this is huge, page-21

http://www.alp.org.au/cm15_120813

Sydney based advanced manufacturer Quickstep is leading the way in the use of carbon fibre composites to revolutionise parts for everything from cars to military aircraft.

Launching Quickstep’s new Resin Spray Transfer (RST) facility at their state-of-the-art manufacturing site at Bankstown Airport, Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr, said the company’s advanced manufacturing, backed by cutting-edge research and development, sets the benchmark for the future of manufacturing in Australia.

“Federal Labor is proud to support companies like Quickstep who are taking advantage of new and emerging industries and setting themselves up as a technology leader for the future of manufacturing in Australia and around the world,” Senator Carr said.

“Quickstep has responded to increasing global market demand for lightweight, high quality carbon fibre composite materials.

“They’ve invested in the R&D and leveraged that success to secure new business opportunities with some of the world’s largest aerospace, defence and automotive organisations.

“This company demonstrates that Australian manufacturing can compete at the top, producing parts quickly that are both low cost and high quality.

“Federal Labor’s plan is all about modernising our factories, building up capabilities, and filling the niches that other countries can’t. That’s the future for our economy, that’s the future for creating high-wage, high-skill jobs for Australians.”

Quickstep's patented RST technology represents a considerable shift from the current composite manufacturing techniques as it will provide a complete manufacturing solution – from lay-up to cure.

It is attracting interest from around the world including for potential use on the international F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program.

The company is also conducting a major R&D program with German car maker Audi aimed at delivering high quality finish, low cost, fast processing of carbon fibre composite, together with specialised resins, particularly adapted to the automotive industry.

The Rudd Labor Government provided Quickstep with a $2.52 million Climate Ready grant and support under the R&D Tax Credit.

Funding for this grant is already included in the Budget.