The Bankstown facility is Quickstep's new headquarters and comprises a 4000 m2 hangar with $15 million of the latest manufacturing equipment and infrastructure for the production of carbon fibre components, along with a 1250 m2 office. There is room for further expansion.
Quickstep has already commenced production on the first phase of commercial production of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) parts. This work is expected to generate up to $700 million over 20 years.
In March 2012, Quickstep was selected by Lockheed Martin to supply composite wing flaps for the C-130J Hercules military transport aircraft. This contract is valued at $75 million to $100 million to Quickstep over five years.
New JSF contract
Quickstep has also announced a second Long Term Agreement (LTA) with Northrop Grumman to manufacture parts for the international F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme.
The LTA covers production of 'Group 2' JSF components until 2020, and follows the LTA signed in February 2011 for Group 1 JSF components, for which manufacturing is now underway.
Group 2 parts represent more complex aircraft components, including portions of the main F-35 structure and supports.
The first Purchase Order for Group 2 parts is expected to be received in July 2012.