Defence OEM Partnerships
Large-scale Defence Structure Manufacturing Capabilities
Building on our extensive history of quality, reliability and dependability in underground mining, Elphinstone is partnering with Defence OEMs on large-scale machine and structure fabrication and assembly projects.
Wholly Australian-owned, Elphinstone has operated in Burnie, Tasmania, since 1975 and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and manufacturing equipment. With a highly skilled and qualified workforce, a well-established supply chain, and daily direct freight routes to mainland Australia via Melbourne and Geelong, Elphinstone can meet the most stringent customer requirements.
Elphinstone is a member of the Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN), a highly reputed advocate and collaborator across the defence industry.
Defence Projects
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LAND400 Phase 2
Elphinstone was an integral part of Team Sentinel as the potential manufacturer of the ST Kinetics Terrex 3 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle. While Team Sentinel was unable to proceed to RMA, our participation in this project demonstrated Elphinstone’s capability to meet the needs of the defence force and provide sovereign manufacturing capability.
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LAND8116
In February 2022 Elphinstone entered a contract with Hanwha Defence Australia for the manufacturing of turret and hull structures for the Huntsman AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzers and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles. Main image: An RoK K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer, the parent platform for the improved Australian AS9 Huntsman.
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LAND400 Phase 3
Elphinstone is teaming with Hanwha Defence Australia for the manufacture of hull structures for the Redback vehicle, which has been down-selected for the Australian Army’s Infantry Fighting Vehicle requirement.
Australian-Owned with a strong Global Presence
Elphinstone Pty Ltd is a wholly Australian-owned defence manufacturing partner specialising in large-volume vehicle, machine and subassembly manufacture for local and global markets. From our advanced manufacturing facility in North-West Tasmania, we support Defence Primes and Tier 2 contractors with high-quality fabrication, precision machining at scale, surface coating and complex assembly capability.
Elphinstone has serviced the global mining market for many years and has extensive working experience with international companies. We are able to compete on a global scale for cost and quality, and due to our location in Tasmania, we use 100% net renewable energy.
Our Capabilities
Elphinstone has significant manufacturing capabilities including:
- Fabrication for heavy, medium and light applications - armour steel, hardened
steel, mild steel and stainless steel. - 5-axis Machining Centre – max workpiece 4.0m (H) x 4.5m (W) x 10.0m (L), 50MT.
- First operations – plasma cutting and pressing (up to 1000 tonnes).
- Abrasive blasting and painting.
- Non-destructive testing.
- Mechanical Assembly – powertrain, hydraulics, electrical systems.
- Vehicle body fit-out.
- Electrical harness manufacture – all plugs and cables, sheathed or braided.
Repeatability through In-House Tooling and Process Control
Jigs and fixtures are designed in-house and used extensively to support efficient, accurate, and repeatable manufacturing processes. With rigorous training, capability assessment, and process documentation, Elphinstone can minimise variation, improve throughput, and maintain dimensional consistency across production runs. We are certified to ISO9001:2015 and are able to meet all customer, Australian and International standards for fabrication processes. Elphinstone also holds a DISP membership (entry-level).
Adding Scale to Precision Machining
Elphinstone’s investment in large-format 5-axis machining enables precision outcomes on major structures and large workpieces. This capability allows Elphinstone’s customers to source fabrication and final machining through a single Australian manufacturing partner, improving schedule control, quality accountability and interface management.
The team at Elphinstone prides itself on maintaining direct and open communications with all of our stakeholders, and providing the highest levels of quality and reliability to our customers.
Contact Information
Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN)
