Quickstep receives largest JSF purchase order to date

Australian carbon composites manufacturer Quickstep has received more F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) orders from Northrop Grumman. Quickstep will manufacture parts for the JSF program at its new Bankstown Airport facility under long-term agreements already signed with Northrop Grumman. Delivery of most of these parts is anticipated before the end of 2014.

Quickstep managing director, Philippe Odouard said: “This new purchase order from Northrop Grumman demonstrates the increasing significance of Quickstep’s role as a supplier to the Joint Strike Fighter program.” Under various agreements Quickstep supplies carbon fibre composite skins and sub-assemblies for the JSF program.

“Together with our existing contract to supply parts for Lockheed Martin’s C-130J, our firm order book is now around $20 million mostly for delivery by the end of calendar year 2014. These recent orders provide the backbone of the revenue growth anticipated from already signed agreements, and should drive a significant increase in manufacturing sales from the 2012/13 year to the 2013/14 year,” Odouard added.

“The overall agreement to supply JSF parts from different original equipment manufacturers is valued at up to $700 million to the company over two decades. At peak production rates, Quickstep is expected to generate JSF revenue of approximately $40 million per annum.”