Pat Conroy, the Minister for Defence Industry, and Carol Brown, the Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, visited advanced manufacturing company PFG to view the companies operations and experience The Sentinel 1100. The aim of the visit was to showcase the virtues of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) as a boat building material and how it compares to other materials used in boat building.

During their visit, the ministers experience The Sentinel 1100, a tactical response vessel, built using HDPE. A ride on the Derwent gave both Ministers the opportunity to observe the stability, durability, and resilience of the Sea Boat in action. HDPE has advantages over other traditional boat building materials such as aluminium, fiberglass, and composite materials. For instance, HDPE is highly resistant to abrasion, impact, and puncture, and requires minimal maintenance compared to other materials.

After experiencing The Sentinel, the ministers toured PFG’s workshop, where they observed how HDPE is applied in boat building. A display with various advantages of using HDPE over other boat building materials, including its exceptional buoyancy and stability in rough water conditions, its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, and its resistance to corrosion, rot, and other forms of degradation was available.

Overall, the visit by the ministers was an opportunity to showcase the benefits of HDPE as a superior material for boat building. The Sentinel 1100 boat built using HDPE is a perfect example of how the material can be used to produce high-quality, long-lasting boats that require minimal maintenance and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions.

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One of the main goals of this project is to establish a second fabrication line, therefore increasing PFG’s production capacity. This will involve implementing improvements to logistic processes and providing staff training to ensure high-quality manufacturing. The second fabrication line will effectively double PFG’s production capacity, enabling the company to take on more international defence contracts and compete in the global marketplace.

Additionally, PFG will upgrade its facility physical and cyber security. This will ensure that PFG’s manufacturing operations are secure and protected against any potential security breaches. These upgrades will be critical in enabling PFG to secure and maintain international defence contracts that require a high level of security compliance.

Overall, this project will improve PFG’s manufacturing capability and facility suitability for international defence contracts, enabling the company to continue delivering quality Australian-manufactured products. By enhancing its production capacity and security measures, PFG will be able to compete effectively in the global defence marketplace and contribute to Australia’s defence industry.

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In the lead up to Christmas, Chris was in Kingston, donating his time. His efforts are aimed at raising awareness and funds for the organisation, which has been helping the families of ex-servicemen and women for many years.

The Legacy Christmas pudding is made using an exclusive recipe that is unique to the organisation. The pudding is known for its delicious taste and has become a popular choice among supporters of Legacy. Through the efforts of volunteers’ efforts, Legacy can continue to provide much-needed assistance to the families of ex-servicemen and women. Chris’s commitment to this cause serves as an inspiration to many, and his contributions have helped to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

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Held at the Parliament of Australia on 29th November, this event brought together various stakeholders from Australia’s defence industry, national security experts, and senior defence leaders to highlight the critical role of the Australian defence industry in contributing to the nation’s sovereignty, security, and safety.

During the event, PFG took the opportunity to connect with familiar faces and showcase The Sentinel. The event highlighted the integral role of the Australian defence industry in Australia’s economy through sovereign supply chains, modern manufacturing practices, research and innovation, skills development, and regional employment.

As a proud sponsor of the event, PFG demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Australian defence industry and its contribution to national security and the economy. The Sentinel Family of Sea boats manufactured in Tasmania showcased PFG’s expertise in providing advanced technology solutions for the defence sector.

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The Victoria team has reason to celebrate as they are ending the year on a high note. They have successfully secured a major contract for highway safety products, which is a significant accomplishment for the team. As a result of this contract, production at the Morwell facility will expand, and new tools will be brought online to deliver on the contract.

The expansion of production at Morwell is a positive development for PFG, as it will increase their rotomoulding production capabilities. This, in turn, will create new job opportunities in regional Victoria and provide support for Australian manufactured products. The growth of PFG’s rotomoulding production is an excellent example of how local businesses can contribute to the development of the region and support the wider Australian economy.

The contract win and subsequent production growth are significant achievements for the Victoria team. The expansion of production and increase in job opportunities will have a positive impact on the local community and the Australian economy

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Tasmanian advanced manufacturing group PFG has today officially launched The Sentinel 1100, the latest in its Family of Sea Boats designed for high-performance defence, security and emergency services.

The stealthy, low-profile vessel has a reconfigurable design for elite defence requirements, such as high-speed pursuits, air drops, hard beaching, or the insertion of troops. The next generation 11m boat can be networked with cloud-based monitoring and control systems for optional autonomous operation.

“A major point of difference for The Sentinel 1100 is its innovative construction from high-density polyethylene (HDPE),” says PFG Chief Executive Officer, Rob Inches. “This is the next evolution of a material PFG has pioneered for decades; tried and tested in harsh Southern Ocean environments to be near-indestructible and rapidly repairable in action.

“Duty of care is paramount when our elite defence forces deploy into the field. HDPE has unique vibration-dampening properties, meaning The Sentinel 1100 can achieve maximum speed, stability, and handling with minimal personnel fatigue.

“It brings our service men and women home safe.”

 

The Sentinel 1100 is designed in partnership with Sydney-based One2Three Naval Architects, informed by the operational experience of PFG’s Defence Capability Advisory Committee – a board of navy and security veterans.

The vessel has already generated buzz when previewed at defence trade shows in Australia and the US this year. The Hon. Madeleine Ogilvie MP, Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries officially launched The Sentinel 1100 in Hobart on Tuesday.

“It’s so exciting to see innovative Tasmanian businesses like PFG come to the fore, as Australia looks to strengthen its sovereign defence capability and do all we can to keep our people safe,” Minister Ogilvie said.

“The Australian Defence Force has identified shipbuilding as a priority area to be delivered by local industry, and ‘specialised watercraft, maritime products and advanced services’ is also a priority area under the Tasmanian Defence Industry Strategy.

“In Tasmania, we are building the essential skills, technology and intellectual property to keep Australia secure.”

“We’re confident The Sentinel Family of Sea Boats puts PFG in a competitive position for upcoming ADF tenders next year,” says Mr Inches.

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Alice Clarke recently joined the team and PFG hope to put on more staff as the workshop continues to grow. Starting with PFG as a Trade Assistant, Alice originally started her career in a metal fabrication apprenticeship. .

Here’s why Alice joined PFG and what she enjoys most about her position.

What does a day at PFG look like to you?

A: The day varies, I organise boat pieces, do plastic welding and make missing pieces for the boats. This is more than just an average Trade Assistance role as I get given jobs and I also get to watch and learn more about the trade.

What is the best thing about your role?

A: Making things is definitely the best thing about the job. I get to make things every day, it’s so cool!

What made you want to be a metal/ plastic fabricator?

A: I’m 2 years into a metal fabrication apprenticeship (of 4 years), and I’ve switched across to plastic fabrications. Moving to plastic I learn new skills, work with more power tools than you do in metal fabrication, and hand tools. Here I’ve been learning to read and understand different plans and designs.

What made you want to be a ‘tradie’?

A: My Dad worked at Incat and I always liked the stories that he told when he came home from work. I want to create my own stories.

If you’re ready to launch your boat building career contact us today

Alice has already started to create her own stories, hoping to inspire more women to join the trade industry she was recently interview by the the Mercury Newspaper

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The Sentinel 1100 has been designed to demonstrate PFG’s proven boat building capabilities and its application to the defence sector.

PFG Chief Executive Officer, Robert Inches, said the Sentinel 1100 is an adaptable platform designed to deliver advantage in insertion, extraction, and interdiction operations, enhancing mission capability for defence and security organisations.

“HDPE is the next generation boat-building material delivering a vessel of unparalleled safety, survivability and performance in interdiction boarding, pursuit, tactical assault, and first response applications,” he said.

“Cutting edge Hamilton jet propulsion and dynamic positioning systems work in tandem to provide precision manoeuvrability at low speed, resulting in propeller-free propulsion for personnel safety.

“The Sentinel range is the world’s only tactical watercraft manufactured from HDPE, autonomous ready, offering superior durability and reliability in the face of sustained force, optimised for airdrops and hard beaching and ultimately delivers enhanced capability to tactical missions.”

HDPE’s absorption properties dampen noise, vibration and personnel fatigue, while its high stability and responsive handling reduce rollover risk.

Mr Inches said the construction of this vessel was an important step in demonstrating PFG’s ability to deliver next generation world class tactical watercraft.

“We provide a sovereign capability with Australian design, manufacture, and sustainment. In partnership with One2three naval architects, PFG has developed and delivered an adaptable platform deployable to a range of mission sets, offering unmatched performance, safety, and stability,” he said.

“The construction of this vessel was made possible with the support of the Tasmanian Government and its focus on assisting Tasmanian businesses like ours to secure future opportunities across domestic and international military and security domains.

“We were grateful to have Tasmanian Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries, Madeleine Ogilvie, present at the expo to officially unveil the vessel today.”

The Sentinel 1100 vessel will be available for demonstration and sale on return to Tasmania in the coming weeks.

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The award-winning company, which is currently constructing vessels for Defence New Zealand and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, is going through a sustained period of growth, leading the world in the application of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for defence vessels.

Chair of PFG, Christopher Oldfield, said the Board is delighted to welcome Tracy and looking forward to benefiting from her extensive experience.

“The PFG Board is committed to ensuring a strong membership and mix of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity,” Mr Oldfield said.

“Ms Matthews is a full-time director and governance professional, with more than 20 years’ experience as a non-executive director and more than 30 years’ experience as a chartered accountant.

“She has decades of experience from private, government and not-for-profit enterprises, and her broad experience will further strengthen the skills and expertise of our Board.”

Ms Matthews’ current and previous directorships and committee roles include Forico Pty Ltd, the Department of State Growth Audit and Risk Committee, the Public Trustee, Metro Tasmania, TasPlan Superannuation, Colony 47 Inc., Housing Connect and Van Diemen’s Band Inc. Public Fund.

“Tracy is a former Director of the Tasmanian Ports Corporation and Past Commodore of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania which demonstrates her experience in, and knowledge of, the maritime sector,” Mr Oldfield said.

“Tracy is highly regarded in the industry and we are very pleased to welcome her to the PFG Board.”

Ms Matthews is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

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The Kiel heritage is something PFG is proud of. With the creation of long-lasting relationships, and a wide and varied list of proprietary products, the plastic pallet range is the greatest in the Southern Hemisphere. PFG offers a vast range of bulk storage bins, insulated bins, and hopper bins. The New Era fuel tank range is the largest in Australia. The Roto-Loo composting toilet surpasses competitors in design and ease of use. PFG continues to create and develop innovative and durable custom products that Kiel Industries customers have come to rely upon.

PFG is an award-winning Australian company with over forty years’ of experience designing, manufacturing, and selling polymer and marine products to maritime security, aquaculture, mining, and civil construction services. PFG’s increased scale matches its range of products and services with manufacturing facilities in Prince of Wales Bay Tasmania, Port Lincoln South Australia, and Gippsland Victoria. From simple moorings and buoys to fabricating and designing offshore sea cages and tactical watercraft, PFG takes pride in being creators of durable products for harsh environments.

Mark and the team in Morwell continue to produce high-quality products, however, the online presence has changed. The Kiel Industries website is no longer online but you can connect via LinkedIn and Facebook.

With offerings under the PFG name being far more significant than previous, the service will remain excellent and pricing competitive.

Mark Medew at PFG Morwell

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