Bartlett secures ADF canvas contract

C.E. Bartlett Manufacturing has been awarded a Federal Government contract supplying canvas products for the Australian Defence Force.

The Wendouree-based factory has provided products to the ADF in the past as a sub-prime contractor, but having signed a new deed of standing offer earlier in the month, Bartlett is the first-ever Commonwealth prime supplier in the area of canvas goods fabrication.

Bartlett Defence Products Division’s contract is for three years, with potential to extend, and it’s hoped will boost Ballarat’s manufacturing workforce.

CEO Dave O’Brien said it’s a positive and exciting chapter in the story of the family-owned brand.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Canvas orders are expected from the ADF immediately, and Bartlett staff are keen to get working on the new project.

Operations manager Scott Bartlett said the contract generates professional development opportunities for the team.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The Bartlett Defence division also makes Thales Hawkei and Rheinmetall Defence Australia MAN truck camouflage military vehicle canopies.