adelaide City Office, our STELaRLab scientists and engineers will explore and drive innovation across several fields including artificial intelligence, autonomy, hypersonics, image and signal processing, tracking and sensor fusion, operations analysis and complex optimisation.
Deputy Premier South Australia, the Hon. Susan Close MP said, “Lockheed Martin Australia has made a significant contribution to South Australia’s defence industry by building a sovereign workforce, boosting regional supply chains, elevating research with local universities, and creating exciting job opportunities for skilled workers and graduates in the defence and research sectors.”
“South Australia is home to an experienced and capable defence industry and Lockheed Martin Australia’s expansion will continue to build on our strong history of delivering critical defence capability and projects and strengthening our nation’s security.”
Lockheed Martin Australia Chief Executive Warren McDonald welcomed the Deputy Premier’s support, and said, “Proudly, Lockheed Martin Australia has had an enduring presence in the South Australia region for the past 20 years. The opening of our second office location in Adelaide City is a testament to our resolute commitment to the region.”
At the office opening, artwork created by Eastern Arrernte artist Pat Caruso, of We Create Print Deliver, was unveiled for the first time. “Lockheed Martin Australia is taking steps to support and advance reconciliation through the development and implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan”, said Mr. McDonald. He added, “This unique Indigenous artwork was designed to represent our company values and commitment to reconciliation.”
Based in Adelaide, Vice President of Operations Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems Australia and New Zealand Steve Froelich said, “We continue to grow our South Australian footprint by creating local jobs, supply chain opportunities, and nurturing regional partnerships with local small to medium enterprises such as Silentium Defence, Consilium Technology, and Consunet to advance Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities. We look forward to advancing our partnerships with academia to develop cutting-edge technologies to deepen Australia’s industrial self-reliance and protection of our national interests.”
