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Adelaide-based precision manufacturer Century Engineering has become the latest Australian company to win export contracts into the United States naval nuclear supply chain, securing deals with HII's Newport News Shipbuilding to produce crank components for US aircraft carriers in a milestone underpinned by nearly $40 million in federal investment to qualify local firms for AUKUS work.
The breakthrough was enabled by the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) program, which the federal government announced on 10 April it would expand with an additional $21 million in funding.
This comprises $14 million to extend US supply chain access for Australian manufacturers and $6.9 million to connect local businesses to United Kingdom submarine sustainment work at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
The new funding brings total federal investment in AUSSQ to nearly $40 million and lifts the number of Australian companies qualified through the program to 13.
Century Engineering, which employs more than 190 staff at its Edinburgh North facility in South Australia, will produce precision-engineered crank components destined for US aircraft carriers - a contract that represents a dramatic evolution for a company whose origins lie in manufacturing parts for Victa lawnmowers.
"What is happening at Century Engineering is a shining example of the transformative opportunity AUKUS presents for South Australian manufacturing,” says SA Premier South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.
“Not so long ago Century was making parts for Victa lawnmowers. Now, through the opportunity provided by AUKUS, it is making parts for nuclear powered aircraft carriers in the United States.
“This work, supported by the South Australian Government in partnership with the Albanese Government, presents a new opportunity to grow a highly complex export industry, and sustain secure, well paid jobs for a long time to come.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles says the AUKUS partnership is generating tangible industrial returns for Australian workers and businesses.
“This program is all about creating jobs, growing skills and strengthening the industrial partnerships at the heart of AUKUS - all while developing a strong, sovereign submarine enterprise here in Australia," says Marles.
“This is a really exciting announcement for Century Engineering, for South Australia and for our national industrial base."
Century Engineering managing director David Heaslip has described the US contracts as a rewarding acknowledgement of his company's transformation from a domestic parts maker into a defence-grade precision engineering firm.
The export win comes as Australia's defence industrial base continues to expand, though at an uneven pace.
Australian Bureau of Statistics experimental estimates released for 2024-25 show national defence industry gross value added reached $12 billion, up 1.2 per cent on the prior year. South Australia contributed $2 billion of that figure.
However, national defence industry employment fell 2.6 per cent to 63,500 persons over the same period, highlighting the workforce pressures confronting the sector even as investment scales up.
The SSN-AUKUS submarine build is expected to create 5,500 jobs in South Australia alone.
SA Defence Minister Chris Picton says the state's defence industry output had doubled over five years to $2 billion and that the sector is set for further significant growth.
“The success of Century Engineering entering the US shipbuilding supply chain is a major milestone and will set the foundation for other South Australian companies to follow its lead,” says Picton.
Century Engineering is not the only Australian manufacturer gaining traction in US defence markets.
At the Sea-Air-Space 2026 exposition in Washington last month, more than 70 Australian companies showcased their capabilities.
Recent US export wins cited by the Defence Department include PWR Holdings (ASX: PWH) securing a $13.5 million US government contract, Operator XR landing a deal worth up to $5.71 million with a Texas-based customer, and Adelaide metal 3D printing firm AML3D booking an $2.6 million US Navy order.
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