Front Door Defense
Amaero International CEO Hank Holland joins the show
In this week’s Crossing the Valley, Noah sits down with Hank Holland, CEO of Amaero International, a modern manufacturing company that’s increasingly involved in modernizing America’s industrial base. Amidst its growing profile, just last week, Amaero announced that former National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster was joining the company as the special assistant to the CEO, underscoring the importance of their work. About HankHank Holland is an engineer by training and a finance professional by trade. He spent much of his career investing in private companies and growth capital, focusing on areas where there was a dearth of investment. Ever the savvy businessman, Hank continued to evaluate opportunities where he could compete against fewer players and add value. In May 2022, Hank invested in Amaero International, an Australian company, and soon after became its CEO, relocating the business to the United States. About AmaeroAmaero International produces specialty alloy and titanium powders used in additive manufacturing. The company spun out of Monash University in Australia in 2013 and has since relocated to the US, with a 100,000 square foot facility in the Tennessee Valley. Amaero focuses on producing powders for refractory alloys, which are essential for high-temperature applications in industries such as aerospace and defense. The company aims to be a key trusted supplier to defense primes and tier-one suppliers, filling a critical gap in the US domestic supply chain. Key Takeaways1.The importance of a strong domestic manufacturing base: The COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict exposed the vulnerability created by the hollowing out of the US industrial base, particularly in critical areas such as castings and forgings. The focus on skilled trades and the nobility of manufacturing jobs reflects a shift in perspective towards valuing these essential roles in society. 2.The value of skilled trades and manufacturing jobs: Factory jobs are noble, good, and skilled jobs that are integral to the industrial base. Society should recognize the importance and respectability of these jobs and invest in training the necessary skills. 3.Opportunities in the supply chain: Amaero focuses on specialty alloys and powders that are undersupplied in the US market, aiming to solve pinch points in the supply chain and remove deterrents to the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies. Amero's ability to be agile and responsive to customer needs, particularly in providing test materials and development alloys, highlights the importance of flexibility in meeting industry demands. Their responsiveness is what differentiates the company from its many competitors. The focus on providing high-quality materials and expertise in additive manufacturing aligns with the industry's shift towards advanced technologies and innovative solutions. 4.Building trust as a value partner: To succeed as a supplier in the defense ecosystem, Amaero had to establish itself as a trusted value partner across multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, DoD labs, defense primes, and tier-one suppliers. This involves more than just delivering quality products on time - but becoming a trusted source for advice and problem solving. 5.The importance of strategic financing: Amaero's recent financing deal and partnership with a major commercial partner demonstrate the value of collaboration in advancing shared objectives, addressing supply chain resilience, and enhancing capabilities that would be more difficult to achieve independently. The recent financing deal and offtake agreement indicate a different approach than many of the traditional venture-backed defense firms. For more about Amaero: https://www.amaero.com.au/ Enjoying this content? Please share and subscribe to help us demystify defense for the next generation of builders!  Subscribed
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