April 29, 2022
On Tuesday the 5th of April, Ambassador Sinodinos and Consul General, Jane Duke, visited the US headquarters of the wholly Australian owned company, Birdon America, Inc. In Australia and the US, Birdon Group is an accomplished defence industry partner with a formidable reputation underpinned by its mature management of complex programs over the past 40-years. Moreover, a robust and healthy business model, high cash generation and diversification across commercial maritime sectors, not solely defense, has underpinned its stability and sustained growth. Birdon Group’s ability to self-fund and manage market risks is bolstered by its agility and quality delivery of ‘whole of life’ solutions.
The Ambassador toured the manufacturing facility in Denver, CO, where Birdon has designed and manufactured over 350 Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) under their sole-source contract with the US Army. With final operating capability of the $500m plus contract expected by June 2024, Birdon will deliver ~500 BEBs to the US Army.
While the US company headquarters is in Denver, Birdon’s US infrastructure base has grown to meet operational demands. Birdon’s other US facilities, located on the East Coast in Portland, CT and on the West Coast in Bellingham, WA, are key strategic locations, well situated to meet the requirements of the US Coast Guard’s 47’ Motor Lifeboat (MLB) Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). At both locations, Birdon is focused on the modernization and life extension of 117 of the US Coast Guard’s 47’ MLBs under a contract valued at ~$300m.
Outside of US borders, Birdon has just completed its first disposal and recycling campaign for the US Navy from their naval Base located in British Indian Ocean Territory, Diego Garcia, under an ~$18m contract.
Birdon is projecting sustained growth in the US and continues to cement themselves as a strong and dependable strategic partner for the US Government. Following a two-year investment, Birdon is in the final stages of obtaining its US State Department Facility Security Clearance (FCL) at the Secret level which will allow it to bid for classified US Government contracts. Birdon has recognised that intelligence sharing, IP sharing, and shared capacity building between Australian and US companies are areas worthy of investment, especially if we are to bring the AUKUS strategic goals to fruition.