SA manufacturing companies expand their expertise to space

Two South Australian companies will take their first steps into manufacturing for the space industry after winning the contract to build and supply a mobile launch rail for Australian spaceport and space mission provider Southern Launch.

Ferretti International and Hydroil have been awarded contracts to build the mobile launch rail, which is funded by an almost $1 million grant awarded to Southern Launch as a part of the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars Grant program.

“The construction of a mobile launch rail means that we can use the rail at both our Koonibba and Whalers Way launch complexes,” said Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp. “This offers greater flexibility in the space launch locations available in South Australia and strengthens our position as the space state in Australia.”

Ferretti International employs over 100 people across its two locations in Adelaide and Whyalla. Traditionally a pipe fabrication and structural steel company, the construction of the mobile launch rail will be Ferretti’s first foray into space.

“Being involved in the construction of space technology provides our staff with the opportunity to use their skills and expertise in different ways,” said Scott Searle, Business Development Manager at Ferretti. “Ensuring that Australia is home to strong manufacturing sector is extremely important to us. Being involved in a project in a new and emerging industry such as space, in our home state, gives us the confidence to go after similar projects both here and internationally.”

The team at Hydroil will bring almost 60 years of experience in providing hydraulic solutions to the launch rail project. Established in 1964, Hydroil employs over 50 employees across its two locations in Adelaide and Whyalla. The team at Hydroil will design and provide a full hydraulic system that will be used to position launch vehicles ready to launch into space.

With extensive experience across many industries, the design of the hydraulic system for the mobile launch rail is the first space project the team at Hydroil have been involved in.

“Hydroil is a family-owned business committed to innovation,” said Paul Dreimann, Hydroil General Manager. “The skilled workforce we maintain in South Australia means we have the flexibility and expertise to take on new challenges such as this one for Southern Launch.”

Investment in South Australian companies for the launch rail project is not limited to Ferretti International and Hydroil, with both companies using other local suppliers for the project.

Southern Launch will also be awarding further contracts to local companies for the transport, assembly and other components associated with the launch rail project.

Image caption: The Southern Launch mobile launch rail. Source: Southern Launch.