Agreed. However, we might still get some sort of grant, federal or state funding in the US for the facility. All we know at the moment is the 3.9 mil raise to support a facility in Ohio led by Goumas. They know the location which means they are probably still in talks with relevant parties and there is more information they have yet to announce. I am assuming that once the raise is done with, we will hear more about the facility plans in the US (specific costs, and other information like exact location and size). I am also assuming that the decision to raise and announce this so soon is because it is a sort of hurdle task preventing some further contracts from going forward.
For example: before 3DA completely abandoned Australia after being birthed by Australians in an Australian university and shifted her focus to manufacturing powder in the US she was set to start on larger contracts with Boeing. However, before these contracts could go ahead Boeing was insisting, she had to expand her facility there at the time or setup a new one. This was before everything was cancelled due to issues with some of her IP being leased (machines from another entity) etc... Fast forward 1-2 years and support form a US firm pretty much taking her over and she managed offtake agreements for titanium powder that enabled her to both raise funds and access state and federal funding in the US to purchase an almost fully constructed and semi-fit for purpose facility with subsidized energy and tax credits to produce the powder.
I am hoping that somewhat similar to 3DA, AML sort of has 'offtake' agreements of sorts in the form of the contracts she has completed with the US Navy and further contracts that the US Navy and companies like Boeing would like her to work on, and that this will allow her to access some sort of funding through AM forward, a direct investment from the Navy or some other sort of state or federal funding initiative. Who knows at this point, but it is unlikely that AML won't receive any sort of funding or assistance in setting up this facility. If she already has a location, it's probably because something has been recommended or put forward in some sort of deal with a relevant party. Also, Goumas has too many contacts and too much experience in the industry in general and more specifically with integrating new technology in 'multi-party initiatives' as previously mentioned in the details of his initial hiring to not be able to deliver some sort of incentive for the facility going forward.
All we can do is wait and see how things play out over the next few months but there will definitely be something forthcoming soon, and if its positive then it should have quite a positive impact on the SP at these levels in conjunction with good quarterly reports (maybe back to 8-10 cents over the next 3 months?).
Regarding the mention of resizing her operations in Australia... it was reiterated in her recent slides, similar to the last ones that she has the ability to move some of her Australian machines or 'excess capacity' to the US if the need arises (its arising fast). I think that's all that they mean, if most of her work going forward is in the US then why keep machines and a potentially a facility here in AU. It's unlikely that the worst-case scenario occurs where she completely closes up shop in Adelaide and sells or moves everything to the US but, it is a real possibility. I am hoping that while the AU government is sitting on its hands regarding sovereign manufacturing capability and continuous shipbuilding initiatives, and the ADF is sniffing around AML asking how it can 'sovereignise' her capabilities for the ADF, AML is sending signals to the AU government and ADF that she is seriously considering moving everything BAE, ASC or ASB doesn't want or need out of Australia. It's the only thing that might catalyze a grant, investment or contract from the ADF or Australian government for her. Because as it stands Australia isn't worth it, the market doesn't appreciate her, and the government hasn't given her anything except a feature in the Australian defense export catalogue for foreign entities to enjoy (what a joke).
IMO Andy is probably kicking himself wondering why he didn't list in the US and setup a small facility in AU if they could justify the investment from him rather than stuck trying to gather the funds to do the opposite. As it stands, both Liberal and Labour Australian governments don't deserve AML or any other innovative business trying to make it in the defense or manufacturing sectors to support Australia. Completely clueless, one failed initiative after another and nothing but figures and projections of funding for potential investments that have yet to be funneled into the necessary concrete infrastructure projects or contracted out to any businesses for work to commence. If it wasn't for risky retail investors and steadfast leadership this company and many other similar ventures would probably be dead.
Long live the dream of sovereign manufacturing in Australia, forever a colony and forever proud. Export everything of value and rely on foreign nations to secure ourselves.
Carl von Clausewitz:
- 'It is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate until the time of action is past'.
- 'Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination'.
Australian government should take note but, good work AML, onwards and upwards.
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