It is with enormous pride that Ballarat based, Bartlett Manufacturing announces the formal signing of a Deed of Standing Offer with the Commonwealth of Australia to supply canvas products to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Having undertaken an extensive tendering and negotiation process, the Bartlett team is delighted to be awarded such a significant contract – highlighting the industry leading capabilities and quality workmanship that remains the flagship of the Bartlett business.

In a sign of the Covid-19 climate we live in, the final contract was executed on Friday 13th August by Bartlett and Commonwealth representatives via video call with face masks on.

Whilst Bartlett Manufacturing has a long and successful history of supplying products to the ADF, this contract signifies the first time a canvas goods fabricator has been engaged as a prime supplier to the Commonwealth.

The 3-year standing offer with 3 x 24-month extension options is an enormous boost for the Bartlett workforce, ensuring the family-owned business can continue to invest in personnel and resources to support the Bartlett Defence Products Division.

CEO Dave O’Brien acknowledged this as a fantastic outcome for the business.

“In recent years our company has put strong emphasis on building our sewing capabilities, to become the industry leader for large volume canvas product fabrication. Securing this contract represents great reward for our team”.

“With the many challenges faced by regional manufacturing businesses, being able to offer workforce stability and job security for our valued production staff is extremely important”.

With orders for various canvas items expected to flow through immediately, there is certainly an eagerness amongst the Bartlett team.

Bartlett Operations Manager, Scott Bartlett is excited by the flexibility that this presents to the Bartlett Defence Products Division and other sewing divisions within the business.

“This allows us to continue our focus on investment in up-skilling and training our existing machinists as well as employing and training additional production staff to meet the demands of the contract. Having supplied many products to the ADF over the years, it is rewarding to have our status as a key supplier formalised in this manner”.

In addition to the new production volumes this contract brings, the Bartlett Defence division will continue fabricating the camouflage military vehicle canopies and covers for the Thales Hawkei Program and the Rheinmetall Defence Australia MAN trucks.

Download official press release here

For further media information contact Matt Brown: matt@bartlett.net.au